Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Group Support Decrease Stress in Adolescents with Cardiac Diagnoses: A Randomized Two-Group Study.
Vicki A Freedenberg, Pamela S Hinds, Erika Friedmann
Pediatric cardiology October 2017 DOI: 10.1007/s00246-017-1679-5 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 46 |
| Population | Adolescents with cardiac diagnoses, including congenital heart disease and/or cardiac device (52%) or postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (48%) |
| Interventions | Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) video online support group |
| Duration | 6-session interventions, pre- and post-intervention measures |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Adolescent Cardiac Intervention Psychosocial |
| Key findings | Both a 6-session MBSR program and a video online support group were effective in reducing illness-related stress in adolescents with cardiac diagnoses. Greater use of coping skills predicted lower depression in both groups, and higher baseline anxiety/depression predicted improved anxiety/depression scores. The MBSR group reported additional benefits from learning specific techniques and skills applied in real-life situations, while both groups valued social support. |
Abstract
Adolescents with cardiac diagnoses face unique challenges that can cause psychosocial distress. This study compares a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program to a video online support group for adolescents with cardiac diagnoses. MBSR is a structured psycho-educational program which includes yoga, meditation, cognitive restructuring, and group support. A published feasibility study by our group showed significant reduction in anxiety following this intervention. Participants were randomized to MBSR or video online support group, and completed measures of anxiety, depression, illness-related stress, and coping pre- and post-6-session interventions. Qualitative data were obtained from post-intervention interviews. A total of 46 teens participated (mean 14.8 years; 63% female). Participants had congenital heart disease and/or cardiac device (52%), or postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (48%). Illness-related stress significantly decreased in both groups. Greater use of coping skills predicted lower levels of depression in both groups post-study completion. Higher baseline anxiety/depression scores predicted improved anxiety/depression scores in both groups. Each group reported the benefits of social support. The MBSR group further expressed benefits of learning specific techniques, strategies, and skills that they applied in real-life situations to relieve distress. Both the MBSR intervention and video support group were effective in reducing distress in this sample. Qualitative data elucidated the added benefits of using MBSR techniques to manage stress and symptoms. The video group format is useful for teens that cannot meet in person but can benefit from group support. Psychosocial interventions with stress management techniques and/or group support can reduce distress in adolescents with cardiac diagnoses.
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
Cited by 13
- Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Physical and Psychological Wellbeing in Cardiovascular Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Brain Sciences May 29, 2021
- EMBRACE Study: Outcomes of a Randomized, Mindfulness-Based Intervention for Adults with Congenital Heart Disease. Pediatric cardiology July 2, 2025
- Development of Yoga Intervention Module for Children and Adolescents with Major Depressive Disorder. International Journal of Yoga 2025
- Mindfulness Exercises Reduce Acute Physiologic Stress Among Female Clinicians. Critical care explorations November 1, 2024
- Live Video MBSR is a Feasible and Acceptable Adjunctive Therapy for Youth With Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Global Advances in Integrative Medicine and Health 2025
and 8 more in the library
Cites 6
- Mindfulness-based stress reduction for the treatment of adolescent psychiatric outpatients: A randomized clinical trial. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 2009
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Urban Youth The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine February 25, 2011
- Stress reduction in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease: randomized, controlled trial of transcendental meditation and health education in Blacks. Circulation. Cardiovascular quality and outcomes November 1, 2012
- Cultivating mindfulness in health care professionals: a review of empirical studies of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR). Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice February 28, 2009
- Long-term effects of stress reduction on mortality in persons > or = 55 years of age with systemic hypertension. The American journal of cardiology May 1, 2005
and 1 more in the library