Mood and Thought Process Study

MBCT classes are comprised of weekly, 2.5-hour classes in which participants learn cognitive therapy techniques and practice meditation exercises. Participants will complete group and/or individual orientation to MBCT with the MBCT instructor, 1-2 weeks prior to the first scheduled MBCT class. Additionally, MBCT requires 45-minutes of daily home practice, and a full day, 8-hour silent meditation retreat. MBCT classes are delivered via the protocol and curriculum developed by the MBCT founders. Participants randomized to MBCT will receive 8-weeks of MBCT classes.

Wellness for Wellbeing will serve as the active control for MBCT. Participants randomized to Wellness for Wellbeing will receive 1-hour group delivered classes, once per week, for 8-weeks. Participants will receive an orientation to Wellness for Wellbeing 1-2 weeks prior to the first class. Classes will be delivered by a research therapist. Topics for Wellness for Wellbeing include: nutrition, caffeine, preventing cancer, diabetes, heart health, sleep, being a smart patient, and complementary and alternative medicine. Wellness for Wellbeing classes are interactive and do not include components designed to impact affective cognition in any way. Because participants may have varying levels of health literacy, the research therapist tailors presentation of the material to the participants' level of knowledge of the topic. Information presented in Wellness for Wellbeing is regularly updated with current health guidelines.