Baseline trait mindfulness moderates the efficacy of mindfulness interventions and active controls: A meta-analysis of 177 randomised controlled trials

Kathrin Sieder, Phillip Thiedmann, Martin Voracek, Ulrich Tran (Corresponding author)

Publications: Contribution to journalArticlePeer Reviewed

Abstract

Previous evidence suggests that benefits of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) may depend on individuals' baseline trait mindfulness (BTM) levels. This meta-analysis investigated moderating effects of BTM on changes in mental health outcomes and trait mindfulness in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of MBIs. A total of 177 primary studies (total N = 13,486), comparing the treatment effects of MBIs against active, treatment-as-usual (TAU) and waitlist control groups, were synthesised via three-level meta-analysis. Lower BTM was associated with larger changes in mental health outcomes (B = −0.14, 95% CI [−0.21, −0.06], p <.001) and trait mindfulness (B = −0.09 [−0.16, −0.02], p =.009) in MBIs and active controls combined. These associations were significantly larger than from those in TAU and waitlist controls. Moderating effects were less tangible for changes in trait mindfulness in MBIs and active controls individually and less tangible in various sensitivity analyses which, however, were confounded by client type across the RCTs. Individuals low in BTM may, by a small effect size, benefit more from MBIs and active control interventions. BTM may thus affect the evaluation of treatment efficacy. MBIs and active interventions could be offered specifically to persons low in BTM.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2499-2519
Number of pages21
JournalApplied Psychology: Health and Well-Being
Volume16
Issue number4
Early online date9 May 2024
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2024

Austrian Fields of Science 2012

  • 501004 Differential psychology

Keywords

  • meditation
  • mental health
  • mindfulness-based interventions (MBI)
  • randomised controlled trial (RCT)
  • three-level meta-analysis

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