Mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy may reduce thought suppression in previously suicidal participants: Findings from a preliminary study
Silvia R. Hepburn, Catherine Crane, Thorsten Barnhofer, Danielle S. Duggan, Melanie Fennell, J. Mark G. Williams
British Journal of Clinical Psychology March 2, 2009 DOI: 10.1348/014466509x414970 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 68 |
| Population | Individuals with past depression and suicidality |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy Thought suppression Psychotherapist Cognition Randomized controlled trial Clinical psychology Depression economics |
| Citations | 74 |
| Key findings | MBCT did not reduce thought suppression on the White Bear Suppression Inventory but significantly reduced self-reported attempts to suppress in the previous week. |
Abstract
Objectives: Thought suppression is a strategy aimed at mental control that may paradoxically increase the frequency of unwanted thoughts. This preliminary study examined effects of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) on thought suppression and depression in individuals with past depression and suicidality.
Methods: In a randomized controlled trial design, 68 participants were allocated to an MBCT group or a treatment-as-usual waitlist control. Measures of thought suppression and depression were taken pre- and post-treatment.
Results: MBCT did not reduce thought suppression as measured by the White Bear Suppression Inventory, but significantly reduced self-reported attempts to suppress in the previous week.
Conclusions: Preliminary evidence suggests that MBCT for suicidality may reduce thought suppression, but differential effects on thought suppression measures warrant further studies.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 20
- Mindfulness and Psychotherapy FOCUS: The Journal of Lifelong Learning in Psychiatry 2010
- Prospects for a clinical science of mindfulness-based intervention. American Psychologist October 1, 2015
- Effects of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on mental disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials Journal of Research in Nursing November 29, 2012
- Self-Referential Thinking, Suicide, and Function of the Cortical Midline Structures and Striatum in Mood Disorders: Possible Implications for Treatment Studies of Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Bipolar Depression Depression Research and Treatment 2012
- Emotion Regulation as a Mechanism of Mindfulness in Individual Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Depression and Anxiety Disorders. Depression and Anxiety 2024
and 15 more in the library
Cites 5
- Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Assessment January 27, 2006
- Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 2000
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 2004
- Mindfulness‐Based cognitive therapy for prevention of recurrence of suicidal behavior Journal of Clinical Psychology December 9, 2005
- Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) in bipolar disorder: Preliminary evaluation of immediate effects on between-episode functioning Journal of Affective Disorders April 1, 2008