Asynchronous online versus face-to-face mindfulness training for maternal mental health: A randomised controlled trial.
Wan-Lin Pan, Cherng-Chia Yang, Yi-Hui Chen, Chun-Hsin Hsieh
Midwifery April 1, 2026 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2026.104807 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 144 |
| Population | Pregnant women between 13 and 28 weeks' gestation |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based intervention |
| Duration | 8-week intervention, follow-up at 2 and 4 months postnatally |
| Measures | stress, anxiety, depressive symptoms, mindfulness, birth outcomes |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Registration | NCT06237088 |
| Key findings | Both mindfulness programs improved maternal mental health, with face-to-face sessions producing stronger effects on stress and mindfulness, and online sessions producing greater reductions in anxiety. No significant differences were found in birth or neonatal outcomes. |
Abstract
PROBLEM Childbearing women frequently experience stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms during the perinatal period, which may affect both maternal and infant health.
Background: Mindfulness-based interventions have shown benefits for maternal psychological well-being. With the growth of mobile health, online mindfulness programmes offer greater accessibility; however, few studies have compared asynchronous online formats with face-to-face approaches.
Aim: To evaluate the effects of asynchronous online and face-to-face mindfulness programmes on maternal psychological outcomes during the prenatal and postnatal periods.
Methods: A three-arm randomised controlled trial was conducted with 144 pregnant women between 13 and 28 weeks' gestation. Participants were allocated to an asynchronous online mindfulness programme, a face-to-face programme, or routine antenatal care. The intervention groups completed an eight-week mindfulness programme with weekly follow-up calls. Outcomes-stress, anxiety, depressive symptoms, mindfulness, and birth outcomes-were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and two and four months postnatally.
Findings: A total of 114 women completed follow-up. Significant group × time interactions were found for stress, anxiety, depressive symptoms, and mindfulness. Mean maternal age was 33 years and mean gestational age at enrolment was 17-18 weeks. The face-to-face programme yielded the greatest reductions in perceived stress (β = -1.25, p < .001) and the largest increases in mindfulness (β = 3.14, p < .001). The online programme produced greater reductions in anxiety (β = -0.91, p = .007). Both interventions reduced depressive symptoms over time, with no significant differences in birth or neonatal outcomes.
Conclusion: Both mindfulness programmes improved maternal mental health, with face-to-face sessions producing stronger effects and online sessions offering a more accessible option. Integrating mindfulness-based approaches into midwifery care may support the psychological well-being of childbearing women. The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06237088).
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 9
- Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Assessment January 27, 2006
- The mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy adherence scale: inter‐rater reliability, adherence to protocol and treatment distinctiveness Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy March 1, 2002
- Neurobiological Changes Induced by Mindfulness and Meditation: A Systematic Review. Biomedicines November 15, 2024
- Using an Electronic Mindfulness-based Intervention (eMBI) to improve maternal mental health during pregnancy: Results from a randomized controlled trial. Psychiatry Research December 1, 2023
- Effects of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) on depression in pregnant women: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders May 1, 2024
and 4 more in the library