Lessing, Max (2025) How is Mindfulness associated with Mental Health Outcomes in Bereaved Populations? A Systematic Review. Master thesis, Psychology.
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Abstract
Prolonged grief (PG) describes a persistent and overwhelming reaction to loss that continues well beyond the expected period of mourning. For some individuals, this response becomes difficult to manage and interferes with everyday life. Mindfulness has been proposed as a helpful resource in coping with such grief related mental health symptoms. While trait mindfulness and mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have been linked to emotional benefits, their role in bereavement remains unclear. This systematic review was preregistered in PROSPERO’s international registry under ID CRD420251033389. We reviewed studies examining the associations between mindfulness, PG symptoms, and related mental health outcomes such as depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress (PTS). Searches were conducted in PubMed, PsycInfo, and Web of Science. Overall, 13 studies with a total of 2,097 participants were included. Studies investigated both trait mindfulness and MBIs. Most cross-sectional studies found that higher mindfulness was associated with fewer PG symptoms and better mental health outcomes. These associations were generally consistent across measures of depression, anxiety, and PTS. However, findings from longitudinal studies were more mixed. While some short-term follow-ups supported a protective effect of mindfulness over time, longer-term studies suggested that this effect may diminish, with weaker associations observed at later time points. Evidence from intervention studies was also inconsistent, and methodological issues such as a lack of randomized controlled trials and limited follow-up periods were common. Future research should examine whether the benefits of mindfulness last over time and what factors may influence their long-term effects.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Master) |
|---|---|
| Supervisor name: | Karsten, J. and Eisma, M.C. |
| Degree programme: | Psychology |
| Differentiation route: | Clinical Forensic Psychology and Victimology (FP) [Master Psychology] |
| Date Deposited: | 06 Aug 2025 07:42 |
| Last Modified: | 06 Aug 2025 07:42 |
| URI: | http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/5822 |
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