Effects of mindfulness meditation interventions on depression in older adults: A meta-analysis. (3rd July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Reangsing, Chuntana; Rittiwong, Tanapa; Schneider, Joanne Kraenzle
• Is Part Of: Aging & mental health. Volume 25:Number 7(2021)
• Page Start: 1181
• Page End: 1190
• Publication Date: 2021-07-03
• Subjects: Depression -- older adults -- mindfulness -- meta-analysis; Older people -- Mental health -- Periodicals; Geriatric psychiatry -- Periodicals; Older people -- Psychology -- Periodicals; Aging -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Aged -- psychology -- periodicals; Mental Health -- periodicals; Mental Health Services -- periodicals; Aging -- psychology -- periodicals; Aged, 80 and over -- psychology -- periodicals; 618.97689
• DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2020.1793901
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1360-7863

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: We examined the effects of MMIs on depression in older adults and explored the moderating effects of participant, methods, and intervention characteristics. Methods: We systematically searched 15 databases through June 2019 without date restrictions using the following search terms: (mindful* OR meditat*) AND depress* AND (older adult* OR elder OR aging OR senior OR geriatric*). Inclusion criteria were primary studies evaluating MMIs with adults ≥65 years old with depression measured as an outcome, a control group, and written in English. Two researchers independently coded each study and compared for discrepancies and consulted a third researcher in cases of disagreement. We used random-effects model to compute effect sizes (ESs) using Hedges' g, a forest plot, and Q and I 2 statistics as measures of heterogeneity; we also examined moderator analyses. Results: Nineteen studies included 1, 076 participants (71.8 ± 5.2 years old). Overall, MMIs showed significantly improved depression (ES=.65, 95%CI 0.35, 0.94) compared to controls. With regards to moderators, Asians had a greater improvement in depression (1.28) than Europeans (.59) and North Americans (.32). Less than 5 weeks of MMIs showed greater improvement in depression (1.47) than longer periods (.55). MMIs with guided meditation reduced depression (.91) more than MMIs without (.42). Only one quality indicator, a priori power analysis, showed greater effects on depression ( g = 1.0) than no power analysis ( g =.35). Conclusion: MMIs improved depressive symptoms in older adults. MMIs might be used as adjunctive or alternative to conventional treatment for depressed older adults.