An integrative review of 109 papers on mindfulness from a social-psychological perspective found that most research focuses on well-being, social relationships, health, and organizations. Only 21 references were grounded in theory, with 42% of those being social psychology theories. Studies were mostly correlational (46%) or experimental (47%) and used quantitative methods. Mindfulness effects were primarily beneficial, emphasizing emotion regulation and stress management at individual and interpersonal levels, while group or ideological contexts received less attention. The review argues that research predominantly uses Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic samples, often ignoring socioeconomic backgrounds, and adopts a positivist, micro-level focus that overlooks broader macro-social dimensions.
People without mental health conditions tend to see themselves as having a more complex and positive personality than others, combining opposing positive traits. In contrast, individuals with depression see themselves as more complex in negative traits, lacking self-enhancing strategies linked to psychological health. In a study of 24 participants with depression and anxiety disorders who completed an 8-week mindfulness-based intervention, measures of trait mindfulness, anxiety, depression, and self-compassion all improved. Participants showed reduced self-negativity and a more positive view of others, though they still viewed themselves more negatively than others. The multifaceted self concept offers a useful approach for assessing mental health changes in mindfulness interventions.
Beliefs about mindfulness meditation (MM) are often positive but incomplete, with meditators holding more precise, experiential understandings than non-meditators. A survey of 167 participants (105 meditators) collected 817 free associations, 65% of which were positive. Five belief categories emerged: Body-based Relaxation, Stereotyped Descriptions, Psychological and Affective Well-Being, Focus on Inner-Self, and Experience of MM. Core aspects like attention, acceptance, health, collective dynamics, and ethical concerns were largely absent, and spirituality was not integrated into beliefs. Findings suggest MM is seen as a self-regulatory and personal development tool shaped by social, psychological, and behavioral factors, highlighting the need to address ethical and adverse aspects openly.