Buddhist influence in the Mindfulness Movement within Western Psychology
Pei Fuen Ng
Brazilian Journal of Development May 26, 2025 DOI: 10.34117/bjdv11n5-084 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Buddhism Meditation |
| Keywords | Movement music Cognitive psychology Psychoanalysis Psychotherapist Aesthetics Archaeology |
| Key findings | The four mindfulness-based interventions are secularized adaptations of Buddhist meditation, but the operational definition of 'mindfulness' lacks standardization and the MBSR definition does not concord with the Buddhist concept of 'sati'. |
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.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on buddhism, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, and Zen Meditation for Depression, Anxiety, Pain, and Psychological Distress | 2012 | Review | |
| Measuring mindfulness | 2011 | Review | |
| The Influence of Buddhist Meditation Traditions on the Autonomic System and Attention | 2015 | Review | |
| Seeking the Sacred with Psychoactive Substances | 2014 | Review | |
| Positive Psychology and Buddhism | 2023 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cites 14
- Mindfulness: Theoretical Foundations and Evidence for its Salutary Effects Psychological Inquiry October 19, 2007
- What does mindfulness really mean? A canonical perspective Contemporary Buddhism May 1, 2011
- Mindfulness‐based approaches: are they all the same? Journal of Clinical Psychology January 19, 2011
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy: Theory and Practice The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry February 1, 2012
- Measuring mindfulness Contemporary Buddhism May 1, 2011
and 9 more in the library