Meditation programs for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder: Aggregate findings from a multi-site evaluation.
Kathi L Heffner, Hugh F Crean, Jan E Kemp
Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice and Policy May 1, 2016 DOI: 10.1037/tra0000106 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Multisite demonstration project with treatment-as-usual comparison, analyzed using random effects meta-analyses Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 391 |
| Population | Veterans receiving mental health services at 6 VA sites |
| Intervention | meditation program |
| Topics | Meditation PTSD |
| Key points | Meditation programs produced medium effect sizes compared to treatment as usual for reducing PTSD severity in Veterans. |
Abstract
Interest in meditation to manage posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms is increasing. Few studies have examined the effectiveness of meditation programs offered to Veterans within Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) mental health services. The current study addresses this gap using data from a multisite VA demonstration project. Evaluation data collected at 6 VA sites (N = 391 Veterans) before and after a meditation program, and a treatment-as-usual (TAU) program, were examined here using random effects meta-analyses. Site-specific and aggregate between group effect sizes comparing meditation programs to TAU were determined for PTSD severity measured by clinical interview and self-report. Additional outcomes included experiential avoidance and mindfulness. In aggregate, analyses showed medium effect sizes for meditation programs compared to TAU for PTSD severity (clinical interview: effect size (ES) = -0.32; self-report: ES = -0.39). Similarly sized effects of meditation programs were found for overall mindfulness (ES = 0.41) and 1 specific aspect of mindfulness, nonreactivity to inner experience (ES = .37). Additional findings suggested meditation type and program completion differences each moderated program effects. VA-sponsored meditation programs show promise for reducing PTSD severity in Veterans receiving mental health services. Where meditation training fits within mental health services, and for whom programs will be of interest and effective, require further clarification. (PsycINFO Database Record
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on PTSD, most cited first.
Citations in the library
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- The Role of Mindfulness in Reducing the Adverse Effects of Childhood Stress and Trauma Children February 28, 2017
- Serotonin Transporter (SLC6A4) and FK506-Binding Protein 5 (FKBP5) Genotype and Methylation Relationships with Response to Meditation in Veterans with PTSD. Molecular Neurobiology November 1, 2024
- Effectiveness of Meditation Techniques in Treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) December 12, 2024
- Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Transcendental Meditation for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) April 3, 2025
- Mindfulness Processes and User Experiences in a Randomized Controlled Trial of the Mindfulness Coach App for Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Mindfulness July 11, 2026
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Cites 14
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- Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Assessment January 27, 2006
- Physiological Effects of Transcendental Meditation Science March 27, 1970
- Mindfulness‐based approaches: are they all the same? Journal of Clinical Psychology January 19, 2011
- A PILOT STUDY OF GROUP MINDFULNESS-BASED COGNITIVE THERAPY (MBCT) FOR COMBAT VETERANS WITH POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD) Depression and Anxiety April 17, 2013
and 9 more in the library