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The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) for Anxiety Disorders: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Abstract
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) has gained attention as an intervention for anxiety disorders, focusing on cultivating mindfulness skills to reduce symptoms of anxiety and enhance overall well-being. This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluates the efficacy of MBSR in reducing anxiety symptoms and improving quality of life in individuals with anxiety disorders. Through an extensive literature review, the meta-analysis synthesizes effect sizes from RCTs assessing the effectiveness of MBSR compared to control conditions (e.g., waitlist, treatment as usual) in targeting symptoms of anxiety, including generalized anxiety, panic attacks, and social anxiety. Additionally, it examines potential moderators of treatment outcomes, such as intervention length, frequency of mindfulness practice, therapist guidance, and participant characteristics (e.g., age, gender), to better understand the factors influencing the effectiveness of MBSR for anxiety disorders.
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References
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