Target mechanisms of mindfulness-based programmes and practices: a scoping review
Shannon Maloney1, Merle Kock2, Yasmijn Slaghekke3
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK shannon.maloney@psych.ox.ac.uk.
Question:
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.
Study Selection And Analysis:
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.
Findings:
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.
Conclusions:
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.
Trial Registration Number:
10.17605/OSF.IO/NY2AH.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques III
The Role of Exercise in Stress Management
Regular physical activity is essential for reducing stress and promoting cardiovascular health. Exercise strengthens the heart, enhances blood flow, keeps blood vessels flexible, and helps lower blood pressure, all of which reduce the body's stress response. Research shows that adults who exercise regularly have nearly half the...
The Scientific Method
Steps in the Modeling Process
Attention is the first necessary component for observational learning. It involves focusing on what the model is doing and saying. For example, if you decide to take a drawing class to enhance your skills, you need to pay close attention to the instructor's words and hand movements. The characteristics of the model significantly...
Community Based Intervention
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques VI
Motivation and Self-Determination
Motivation, the driving force behind behavior, plays a pivotal role at every stage of the change process. The research...
Modeling in Therapy
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in...


