The Impact of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) on Stress and Affect in a Community Wellness Group Sample

MBCT has been successful in preventing depressive relapse. However, its efficacy has not been studied in non-mental health settings for stress, affect, and level of mindfulness. In this study, participants were selected on a volunteer basis after enrolling in an 8-week Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) group at a health and wellness center. Prior to beginning the group, participants completed the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Positive/Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) and the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS). Participants completed the PSS, PANAS, and MAAS after week four, and at the completion of the eight-week course. Twenty-two participants were included in the study. Results were computed with a one-way repeated measures ANOVA. Post hoc pairwise comparisons or paired-samples t-tests, where appropriate, were computed to examine the specificity of changes over time. Descriptive data was gathered including demographic data and homework compliance. The following two follow-up questions were included for further descriptive data: 1) On a scale of 1-10 (1 = not at all important, 10 =extremely important), how important has this program been for you? 2) Please say why you gave it that rating. Results revealed decreases in perceived stress, increased positive affect, decreased negative affect, and increased overall level of mindfulness by week eight. Qualitative data supported the empirical data. This data suggests MBCT may serve as a cost effective method for managing stress and providing useful skills in the daily lives of individuals in non-clinical and/or community populations