Randomized Controlled Trial of Mindfulness-Based Therapy on Psychological Distress and Clinical Outcomes in Preeclampsia
Ernawati Ernawati, Kartika Sari Wijayaningsih, Andi Fajriansi, Nurafriani Nurafriani, Alfiah Alfiah, Hasifah Hasifah, Rusni Mato
Media Kesehatan Politeknik Kesehatan Makassar December 8, 2025 DOI: 10.32382/medkes.v20i2.1939 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 60 |
| Population | Pregnant women diagnosed with preeclampsia |
| Interventions | Mindfulness-Based Therapy Standard care |
| Duration | Three weeks (six sessions) |
| Measures | Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, proteinuria level |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | Mindfulness-Based Therapy significantly reduced psychological distress (stress, anxiety, depression) and improved clinical outcomes, including better blood pressure control and reduced proteinuria, compared to standard care alone. |
Abstract
Preeclampsia is one of the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide, often associated with psychological distress that worsens clinical outcomes. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Therapy (MBT) on psychological distress and clinical outcomes in women with preeclampsia. A randomized controlled trial was conducted among 60 pregnant women diagnosed with preeclampsia who were randomly assigned into two groups: intervention (MBT + standard care) and control (standard care only). MBT was delivered in six sessions over three weeks, focusing on mindfulness breathing, body scanning, and acceptance strategies. Psychological distress was measured using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21), while clinical parameters included systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and proteinuria level. The results showed a significant reduction in stress, anxiety, and depression scores (p < 0.05) in the intervention group compared to the control group. Clinically, the intervention group demonstrated better blood pressure control and reduced proteinuria. Mindfulness-Based Therapy effectively reduces psychological distress and improves clinical outcomes in preeclampsia. Integrating mindfulness interventions into antenatal care could enhance maternal well-being and pregnancy outcomes.
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 |