Meditation programs for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder: Aggregate findings from a multi-site evaluation.

Heffner, Kathi L.; Crean, Hugh F.; Kemp, Jan E.

doi:10.1037/tra0000106

Cited by 52Mindfulness and Compassion InterventionsPosttraumatic Stress Disorder ResearchPsychotherapy Techniques and Applications

Meditation programs for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder: Aggregate findings from a multi-site evaluation.

Heffner, Kathi L., Crean, Hugh F., Kemp, Jan E.·2016·Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy

DOI 10.1037/tra0000106

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Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Interest in meditation to manage posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms is increasing. Few studies have examined the effectiveness of meditation programs offered to Veterans within Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) mental health services. The current study addresses this gap using data from a multisite VA demonstration project. METHOD: Evaluation data collected at 6 VA sites (N = 391 Veterans) before and after a meditation program, and a treatment-as-usual (TAU) program, were examined here using random effects meta-analyses. Site-specific and aggregate between group effect sizes comparing meditation programs to TAU were determined for PTSD severity measured by clinical interview and self-report. Additional outcomes included experiential avoidance and mindfulness. RESULTS: In aggregate, analyses showed medium effect sizes for meditation programs compared to TAU for PTSD severity (clinical interview: effect size (ES) = -0.32; self-report: ES = -0.39). Similarly sized effects of meditation programs were found for overall mindfulness (ES = 0.41) and 1 specific aspect of mindfulness, nonreactivity to inner experience (ES = .37). Additional findings suggested meditation type and program completion differences each moderated program effects. CONCLUSIONS: VA-sponsored meditation programs show promise for reducing PTSD severity in Veterans receiving mental health services. Where meditation training fits within mental health services, and for whom programs will be of interest and effective, require further clarification. (PsycINFO Database Record

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Medium effect sizes were found for overall mindfulness and nonreactivity in the FFMQ, and moderate effect sizes for overall mindfulness measured by the MAAS, when mindfulness and meditation were used to treat anxiety disorders in veterans.
“Medium effect sizes were found for overall mind -fulness and specific aspects of mindfulness (nonreactivity to inner experiences) in the FFMQ, while moderate effect sizes were found for overall mindfulness measured by the MAAS when mindfulness and meditation were used to treat anxiety disorders in veterans (Heffner et al., 2016).”
From Mapping mindfulness in psychotherapy: a scoping review on conceptualization, applications, and research directions (2026) · cites this paper as Heffner et al., 2016

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Authors: Heffner, K. L., Crean, H. F., & Kemp, J. E.
Affiliations: University of Rochester Medicine (US)
Canandaigua VA Medical Center (US)
ORCID: Heffner, Kathi L.
Crean, Hugh F.
Venue: Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy
Publisher: American Psychological Association (APA)
Published: 2016-05
Volume: 8
Issue: 3
Pages: 365-374
ISSN: 1942-9681 (ISSN-L)
1942-969X
DOI: 10.1037/tra0000106
OpenAlex: W2342856055
Cited by: 52
References: 43
Citations by year: 2026: 3 · 2025: 2 · 2024: 6 · 2023: 1 · 2022: 7 · 2021: 3 · 2020: 10 · 2019: 2 · 2018: 6 · 2017: 9 · 2016: 3
FWCI: 8.94
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Locations: Psychological Trauma Theory Research Practice and Policy (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics: Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions
Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research
Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications
Keywords: meditation program, post-traumatic stress disorder, veterans, mindfulness, experiential avoidance, PTSD symptom severity, treatment as usual comparison, program completion
MeSH terms: Humans, Mental Health Services, Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic, United States, United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans, Outcome Assessment, Health Care, Meditation

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Meditation programs for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder: Aggregate findings from a multi-site evaluation.

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