A brief mindfulness intervention reduces depression, increases nonjudgment, and speeds processing of emotional and neutral stimuli
S. Sass, L. M. Early, L. Long, A. Burke, David Gwinn, P. Miller
Mental health & prevention March 1, 2019 DOI: 10.1016/j.mhp.2018.12.002 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Quasi-experimental study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Non-treatment-seeking university students screened for moderate-to-high levels of distress |
| Intervention | brief mindfulness intervention |
| Topics | Depression Meditation |
| Key findings | A brief mindfulness intervention decreased anhedonic depression symptoms and judgment of experiences, and promoted even-handed processing of emotional and neutral information, compared to a control group. |
Abstract
Abstract Anxiety and mood disorders are common in university students but most students are not receiving treatment. The university setting presents a unique opportunity to provide interventions for at-risk students who may not otherwise seek services. Mindfulness interventions have been successfully adapted for use with individuals reporting symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other forms of psychological distress. The present quasi-experimental study addressed whether non-treatment-seeking university students screened for moderate-to-high levels of distress would benefit from a brief mindfulness intervention relative to a control group. Participants completed self-report measures of depression, anxiety, distress, and mindfulness as well as a dot-probe measure of processing of emotional and neutral information before and after a mindfulness or no-intervention control group. As expected, anhedonic depression symptoms and judging of experiences decreased in the mindfulness but not control group. Also consistent with prediction, the mindfulness group showed reaction time evidence of “even-handed” facilitated processing of all stimuli (pleasant, neutral, and unpleasant) within a dot-probe task from pre- to post-intervention. Psychological distress, anxious arousal, and worry decreased, and several facets of self-reported mindfulness increased in both groups. Results indicate that a brief mindfulness intervention may be helpful for non-treatment-seeking university students in decreasing anhedonic depression symptoms, judgment of experiences, and encouraging facilitated processing of emotional and neutral information. Implications for using brief mindfulness interventions in early intervention and prevention efforts with university students are discussed.
Comparable studies
Other experimental studies on depression, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 8
- Assessment of well-being using Fitbit technology in college students, faculty and staff completing breathing meditation during COVID-19: A pilot study. Mental health & prevention June 1, 2023
- Mindfulness training modifies attentional bias to facial emotion and emotional symptoms. Journal of Psychiatric Research November 1, 2023
- Mindfulness and Self-compassion Decrease Emotional Symptoms, Self-criticism, Rumination and Worry in College Students: A Preliminary Study of the Effects of Group Self-compassion-based Interventions Journal of Evidence-Based Psychotherapies September 1, 2023
- Health Workers' Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Resilience During COVID-19 Pandemic. Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare 2024
- Adding Anxiety-Specific Practice to a Brief Audio-Based Mindfulness Intervention for Anxiety in Undergraduate Students: A Pilot Study Journal of Experimental Psychopathology July 1, 2025
and 3 more in the library
Cites 17
- Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Assessment January 27, 2006
- Construct Validity of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire in Meditating and Nonmeditating Samples Assessment February 29, 2008
- Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 2000
- Meditation Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-being JAMA Internal Medicine January 6, 2014
- A randomized controlled trial of mindfulness meditation versus relaxation training: Effects on distress, positive states of mind, rumination, and distraction Annals of Behavioral Medicine February 1, 2007
and 12 more in the library