Buddhist influence in the Mindfulness Movement within Western Psychology

A review of four mindfulness-based interventions—MBSR, MBCT, DBT, and ACT—finds they draw inspiration from different forms of Buddhist meditation but are secularized and often combined with other theoretical frameworks. The operational definition of 'mindfulness' in psychological research lacks standardization, and the MBSR definition is criticized for not aligning with the Buddhist term 'sati' or its early soteriological context. The mindfulness movement increasingly distances itself from its Buddhist roots, leaving the field without a solid theoretical foundation. The authors suggest greater benefit could come from Buddhist traditions contributing actively to contemplative psychology by providing simplified access to source texts.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This is a review article which examines the nature of Buddhist influence on four ‘mindfulness-based interventions’ (MBI): the Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) programme, the Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), the Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and the Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT). It also examines the operational constructs utilised in psychological research with an emphasis on tracing Buddhist elements within the MBSR definition of ‘mindfulness’. In addition, efficacy of these MBIs is explored and the nature of current-day Buddhist influence on the MM is discussed. The results show that the four MBIs derived inspiration from different forms of Buddhist meditation, but these are ‘neutralised’ into secular interventions and may be combined with other theoretical frameworks. ‘Mindfulness’ as an operational construct lacks standardisation and there appears to be confusion over how it should be defined. The MBSR definition is criticised for lacking concordance with the Buddhist term ‘sati’ and its operational framework within early Buddhist soteriology. Thus, the authenticity of the MBSR definition of ‘mindfulness’ with regards to traditional Buddhist meditation is a challenge to resolve. The growing trend of the mindfulness movement is move away from its Buddhist roots, which leaves the field without a solid theoretical foundation. There can be greater benefit if Buddhist traditions contribute actively to the growing field of contemplative psychology by providing access to Buddhist source texts in a relevant and simplified way.