Beyond the Present Moment: Why Mindfulness Research Needs a Historical Perspective
PsyArXiv June 4, 2026 preprint DOI: 10.31234/osf.io/h8unt_v2 (opens in new tab)
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractMindfulness research often treats mindfulness as a timeless, universal practice, overlooking its historical and cultural roots in Buddhist traditions. This conceptual paper argues that a historical perspective is essential for understanding the diversity of mindfulness practices and their ethical frameworks. Without such context, modern scientific studies risk oversimplifying mindfulness, potentially leading to misinterpretations of its mechanisms and effects. The authors contend that integrating historical scholarship can enrich research questions, improve methodological rigor, and foster more nuanced interpretations of findings. Ultimately, the paper calls for interdisciplinary collaboration between mindfulness researchers and historians to avoid presentism and to ground empirical work in the rich, evolving traditions from which mindfulness originates.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Argues that mindfulness research would benefit from incorporating historical perspectives to avoid decontextualizing the practice and to deepen understanding of its varied meanings and uses across cultures. |
Abstract
Beyond the Present Moment: Why Mindfulness Research Needs a Historical Perspective