Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Addressing Psychological Distress, Learning-Based Stress Symptoms, and Post-Traumatic Growth in Adults with Specific Learning Disabilities
Nimrod Polak, Ephraim S. Grossman
Mindfulness July 10, 2025 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-025-02630-8 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Preregistered Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 127 |
| Population | Adults with and without specific learning disabilities (SLD), recruited through advertisements in learning disabilities and student groups; 49 with officially diagnosed SLD |
| Duration | 8-week MBSR program; assessments at baseline, post-intervention, and 4-month follow-up |
| Topics | Meditation PTSD |
| Keywords | Education |
| Key findings | Adults with SLD reported significantly higher psychological distress and learning-based stress symptoms than the general population. MBSR produced significant reductions in psychological distress and learning-based stress symptoms compared with a waitlist control, with benefits sustained at 4-month follow-up; mindfulness mediated these reductions. No significant improvement in post-traumatic growth was observed. |
Abstract
Individuals with specific learning disabilities (SLDs) often experience significant emotional challenges arising from negative learning experiences. Mindfulness interventions may provide support in addressing these difficulties. This study examined how mindfulness, cultivated through an MBSR intervention, influences stress-related symptoms among individuals with SLD. It explored the relationships between mindfulness, psychological distress (PD), and learning-based stress symptoms (LBSS) while assessing its potential to foster post-traumatic growth (PTG). A total of 127 participants (M = 37.1, SD = 10.6) were recruited through advertisements in learning disabilities and student groups. Participants officially diagnosed with SLD (n = 49) were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 25), which completed an MBSR program, or a waitlist control group (n = 24). Assessments of mindfulness, PD, and LBSS were conducted at baseline (T1), post-intervention (T2), and follow-up (T3, 4 months later). PTG was assessed only at follow-up. Participants without SLD (n = 78) served as a baseline comparison group. Participants with SLD reported significantly higher levels of PD and LBSS compared to the general population. The MBSR group showed significant reductions in PD and LBSS compared to the control group, with sustained benefits at follow-up. Mindfulness mediated the relationship between MBSR participation and reductions in PD and LBSS. No significant improvement in PTG was observed. MBSR demonstrates effectiveness in reducing psychological distress and learning-based stress among individuals with SLD. While its impact on PTG remains inconclusive, mindfulness interventions offer promising support for addressing chronic stress in this population. This study was not preregistered.
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 43
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- Effectiveness of a meditation-based stress reduction program in the treatment of anxiety disorders American Journal of Psychiatry July 1, 1992
- A Randomized, Wait-List Controlled Clinical Trial: The Effect of a Mindfulness Meditation-Based Stress Reduction Program on Mood and Symptoms of Stress in Cancer Outpatients Psychosomatic Medicine September 1, 2000
and 38 more in the library