The Impact of Mindfulness-Based Psychoeducation on Perceived Stress, Intolerance of Uncertainty, and Cognitive Flexibility in Patients With Anxiety Disorders: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Mindfulness-based interventions, which cultivate the capacity to remain present with difficult thoughts and emotions and to maintain psychological well-being in the face of such challenges, have been shown to facilitate positive change in individuals with anxiety disorders. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of a mindfulness-based psychoeducational program on perceived stress, intolerance of uncertainty, and cognitive flexibility among individuals diagnosed with anxiety disorders.

This randomized controlled trial with pre-test, post-test, and one-month follow-up measurements was conducted with individuals who applied to the Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic at Aydın Atatürk State Hospital and were diagnosed with anxiety disorders. A total of 50 participants were included in the study and were randomly assigned to groups (Experimental: 25; Control: 25). The experimental group underwent an 8-week mindfulness-based psychoeducational program, while no intervention was provided to the control group. Research data were collected using the Personal Information Form, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (IUS-12), and Cognitive Flexibility Scale (CFS).

Since the intervention component of the study included tangible elements such as training and counseling, it was not possible to blind participants or researchers to group allocation. The assignment of participants to groups was carried out by the researchers without blinding. Data for the personal information form and all dependent variables of the study were collected through self-report at both the pretest and posttest stages, and in this respect, the researchers were blinded to the scale results.