Abstract
BackgroundMindfulness-based interventions are increasingly being implemented worldwide for problems with depression and anxiety, and they have shown evidence of efficacy. However, few studies have examined the effects of a mindfulness-based group therapy based on standard programs for depression and anxiety until follow-up in Japan. This study addresses that gap. Furthermore, this study explored the mechanisms of action, focusing on mindfulness, mind wandering, self-compassion, and the behavioral inhibition and behavioral activation systems (BIS/BAS) as possible mediators.MethodsWe examined 16 people who suffered from depression and/or anxiety in an 8-week mindfulness group therapy. Measurements were conducted using questionnaires on depression and trait-anxiety (outcome variables), mindfulness, mind wandering, self-compassion, and the BIS/BAS (process variables) at pre- and post-intervention and 2-month follow-up. Changes in the outcome and process variables were tested, and the correlations among the changes in those variables were explored.ResultsDepression and anxiety decreased significantly, with moderate to large effect sizes, from pre- to post-intervention and follow-up. In process variables, the observing and nonreactivity facets of mindfulness significantly increased from pre- to post-intervention and follow-up. The nonjudging facet of mindfulness and self-compassion significantly increased from pre-intervention to follow-up. Other facets of mindfulness, mind wandering, and the BIS/BAS did not significantly change. Improvements in some facets of mindfulness and self-compassion and reductions in BIS were significantly correlated with decreases in depression and anxiety.ConclusionsAn 8-week mindfulness group therapy program may be effective for people suffering from depression and anxiety in Japan. Mindfulness and self-compassion may be important mediators of the effects of the mindfulness group therapy. Future studies should confirm these findings by using a control group.Trial registrationUniversity Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN CTR) UMIN000022966. Registered July 1, 2016, https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000026425
Highlights
Mindfulness-based interventions are increasingly being implemented worldwide for problems with depression and anxiety, and they have shown evidence of efficacy
We found that depression and anxiety scores were significantly decreased after participation in an 8-week mindfulness group therapy for depressive and anxious people in Japan
The decrease in depression scores was sustained and anxiety scores decreased further from post-intervention to 2-month FU. Those results show the efficacy of this 8-week mindfulness group therapy for depression and anxiety in Japan and indicate the feasibility of further randomized controlled trials
Summary
Mindfulness-based interventions are increasingly being implemented worldwide for problems with depression and anxiety, and they have shown evidence of efficacy. Few studies have examined the effects of a mindfulness-based group therapy based on standard programs for depression and anxiety until follow-up in Japan. Two standard mindfulness approaches exist: MBSR and mindfulnessbased cognitive therapy (MBCT) [3] Both have been developed as 8-week programs where practitioners observe their sensations, emotions, and thoughts with a non-reactive attitude. Few studies have been used to assess the effects of mindfulness group therapy based on a standard 8-week program for depression and/or anxiety in Japan. Yanagisawa et al [5] found a significant decrease in depression and a significant increase of quality of life in their single-arm study They did not monitor changes in anxiety or show the results of follow-up (FU) assessment. It will necessary to further clarify the changes in depression and anxiety through the mindfulness program in future randomized controlled trials
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