Changes in depression and anxiety through mindfulness group therapy in Japan

The role of mindfulness and self-compassion as possible mediators

Datos Bibliográficos

ID19536632
AutoresToru Takahashi (0000-0003-3245-1669, Waseda University, autor de correspondencia), Fukiko Sugiyama (Bunkyo Gakuin University), Tomoki Kikai (Waseda University), Issaku Kawashima (0000-0002-8420-7150, Research Organization of Information and Systems), Siqing Guan (0009-0006-1628-015X, Waseda University), Mana Oguchi (0000-0002-1042-198X, Waseda University), Taro Uchida (0000-0002-9651-9821, Waseda University), Hiroaki Kumano (0000-0001-6245-5535, Waseda University)
Año2019
Volumen13
Número1
Páginas4-4
Fecha de publicación2019-12-01
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaBioPsychoSocial Medicine (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 1751-0759 • E-ISSN: 1751-0759
EditorialSpringer Science and Business Media LLC (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1186/s13030-019-0145-4
PMID30820241
OpenAlexW2918613438
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas11
Referencias citadas25

BACKGROUND: Mindfulness-based interventions are increasingly being implemented worldwide for problems with depression and anxiety, and they have shown evidence of efficacy. However, few studies have examined the effects of a mindfulness-based group therapy based on standard programs for depression and anxiety until follow-up in Japan. This study addresses that gap. Furthermore, this study explored the mechanisms of action, focusing on mindfulness, mind wandering, self-compassion, and the behavioral inhibition and behavioral activation systems (BIS/BAS) as possible mediators. METHODS: We examined 16 people who suffered from depression and/or anxiety in an 8-week mindfulness group therapy. Measurements were conducted using questionnaires on depression and trait-anxiety (outcome variables), mindfulness, mind wandering, self-compassion, and the BIS/BAS (process variables) at pre- and post-intervention and 2-month follow-up. Changes in the outcome and process variables were tested, and the correlations among the changes in those variables were explored. RESULTS: Depression and anxiety decreased significantly, with moderate to large effect sizes, from pre- to post-intervention and follow-up. In process variables, the observing and nonreactivity facets of mindfulness significantly increased from pre- to post-intervention and follow-up. The nonjudging facet of mindfulness and self-compassion significantly increased from pre-intervention to follow-up. Other facets of mindfulness, mind wandering, and the BIS/BAS did not significantly change. Improvements in some facets of mindfulness and self-compassion and reductions in BIS were significantly correlated with decreases in depression and anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: An 8-week mindfulness group therapy program may be effective for people suffering from depression and anxiety in Japan. Mindfulness and self-compassion may be important mediators of the effects of the mindfulness group therapy. Future studies should confirm these findings by using a control group. TRIAL REGISTRATION: University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN CTR) UMIN000022966. Registered July 1, 2016, https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000026425

Anxiety · Compassion · Mindfulness · Psychiatry · Psychological intervention · Psychotherapist · Self-compassion · Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes · Clinical Psychology · Digital Mental Health Interventions · Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions · Psychology