Changes in Mindfulness and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms Among Veterans Enrolled in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction.
Kyle R Stephenson, Tracy L. Simpson, Michelle E. Martinez, David J. Kearney
Journal of Clinical Psychology March 2017 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.22323 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Secondary analysis of combined trial data Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 113 |
| Population | Veterans enrolled in MBSR who screened positive for PTSD at a large Veterans Affairs hospital |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) |
| Duration | 8-week intervention |
| Topics | Meditation PTSD |
| Keywords | Posttraumatic stress disorder Veterans |
| Key findings | Increases in mindfulness were significantly associated with reduced PTSD symptoms among veterans completing MBSR. Acting With Awareness and Non-Reactivity were the facets most strongly and consistently linked to symptom reduction, and mindfulness increases were most strongly related to decreases in Hyperarousal and Emotional Numbing. The authors describe this as preliminary support for changes in mindfulness as a viable treatment mechanism. |
Abstract
The current study assessed associations between changes in 5 facets of mindfulness (Acting With Awareness, Observing, Describing, Non-Reactivity, and Nonjudgment) and changes in 4 posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom clusters (Re-Experiencing, Avoidance, Emotional Numbing, and Hyperarousal symptoms) among veterans participating in mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR). Secondary analyses were performed with a combined data set consisting of 2 published and 2 unpublished trials of MBSR conducted at a large Veterans Affairs hospital. The combined sample included 113 veterans enrolled in MBSR who screened positive for PTSD and completed measures of mindfulness and PTSD symptoms before and after the 8-week intervention. Increases in mindfulness were significantly associated with reduced PTSD symptoms. Increases in Acting With Awareness and Non-Reactivity were the facets of mindfulness most strongly and consistently associated with reduced PTSD symptoms. Increases in mindfulness were most strongly related to decreases in Hyperarousal and Emotional Numbing. These results extend previous research, provide preliminary support for changes in mindfulness as a viable mechanism of treatment, and have a number of potential practical and theoretical implications.
Comparable studies
Other non-randomized and open-label trials on PTSD, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 22
- A 12‐week integrative exercise program improves self‐reported mindfulness and interoceptive awareness in war veterans with posttraumatic stress symptoms Journal of Clinical Psychology October 27, 2017
- A Pilot Study of the Effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms and Brain Response to Traumatic Reminders of Combat in Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom Combat Veterans with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Frontiers in Psychiatry August 25, 2017
- Mindfulness-Based Processes of Healing for Veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine May 7, 2018
- Autobiographical Memory and Mindfulness: a Critical Review with a Systematic Search Mindfulness May 23, 2022
- Serotonin Transporter (SLC6A4) and FK506-Binding Protein 5 (FKBP5) Genotype and Methylation Relationships with Response to Meditation in Veterans with PTSD. Molecular Neurobiology November 1, 2024
and 17 more in the library
Cites 12
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- Construct Validity of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire in Meditating and Nonmeditating Samples Assessment February 29, 2008
- Assessment of Mindfulness by Self-Report Assessment September 1, 2004
- Metacognitive awareness and prevention of relapse in depression: Empirical evidence. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 2002
and 7 more in the library