Gender-specific responses to mindfulness-based interventions in primary care: A systematic review of mental health and pain management outcomes.
A. Chandak, Nate Ewigman, Girija Mahale
Journal of Health Psychology April 20, 2026 DOI: 10.1177/13591053261436233 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Adults in primary care settings with pain and mental health conditions, as represented in eight included studies |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based interventions |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | The review indicates that mindfulness-based interventions benefit both genders through distinct mechanisms: women showed higher adherence (70%-85%) and short-term improvements in anxiety, depression (30%-50%), and emotional regulation, while men had lower initial participation (50%-65%) but better sustained improvements in pain (15%-30%) and cognitive resilience. The authors recommend gender-adapted interventions and further research on long-term, tailored approaches. |
Abstract
Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs) are widely used in primary care for pain and mental health, but gender-specific outcomes are under-researched. A systematic review was conducted using PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Studies from Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed (1987-2023) with gender-disaggregated data were included. Elicit AI assisted in screening, data extraction, and thematic clustering. CASP and AMSTAR 2 were used to assess study quality. Eight studies (2019-2023) were synthesized. Women showed higher adherence (70%-85%) and short-term improvements in anxiety, depression (30%-50%), and emotional regulation. Men had lower initial participation (50%-65%) but better sustained improvements in pain (15%-30%) and cognitive resilience. Gender differences were noted in coping styles, engagement, and response timelines. MBIs benefit both genders through distinct mechanisms. Emotion-focused formats suit women; structured, goal-based methods suit men. Gender-adapted MBIs and further research on long-term, tailored approaches are recommended.
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meditation Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-being Diverse adult clinical populations | 2014 | Meta-analysis | n = 3,515 |
| Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Stress Management in Healthy People: A Review and Meta-Analysis Healthy subjects | 2009 | Systematic review and meta-analysis | |
| The psychological effects of meditation: A meta-analysis. Nonclinical groups of adult meditators | 2012 | Meta-analysis | n = 163 |
| Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Prevention of Depressive Relapse Adults with recurrent depression in full or partial remission | 2016 | Meta-analysis of individual patient data from randomized controlled trials | n = 1,258 |
| Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness‐Based Cognitive Therapy – a systematic review of randomized controlled trials | 2011 | Systematic review |
Citations in the library
Cites 10
- Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Assessment January 27, 2006
- Meditation Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-being JAMA Internal Medicine January 6, 2014
- How Does Mindfulness Training Affect Health? A Mindfulness Stress Buffering Account Current Directions in Psychological Science December 1, 2014
- Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for preventing relapse in recurrent depression: A randomized dismantling trial. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology December 3, 2013
- Digital Characteristics and Dissemination Indicators to Optimize Delivery of Internet-Supported Mindfulness-Based Interventions for People With a Chronic Condition: Systematic Review. JMIR Mental Health August 21, 2018
and 5 more in the library