Study demonstrates effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Therapy

Preventative therapy, based on the principle of Mindfulness, alleviates psychological symptoms and improves mental health. These are the findings from scientific research performed by Dr Ernst Bohlmeijer at the University of Twente, Netherlands.

Ninety-three subjects participated in the study. After an eight-week course, psychological symptoms among the study group had subsided significantly, and the subjects’ mental health improved.

In the Netherlands, nearly 3 million people suffer from mild psychological symptoms. These may include anxiety, depression, chronic fatigue and alcoholism. Ernst Bohlmeijer of the University of Twente therefore developed the course ‘Voluit Leven’ (Living Fully), based on Mindfulness and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

With the support of the Innovatiefonds Zorgverzekeraars (Healthcare Insurers Innovation Fund), and in cooperation with six public mental healthcare institutes in the Netherlands, the researcher performed an effect study on the impact of the course. After the course’s completion, the participants had significantly fewer psychological symptoms than the control group, and their mental health had improved. Even three months after the completion of the course, the symptoms did not recur.

The course ‘Living Fully’ consists of eight two-hour meetings and is based on Mindfulness and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Mindfulness is a meditation technique and life perspective where people learn how to live in the moment, the here and now; while ACT is a form of behavioural therapy, with acceptance of psychological suffering and living according to one’s own personally-held values as the core components. Course participants were required to do exercises for at least 15 minutes a day in addition to attending group meetings.

Study

The researcher advertised in various media for the course ‘Living Fully’ as a way of finding participants for the study. People with mild psychological symptoms, such as those associated with anxiety, depression, fatigue or excessive alcohol use, could apply. A group of 49 participants (the study group) took the course, while a group of 44 people (control group) were placed on a temporary waiting list. Prior to the course and after its completion, the researcher compared the state of mental health between the two groups.

Recently, the Uitgeverij Boom published a self-help book based on the work of Ernst Bohlmeijer, also entitled ‘Voluit Leven’. For more information on the course and the book, please go to www.voluitleven.info (in Dutch).

Source: University of Twente