Mindfulness reduced loneliness versus waiting, but showed no advantage over another program
Trials in older adults found that the loneliness result depended on whether mindfulness was compared with a waitlist or a health-enhancement program.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Mindfulness training reduced loneliness compared with a waitlist. When compared with a Health Enhancement Program, both groups improved and there was no statistically significant difference between them. This makes the choice of comparison central to interpreting the evidence: the studies do not demonstrate that mindfulness offers a unique advantage over another structured program.
The abstract omits sample sizes, the loneliness scale and exact follow-up timing. The nonsignificant active-program comparison does not establish that the programs are equally effective.
What researchers found
Loneliness: mindfulness versus Health Enhancement Program
From baseline to follow-up, loneliness decreased in both groups without a significant between-program difference; the exact interval and measurement scale were not reported.
Why the comparator matters
The waitlist trial showed an advantage for mindfulness, while the active-program trial did not. These comparisons answer different questions: whether mindfulness outperformed waiting, and whether it outperformed the other program tested.
Subgroup findings remain uncertain
Initial depressive symptoms and stress, age, sex and homework did not reliably alter the loneliness findings. That absence of clear moderation does not establish identical effects for every subgroup or level of participation.
The original publication
Mindfulness-based stress reduction and loneliness in older adults: two randomized controlled trials.
Dutcher JM, Brown KW, Lindsay EK et al.
J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 40986384
- Record checked
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