Mindfulness-Based Meditations Versus Healthy Living after Traumatic Brain Injury: A Pilot RCT to Treat Post-TBI Depressive Symptoms

Purpose: The purpose of this pilot intervention study was to conduct a preliminary evaluation of our adapted 8-week mindfulness-based group therapy (MBGT) intervention using randomization and a newly developed parallel “healthy living after traumatic brain injury (HLA-TBI)” group intervention in persons with mild-to-moderate TBI. Our primary outcomeswere TBI and depressive symptoms, psychological functioning, and chronic stress.

Methods: Data were collected at baseline, and 8 and 12 weeks following the intervention.

Results: Results from paired t-test analysis by group revealed that there were significant mean reductions in depressive symptoms, chronic stress, and TBI symptoms for those in the MBGT compared to HLA. Cohen’s effect sizes were small to medium for these variables. 

Conclusions: This pilot provides encouraging results that warrant further study and suggest that interventions emphasizing self-care are acceptable and beneficial for individuals with TBI who have been identified as having chronic difficulties.