Effects of mindfulness on psychological health: A review of empirical studies

Summary & key facts

This 2011 review looked at many studies on mindfulness and mental health. It defines mindfulness as paying attention in the present with nonjudgmental acceptance and says this involves both focusing attention and an open, curious attitude. The authors examined three kinds of research—correlational studies, intervention trials, and lab experiments—and concluded that mindfulness is linked with better well-being, fewer psychological symptoms, less emotional reactivity, and improved self-control, while noting that how mindfulness produces these changes is not yet fully clear and that Western uses of mindfulness differ from traditional Buddhist meanings.

Key facts:

• The review was published in Clinical Psychology Review in 2011 (Vol. 31, Issue 6, pages 1041–1056; PMCID: PMC3679190).
• A common definition quoted is “paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally.”
• The authors say mindfulness has two main components: self-regulation of attention, and an attitude of curiosity, openness, and acceptance toward experience.
• The review grouped the evidence into three research types: (1) cross-sectional correlational studies of trait mindfulness, (2) intervention studies of mindfulness-based programs, and (3) laboratory experiments using brief mindfulness induct
• The authors conclude that mindfulness is associated with increased subjective well-being, reduced psychological symptoms and emotional reactivity, and improved behavioral regulation.
• The paper warns that “acceptance” in mindfulness is not the same as passivity or resignation; it means experiencing events fully without extreme suppression or over-engagement.
• The review notes clear differences between Buddhist and Western conceptualizations of mindfulness at the contextual, process, and content levels.
• The authors state that mechanisms by which mindfulness produces psychological benefits are not yet fully understood and call for more research on how and why mindfulness works.

Topics

Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology

Categories

Clinical Psychology Psychology Social Sciences

Tags

Clinical psychology Computer science Construct (python library) Empirical research Epistemology Intervention (counseling) Mindfulness Philosophy Programming language Psychiatry Psychological intervention Psychological research Psychology Psychotherapist Social psychology