Objectives: The purpose of this study was to conduct the first randomised controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a second-generation mindfulness-based intervention (SG-MBI) for treating fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). Compared to first-generation mindfulness-based interventions, SG-MBIs are more acknowledging of the spiritual aspect of mindfulness.
Design: A randomised controlled trial employing intent-to-treat analysis.
Methods: Adults with FMS received an eight-week SG-MBI known as Meditation Awareness Training (MAT; n = 74) or an active control intervention known as Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy for Groups (n = 74). Assessments were performed at pre-, post-, and six-month follow-up phases.
Results: MAT participants demonstrated significant and sustained improvements over control-group participants in FMS symptomatology, pain perception, sleep quality, psychological distress, non-attachment (to self, symptoms, and environment), and civic engagement. A mediation analysis found that (i) civic engagement partially mediated treatment effects for all outcome variables, (ii) non-attachment partially mediated treatment effects for psychological distress and sleep quality, and (iii) non-attachment almost fully mediated treatment effects for FMS symptomatology and pain perception. Average daily time spent in meditation was found to be a significant predictor of changes in all outcome variables.
Conclusions: MAT may be a suitable treatment for adults with FMS and appears to ameliorate FMS symptomatology and pain perception by reducing attachment to self
