The effects of mindfulness meditation versus CBT for anxiety on emotional distress and attitudes toward seeking mental health treatment: a semi-randomized trial.
Daniela Aisenberg-Shafran, Liav Shturm
Scientific Reports November 16, 2022 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-24256-9 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 24 |
| Population | Older adults (seniors) |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based intervention for seniors (MBIS) |
| Duration | Eight weekly sessions |
| Topics | Anxiety Meditation |
| Registration | NCT04165005 |
| Key findings | Both mindfulness-based and CBT group interventions improved older adults' attitudes toward seeking psychological treatment, whereas the control group showed no change. Worry levels decreased only in the mindfulness group, and anxiety levels decreased only in the CBT group, suggesting each intervention eased its intended target. |
Abstract
Older adults often avoid seeking psychological treatment, thus challenging their ability to cope effectively with anxiety, stress, and depression. The current study aimed to compare the effects of a mindfulness intervention with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on measures of emotional distress and attitudes toward seeking mental health treatment among older adults. Twenty-four seniors were assigned to three groups: (1) Mindfulness-based intervention for seniors (MBIS), (2) CBT for anxiety, or (3) a care-as-usual control group. Participants in the two intervention groups of eight weekly sessions were randomly assigned. Results showed that attitudes toward seeking psychological treatment and depression, anxiety, and worry levels were evaluated before and after the interventions. Following both interventions, participants considered the prospect of utilizing psychological treatment more positively, whereas no changes were observed in the control group. Interestingly, worry levels were eased only in the MBIS group, and anxiety levels were eased only in the CBT group. Our findings support the understanding that cognitive group interventions can effectively achieve their intended aim (decreasing worry or anxiety) and positively impact attitudes toward psychological treatment.Trial registration: clinicaltrials, NCT04165005, 15/11/19.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on anxiety, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 6
- Mindfulness to improve the mental health of university students. A systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Public Health 2023
- Long-term effects of an online mindfulness intervention on mental health in Chinese nursing students: a randomized controlled trial follow-up. BMC Public Health February 19, 2025
- The Effect of Meditation-Based Mind-Body Interventions on Older Adults with Poor Sleep Quality: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Behavioral Sleep Medicine 2025
- Effectiveness of an age-modified mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) in improving mental health in older people with depressive symptoms: a non-randomised controlled trial. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies February 26, 2025
- Research Progress on Non-Pharmacological Therapies of Traditional Medicine for Depression Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine August 29, 2025
and 1 more in the library
Cites 14
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and 9 more in the library