The Effects and Mechanisms of Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) on Depressive Symptoms and Depression Relapse

This research proposal is intended to elucidate the efficacy and mechanisms underlying
Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) in a population in remission from recurrent Major
Depressive Disorder (MDD). The first objective of the study is to replicate previous
studies' findings of MBCT's effects on decreasing depressive symptoms and depression relapse
rates. However, this proposal aims to make a novel contribution to the literature by using a
randomized, controlled design, and comparing the effects of MBCT to an active control
condition (ACC). The use of a well-designed ACC will enable us to control for confounding
variables such as social support and expected outcomes, thus allowing us to determine
whether elements specific to MBCT lead to its salutary effects (Aim 1). Previous MBCT
studies have largely relied on self-report measurement methodologies, limiting valid
conclusions about the nature of MBCT. Further, few studies have examined the mechanisms
underlying effects of MBCT on depressive symptoms and relapse. Theoretical considerations
and preliminary empirical evidence suggest emotional, physiological, and cognitive
functioning to be promising mechanisms of MBCT. Therefore, the investigators propose to
assess each of these potential mechanisms of MBCT using self-report, autonomic
physiological, and reaction time tasks (Aim 2). Collectively, these aims are expected to
strengthen the evidence base for MBCT while cultivating a scientific model for its effects
and mechanisms on decreasing depressive symptoms and depression relapse rates.