The effects of mindfulness-based techniques on self-rumination, cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression among patients with major depression: a nursing perspective.

Mindfulness-based techniques (MBTs) improve mindful attention awareness, self-reflection, cognitive reappraisal, and expressive suppression in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) compared to those not receiving MBTs. In a quasi-experimental study with 120 patients, those in the MBT group showed significantly greater improvements in all measured outcomes, including reductions in self-rumination. The findings suggest MBTs are a promising complementary intervention for MDD, and training nurses to deliver these techniques could enhance patient care. Longitudinal studies are needed to assess whether these benefits persist over time.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) often struggle with adaptive strategies like self-reflection and cognitive reappraisal, relying instead on maladaptive ones like self-rumination and emotional suppression. Mindfulness-based techniques (MBTs) have been identified as a promising complementary psychological intervention for this population. To evaluate the effects of MBTs on mindful attention awareness, self-rumination, self-reflection, cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression in patients with MDD between patients who receive MBTs and those who do not. This quasi-experimental research was carried out at the Psychiatric Outpatient Clinics. A representative sample of 120 patients with MDD were randomly recruited to either a study group (n = 60) or a control group (n = 60). The Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), The Rumination-Reflection Questionnaire (RRQ) and The Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) were utilised to collect data. After participation in MBTs, the study group had significantly greater improvements in the mean scores of MAAS, RRQ, Cognitive Reappraisal and Expressive Suppression compared to the control group (p < 0.001 each). The study recommends developing and implementing training programmes for nurses to equip them with the skills and knowledge to effectively deliver MBTs as part of patient care. Conducting longitudinal studies is necessary to assess the sustainability of these improvements.