Peer-supported mindfulness-based intervention for managing depressive symptoms in community-dwelling older adults: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial.
Yun-Lin Wang, Yun-Han Wang, Dara Kiu Yi Leung, Stephanie Ming Yin Wong, Zuna Loong Yee Ng, Raymond Chi Leung Chan, Oscar Long Hung Chan, Wai Chi Chan, Gloria Hoi Yan Wong, Terry Yat Sang Lum
Contemporary Clinical Trials June 20, 2025 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2025.107991 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 138 |
| Population | Community-dwelling older adults above 60 years old with mild to moderately severe depressive symptoms |
| Interventions | Mindfulness-based intervention Peer-supported mindfulness-based intervention |
| Duration | 6-week intervention, 3-month follow-up |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Depressive symptoms Older adults Peer support Social worker Mindfulness interventions |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key findings | The study will suggest the efficacy and scalability of a peer-supported mindfulness-based intervention in reducing depressive symptoms among older adults. |
Abstract
Depression in old age is a public health concern contributing to individual and societal burdens. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) have shown promise in reducing depressive symptoms. However, time commitments associated with these interventions could pose challenges to older adults. To address this, we propose a briefer mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) with peer supporters to engage and support participants experiencing time constraints and distress. This protocol describes a study examining the efficacy of a peer-supported MBI in reducing depressive symptoms among older adults. The study involves a two-arm randomized controlled trial and a propensity score-matched comparison group. Participants will receive either (1) a social worker-led MBI consisting of six weekly 2-h sessions or (2) the same MBI supplemented with peer supporters. A total of 138 community-dwelling older adults above 60 years old, with mild to moderately severe depressive symptoms, will be recruited through local non-governmental organizations. Study metrics will be assessed at baseline, completion of the intervention, and 3 months following the intervention, through self-assessed questionnaires. The primary outcome is depressive symptoms measured by PHQ-9. Data (n = 69) from a prior study involving mindfulness teacher-led MBCT with the same participant criteria and data collection procedures will be matched to the other two groups using propensity scores. The study results will suggest the efficacy and scalability of a peer-supported MBI in community mental health services, improving intervention accessibility and the mental health of older adults. ClinicalTrials.govNCT06528132 on 30 July 2024.
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
Cites 7
- Effects of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy on Depression and Anxiety in Late Life: A Meta-Analysis. Alpha psychiatry 2024
- Effectiveness of an age-modified mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) in improving mental health in older people with depressive symptoms: a non-randomised controlled trial. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies February 26, 2025
- Improving depressive symptoms and maintaining cognitive abilities of seniors within the nursing homes: A pilot study of brief mindfulness-based interventions for seniors in a semi-randomized trial. Frontiers in Psychology 2022
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy with Older Adults: A Qualitative Review of Randomized Controlled Outcome Research Clinical Gerontologist September 11, 2018
- Cognitive reactivity as outcome and working mechanism of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for recurrently depressed patients in remission. Cognition & Emotion March 2018
and 2 more in the library