Examining the effect of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on social anxiety levels of university students: a mixed study
Vedat Bakır, Bülent Dilmaç
Asia Pacific Journal of Counselling and Psychotherapy July 3, 2025 DOI: 10.1080/21507686.2025.2589102 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Exploratory sequential mixed-methods study (randomized controlled trial with focus groups) Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 30 |
| Population | University students diagnosed with social anxiety disorder, drawn from 511 screened students |
| Interventions | Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) including formal and informal mindfulness practices and cognitive therapy components |
| Duration | Eight-session MBCT programme |
| Topics | Anxiety Meditation |
| Key findings | The authors report that an eight-session Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy programme produced significant and sustained improvements in mindfulness and social anxiety among students with social anxiety disorder, and focus-group participants described satisfaction with session content and perceived gains. They conclude the programme was effective overall. |
Abstract
ABSTRACT This study examined changes in mindfulness and social anxiety among university students diagnosed with social anxiety disorder, as well as the persistence and underlying mechanisms of these changes following Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). Using an exploratory sequential mixed-methods design, quantitative results were complemented with qualitative insights. From 511 screened students, 30 eligible participants were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The experimental group completed an eight-session MBCT programme, including formal and informal mindfulness practices and cognitive therapy components. Quantitative analyses showed significant and sustained improvements in mindfulness and social anxiety. Focus-group findings further highlighted participants’ satisfaction with session content, perceived gains, and process-related experiences, demonstrating the programme’s overall effectiveness.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on anxiety, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cites 27
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- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 2004
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- Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Prevention of Depressive Relapse JAMA Psychiatry April 28, 2016
- Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy: a promising new approach to preventing depressive relapse The British Journal of Psychiatry May 1, 2012
and 22 more in the library