Efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions on anxiety and depression among Indian clinical populations
Mouni Blessina Variganji, Vidyani Devi
International Journal of Advanced Psychiatric Nursing February 1, 2026 DOI: 10.33545/26641348.2026.v8.i2a.244 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control group design Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 150 |
| Population | Clinically diagnosed Indian patients aged 18-55 years from mental health clinics in Madhya Pradesh |
| Duration | 8-week intervention |
| Measures | Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) |
| Topics | Anxiety Depression Meditation |
| Key findings | The mindfulness-based intervention led to a 39% reduction in anxiety and a 41% reduction in depression, with large effect sizes (d = 0.82 and d = 0.87), and a 27% increase in mindfulness. The control group showed no significant changes. |
Abstract
Background: Anxiety and depression are leading causes of disability in India, with nearly 15% of adults experiencing some form of mental morbidity. Despite existing pharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatments, accessibility, affordability, and cultural barriers persist. Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs), adapted from the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) model, offer a culturally resonant, cost-effective alternative for improving mental health outcomes.
Objective: To examine the efficacy of an eight-week mindfulness-based intervention in reducing anxiety and depression among clinically diagnosed Indian patients, while assessing associated changes in mindfulness levels.
Methods: A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control group design was employed with 150 participants aged 18-55 years from mental health clinics in Madhya Pradesh. The experimental group (n = 75) received an eight-week MBSR-based program, while the control group (n = 75) continued treatment-as-usual. Standardized psychometric tools—Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) were administered. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests, ANCOVA, and effect size estimation (Cohen’s d).
Results: Post-intervention analysis showed a 27% increase in mindfulness, 39% reduction in anxiety, and 41% reduction in depression in the intervention group (p<.001). Effect sizes were large for both anxiety (d = 0.82) and depression (d = 0.87). The control group exhibited no significant changes. These findings indicate substantial clinical improvement following the mindfulness program.
Conclusion: Mindfulness-based interventions significantly reduce anxiety and depression while enhancing mindfulness levels among Indian patients. The findings underscore the value of integrating MBIs into India’s nursing and mental health practice frameworks as a culturally congruent, scalable, and evidence-based approach.