Increased mindfulness--the active component of the mindfulness-based stress reduction program?

Abstract

While there is growing consensus that Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an effective program for patients with a wide range of health problems, little is known with regard to the processes underlying benefits seen following the program. Herein we examined the relationship between increases in mindfulness and improvements in patient outcomes. We sought to determine if there was a relationship between the practice of various types of meditation taught during the program and post-MBSR results. Eighty-three chronic ill patients provided pre- and post-MBSR data. An increase in mindfulness was significantly related to reductions in depressive symptoms, stress, medical symptoms and an increase in overall sense of coherence. However, the relationship between practice and outcomes was less evident. Future research is needed to identify which factors lead to an increase in mindfulness.