Effects of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy on Stigma in Female Patients With Schizophrenia
Qiubi Tang, Shuixian Yang, Cuixian Liu, Liyan Li, X. Chen, Fengchun Wu, Xingbing Huang
Frontiers in Psychiatry July 23, 2021 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.694575 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 62 |
| Population | Inpatients with schizophrenia |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) |
| Duration | 8-week intervention |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | MBCT significantly reduced stigma in schizophrenia inpatients, as shown by decreased perceived devaluation-discrimination and stigma-coping orientation scores, and increased mindfulness and insight/treatment attitudes. |
Abstract
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) has been increasingly recognized as effective in different mental illnesses, but these effects are limited in schizophrenia. For patients with schizophrenia, stigma is one of the most negative factors that affects treatment, rehabilitation and social function. This research aimed to determine the effects of MBCT on stigma in patients with schizophrenia. In total, 62 inpatients with schizophrenia were recruited and randomly assigned to the experimental group or control group. The experimental group received an 8-week MBCT intervention, and the control group were treated as usual. Link's Stigma Scales (with three subscales, including perceived devaluation-discrimination (PDD), stigma-coping orientation, and stigma-related feeling), Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), and Insight and Treatment Attitudes Questionnaire (ITAQ) were used to collect data before and after intervention. After intervention, the post-test score of PDD, stigma-coping orientation, FFMQ, and ITAQ were significantly different between the experimental group and the control group. In the experimental group, the PDD and stigma-coping orientation scores significantly decreased, and FFMQ and ITAQ scores increased remarkably (P < 0.05). In addition, correlation analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between mindfulness and stigma. MBCT was effective in reducing stigma in patients with schizophrenia, which mainly manifested as changes in the patients' perception of stigma as well as the withdrawal and avoidance caused by schizophrenia. Enhancing mindfulness will help reduce the stigma level. MBCT is worthy of promotion and application in patients with schizophrenia.
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 10
- Effects of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) on psychotic symptoms and psychological outcomes in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychiatry Research December 1, 2024
- Beyond the Unitary: Direct, Moderated, and Mediated Associations of Mindfulness Facets with Mental Health Literacy and Treatment-Seeking Attitudes. Healthcare May 20, 2025
- A narrative review of research status and prospects of mindfulness-based interventions in schizophrenia Frontiers in Psychology October 12, 2026
- Effects of Individually Delivered Mindfulness-Based Psychotraining on Internalized Stigma and Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors of Individuals With Schizophrenia. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services July 17, 2026
- Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness of an App-Based Mindfulness Breast Care Program for Reducing Body Image Distress and Stigma Among Survivors of Breast Cancer: Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Medical Internet Research April 24, 2026
and 5 more in the library