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)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review / evidence map Cross-sectional Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Intervention | mindfulness-based interventions |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Rumination Self-compassion Psychological intervention Embodied cognition Construct python library Interoception Mental health Clinical psychology Psychotherapist Perception |
| Citations | 77 |
| Key findings | 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.
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meditation Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-being Diverse adult clinical populations | 2014 | Meta-analysis | n = 3,515 |
| Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Stress Management in Healthy People: A Review and Meta-Analysis Healthy subjects | 2009 | Systematic review and meta-analysis | |
| The psychological effects of meditation: A meta-analysis. Nonclinical groups of adult meditators | 2012 | Meta-analysis | n = 163 |
| Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Prevention of Depressive Relapse Adults with recurrent depression in full or partial remission | 2016 | Meta-analysis of individual patient data from randomized controlled trials | n = 1,258 |
| Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness‐Based Cognitive Therapy – a systematic review of randomized controlled trials | 2011 | Systematic review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 33
- The (In)flexible self: Psychopathology, mindfulness, and neuroscience. International journal of clinical and health psychology : IJCHP 2023
- Impact of warm mindfulness on emotion regulation: A randomized controlled effectiveness trial. Health Psychology July 6, 2023
- Clarifying and measuring the characteristics of experiences that involve a loss of self or a dissolution of its boundaries. Consciousness and Cognition March 1, 2024
- Change starts with the body: Interoceptive appreciation mediates the effect of mindfulness training on behavior change - an effect moderated by depression severity. Psychiatry Research December 1, 2024
- Altered states of consciousness caused by a mindfulness-based programme up to a year later: Results from a randomised controlled trial. PLoS One July 17, 2024
and 28 more in the library
Cites 75
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- How Does Mindfulness Meditation Work? Proposing Mechanisms of Action From a Conceptual and Neural Perspective Perspectives on Psychological Science October 14, 2011
- Mind the Hype: A Critical Evaluation and Prescriptive Agenda for Research on Mindfulness and Meditation Perspectives on Psychological Science October 10, 2017
- The toronto mindfulness scale: Development and validation Journal of Clinical Psychology 2006
and 70 more in the library