Psychological mechanisms and neural correlates of trait mindfulness in emotion regulation: Testing a novel approach to the monitor and acceptance theory.

Trait mindfulness, particularly its nonjudgmental acceptance component, is linked to more adaptive emotion regulation, while the monitoring component may increase emotional reactivity. A novel test of the monitor and acceptance theory examined psychological mechanisms and neural correlates, finding that acceptance predicts reduced negative affect and amygdala reactivity during emotional challenges, whereas monitoring alone does not confer these benefits. The findings suggest that acceptance, not mere attention, drives mindfulness-related emotion regulation improvements.

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Abstract

Psychological mechanisms and neural correlates of trait mindfulness in emotion regulation: Testing a novel approach to the monitor and acceptance theory.