From Self-Esteem to Selflessness: An Evidence (Gap) Map of Self-Related Processes as Mechanisms of Mindfulness-Based Interventions
Willoughby B. Britton, Gaelle Desbordes, Rebecca L. Acabchuk, Sarah Peters, Jared R. Lindahl, Nicholas K. Canby, David R. Vago, Travis Dumais, Jonah Lipsky, Hannah J. Kimmel, Lauren Sager, Hadley Rahrig, Aya Cheaito, Pamela Acero, Jodi Scharf, Sara W. Lazar, Zev Schuman-Olivier, Rebecca A. Ferrer, Ethan Moitra
Frontiers in Psychology November 22, 2021 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.730972 (opens in new tab) via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractSelf-related processes (SRPs) such as rumination, self-compassion, self-efficacy, and self-esteem are theorized to be key mechanisms of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs). This evidence map introduces a framework for categorizing SRPs and assesses how well mindfulness training engages these targets and whether engagement relates to improved outcomes. Rumination shows the strongest evidence as a mechanism for depression, with support for other health outcomes as well. Self-compassion consistently engages with mindfulness training but inconsistently links to better outcomes. Decentering and interoception are emerging potential mechanisms, though their construct validity remains under development. Few SRPs have been measured in MBIs, and more research with well-validated measures is needed.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Systematic review / evidence map Cross-sectional Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Intervention | mindfulness-based interventions |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Rumination Self-compassion Psychological intervention |
| Citations | 77 |
| Key finding | Rumination shows the strongest evidence as a mechanism of mindfulness-based interventions for depression, while self-compassion shows consistent target engagement but inconsistent links to improved outcomes. |
Abstract
Self-related processes (SRPs) have been theorized as key mechanisms of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs), but the evidence supporting these theories is currently unclear. This evidence map introduces a comprehensive framework for different types of SRPs, and how they are theorized to function as mechanisms of MBIs (target identification). The evidence map then assesses SRP target engagement by mindfulness training and the relationship between target engagement and outcomes (target validation). Discussion of the measurement of SRPs is also included. The most common SRPs measured and engaged by standard MBIs represented valenced evaluations of self-concept, including rumination, self-compassion, self-efficacy, and self-esteem. Rumination showed the strongest evidence as a mechanism for depression, with other physical and mental health outcomes also supported. Self-compassion showed consistent target engagement but was inconsistently related to improved outcomes. Decentering and interoception are emerging potential mechanisms, but their construct validity and different subcomponents are still in development. While some embodied self-specifying processes are being measured in cross-sectional and meditation induction studies, very few have been assessed in MBIs. The SRPs with the strongest mechanistic support represent positive and negative evaluations of self-concept. In sum, few SRPs have been measured in MBIs, and additional research using well-validated measures is needed to clarify their role as mechanisms.