Perceived changes of Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, tailored for people with a spinal cord injury: a qualitative study
Tijn van Diemen, Ellen Kaal, Christel van Leeuwen, Anne E. M. Speckens, Ilse van Nes
Research Square September 29, 2026 preprint DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-10839548/v1 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 15 |
| Population | Individuals with spinal cord injury in outpatient rehabilitation in Nijmegen, the Netherlands |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) |
| Duration | 8-session in-person group program |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | Participants reported increased acceptance of spinal cord injury-related consequences, greater emotional calm, and enhanced management of pain and fatigue, along with a distinct theme of connection with affected body parts. The authors conclude that tailored MBCT appears to support psychological well-being and aspects of physical functioning, and that larger controlled studies are needed to confirm durability and generalizability. |
Abstract
Abstract Study
Design: A qualitative study.
Objectives: Individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) frequently experience substantial physical and psychological challenges. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) has demonstrated beneficial effects across various medical and psychiatric populations. However, evidence in individuals with SCI remains limited. To our knowledge, this is the first qualitative study exploring perceived psychological and physical changes following participation in a tailored 8-session in-person MBCT group program.
Setting: Outpatient rehabilitation, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
Methods: This study was conducted using in-depth semi-structured interviews with fifteen individuals with SCI, who followed the tailored MBCT program. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.
Results: The analysis of the qualitative data identified five key themes: Awareness, Insight, Recognition of automatic patterns, Change in behaviour, and Effects of changed behaviour comprising eleven subthemes. Participants reported increased acceptance of SCI-related consequences, greater emotional calm, and enhanced management of pain and fatigue. A unique theme, Connection with affected body parts, emerged, reflecting the specific relevance of mindfulness practices for individuals living with sensory and motor impairments.
Conclusions: A tailored MBCT training for people with SCI, appears to support psychological well-being and aspects of physical functioning. Awareness of emotions, thoughts and automatic partners results in letting go of control and respecting one’s own boundaries, leading to more acceptance of the SCI, enhancing inner calm and experiencing more control over bodily sensations, especially pain. These findings highlight the potential value of tailored mindfulness interventions in SCI rehabilitation. Larger, controlled studies are needed to confirm the durability and generalizability of these outcomes.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on meditation, most cited first.