Positive Health Online

Abstract

MAJUMDAR and co-workers, Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Department of Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Freiburg, Germany, have evaluated the question of whether mindfulness meditation contributes to health.

Background

This exploratory study was designed to examine the effects of an 8 week meditation based programme in mindfulness in a German sample.

Methodology

21 participants with chronic physical, psychological, or psychosomatic illness were examined in a longitudinal pre-test and post treatment design with a 3 months follow-up. Emotional and physical wellbeing, sense of coherence, overall psychological distress, and satisfaction with life were measured with standardized instruments.

Results

Overall the intervention led to high levels of adherence to the meditation practice, and satisfaction with the benefits of the course, as well as lasting and effective reduction of symptoms. Changes were of moderate to large size, especially in psychological distress, wellbeing, and quality of life. Positive complementary effects with psychotherapy were also found.

Conclusion

These findings warrant controlled studies to evaluate the efficacy and cost effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction as an intervention for chronic physical and psychosomatic disorders.

References

Majumdar M, Grossman P, Dietz-Waschkowski B, Kersig S, Walacvh H. Does midnfulness meditation contribut to health? Outcome evaluation of a German sample. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 8 (6): 719-730, Dec 2002.