Effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction in a community sample over 2 years

BACKGROUND: Although numerous studies have demonstrated that mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) improves clinical and non clinical outcomes, few studies have followed MBSR participants for >12 months, and few have analyzed post-intervention home practice. METHODS: We followed a community sample of 247 self-referred adults for 2 years after completion of an 8-week MBSR program. Dependent variables, including self-reported anxiety, depression, perceived wellness, mindfulness, and duration and frequency of continued home practice, were measured before and after the program and every 6 months after. RESULTS: Participants reported significantly improved symptoms of depression and anxiety, increased perceived wellness, and increased mindfulness after the 8-week intervention compared with pre-intervention reports. These improvements persisted for 2 years. Correlations between post-intervention home practice and mindfulness indicated that individuals who continued to practice developed greater mindfulness, which was associated with improved mental health and wellness. CONCLUSIONS: Participants who completed the MBSR program reported significant improvements in anxiety, depression, perceived wellness, and mindfulness during the program.