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The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) for Chronic Pain: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Abstract
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) has emerged as a promising intervention for chronic pain management, emphasizing non-judgmental awareness of present moment experiences and cultivating adaptive coping strategies. This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluates the efficacy of MBSR in reducing pain intensity and improving overall functioning in individuals with chronic pain conditions. 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, other interventions) in targeting chronic pain symptoms, including pain severity, pain interference, and psychological distress. Additionally, it examines potential moderators of treatment outcomes, such as treatment duration, frequency of sessions, therapist experience, and participant characteristics (e.g., pain duration, pain etiology), to better understand the factors influencing the effectiveness of MBSR for chronic pain management.
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References
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