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.
Comparable studies
Other non-randomized and open-label trials on depression, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cites 7
- Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness‐Based Cognitive Therapy – a systematic review of randomized controlled trials Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica April 28, 2011
- A meta-analysis of the association between mindfulness and motivation Frontiers in Public Health August 8, 2023
- A Web-Based, Mindful, and Compassionate Parenting Training for Mothers Experiencing Parenting Stress: Results from a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of the Mindful Moment Program. Mindfulness November 10, 2022
- Staying well during pregnancy and the postpartum: A pilot randomized trial of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for the prevention of depressive relapse/recurrence. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology February 2016
- The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Interventions in the Perinatal Period: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. PLoS One 2016
and 2 more in the library