Breath Versus Emotions: The Impact of Different Foci of Attention During Mindfulness Meditation on the Experience of Negative and Positive Emotions.
T. Beblo, S. Pelster, Christine Schilling, Kristian Kleinke, Benjamin Iffland, M. Driessen, S. Fernando
The Behavior Therapist December 1, 2017 DOI: 10.1016/j.beth.2017.12.006 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 65 |
| Population | Adult novice meditators |
| Interventions | Breathing meditation Emotion-focused meditation |
| Duration | Immediate and delayed (10-minute follow-up) |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | Both breathing meditation and emotion-focused meditation produced a more preferable delayed emotional reaction to negative stimuli than a control condition. |
Abstract
Mindfulness meditation yields beneficial effects on the processing of emotions. However, it is still unclear whether the focus of attention during meditation influences these effects. In the present study we aimed at comparing the effects of breathing meditation and emotion-focused meditation on the immediate and delayed processing of negative and positive emotions. The study included 65 adult novice meditators who were exposed to positively and negatively valenced film clips. Participants were randomly assigned to three conditions. While watching the films at t1, they were asked to mindfully focus on their breath (condition 1), on emotions (condition 2), or on nothing in particular (condition 3). Ten minutes later at t2, comparable film clips were shown but all participants watched them without taking up a mindful attitude. Dependent measures were emotional states at t1 and t2. Participants of both meditation conditions particularly showed a more preferable delayed emotional reaction to negative stimuli than participants of the control condition. Breathing meditation and emotion-focused meditation may constitute effective emotion regulation strategies to deal with negatively valenced emotional states.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 6
- The effect of ten versus twenty minutes of mindfulness meditation on state mindfulness and affect. Scientific Reports November 24, 2023
- The Effect of Ten vs. Twenty Minutes of Mindfulness Meditation on State Mindfulness and Affect Research Square March 14, 2023
- A Brief Mindfulness-Based Intervention Reduces Emotional Eating Via the Alleviation of Negative Emotions Mindfulness May 11, 2026
- Sip, savor, but don't spill: mindfulness enhances alcohol enjoyment without boosting consumption. Addictive Behaviors 2026
- The search for scientific meaning in mindfulness research: Insights from a scoping review. PLoS One May 4, 2022
and 1 more in the library
Cites 13
- The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 2003
- How Does Mindfulness Meditation Work? Proposing Mechanisms of Action From a Conceptual and Neural Perspective Perspectives on Psychological Science October 14, 2011
- Meditation Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-being JAMA Internal Medicine January 6, 2014
- Assessment of Mindfulness by Self-Report Assessment September 1, 2004
- Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression August 21, 2006
and 8 more in the library