A Review of the Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

In the past 20 years, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) has been widely used to help people manage depression and anxiety. 

Gkintoni et al. reviewed 87 research papers from 2013 to 2024 to understand the impacts of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) on brain function, emotional well-being, and mental health. The review highlighted that MBCT is effective in reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Further, the review demonstrates the effectiveness of MBCT in improving cognitive functions and emotion regulation. 

The authors emphasized that MBCT is a promising intervention that can bring changes in our neurobiology. Future research in this field should investigate the long-term benefits of MBCT and investigate the mechanisms of this neurobiological change. 

https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14051703 

Found in: AMRA Mindfulness Research Monthly, Vol 16, No 185 https://goamra.org/ 

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy Reduces Body Image Concerns in Pregnant Women

Pregnancy is a vulnerable time for women, characterized by significant physical and physiological changes. Concerns about body image during pregnancy are highly prevalent. Negative perceptions may lead to harmful behaviors like extreme dieting or over-exercising, which can contribute to inadequate weight gain, premature birth, low birth weight, and hindered development for both the child and the mother.

Farahabadi et al. sought to address the limited research on the effect of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) on body image dissatisfaction during pregnancy. 50 pregnant women in Iran participated, with half the group undergoing 8 weeks of MBCT. Sessions included practices and homework related to bodily awareness. Participants were assessed using the Body Image Concerns questionnaire.

Findings revealed that MBCT significantly reduced overall body image concerns and improved all measured dimensions of body image in the experimental group. This suggests that MBCT is an effective intervention for addressing body dissatisfaction during pregnancy. The researchers encourage healthcare providers to pay special attention to psychological states, including providing counselling or MBCT for pregnant women.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eurox.2025.100387 

Found in: AMRA Mindfulness Research Monthly, Vol 16, No 185 https://goamra.org/