Effects of a Mindfulness-Based Intervention During Hemodialysis on Trait Mindfulness, Cognitive Reappraisal, Expressive Suppression, and Quality of Life: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
Hossam Alhawatmeh, Anas Shorfat, Issa M. Hweidi, Nezam Nusair, Sawsan Abuhammad, Ibrahim Alasqah
Journal of Holistic Nursing August 7, 2026 DOI: 10.1177/08980101261475125 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Cluster-randomized, parallel-group, pretest–posttest trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 104 |
| Population | Adults with end-stage renal disease receiving maintenance hemodialysis |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based intervention |
| Dose | 30-min guided mindfulness protocol three times weekly for 5 weeks |
| Duration | 5-week intervention |
| Measures | Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, Kidney Disease QOL |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | The mindfulness intervention significantly improved trait mindfulness (mean difference 0.64), cognitive reappraisal (mean difference 0.53), physical component summary (mean difference 7.35), kidney disease effects (mean difference 25.82), and kidney disease burden (mean difference 21.66) compared with control. |
Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate the short-term effects of a brief mindfulness-based intervention delivered during hemodialysis on trait mindfulness, cognitive reappraisal, expressive suppression, and kidney disease-related quality of life (QOL) in adults with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
Design: Cluster-randomized, parallel-group, pretest–posttest trial.
Methods: Adults receiving maintenance hemodialysis (N = 104 analyzed) were randomized by six dialysis day/shift clusters to a mindfulness intervention (n = 52) or wait-list control group (n = 52). The intervention consisted of a 30-min guided mindfulness protocol three times weekly for 5 weeks during dialysis. Outcomes were measured using the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, and Kidney Disease QOL.
Results: Linear mixed models showed the intervention group achieved significantly higher posttest scores than controls in trait mindfulness (mean difference [MD] = 0.64, p = .004) and cognitive reappraisal (MD = 0.53, p < .001). Regarding health-related QOL domains, significant improvements were found for the physical component summary (MD = 7.35, p < .001), kidney disease effects (MD = 25.82, p = .001), and kidney disease burden (MD = 21.66, p = .001).
Conclusion: Possible short-term benefits of a dialysis-chair mindfulness intervention for trait mindfulness, cognitive reappraisal, and QOL among adults receiving hemodialysis.
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 12
- The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 2003
- Mindfulness-based interventions: an overall review British Medical Bulletin April 21, 2021
- Mindfulness-Based Interventions in Psychiatry. FOCUS: The Journal of Lifelong Learning in Psychiatry January 24, 2018
- The impact of mindfulness meditation on pro-inflammatory biomarkers in patients with end-stage renal disease: A randomized trial SAGE Open Medicine 2024
- Reflective mindfulness and emotional regulation training to enhance nursing students’ self-awareness, understanding, and regulation: a mixed method randomized controlled trial BMC Nursing April 30, 2025
and 7 more in the library