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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 popularity as a therapeutic approach for anxiety disorders, aiming to cultivate mindfulness skills and promote acceptance of present-moment experiences. This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluates the efficacy of MBSR in reducing anxiety symptoms and improving overall well-being 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, other psychotherapies) in targeting anxiety symptoms, including generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic attacks, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Additionally, it examines potential moderators of treatment outcomes, such as treatment duration, frequency of sessions, therapist involvement, and participant characteristics (e.g., age, comorbidities), to better understand the factors influencing the effectiveness of MBSR for anxiety disorders.
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References
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