Article
Details
Citation
Howarth A, Smith J, Perkins-Porras L & Ussher M (2019) Effects of Brief Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Health-Related Outcomes: a Systematic Review. Mindfulness, 10 (10), pp. 1957-1968. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-019-01163-1
Abstract
Objectives
Traditional mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have been applied successfully across many populations. The
time commitment for these programs is often a barrier, and while brief MBIs have become popular, the impact of these on healthrelated
outcomes is unclear as they have not yet been reviewed.
Methods
A search of databases, including Medline, Embase, and PsycINFO, was conducted with qualitative and case studies
being excluded. Findings were summarized using a narrative approach for all studies that met the inclusion criteria.
Results
With one exception, all 85 studies that were included were randomized controlled trials and were relatively robust
methodologically. Seventy-nine reported significant positive effects on at least one health-related outcome and over a quarter
targeted a clinical population. The majority of studies focused on psychological outcomes, such as anxiety and depression, as
well as emotion regulation, stress, and cognitive outcomes.
Conclusions
Despite heterogeneity of outcomes across studies, there is evidence that brief MBIs can impact numerous healthrelated
outcomes, after only one session and with interventions as brief as 5 min. These interventions have the potential to be the
initial steps leading to sustainable and positive health outcomes.
Keywords
Mindfulness; Brief interventions; Systematic review; Health outcomes
Journal
Mindfulness: Volume 10, Issue 10
Status | Published |
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Publication date | 31/10/2019 |
Publication date online | 31/05/2019 |
Date accepted by journal | 31/05/2019 |
URL | http://hdl.handle.net/1893/29778 |
ISSN | 1868-8527 |
eISSN | 1868-8535 |
People (1)
Professor of Behavioural Medicine, Institute for Social Marketing