Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms

doi:10.1177/2156587214533703

Paper

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms

Published May 7, 2014 · Rachel E. Goldsmith, James I. Gerhart, Samantha A. Chesney

Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine

UNKNOWN SJR score

47

Citations

3

Influential Citations

Full textSemantic Scholar

Abstract

Mindfulness-based psychotherapies are associated with reductions in depression and anxiety. However, few studies address whether mindfulness-based approaches may benefit individuals with posttraumatic stress symptoms. The current pilot study explored whether group mindfulness-based stress reduction therapy reduced posttraumatic stress symptoms, depression, and negative trauma-related appraisals in 9 adult participants who reported trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress or depression. Participants completed 8 sessions of mindfulness-based stress reduction treatment, as well as pretreatment, midtreatment, and posttreatment assessments of psychological symptoms, acceptance of emotional experiences, and trauma appraisals. Posttraumatic stress symptoms, depression, and shame-based trauma appraisals were reduced over the 8-week period, whereas acceptance of emotional experiences increased. Participants’ self-reported amount of weekly mindfulness practice was related to increased acceptance of emotional experiences from pretreatment to posttreatment. Results support the utility of mindfulness-based therapies for posttraumatic stress symptoms and reinforce studies that highlight reducing shame and increasing acceptance as important elements of recovery from trauma.

Non-RCT

Rigorous Journal

Study Snapshot

Key takeawayMindfulness-based stress reduction therapy effectively reduces posttraumatic stress symptoms, depression, and shame-based trauma appraisals, while increasing acceptance of emotional experiences.

PopulationOlder adults (50-71 years)

Sample size24

MethodsObservational

OutcomesBody Mass Index projections

ResultsSocial networks mitigate obesity in older groups.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms

References

Citations