Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Neuroticism (Stress Vulnerability): A Pilot Randomized Study.
Lauren Armstrong, Katharine A. Rimes
Behavior Therapy May 2016 DOI: 10.1016/j.beth.2015.12.005 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Pilot randomized controlled trial Pilot study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 34 |
| Population | Individuals with high levels of neuroticism |
| Interventions | Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) online self-help intervention |
| Duration | 4 weeks postintervention follow-up |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy Neuroticism Personality Stress vulnerability Treatment |
| Key findings | MBCT modified to target neuroticism-related processes produced significantly greater reductions in neuroticism than an online self-help intervention, plus reductions in rumination and increases in self-compassion and decentering. The authors argue neuroticism is malleable and amenable to psychological intervention, and that MBCT for neuroticism warrants a larger study. |
Abstract
Neuroticism, a characteristic associated with increased stress vulnerability and the tendency to experience distress, is strongly linked to risk of different forms of psychopathology. However, there are few evidence-based interventions to target neuroticism. This pilot study investigated the efficacy and acceptability of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) compared with an online self-help intervention for individuals with high levels of neuroticism. The MBCT was modified to address psychological processes that are characteristic of neuroticism. Participants with high levels of neuroticism were randomized to MBCT (n=17) or an online self-help intervention (n=17). Self-report questionnaires were administered preintervention and again at 4weeks postintervention. Intention-to-treat analyses found that MBCT participants had significantly lower levels of neuroticism postintervention than the control group. Compared with the control group, the MBCT group also experienced significant reductions in rumination and increases in self-compassion and decentering, of which the latter two were correlated with reductions in neuroticism within the MBCT group. Low drop-out rates, high levels of adherence to home practice, and positive feedback from MBCT participants provide indications that this intervention may be an acceptable form of treatment for individuals who are vulnerable to becoming easily stressed. MBCT specifically modified to target neuroticism-related processes is a promising intervention for reducing neuroticism. Results support evidence suggesting neuroticism is malleable and amenable to psychological intervention. MBCT for neuroticism warrants further investigation in a larger study.
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 16
- From Self-Esteem to Selflessness: An Evidence (Gap) Map of Self-Related Processes as Mechanisms of Mindfulness-Based Interventions Frontiers in Psychology November 22, 2021
- The relationship between neuroticism as a personality trait and mindfulness skills: a scoping review Frontiers in Psychology November 15, 2024
- Effects of personality traits on mindful self-care practices of healthcare workers South African Journal of Psychiatry March 29, 2023
- An EEG-Based Positive Feedback Mechanism for VR Mindfulness Meditation to Improve Emotion Regulation IEEE Transactions on Computational Social Systems October 1, 2025
- The effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on rumination and related psychological indicators: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Psychology August 26, 2025
and 11 more in the library
Cites 12
- Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Assessment January 27, 2006
- Mindfulness: A proposed operational definition. Clinical Psychology Science and Practice 2004
- 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: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 2004
and 7 more in the library