Impact of digital MBCT on perinatal depression and work motivation: pilot study
N. Ansaari, Sreenath Kuruveettissery
Asia Pacific Journal of Counselling and Psychotherapy January 2, 2025 DOI: 10.1080/21507686.2025.2494511 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Pilot study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Pregnant working women with perinatal depression |
| Intervention | Digital Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) |
| Duration | 8-week intervention |
| Measures | EPDS, TFMQ, PES-Brief, MWMS |
| Topics | Depression Meditation |
| Key points | The authors report that an 8-week digital MBCT program was feasible and was associated with a moderate decrease in depression scores (Cohen's d = 0.46), improved mindfulness (non-reactivity, non-judgment), and a drop in external work motivation from 19.25 to 15.50 (Cohen's d = 0.34). They conclude that digital MBCT may reduce depressive symptoms and support more self-determined work motivation, but stress that findings are preliminary and require larger controlled studies. |
Abstract
ABSTRACT Objective This pilot study assessed the feasibility and preliminary effects of an 8-week digital Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) intervention on perinatal depression, mindfulness, well-being, and work motivation among pregnant working women.
Methods: The intervention included weekly online sessions and mindfulness audio guides. Pre- and post-assessments used the EPDS, TFMQ, PES-Brief, and MWMS. No control group was included.
Results: Depression scores moderately decreased (Cohen’s d = 0.46). Improvements were seen in mindfulness (non-reactivity, non-judgment), and external motivation reduced from 19.25 to 15.50 (Cohen’s d = 0.34), indicating increased autonomous motivation.
Conclusion: Digital MBCT is feasible and may reduce depressive symptoms while enhancing self-determined work motivation. Findings are preliminary; larger, controlled studies are needed to confirm efficacy.