A randomised trial comparing a brief online delivery of mindfulness-plus-values versus values only for symptoms of depression: Does baseline severity matter?

Background: Acceptance/mindfulness-based interventions often focus on (a) developing dispositional mindfulness and (b) pursuing personally meaningful and valued activities. Acceptance/mindfulness-based interventions can reduce depression, but little is known about the combined effects of components or the influence of baseline variables on outcomes. This study tested whether practicing a brief (10-min) mindfulness meditation over a 2-week period followed by a single values session (mindfulness+values) was more effective than values alone (values only) in reducing symptoms of depression. The study was delivered online and modules were fully self-help (i.e., no therapist contact).

Methods: 206 participants (Mage=23.4 years, SD=6.53) with elevated depression scores (DASS-depression ≥ 10) were randomised to: mindfulness+values condition or a 2-week wait period followed by the values session (i.e., values only condition). Symptoms of depression were assessed at baseline, after the 2-week mindfulness practice/wait period, and 1-week following the values session.

Results: Reductions in depression and recovery rates were significantly greater following mindfulness+values than values only. Baseline severity affected

Outcomes: mindfulness+values was significantly more beneficial than values only for individuals with high baseline levels of depression. Outcomes did not differ for those with low levels of depression. Rates of deterioration were higher than expected for values only participants.

Limitations: Conclusions are preliminary and tentative due to no follow-up period and a small sample. Drop-out was high (50%) and findings cannot be assumed to generalise to treatment seeking or more diverse samples.

Conclusions: Tentatively, results suggest mindfulness+values can significantly reduce depression, especially for individuals with higher baseline depression.