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Changes in depression and anxiety through mindfulness group therapy in Japan: the role of mindfulness and self-compassion as possible mediators

Toru Takahashi, F. Sugiyama, T. Kikai, I. Kawashima, Siqing Guan, M. Oguchi, Taro Uchida, Hiroaki Kumano

BioPsychoSocial Medicine February 18, 2019 DOI: 10.1186/s13030-019-0145-4 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Pre-post intervention with follow-up Peer reviewed
Sample size 16
Population People who suffered from depression and/or anxiety in Japan
Intervention Mindfulness group therapy
Duration 8-week intervention, 2-month follow-up
Topics Anxiety Depression Meditation
Key points Depression and anxiety decreased significantly from pre- to post-intervention and follow-up, with moderate to large effect sizes.

Abstract

BackgroundMindfulness-based interventions are increasingly being implemented worldwide for problems with depression and anxiety, and they have shown evidence of efficacy. However, few studies have examined the effects of a mindfulness-based group therapy based on standard programs for depression and anxiety until follow-up in Japan. This study addresses that gap. Furthermore, this study explored the mechanisms of action, focusing on mindfulness, mind wandering, self-compassion, and the behavioral inhibition and behavioral activation systems (BIS/BAS) as possible mediators.MethodsWe examined 16 people who suffered from depression and/or anxiety in an 8-week mindfulness group therapy. Measurements were conducted using questionnaires on depression and trait-anxiety (outcome variables), mindfulness, mind wandering, self-compassion, and the BIS/BAS (process variables) at pre- and post-intervention and 2-month follow-up. Changes in the outcome and process variables were tested, and the correlations among the changes in those variables were explored.ResultsDepression and anxiety decreased significantly, with moderate to large effect sizes, from pre- to post-intervention and follow-up. In process variables, the observing and nonreactivity facets of mindfulness significantly increased from pre- to post-intervention and follow-up. The nonjudging facet of mindfulness and self-compassion significantly increased from pre-intervention to follow-up. Other facets of mindfulness, mind wandering, and the BIS/BAS did not significantly change. Improvements in some facets of mindfulness and self-compassion and reductions in BIS were significantly correlated with decreases in depression and anxiety.ConclusionsAn 8-week mindfulness group therapy program may be effective for people suffering from depression and anxiety in Japan. Mindfulness and self-compassion may be important mediators of the effects of the mindfulness group therapy. Future studies should confirm these findings by using a control group.Trial registrationUniversity Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN CTR) UMIN000022966. Registered July 1, 2016, https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000026425

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