Participants' perspectives on mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for inflammatory bowel disease: a qualitative study nested within a pilot randomised controlled trial.
Mariyana Schoultz, Leah Macaden, Gill Hubbard
Pilot and Feasibility Studies 2016 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-015-0041-z (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study nested within a parallel two-arm pilot randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 18 |
| Population | Patients with inflammatory bowel disease recruited from gastroenterology outpatient clinics in two Scottish NHS boards |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Focus groups Inflammatory bowel disease Qualitative study |
| Key findings | Participants described MBCT as a therapeutic, educational, and inclusive process that transformed their relationship with IBD and reduced feelings of social isolation. Time and travel constraints were identified as barriers that could potentially reduce the therapeutic gain from MBCT for some participants. The authors conclude that MBCT was acceptable to this group of patients with IBD. |
Abstract
Mindfulness-based interventions have shown to improve depression and anxiety symptoms as well as quality of life in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, little is known about the experiences of this group of patients participating in mindfulness interventions. This paper sets out to explore the perspectives of patients with IBD recruited to a pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) about the intervention. In a qualitative study nested within a parallel two-arm pilot RCT of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for patients with IBD, two focus group interviews (using the same schedule) and a free text postal survey were conducted. Data from both were analysed using thematic analysis. Data and investigator triangulation was performed to enhance confidence in the ensuing findings. Forty-four patients with IBD were recruited to the pilot RCT from gastroenterology outpatient clinics from two Scottish NHS boards. Eighteen of these patients (ten from mindfulness intervention and eight from control group) also completed a postal survey and participated in two focus groups after completing post intervention assessments. The major themes that emerged from the data were the following: perceived benefits of MBCT for IBD, barriers to attending MBCT and expectations about MBCT. Participants identified MBCT as a therapeutic, educational and an inclusive process as key benefits of the intervention. Key barriers included time and travel constraints. This qualitative study has demonstrated the acceptability of MBCT in a group of patients with IBD. Participants saw MBCT as a therapeutic and educational initiative that transformed their relationship with the illness. The inclusive process and shared experience of MBCT alleviated the sense of social isolation commonly associated with IBD. However, time commitment and travel were recognised as a barrier to MBCT which could potentially influence the degree of therapeutic gain from MBCT for some participants.
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 9
- Mixed-methods evaluation comparing the impact of two different mindfulness approaches on stress, anxiety and depression in school teachers. BMJ Open July 4, 2019
- Effects of online mindful stretching exercises for loneliness, mindfulness, and hair cortisol: A mixed method study. Explore June 26, 2025
- Acceptability and Feasibility of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Adults with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Mixed-Methods Study Mindfulness August 14, 2026
- Mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy for chronic noncancer pain and prescription opioid use disorder: A qualitative pilot study of its feasibility and the perceived process of change Brain and Behavior May 24, 2023
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Fatigue in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial Mindfulness 2023
and 4 more in the library
Cites 12
- Mechanisms of mindfulness Journal of Clinical Psychology December 29, 2005
- Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 2000
- Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression August 21, 2006
- A qualitative study of self‐perceived effects of mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR) in a psychosocial oncology setting Stress and Health November 28, 2006
- Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression. Industrial Psychiatry Journal October 29, 2024
and 7 more in the library