Stress is a key feature of modern life for many people. Unfortunately, there can be negative consequences of too much or prolonged stress. Can Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) programs help to reduce and manage stress?
A new Campbell systematic review shows that Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) programs can relieve stress and provide people with the tools to cope with a busy lifestyle. Furthermore, the systematic review documents other positive effects of the MBSR program, such as better mental health and improved quality of life.
Mindfulness has become an increasingly popular method of dealing with stress. In the late 1970s American stress expert Jon Kabat-Zinn developed the MBSR program- an 8-week course which brings together meditation and yoga. Through this course participants learn how to be more aware of their surroundings and what is happening inside them. The theory behind practicing mindfulness is that training in increasing one’s awareness should help to relieve stress and stress related problems.
Although a range of different courses are now available for people seeking training in mindfulness, this review is limited only to studies which examine the specific type of mindfulness training developed by Kabat-Zinn. The review included 26 randomized controlled studies from six countries and people with mild to moderate psychological problems, people with various somatic conditions and people from the general population were equally represented. Consistent positive effects across the studies indicate that MBSR programs work in a wide range of contexts.
The review team was led by Arild Bjørndal, director at The Centre for Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Eastern and Southern Norway (RBUP) and Steering Group Co-chair of The Campbell Collaboration.