Relationships between mindfulness practice and levels of mindfulness, medical and psychological symptoms and well-being in a mindfulness-based stress reduction program.
Journal of behavioral medicine February 2008 DOI: 10.1007/s10865-007-9130-7 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational cohort Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 174 |
| Population | Adults in a clinical Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program dealing with stress-related problems, illness, anxiety, and chronic pain |
| Interventions | Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program home practice of formal meditation exercises |
| Duration | 8-session program, with pre- and post-MBSR assessments |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | Formal home meditation practice time was significantly related to improvements in most facets of mindfulness and several symptom and well-being measures. Increases in mindfulness mediated the relationship between formal practice and psychological improvements, indicating that mindfulness practice enhances mindfulness, which reduces symptoms and improves well-being. |
Abstract
Relationships were investigated between home practice of mindfulness meditation exercises and levels of mindfulness, medical and psychological symptoms, perceived stress, and psychological well-being in a sample of 174 adults in a clinical Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program. This is an 8- session group program for individuals dealing with stress-related problems, illness, anxiety, and chronic pain. Participants completed measures of mindfulness, perceived stress, symptoms, and well-being at pre- and post-MBSR, and monitored their home practice time throughout the intervention. Results showed increases in mindfulness and well-being, and decreases in stress and symptoms, from pre- to post-MBSR. Time spent engaging in home practice of formal meditation exercises (body scan, yoga, sitting meditation) was significantly related to extent of improvement in most facets of mindfulness and several measures of symptoms and well-being. Increases in mindfulness were found to mediate the relationships between formal mindfulness practice and improvements in psychological functioning, suggesting that the practice of mindfulness meditation leads to increases in mindfulness, which in turn leads to symptom reduction and improved well-being.