Clinical Psychology Science and Practice
January 1, 2004
Scott R. Bishop, Mark A. Lau, Shauna L. Shapiro et al.
6,266 citations
Mindfulness has attracted considerable interest as a way to reduce cognitive vulnerability to stress and emotional distress, but it has not been defined operationally. Recent consensus meetings produced a two-component model of mindfulness, specifying each component in terms of specific behaviors, experiential manifestations, and psychological processes. The paper addresses temporal stability and situational specificity, speculates on the conceptual and operational distinctiveness of mindfulness, and discusses implications for instrument development and measurement.
Stress and Health
March 15, 2010
Kathryn Birnie, Michael Speca, Linda E. Carlson
599 citations
A community sample participated in an 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) programme. After the programme, participants showed significant reductions in stress symptoms and mood disturbance, along with increases in mindfulness, spirituality, and self-compassion. For empathy, perspective taking increased significantly and personal distress decreased significantly, but empathic concern did not change. Changes in self-compassion were linked to changes in mindfulness. Self-compassion and certain aspects of empathy were strongly associated with psychological well-being. The findings suggest MBSR can enhance self-compassion and specific empathy components.
Stress and Health
November 28, 2006
Michael J. Mackenzie, Linda E. Carlson, Marleny Munoz et al.
178 citations
Nine cancer patients who completed an 8-week Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program and continued attending weekly drop-in sessions described five themes from adding meditation to their lives: opening to change, self-control, shared experience, personal growth, and spirituality. These themes were used to develop theory about how MBSR creates change for cancer patients, which may help refine programs to better support patients during diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.
Journal of clinical oncology : official journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology
June 12, 2025
Linda E Carlson, Jennifer M Jones, Devesh Oberoi et al.
4 citations
A large pragmatic trial compared two mind-body interventions—Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR) and Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ)—for distressed cancer survivors. Participants could choose their preferred program or be randomly assigned; all were also randomized to immediate intervention or a waitlist. Among 587 participants (average age 60.7, 75% female, mostly breast cancer survivors), both MBCR and TCQ groups improved more than waitlist controls on total mood disturbance, with small to medium effects. Choosing a program or being randomly assigned did not affect outcomes. The largest improvements were in tension, anger, and vigor for MBCR, and anger, depression, and vigor for TCQ.