Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy—Taking it Further (MBCT-TiF) compared to Ongoing Mindfulness Practice (OMP) in the promotion of well-being and mental health: A randomised controlled trial with graduates of MBCT and MBSR ^☆

Abstract

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness and acceptability of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy-Taking it Further (MBCT-TiF), as an adapted programme for graduates of MBCT and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). MBCT-TiF sits within a global mental health approach, which aims to help shift a wider distribution of the population towards mental well-being and away from mental ill health using a family of MBCT curricula. The primary hypothesis was that MBCT-TiF, compared to Ongoing Mindfulness Practice (OMP), would help MBCT/MBSR graduates improve their mental well-being.

Method

A parallel RCT with repeated measures was conducted. 164 graduates of MBCT/MBSR were randomly assigned (1:1) to either MBCT-TiF or OMP. Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05154266).

Results

Of the 164 graduates recruited, 83 were randomly assigned to MBCT-TiF and 81 to OMP. MBCT-TiF was significantly more effective than OMP at improving mental well-being, with large effects post-intervention (B = 6.25; 95% CI = [4.20, 8.29]; Cohen's d = 0.78). No serious adverse effects were reported.

Conclusions

The findings support MBCT-TiF, in the context of the proposed global mental health approach, to help MBCT/MBSR graduates sustain mental health benefits and experience further gains in mental well-being after completing an introductory MBCT/MBSR programme. Future work should consider mechanisms and longer follow-up measurements.

Highlights

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  Results demonstrated effectiveness of MBCT-TiF (vs OMP) in terms of promoting mental health and well-being, for MBCT and MBSR graduates.

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  MBCT-TiF (vs OMP) demonstrated reliable improvements in mental well-being with the number-needed-to-treat being 1-in-3 participants.

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  MBCT-TiF was deemed acceptable with high ratings of credibility, teacher quality, and engagement.

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  Results supported MBCT-TiF in the context of the proposed global mental health approach, called the “pathway for recovery and mental health promotion”.