Objectives.
The purpose of this study was to conduct the first randomized controlled
trial (RCT) to evaluate the effectiveness of a second-generation mindfulness-based intervention (SG-MBI) for treating fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). Compared to first generation mindfulness-based interventions, SG-MBIs are more acknowledging of the spiritual aspect of mindfulness.
Design.
A RCT employing intent-to-treat analysis.
Methods.
Adults with FMS received an 8-week SG-MBI known as meditation awareness
trai…
Read moreObjectives.
The purpose of this study was to conduct the first randomized controlled
trial (RCT) to evaluate the effectiveness of a second-generation mindfulness-based intervention (SG-MBI) for treating fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). Compared to first generation mindfulness-based interventions, SG-MBIs are more acknowledging of the spiritual aspect of mindfulness.
Design.
A RCT employing intent-to-treat analysis.
Methods.
Adults with FMS received an 8-week SG-MBI known as meditation awareness
training (MAT; n = 74) or an active control intervention known as cognitive behaviour theory for groups (n = 74). Assessments were performed at pre-, post-, and 6-month follow-up phases.
Results.
Meditation awareness training participants demonstrated significant and
sustained improvements over control group participants in FMS symptomatology, pain perception, sleep quality, psychological distress, non-attachment (to self, symptoms, and environment), and civic engagement. A mediation analysis found that (1) civic engagement partially mediated treatment effects for all outcome variables, (2) non-attachment partially mediated treatment effects for psychological distress and sleep quality, and (3) non-attachment almost fully mediated treatment effects for FMS symptomatology and pain perception. Average daily time spent in meditation was found to be a significant
predictor of changes in all outcome variables.
Conclusions.
Meditation awareness training may be a suitable treatment for adults with
FMS and appears to ameliorate FMS symptomatology and pain perception by reducing
attachment to self.