Effects of acupuncture for negative feelings in individuals with depressive tendencies: A comparison with mindfulness

This study examined whether the effects of acupuncture and mindfulness on negative feelings and attentional functions vary depending on depressive tendencies. Participants were randomly assigned to either an acupuncture (n=16) or a mindfulness-based body scan (n=15) group for a 15-minute intervention. We found that acupuncture improved negative feelings more than mindfulness. However, this effect was not statistically significant among participants with depressive tendencies. These findings suggest that acupuncture may significantly improve negative feelings, though its effectiveness remains unclear or for individuals with depressive tendencies. This study is the first to examine the effects of acupuncture from a psychological perspective. A closer examination of the results may offer valuable approaches for supporting individuals who do not benefit from mindfulness.