Mechanisms of mindfulness

A theoretical model of mindfulness is proposed to explain how it produces positive changes in psychological and physical health. The paper suggests that while mindfulness-based interventions are effective for treating symptoms, the mechanisms behind these effects remain unclear. The model aims to identify potential processes through which mindfulness operates, offering directions for future empirical research on these mechanisms.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Recently, the psychological construct mindfulness has received a great deal of attention. The majority of research has focused on clinical studies to evaluate the efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions. This line of research has led to promising data suggesting mindfulness-based interventions are effective for treatment of both psychological and physical symptoms. However, an equally important direction for future research is to investigate questions concerning mechanisms of action underlying mindfulness-based interventions. This theoretical paper proposes a model of mindfulness, in an effort to elucidate potential mechanisms to explain how mindfulness affects positive change. Potential implications and future directions for the empirical study of mechanisms involved in mindfulness are addressed.