Mindfulness-based interventions among people of color: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective In the United States, people of color (POC) are disproportionately affected by various sources of stress and prevalent mental and physical health issues that may benefit from Mindfulness-based Interventions (MBIs). However, effects of MBIs for POC are unclear. This meta-analysis examines the efficacy of MBIs through randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that included predominately POC (≥75% of the sample). Method: Random effects models were used to synthesize effect sizes. A total of 24 RCT samples were analyzed. Results: Samples were on average 94.4% POC and predominantly from low-income backgrounds (total N = 2,156). At post-treatment, MBIs yielded small but statistically superior outcomes to active controls (Hedges' g = 0.11) and inactive controls (g = 0.26). Compared to active controls, MBIs' effects on well-being were smaller than their effects on other outcome types. Compared to inactive controls, MBIs that focused on non-clinical populations and had higher proportion of POC had larger effect sizes. Attrition rates of MBIs did not differ from other active conditions in outpatient settings. Conclusion: Findings provide modest, preliminary empirical support for MBIs among POC. We discuss main findings, limitations, and implications for future MBI research for health promotion among POC.