Mindfulness and self-compassion in generalized anxiety disorder: examining predictors of disability.
Elizabeth A Hoge, Britta K. Hölzel, Luana Marques, Christina A. Metcalf, Narayan Brach, Sara W. Lazar, Naomi M Simon
Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine September 23, 2013 DOI: 10.1155/2013/576258 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case-control study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 136 |
| Population | 87 patients with generalized anxiety disorder and 49 healthy stressed controls |
| Measures | Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, Self-Compassion Scale, Sheehan Disability Scale |
| Topics | Anxiety Meditation |
| Key findings | GAD patients showed lower mindfulness and self-compassion than healthy stressed controls, and both were negatively correlated with anxiety, worry, and anxiety sensitivity. In patients, mindfulness predicted disability better than anxiety symptom scores, suggesting it may buffer against disability in the presence of anxiety symptoms. |
Abstract
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a condition characterized by worry and physiological arousal symptoms that causes significant disabilities in patients' lives. In order to improve psychotherapeutic interventions, a careful characterization of the deficiencies of this population as well as factors that ameliorate disability is crucial. Variables that have not traditionally been the focus of research should be considered, such as trait mindfulness and self-compassion. We investigated whether GAD patients would report lower mindfulness and self-compassion levels than healthy stressed individuals. Eighty-seven GAD patients and 49 healthy controls completed the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, the Self-Compassion Scale, and measures of anxiety. Patients with GAD also completed the Sheehan Disability Scale. Results showed that GAD patients had lower mindfulness and self-compassion than healthy stressed controls, and both were negatively correlated with levels of anxiety, worry, and anxiety sensitivity. In patients, mindfulness was a better predictor of disability than actual anxiety symptom scores. These findings highlight that in the presence of anxiety symptoms, mindfulness can be a factor that helps protect against feeling disabled by the disorder. The findings thereby add an important variable to the characterization of this disorder and should be taken into consideration for future treatment development.
Comparable studies
Other observational and cohort studies on anxiety, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Effectiveness of a meditation-based stress reduction program in the treatment of anxiety disorders Patients with generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder with or without agoraphobia | 1992 | Observational cohort | n = 22 |
| Antidepressant effects of a single dose of ayahuasca in patients with recurrent depression: a preliminary report Patients with a depressive disorder | 2015 | Observational study | |
| Patterning of Cognitive and Somatic Processes in the Self-Regulation of Anxiety: Effects of Meditation versus Exercise Regular practitioners of physical exercise or meditation | 1978 | Retrospective study | n = 77 |
| Dynamic coupling of whole-brain neuronal and neurotransmitter systems Healthy humans | 2020 | Observational study | |
| Psychedelics not linked to mental health problems or suicidal behavior: A population study Randomly selected United States adults | 2015 | Observational cohort | n = 135,095 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 7
- Zen meditation, Length of Telomeres, and the Role of Experiential Avoidance and Compassion Mindfulness February 22, 2016
- Changes in mindfulness facets across yoga, CBT and stress education in individuals with generalized anxiety disorder. Journal of Mood and Anxiety Disorders June 1, 2024
- The combined role of metacognition and mindfulness in social anxiety symptoms: A path model Psihologija August 29, 2023
- The effect of self-compassion versus mindfulness interventions on autonomic responses to stress in generalized anxiety disorders Frontiers in Psychiatry February 4, 2025
- Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Efficacy of an App-Based Meditation Intervention to Improve Firefighter Well-Being During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic (Preprint) November 14, 2021
and 2 more in the library
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