Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: A Systematic Review of Cognitive Outcomes
Morganne A. Kraines, Summer Peterson, Geoffrey Tremont, Courtney Beard, Judson A. Brewer, Lisa A Uebelacker
Mindfulness February 16, 2022 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-022-01841-7 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review Randomized Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 10 |
| Population | Individuals with at least mild depressive symptoms |
| Interventions | Mindfulness-based stress reduction Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy |
| Topics | Depression Meditation |
| Key findings | Seven of ten studies showed at least one improvement in cognitive outcomes following MBSR or MBCT, while three studies showed no improvements. |
Abstract
Summarize existing literature on cognitive outcomes of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) for individuals with depression. Following PRISMA (2021) guidance, we conducted a systematic review. We searched databases for studies published from 2000 to 2020 which examined cognitive outcomes of MBSR and MBCT in individuals with at least mild depressive symptoms. The search results in 10 studies (11 articles) meeting inclusion criteria. We identified five single-arm trials and five randomized controlled trials. Results indicated that three studies did not show any improvements on cognitive outcomes, and seven studies showed at least one improvement in cognitive outcomes. Overall, the review highlighted several inconsistencies in the literature including inconsistent use of terminology, disparate samples, and inconsistent use of methodology. These inconsistencies may help to explain the mixed results of MBSR and MBCT on cognitive outcomes. Recommendations include a more streamlined approach to studying cognitive outcomes in depressed individuals in the context of MBSR and MBCT.
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on depression, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 7
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Clinical Practice: A Systematic Review of Neurocognitive Outcomes and Applications for Mental Health and Well-Being. Journal of Clinical Medicine March 3, 2025
- Effects of Mindfulness-Based Therapy on Clinical Symptoms and DNA Methylation in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and High Metabolic Risk Current Issues in Molecular Biology March 24, 2023
- Temperament and Character Moderate the Effects of Mindfulness Training on Psychological and Professional Well-Being of School Teachers Mindfulness April 23, 2025
- Combining Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy With Escitalopram for Cognitive and Emotional Recovery in Older Adults With Treatment-Resistant Depression. Journal of Clinical Psychology August 1, 2026
- The effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) interventions on nursing student performance and well-being: A systematic review. Journal of Professional Nursing 2026
and 2 more in the library
Cites 14
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