Mechanisms of Mindfulness Training: Monitor and Acceptance Theory (MAT)

Monitor and Acceptance Theory (MAT) proposes that mindfulness works through two distinct skills: attention monitoring (noticing present-moment experiences) and acceptance (a non-judgmental orientation toward those experiences). Attention monitoring alone can improve cognitive functioning but may increase emotional reactivity. Acceptance is necessary to reduce that reactivity, so the combination of both skills explains how mindfulness reduces negative affect, stress, and stress-related health problems. The theory integrates conceptual, clinical, and empirical work to offer testable predictions for future research on mindfulness mechanisms.

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Abstract

Despite evidence linking trait mindfulness and mindfulness training with a broad range of effects, still little is known about its underlying active mechanisms. Mindfulness is commonly defined as (1) the ongoing monitoring of present-moment experience (2) with an orientation of acceptance. Building on conceptual, clinical, and empirical work, we describe a testable theoretical account to help explain mindfulness effects on cognition, affect, stress, and health outcomes. Specifically, Monitor and Acceptance Theory (MAT) posits that (1), by enhancing awareness of one’s experiences, the skill of attention monitoring explains how mindfulness improves cognitive functioning outcomes, yet this same skill can increase affective reactivity. Second (2), by modifying one’s relation to monitored experience, acceptance is necessary for reducing affective reactivity, such that attention monitoring and acceptance skills together explain how mindfulness improves negative affectivity, stress, and stress-related health outcomes. We discuss how MAT contributes to mindfulness science, suggest plausible alternatives to the account, and offer specific predictions for future research.