Cited by 148Maternal Mental Health During Pregnancy and PostpartumMindfulness and Compassion InterventionsDigital Mental Health Interventions

The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Maternal Perinatal Mental Health Outcomes: a Systematic Review

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Shi, Zhenrong, MacBeth, Angus·2017·Mindfulness

Abstract

Presenting with common mental health difficulties, particularly depression and anxiety, there is also preliminary evidence that mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) including mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and integrated mindfulness yoga practices may also be effective in reducing common mental health difficulties during pregnancy. We systematically reviewed and synthesized the current literature on the effectiveness of MBIs in reducing severity of perinatal anxiety and depression. Databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, IndMED and PsychoInfo were searched for relevant studies. Manual searches were conducted in relevant articles and Google Scholar. Seventeen cohorts representing 18 studies were included. Pre-post effect sizes were reported for both treatment and control groups. Seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs), two non-randomized controlled trials and nine treatment evaluations were included. Maternal participation in an MBI was associated with reductions in perinatal anxiety of moderate to large magnitude. Results for the effect of MBIs on depression were less consistent, with pre-post treatment reductions of moderate magnitude, but no significant differences in depression scores when MBI was compared with a control group. There was some evidence that MBIs were associated with increased mindfulness. Risk of bias in studies was variable. Our review offers preliminary evidence for the effectiveness of MBIs in reducing perinatal anxiety, with more equivocal findings with regard to perinatal depressive symptoms. Further methodologically rigorous evaluation using RCTs and longer follow-up periods are recommended.

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  1. Beck, A. T., Steer, R. A., & Brown, G. K. (1996). Manual for The Beck Depression Inventory Second Edition (BDI-II). San Antonio: Psychological Corporation.
  2. Spielberger, C. D. (1989). State-Trait Anxiety Inventory: Bibliography (2nd ed.). Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press

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Authors
Shi, Z., & MacBeth, A.
Affiliations
University of Edinburgh (GB)
Corresponding author
MacBeth, Angus
Venue
Mindfulness
Published
2017-01-19
Volume
8
Issue
4
Pages
823-847
ISSN
  • 1868-8527 (ISSN-L)
  • 1868-8535
OpenAlex
W2571740036
Cited by
148
References
77
Citations by year
2026: 9 · 2025: 23 · 2024: 11 · 2023: 30 · 2022: 22 · 2021: 24 · 2020: 11 · 2019: 12 · 2018: 6
FWCI
1.29
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Mindfulness (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Edinburgh Research Explorer (University of Edinburgh) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
Funders
University of Edinburgh
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Maternal Mental Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Applied Psychology › Digital Mental Health Interventions
Keywords
mindfulness-based interventions, perinatal anxiety, perinatal depression, maternal mental health, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction, mindfulness yoga, pregnancy

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