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Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: a Systematic Review of Cognitive Outcomes

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Abstract

Objectives

Summarize existing literature on cognitive outcomes of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) for individuals with depression.

Methods

Following PRISMA (2021) guidance, we conducted a systematic review. We searched databases for studies published from 2000 to 2020 which examined cognitive outcomes of MBSR and MBCT in individuals with at least mild depressive symptoms. The search results in 10 studies (11 articles) meeting inclusion criteria.

Results

We identified five single-arm trials and five randomized controlled trials. Results indicated that three studies did not show any improvements on cognitive outcomes, and seven studies showed at least one improvement in cognitive outcomes.

Conclusions

Overall, the review highlighted several inconsistencies in the literature including inconsistent use of terminology, disparate samples, and inconsistent use of methodology. These inconsistencies may help to explain the mixed results of MBSR and MBCT on cognitive outcomes. Recommendations include a more streamlined approach to studying cognitive outcomes in depressed individuals in the context of MBSR and MBCT.

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Funding

This work was funded by the National Center for Complimentary and Integrative Health Grant #: F32AT010560 (PI: Kraines).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Butler Hospital, 345 Blackstone Blvd, Providence, RI, 02906, USA

    Morganne A. Kraines, Geoffrey N. Tremont, Judson A. Brewer & Lisa A. Uebelacker

  2. Behavioral Medicine and Addictions Research, Butler Hospital, Providence, USA

    Morganne A. Kraines & Lisa A. Uebelacker

  3. Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York City, USA

    Summer K. Peterson

  4. Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, USA

    Geoffrey N. Tremont

  5. McLean Hospital, Belmont, USA

    Courtney Beard

  6. Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA

    Courtney Beard

  7. Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, USA

    Judson A. Brewer

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  1. Morganne A. Kraines
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  2. Summer K. Peterson
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  3. Geoffrey N. Tremont
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  4. Courtney Beard
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  5. Judson A. Brewer
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  6. Lisa A. Uebelacker
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Contributions

MAK conceptualized and executed the study; searched databases; reviewed titles, abstracts, and full texts; and wrote the paper. SKP reviewed titles and abstracts and reviewed drafts of the manuscript. GNT assisted with design and inclusion criteria, and edited the manuscript. CB assisted with reviewing and editing the manuscript. JAB reviewed and edited the manuscript. LAU assisted with conceptualization of the review, and reviewed drafts of the manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Morganne A. Kraines.

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This manuscript does not contain clinical studies or patient data.

Conflict of Interest

Lisa Uebelacker’s spouse is employed by Abbvie Pharmaceuticals. The remaining authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Kraines, M.A., Peterson, S.K., Tremont, G.N. et al. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: a Systematic Review of Cognitive Outcomes. Mindfulness 13, 1126–1135 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-022-01841-7

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