Investigating the Role of Interpretation Bias in Mindfulness-Based Treatment of Adults With Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Elizabeth A Hoge, Hannah E. Reese, Isabelle A. Oliva, Caroline D. Gabriel, Brittany M. Guidos, Eric Bui, Naomi M Simon, Mary Ann Dutton
Frontiers in Psychology February 11, 2020 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00082 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Pre-post treatment study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 42 |
| Population | Adults with Generalized Anxiety Disorder |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction |
| Duration | Baseline to post-treatment |
| Topics | Anxiety Meditation |
| Keywords | Cognitive bias Homophone Interpretation bias |
| Key points | No indirect relationship was found between mindfulness and anxiety via negative interpretation bias, though Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction reduced negative interpretation bias. |
Abstract
Although mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have garnered empirical support for a wide range of psychological conditions, the psychological processes that mediate the relationship between MBIs and subsequent symptomatic improvement are less well-understood. In the present study we sought to examine, for the first time, the relationship between mindfulness, negative interpretation bias as measured by the homophone task, and anxiety among adults with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Forty-two individuals with GAD completed measures of mindfulness, interpretation bias, and anxiety before and after treatment with Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR). Contrary to prior research, we did not find evidence of an indirect relationship between baseline levels of mindfulness and anxiety via negative interpretation bias. MBSR did result in significant reductions in negative interpretation bias from baseline to post-treatment; however, we did not find evidence of an indirect relationship between changes in mindfulness and changes in anxiety via changes in interpretation bias. Taken together, these results provide minimal support for the hypothesized relationship between mindfulness, negative interpretation bias, and anxiety among adults with GAD. Limitations and specific suggestions for further inquiry are discussed.
Comparable studies
Other non-randomized and open-label trials on anxiety, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 3
- Psychological Outcomes and Mechanisms of Mindfulness-Based Training for Generalised Anxiety Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Current Psychology May 11, 2023
- Training-related improvements in mental well-being through reduction in negative interpretation bias: A randomized trial of online socio-emotional dyadic and mindfulness interventions. Journal of Affective Disorders June 1, 2024
- Turning the tide: A randomized controlled trial of a brief digital mindfulness intervention to reduce immediate and delayed negative interpretation bias. Journal of Affective Disorders October 21, 2025
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