A pilot study comparing the effects of mindfulness-based and cognitive-behavioral stress reduction
Bruce W Smith1, Brian M Shelley, Jeanne Dalen
1Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 85131-1161, USA. bwsmith@unm.edu
Summary
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) showed greater improvements in well-being, energy, and pain compared to Cognitive-Behavioral Stress Reduction (CBSR). Both interventions reduced stress and depression, but MBSR offered broader benefits.
Area of Science:
- Mind-body interventions
- Psychological well-being
- Stress reduction
Background:
- Mind-body interventions are increasingly studied for their therapeutic potential.
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Cognitive-Behavioral Stress Reduction (CBSR) are two distinct approaches.
- Understanding their comparative efficacy is crucial for clinical application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To pilot a comparison between MBSR and CBSR.
- To evaluate the differential effects of these two stress reduction techniques.
- To assess outcomes across multiple psychological and physical domains.
Main Methods:
- Fifty community subjects self-selected into either an 8-week MBSR or CBSR course.
- MBSR involved meditation, yoga, and body scanning; CBSR used cognitive and behavioral techniques.
- Perceived stress, depression, well-being, neuroticism, binge eating, energy, pain, and mindfulness were assessed pre- and post-intervention.
Main Results:
- MBSR participants demonstrated significant improvements across all eight measured outcomes.
- CBSR participants showed significant improvements in well-being, perceived stress, and depression.
- Multivariate analyses indicated superior outcomes for MBSR across all variables compared to CBSR.
Conclusions:
- Both MBSR and CBSR can effectively reduce perceived stress and depression.
- MBSR appears more effective for enhancing mindfulness and energy, and alleviating pain.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms behind these differential effects.
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