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EMBRACE Study: Outcomes of a Randomized, Mindfulness-Based Intervention for Adults with Congenital Heart Disease.

Vicki A Freedenberg, Rachel Steury, Robert Podolsky, Anitha S John

Pediatric cardiology July 2, 2025 DOI: 10.1007/s00246-025-03933-2 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Randomized wait-list control study Qualitative Peer reviewed
Sample size 31
Population Adults with congenital heart disease
Intervention Mindfulness-based behavioral intervention
Duration 6-week intervention, 3-month post-intervention follow-up
Topics Anxiety Depression Meditation
Keywords Congenital heart disease Coping Hads Mindfulness-based behavioral intervention Resilience Virtual intervention Virtual mindfulness intervention Mental health improvement
Key points A virtual mindfulness-based behavioral intervention led to meaningful improvements in anxiety, depression, resilience, and mindfulness among adults with congenital heart disease, with 97% of participants finding the program effective.

Abstract

Adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) have high rates of anxiety and depression. Strategies to manage the stress of having a chronic disease, improve coping skills and resilience can reduce these rates. To examine the effectiveness of an ACHD-specific, real-time virtual mindfulness-based behavioral intervention (MBBI) on mental health and resilience. A randomized wait-list control study was conducted, testing a virtual MBBI for 90 min once weekly × 6 weeks compared to standard of care (SOC) control. Primary outcomes of anxiety and depression were assessed through the Hospital and Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-A/HADS-D), while secondary outcomes of resilience and mindfulness were assessed through the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS) and Cognitive and Affective Mindfulness Scale-Revised (CAMS-R), respectively. Outcomes were assessed pre-post-intervention and 3-month post-intervention. Forty-one participants were recruited. Thirty-one participants (average age = 39.7 + 12.6 years, 64.5% female) completed the study, attending an average of 5 sessions. While the randomization groups did not show differences in changes in any outcomes, participants did show meaningful improvements after the EMBRACE intervention in anxiety [60.9% with decreased HADS-A (95% CI 43.8-76.8%)]; depression [48.4% with decreased HADS-D (95% CI 31.6-65.5%)]; resilience [43.6% with increased BRS score (95% CI 26.9-61.0%)]; and mindfulness [69.4% with increased CAMS-R-score (95% CI 52.3-84.0%)] scores. Satisfaction surveys revealed that 97% found the program effective. Major qualitative themes included community connections, focus on self-care and self-management. The EMBRACE study demonstrates the effectiveness of a virtual intervention to improve mental health, resilience, and coping skills. Further study is needed to evaluate the long-term benefits and sustainability for ACHD patients.

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

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Anxiety Depression Meditation