A meta-analytic investigation of the impact of mindfulness-based interventions on post traumatic stress.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in reducing PTSD symptoms compared to control conditions and to examine whether changes in mindfulness mediated these effects.
Results Summary
Mindfulness-based interventions were effective in reducing PTSD symptoms (Hedges' g=-0.44) and significantly increased mindfulness (Hedges' g=0.52). Longer mindfulness training was associated with greater efficacy in symptom reduction.
Population
Individuals with PTSD (21 samples across 18 studies, including varying demographics such as veterans).
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
mindfulness-based treatments | decrease | symptoms of PTSD | participants | Hedges' g=-0.44 | were effective in ameliorating | #1 |
mindfulness-based interventions | decrease | symptoms of PTSD | participants | Hedges' g=-0.59 | were effective in ameliorating | #2 |
mindfulness-based interventions | increase | mindfulness | participants | Hedges' g=0.52 | significantly increased | #3 |
interventions with longer mindfulness training | decrease | symptoms of PTSD | participants | - | were more efficacious in reducing | #4 |
mindfulness-based interventions | no change | symptoms of PTSD | participants | - | did not moderate the impact | #5 |
A number of studies have investigated the impact of mindfulness-based interventions on symptoms of post-traumatic stress (PTSD) compared to control conditions. The current meta-analysis consolidated findings from 18 studies reporting results for 21 samples of participants. Across studies, mindfulness-based treatments compared to control conditions were effective in ameliorating symptoms of PTSD, with Hedges' g=-0.44. Hedges' g was -0.59 for comparison of mindfulness-based interventions to waitlist control conditions. Changes in mindfulness may underpin the effect of mindfulness-based interventions on PTSD symptoms and thus the meta-analysis examined findings regarding increases in mindfulness. The 12 studies that assessed mindfulness found that the interventions significantly increased mindfulness, Hedges' g=0.52. Moderator analyses indicated that interventions with longer mindfulness training were more efficacious in reducing symptoms of PTSD. Across studies, gender, age, veteran status, or length of time between the intervention and assessment of PTSD symptoms did not moderate the impact of mindfulness-based interventions. The results provide a foundation for future research directions and have implications for work with those impacted by trauma.