The effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Intolerance of Uncertainty and Anxiety Sensitivity among Individuals with Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Mansoor Alimehdi, Parvin Ehteshamzadeh, Farah Naderi, Zahra Eftekharsaadi, Reza Pasha
Asian Social Science March 19, 2016 DOI: 10.5539/ass.v12n4p179 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Quasi-experimental study with pre-test, post-test, and control group Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 30 |
| Population | High school students in Robat Karim, Tehran province, diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, intolerance of uncertainty, and high anxiety sensitivity |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based stress reduction |
| Duration | 8 sessions |
| Measures | generalized anxiety scale, anxiety sensitivity scale, intolerance of uncertainty scale |
| Topics | Anxiety Meditation |
| Key findings | The mindfulness-based stress reduction program significantly reduced symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, anxiety sensitivity, and intolerance of uncertainty in the experimental group compared with the control group. The authors argue that because mindfulness lowers intolerance of uncertainty and anxiety sensitivity, it is appropriate for treating generalized anxiety disorder. |
Abstract
The Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is one of the most chronic and detrimental disorders and it is considered a common disorder in childhood and adolescence. Furthermore, this disorder is associated with many problems in the health domain. As such, this study attempted to gauge the impact of mindfulness-based stress reduction on intolerance of uncertainty and anxiety sensitivity among students with generalized anxiety disorder. Therefore, it was attempted to run a quasi-experimental research, including a pre-test, a post-test and a control group, among high schools of Robat Karim in Tehran province. Having used the purposive sampling method, 30 students diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, intolerance of uncertainty and high anxiety sensitivity were selected. Then, they were randomly assigned to experimental (15 students) and control groups (15 students). Consequently, the mindfulness program was introduced to the experimental group in 8 sessions and the control group received no treatment. It should be noted that groups were assessed before and after treatment with generalized anxiety scale, anxiety sensitivity and intolerance of uncertainty. The results of analysis of covariance showed that mindfulness-based stress reduction programs significantly reduced the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, anxiety sensitivity and intolerance of uncertainty. Since mindfulness reduces the levels of two key components of generalized anxiety disorder, namely intolerance of uncertainty and anxiety sensitivity, it seems appropriate to make use of this program in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder.
Comparable studies
Other experimental studies on anxiety, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| A PILOT STUDY OF GROUP MINDFULNESS-BASED COGNITIVE THERAPY (MBCT) FOR COMBAT VETERANS WITH POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD) Veterans with chronic combat posttraumatic stress disorder seeking treatment at a VA... | 2013 | Quasi-experimental with treatment-as-usual comparison group | n = 37 |
| Being present in the face of existential threat: The role of trait mindfulness in reducing defensive responses to mortality salience. | 2010 | Experimental study | |
| Neural correlates of mindfulness meditation-related anxiety relief Healthy adults with no prior meditation experience | 2013 | Within-subjects experimental study | n = 15 |
| Intensive mindfulness training-related changes in cognitive and emotional experience Community adults | 2009 | Quasi-experimental and longitudinal | n = 69 |
| Prospective examination of synthetic 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine inhalation: effects on salivary IL-6, cortisol levels, affect, and non-judgment Volunteers | 2019 | Within-subjects experimental study | n = 11 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 8
- Perspectives on Meditation-based Preparation for Psychedelic Experiences: Insights from Practitioners with Combined Meditation and Psychedelic Experience Mindfulness August 15, 2026
- Examining the implementation of a mindfulness-based intervention for anxiety: A mixed-method, single-case study investigation Klinik Psikoloji Dergisi March 10, 2026
- The effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in reducing anxiety and depression among students: a systematic review and meta-analysis Clinical Psychologist February 9, 2026
- Co-designed yoga nidra targeting anxiety in autistic children: A mixed methods feasibility study. Research in Developmental Disabilities September 2026
- The efficacy of mindfulness-based therapy for anxiety, social skills, and aggressive behaviors in children and young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A systematic review Frontiers in Psychiatry March 13, 2023
and 3 more in the library
Cites 4
- Salutary proximal processes and distal mood and anxiety vulnerability outcomes of mindfulness training: a pilot preventive intervention. Behavior Therapy September 2012
- Mindfulness-based stress reduction for patients with anxiety disorders: evaluation in a randomized controlled trial. Behaviour Research and Therapy January 27, 2011
- Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for hypochondriasis, or severe health anxiety: a pilot study. Journal of Anxiety Disorders June 25, 2010
- An outpatient program in behavioral medicine for chronic pain patients based on the practice of mindfulness meditation: theoretical considerations and preliminary results. General Hospital Psychiatry April 1, 1982