Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for anxiety, pain, and mood: summarizing the evidence
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction: An Implementation Science-Informed Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
This project gathers results from many trials to find out how well MBSR helps people with anxiety, depression, and chronic pain and what evidence insurers need to cover it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11304554 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are combining and analyzing results from hundreds of MBSR clinical trials published since 2015 to measure effects on anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. They will work with patients, clinicians, and other stakeholders to identify the most important questions, the evidence insurers need, and barriers to coverage. Using systematic review and meta-analysis methods, the team will rate the quality of the evidence and estimate overall effects and cost-effectiveness where data allow. Their integrated knowledge-translation approach means patients and decision-makers help shape the review so the findings are practical and easier to use.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with anxiety, depressive symptoms, or chronic pain who are interested in mindfulness programs and want better access through health insurance are the main beneficiaries.
Not a fit: People with conditions not represented in the MBSR trials or those needing urgent medical interventions are unlikely to get direct benefit from this review.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could support broader insurance coverage and wider access to MBSR for people with anxiety, depression, and chronic pain.
How similar studies have performed: A major review through 2015 found moderate evidence for MBSR, many newer trials have since been published, and using stakeholder-driven integrated knowledge translation for a mindfulness review is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
Providence, United States
- Brown University — Providence, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Loucks, Eric — Brown University
- Study coordinator: Loucks, Eric
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.