What Do We Really Know About Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction?

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a clinical program that trains people in mindfulness meditation to help them adapt to medical illness and manage stress and emotions. Despite widespread use in medical settings over the past 20 years, a critical review of the medical and social science literature finds that research on MBSR has been scarce and often methodologically flawed. Consequently, very little is known about its effectiveness. Some evidence suggests it may hold promise, but the available evidence does not support a strong endorsement of the approach at present. Serious investigation is strongly recommended.

Study at a glance

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a clinical program, developed to facilitate adaptation to medical illness, which provides systematic training in mindfulness meditation as a self-regulatory approach to stress reduction and emotion management. There has been widespread and growing use of this approach within medical settings in the last 20 years, and many claims have been made regarding its efficacy. This article will provide a critical evaluation of the available state of knowledge regarding MBSR and suggestions for future research. METHODS: A review of the current literature available within the medical and social sciences was undertaken to provide an evaluation regarding what we know about the construct of mindfulness, the effectiveness of MBSR, and mechanisms of action. RESULTS: There has been a paucity of research and what has been published has been rife with methodological problems. At present, we know very little about the effectiveness of this approach. However, there is some evidence that suggests that it may hold some promise. CONCLUSIONS: The available evidence does not support a strong endorsement of this approach at present. However, serious investigation is warranted and strongly recommended.