Mindfulness as taught in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy: A scoping review
Jennifer Eeles, D. Walker
Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy June 21, 2022 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2764 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Scoping review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 11 |
| Population | Clinical populations |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | Clinical application of DBT-taught mindfulness increases self-reported mindfulness and improves some clinical symptoms, such as those of Borderline Personality Disorder. |
Abstract
Abstract This scoping review considers 11 studies that have focussed on the effect of teaching the mindfulness element of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) on clinical outcomes. These articles utilized either mindfulness skills as embedded into the full DBT‐Skills programme or a stand‐alone mindfulness skills module (DBT‐M), as treatment for clinical populations. The review of the research found that clinical application of mindfulness as taught in DBT leads to increases in self‐reported mindfulness—especially non‐judgemental awareness along with psychological measures that suggests an increase in mindfulness, for example, improved attention. The studies demonstrated that an increase in mindfulness had a positive effect on some clinical symptoms such as symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder. Not all of the studies controlled for the effect of group, amount of practice or other elements of DBT therapy. The findings suggest that more needs to be done to establish the underlying mechanisms of change when being taught mindfulness in DBT.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: A conceptual and empirical review. Clinical populations | 2003 | Review | |
| Mindfulness: Theoretical Foundations and Evidence for its Salutary Effects | 2007 | Review | |
| Mindfulness Interventions | 2016 | Review | |
| Mind the Hype: A Critical Evaluation and Prescriptive Agenda for Research on Mindfulness and Meditation | 2017 | Review | |
| Mindfulness and acceptance: expanding the cognitive-behavioral tradition | 2005 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 4
- Effects of mindfulness-based interventions on food craving in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials BMC Psychology September 25, 2025
- Intervention-induced changes in state mindfulness do not predict trait changes in mindfulness, self-compassion, or perceived stress. Scientific Reports November 21, 2025
- Detached self-observation as a developmental catalyst: theoretical insights from dynamical systems thinking, cultural mediation, and contemplative practice. Frontiers in Psychology October 2, 2025
- Effects of a Dialectical Behavior Therapy Zen Retreat on Affect and Well-Being in Healthcare Workers Mindfulness July 14, 2026
Cites 8
- Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Assessment January 27, 2006
- Assessment of Mindfulness by Self-Report Assessment September 1, 2004
- A systematic review of neurobiological and clinical features of mindfulness meditations Psychological Medicine November 27, 2009
- Defining mindfulness by how poorly I think I pay attention during everyday awareness and other intractable problems for psychology's (re)invention of mindfulness: Comment on Brown et al. (2011). Psychological Assessment 2011
- Mindfulness‐based approaches: are they all the same? Journal of Clinical Psychology January 19, 2011
and 3 more in the library