Effects of Mindfulness on Psychological Health: A Review of Empirical Studies
Clinical Psychology Review May 13, 2011 S. Keng, M. Smoski, C. Robins
Mindfulness, both as a psychological construct and a clinical intervention, has drawn considerable research interest. This review examines three empirical areas: cross-sectional studies linking mindfulness to psychological health, intervention research on mindfulness-oriented programs, and laboratory experiments on immediate effects of mindfulness inductions. The evidence indicates that mindfulness is associated with increased subjective well-being, reduced psychological symptoms and emotional reactivity, and improved behavioral regulation. The authors discuss mechanisms of change and suggest directions for future research, concluding that mindfulness brings about various positive psychological effects.