Implementing the Mindfulness-Based Interventions; Teaching Assessment Criteria (MBI:TAC) in Mindfulness-Based Teacher Training

The Mindfulness-Based Interventions: Teaching Assessment Criteria (MBI:TAC) was originally developed as a tool to assess the teaching competence of mindfulness-based program (MBP) teachers. The tool was made freely available and has since been used by mindfulness-based teacher training organisations internationally. During this time the MBI:TAC has evolved in its usage, from an assessment tool to one which informally supports how MBP teachers are trained. In this article, we first examine the rationale for implementing the MBI:TAC in MBP teacher training; second, we offer practical guidance on ways of integrating the tool into teacher training pathways with awareness of its potential and possible pitfalls; and third, we offer guidance on using the tool as a framework for giving effective feedback to trainees on their teaching practice. Implementing the MBI:TAC in teacher training may support the quality and integrity of MBP teacher training, and thus ensure high quality MBP teachers graduating. In turn this may help avoid the 'implementation cliff' - that is, the quality of an intervention delivery is delivered in optimal conditions when it is being researched, and drops in quality when delivered in sub-optimal, 'real world' conditions.

The efficacy of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in recurrent depressed patients with and without a current depressive episode: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to examine the efficacy of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) in addition to treatment as usual (TAU) for recurrent depressive patients with and without a current depressive episode.

METHOD

A randomized, controlled trial comparing MBCT+TAU (n=102) with TAU alone (n=103). The study population consisted of patients with three or more previous depressive episodes. Primary outcome measure was post-treatment depressive symptoms according to the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression. Secondary outcome measures included the Beck Depression Inventory, rumination, worry and mindfulness skills. Group comparisons were carried out with linear mixed modelling, controlling for intra-group correlations. Additional mediation analyses were performed. Comparisons were made between patients with and without a current depressive episode.

RESULTS

Patients in the MBCT+TAU group reported less depressive symptoms, worry and rumination and increased levels of mindfulness skills compared with patients receiving TAU alone. MBCT resulted in a comparable reduction of depressive symptoms for patients with and without a current depressive episode. Additional analyses suggest that the reduction of depressive symptoms was mediated by decreased levels of rumination and worry.

CONCLUSIONS

The study findings suggest that MBCT is as effective for patients with recurrent depression who are currently depressed as for patients who are in remission. Directions towards a better understanding of the mechanisms of action of MBCT are given, although future research is needed to support these hypotheses.