Target mechanisms of mindfulness-based programmes and practices: a scoping review.
Shannon Maloney, Merle Kock, Yasmijn Slaghekke, Lucy Radley, Alba Lopez-Montoyo, Jesus Montero-Marin, Willem Kuyken
BMJ mental health August 24, 2024 DOI: 10.1136/bmjment-2023-300955 via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA systematic review of 27 randomized controlled trials found that mindfulness skills, decentering, and attitudes such as self-compassion are significant indirect pathways through which mindfulness-based programs improve mental health and well-being. Only four studies examined mechanisms within specific mindfulness practices. The evidence for alternative mechanisms like attention and awareness remains limited, especially regarding well-being outcomes, mental health promotion, and comparisons with active controls. The authors call for high-quality trials with powered multivariate mediation analyses to address these knowledge gaps and guide future interventions.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Systematic review Randomized Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 27 |
| Population | Participants in randomized controlled trials of mindfulness-based programmes or practices |
| Interventions | Mindfulness-based programmes mindfulness practices |
| Topics | Depression |
| Keywords | Adult psychiatry |
| Citations | 16 |
| Key finding | Mindfulness skills, decentering, and attitudes such as self-compassion may be key intervention targets for improving population mental health through mindfulness-based programs. |
Abstract
Mindfulness-based programmes (MBPs) and practices have demonstrated effects in mental health and well-being, yet questions regarding the target mechanisms that drive change across the population remain unresolved. Five databases were searched for randomised controlled trials that evaluate the indirect effects (IEs) of an MBP or mindfulness practice in relation to mental health and well-being outcomes through psychological mechanisms. 27 eligible studies were identified, with only four exploring mechanisms in the context of specific mindfulness practices. Significant IEs were reported for mindfulness skills, decentering and attitudes of mindfulness (eg, self-compassion) across different outcomes, population samples, mental health strategies and active comparators. Evidence gap maps and requirements for testing and reporting IEs are provided to help guide future work. Mindfulness skills, decentering and attitudes of mindfulness may be key intervention targets for addressing the mental health of whole populations. However, future work needs to address significant knowledge gaps regarding the evidence for alternative mechanisms (eg, attention and awareness) in relation to unique outcomes (eg, well-being), mental health strategies (ie, promotion) and active comparators. High-quality trials, with powered multivariate mediation analyses that meet key requirements, will be needed to advance this area of work. 10.17605/OSF.IO/NY2AH.