Perspectives on Psychological Science
February 16, 2021
Simon B. Goldberg, Kevin M. Riordan, Shufang Sun et al.
492 citations
Mindfulness-based interventions show superiority to passive controls across a wide range of populations, problems, interventions, comparisons, and outcomes, with effect sizes ranging from 0.10 to 0.89. Effects are typically smaller and less often statistically significant compared with active controls, though mindfulness-based interventions are similar or superior to specific active controls and evidence-based treatments. Heterogeneity is typically moderate, few consistent moderators are found, and results are generally robust to publication bias. Reporting of adverse effects is inconsistent, and statistical power may be lacking in meta-analyses, particularly for comparisons with active controls.
Journal of Counseling Psychology
July 15, 2021
Shufang Sun, Danhua Lin, Simon B. Goldberg et al.
148 citations
A mindfulness-based mobile health intervention reduced anxiety more than a social-support-based mobile health intervention among young adult students in quarantine in China who had elevated anxiety or depressive symptoms. Both groups improved on depression, with no significant difference between them. The mindfulness program was also rated as more feasible and acceptable. Emotional suppression reduction helped explain the improvements. The study suggests that delivering mindfulness or social support via smartphone apps can help reduce distress during a pandemic, with mindfulness especially effective for anxiety.
Mindfulness
September 1, 2023
Blair T Johnson, Rebecca L Acabchuk, Elisabeth A George et al.
45 citations
Mindfulness-based programs improve well-being in college students, with the strongest evidence for reducing anxiety and depressive symptoms. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 58 randomized controlled trials found that mindfulness interventions significantly outperformed both active and inactive controls, with the most marked effects on anxiety, depression, and mindfulness. Greater success appeared for clinical populations. Online programs performed equivalently to in-person programs, and non-mindfulness-based programs were equivalent to mindfulness-based programs after controlling for other factors. Publication bias and other quality issues emerged. More studies using stronger methods are needed to evaluate effects on additional health outcomes and online interventions in clinical populations.
Clinical Social Work Journal
June 16, 2026
Chase M. Bryer, Marinna Okawa, Sherente Harris et al.
A culturally grounded mindfulness intervention, IndigenousMIND-crafts, paired Elders and youth from a Northeastern tribal nation in weekend workshops that combined mindfulness with traditional crafts like corn husk dolls and finger weaving. Rapid Qualitative Analysis of interviews with 24 tribal citizens revealed three themes: cultural crafts fostered openness and affirmed identity, intergenerational engagement enhanced emotional well-being and community connection, and cultural transmission was seen as a vital responsibility linked to survival and ancestral ties. Participants reported immediate emotional benefits and a desire for sustained, culturally rooted programming, suggesting the intervention's potential for adaptation across tribal contexts.