Evaluating Homework Adherence in Studies of Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy for Female Sexual Dysfunction.
Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy November 11, 2025 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2025.2583085 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Descriptive secondary analysis of three randomized clinical trials Longitudinal Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 197 |
| Population | Women with female sexual dysfunction (FSD) participating in mindfulness-based intervention trials |
| Duration | Assessed immediately post-treatment and at follow-up (6-12 months) |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | Across three trials, methods for assessing mindfulness homework adherence were diverse and inconsistent, and adherence generally declined over time. Participants showed moderate engagement, with formal practices declining more sharply than informal ones and brief exercises showing marked reductions in frequency. The authors argue for psychometrically validated adherence instruments to support treatment fidelity and optimize outcomes. |
Abstract
Homework is a key factor in the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions, yet there is no standardized method for measuring homework adherence, particularly in interventions targeting female sexual dysfunction (FSD). This study aimed to describe current methods used to assess homework adherence in research on mindfulness-based interventions for FSD. A descriptive secondary analysis was conducted using data from three randomized clinical trials, totaling 197 women. The analysis focused on the frequency and duration of formal and informal mindfulness practices, assessed immediately post-treatment and at follow-up (6-12 months). Results indicated diverse and inconsistent methods to evaluate homework completion, with a general decline in adherence over time. Participants showed moderate engagement, with formal practices declining more sharply than informal ones and brief exercises showing marked reductions in frequency. These findings highlight the need for consistent monitoring of homework adherence to ensure treatment fidelity and to optimize outcomes. Strengths include the longitudinal approach and methodological recommendations. Limitations involve the use of unvalidated and variable measurement tools. In conclusion, this research underscores the urgent need for psychometrically validated instruments to assess homework adherence in mindfulness-based interventions for FSD and provides practical guidance for researchers and clinicians.
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
Cites 10
- The mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy adherence scale: inter‐rater reliability, adherence to protocol and treatment distinctiveness Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy March 1, 2002
- A virtual, group-based mindfulness intervention for midlife and older women with low libido lowers sexual distress in a randomized controlled pilot study The Journal of Sexual Medicine June 23, 2023
- Homework adherence in mindfulness-based cognitive interventions for female sexual dysfunction: a scoping review. The Journal of Sexual Medicine October 1, 2024
- Mindfulness and Sex Education for Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder: Mediators and Moderators of Treatment Outcome. The Journal of Sex Research May 2023
- Feasibility and Acceptability of a Group-Based Mindfulness Intervention for Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder Following Breast Cancer Treatment. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy 2023
and 5 more in the library