A Single-Group Pilot Study of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Indian Women Undergoing IVF
Harleen Kaur, Palak Upadhyay, Gursabeen Kaur, Pooja Tandon, Bholeshwar Prasad Mishra
Counseling Outcome Research and Evaluation May 31, 2026 DOI: 10.1080/21501378.2026.2680301 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Single-group pre-post-follow-up feasibility pilot study Randomized Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 30 |
| Population | Indian women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) |
| Duration | 8-week intervention, 2-month follow-up |
| Measures | RSES, GSE, COMPI, FertiQoL |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key points | MBCT was feasible and acceptable for Indian women undergoing IVF, with high retention and assessment completion. Exploratory analyses indicated significant improvements over time in self-esteem, self-efficacy, coping, and fertility-related quality of life, with most gains maintained at follow-up. |
Abstract
To examine the feasibility and acceptability of a mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) intervention for Indian women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF), and to explore patterns of change in psychological outcomes within a socio-cultural context. Thirty women undergoing IVF participated in a single-group pre-post-follow-up feasibility pilot study. Participants received eight weekly individual MBCT sessions. The outcomes assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and two-month follow-up included self-esteem (RSES), self-efficacy (GSE), coping strategies (COMPI), and fertility-related quality of life (FertiQoL). Repeated-measures ANOVA was conducted for exploratory purposes. The high retention (83.3%) and assessment completion (>98%) supported feasibility. Exploratory analyses showed significant changes over time across outcomes (e.g., self-esteem: F(1.16, 33.65) =82.40, p < .001, η2=.74), with most improvements maintained at follow-up. MBCT appears feasible and acceptable for women undergoing IVF. Findings inform outcome selection and study design, within socio-cultural contexts, for future randomized controlled trials.