The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Anxiety Disorders. A Systematic Meta-Review
A. Fumero, Wenceslao Peñate, Cristián Oyanadel, Bárbara Porter
European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education July 14, 2020 DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe10030052 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based interventions |
| Topics | Anxiety Meditation |
| Key findings | Mindfulness-based interventions have a moderate effect size in improving anxiety symptoms, similar to cognitive behavioral therapies, and a large effect size when well-developed protocols are applied. |
Abstract
Objective: There has been a growing interest in the study of the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs). Many clinical trials and experimental designs have been implemented, with different samples and diverse MBI procedures. Reviews have shown unclear results, apart from a tendency to identify low-to-moderate effectiveness. The purpose of this review is to examine the effectiveness of MBIs on anxiety complaints, analyzing available systematic reviews and meta-analyses.
Method: The literature search was done in MEDLINE (PubMed) and PsycINFO, from the first available review in 2003 until March 2020. From 82 initial references, 12 reviews were selected.
Results: Reviews confirmed a moderate effect size of MBIs in improving anxiety symptoms. This efficacy was similar to that of well-established therapies for reducing anxiety symptoms, such as cognitive behavioral therapies. A large effect size was found when well-developed MBI protocols were applied.
Discussion: More refined clinical trials are needed to establish clear conditions of MBI effectiveness (protocols, samples, psychological mechanisms, etc.). In addition, considering mindfulness processes, new outcome measures are needed (such as acceptance, self-awareness, or well-being) to test the incremental value of MBIs.
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on anxiety, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 25
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Clinical Practice: A Systematic Review of Neurocognitive Outcomes and Applications for Mental Health and Well-Being. Journal of Clinical Medicine March 3, 2025
- A Systematic Review on the State of the Art of Culturally Adapted Mindfulness-Based Interventions for First Nations Peoples: Cultural Adaptation, Effectiveness, and Feasibility Mindfulness September 1, 2024
- A systematic review of mindfulness-based stress reduction in the management of anxiety disorders among adolescents and young adults aged 13-26. Asian Journal of Psychiatry June 1, 2025
- Effects of mindfulness- and acceptance-based interventions for individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders: A systematic meta-review. Schizophrenia Research July 1, 2025
- The Effect of Daily Meditative Practices Based on Mindfulness and Self-Compassion on Emotional Distress under Stressful Conditions: A Randomized Controlled Trial. European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education April 10, 2023
and 20 more in the library
Cites 23
- Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: A conceptual and empirical review. Clinical Psychology Science and Practice 2003
- Meditation Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-being JAMA Internal Medicine January 6, 2014
- Effectiveness of a meditation-based stress reduction program in the treatment of anxiety disorders American Journal of Psychiatry July 1, 1992
- What defines mindfulness-based programs? The warp and the weft Psychological Medicine December 29, 2016
- Standardised Mindfulness-Based Interventions in Healthcare: An Overview of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses of RCTs PLoS One April 16, 2015
and 18 more in the library