The effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) on depression, PTSD, and mindfulness among military veterans: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Wendy Wen Li, Jaime Nannestad, Timothy Leow, Carolyn Heward
Health psychology open January 1, 2024 DOI: 10.1177/20551029241302969
Summary
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) significantly alleviated depression and PTSD symptoms, showing medium effect sizes in a review of 13 studies involving 1,131 participants. Notably, veterans reported small improvements in mindfulness post-intervention. Follow-up assessments indicated that the benefits for depression and mindfulness persisted, while PTSD symptom relief did not maintain as strongly. Interestingly, there were no notable differences in outcomes between MBSR and traditional therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy or person-centered group therapy, suggesting comparable effectiveness in addressing mental health challenges within the defense force.
Abstract
Thirteen studies were included in the current systematic review and meta-analysis with 1131 participants. Both within- and between-group comparisons demonstrated reductions in depressive and PTSD symptoms with medium effect sizes post MBSR intervention. Additionally, MBSR demonstrated small effects in improving mindfulness in veterans at post-intervention. Maintenance of treatment effects were observed at follow-up for the three outcomes during within-group comparisons. Treatment effects were maintained at follow-up between-groups for depression and mindfulness, but not for PTSD symptoms. Furthermore, there were no significant differences between MBSR and cognitive behavioural therapy/person-centred group therapy intervention groups in the three outcomes.