“To Be Finally at Peace with Myself”: A Qualitative Study Reflecting Experiences of the Meditation-Based Lifestyle Modification Program in Mild-to-Moderate Depression
Holger C Bringmann, Jill Vennemann, Julianne Gross, Karin Matko, Peter Sedlmeier
Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine June 29, 2021 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2021.0038 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Randomized Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 12 |
| Population | Depressive outpatients |
| Intervention | Meditation-Based Lifestyle Modification (MBLM) |
| Duration | 8-week intervention, 6-month follow-up |
| Topics | Depression Meditation |
| Registration | NCT03652220 |
| Key findings | MBLM led to reappraisal of life patterns, serenity, and mindful living, with sustained effects after six months. |
Abstract
Background: Meditation-Based Lifestyle Modification (MBLM) is a new mind–body intervention that is based on classical yoga; it implements virtue-based ethical living, physical yoga, and meditation in a therapeutic context. This qualitative study aimed at understanding better how depressive patients who received MBLM as a treatment experience intra- and interpersonal outcomes of their practice.
Methods: In a larger randomized controlled trial of MBLM in depressive outpatients, a subsample (n = 12) completed in-depth interviews. To determine short-term and long-term effects, cohorts were interviewed at two different times after intervention onset (T 1 = 8 weeks; T 2 = 6 months). Verbatim interview transcripts were analyzed by using thematic analysis.
Results: Three themes emerged in the interviews: (1) Reappraisal of past and present life patterns, leading to a reflection on one's own values; (2) Serenity, attained by states of calm, growing acceptance, and the ability to set boundaries; and (3) Mindful living as expressed by increased self-awareness, being more present, and conscious interactions. The ethical component of MBLM was identified as a key factor in individual empowerment and appreciation of one's own strengths. Systematic changes in the importance of reported themes after 6 months (T 2) reflected the sustained effects of the intervention.
Conclusions: The findings speak clearly for the benefits of MBLM in the treatment of depression. In particular, the explicit therapeutic implementation of virtue-based ethics offers a valuable addition to previous yoga and meditation programs. Clinical Trials.gov ID: Clinical Trial Registration number: NCT03652220