Baseline trait mindfulness moderates the efficacy of mindfulness interventions and active controls: A meta-analysis of 177 randomised controlled trials.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to investigate whether baseline trait mindfulness (BTM) levels moderate the effects of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) on mental health outcomes and trait mindfulness in randomized controlled trials.
Results Summary
Lower BTM was associated with larger improvements in mental health outcomes and trait mindfulness, particularly in MBIs and active controls compared to TAU and waitlist controls. The effect sizes were small but significant, suggesting individuals with low BTM may benefit more from MBIs and active interventions.
Population
Participants from 177 randomized controlled trials (total N = 13,486).
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) | decrease | mental health outcomes | individuals with lower baseline trait mindfulness | B = -0.14, 95% CI [-0.21, -0.06], p < .001 | larger changes | #1 |
mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) | increase | trait mindfulness | individuals with lower baseline trait mindfulness | B = -0.09 [-0.16, -0.02], p = .009 | larger changes | #2 |
mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) | increase | - | individuals low in baseline trait mindfulness | by a small effect size | benefit more | #3 |
active control interventions | increase | - | individuals low in baseline trait mindfulness | by a small effect size | benefit more | #4 |
Previous evidence suggests that benefits of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) may depend on individuals' baseline trait mindfulness (BTM) levels. This meta-analysis investigated moderating effects of BTM on changes in mental health outcomes and trait mindfulness in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of MBIs. A total of 177 primary studies (total N = 13,486), comparing the treatment effects of MBIs against active, treatment-as-usual (TAU) and waitlist control groups, were synthesised via three-level meta-analysis. Lower BTM was associated with larger changes in mental health outcomes (B = -0.14, 95% CI [-0.21, -0.06], p < .001) and trait mindfulness (B = -0.09 [-0.16, -0.02], p = .009) in MBIs and active controls combined. These associations were significantly larger than from those in TAU and waitlist controls. Moderating effects were less tangible for changes in trait mindfulness in MBIs and active controls individually and less tangible in various sensitivity analyses which, however, were confounded by client type across the RCTs. Individuals low in BTM may, by a small effect size, benefit more from MBIs and active control interventions. BTM may thus affect the evaluation of treatment efficacy. MBIs and active interventions could be offered specifically to persons low in BTM.