The Effects of Mindfulness Meditation on Emotion Regulation, Cognition and Social Skills
T. Jones
European Scientific Journal ESJ May 31, 2018 DOI: 10.19044/esj.2018.v14n14p18 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Intervention | Mindfulness meditation |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | Argues that mindfulness meditation can support emotion regulation by enabling individuals to view aversive stimuli without attachment, and that this process relies on cognitive mechanisms including selective or focused attention and inhibition. Notes that evidence for this relationship is inconsistent, though more claims suggest a connection, and proposes a proactive mindfulness technique intended to benefit emotion regulation, cognition, and social skills. |
Abstract
This review seeks to bridge the gap between the separate but interacting mechanisms of emotion regulation and cognition, as well as their potential relationship with mindfulness meditation tools. By way of mindfulness meditation, individuals can learn how to regulate their emotions in a way that aversive stimuli will be viewed objectively; thus, the person can be free of attachment from said negative feelings. Knowing this, there is a potential link between emotion regulation processes and cognitive mechanisms that allow such regulation to take place, including selective or focused attention and inhibition. The literature on this theory so far has been inconsistent, however more claims suggest that there is a relationship between the two. This review initially speaks to existing mindfulness research and its implications on emotion regulation and cognitive processes. We then discuss emotion and the underlying processes and potential benefits of emotion regulation practice, as they are related to mindfulness mechanisms. Cognition, and the relationship between emotional intelligence and social skills are also discussed. Finally, we put it all together by suggesting a proactive mindfulness technique, which proves to be beneficial for each area mentioned.
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 2
- Resting-state fMRI functional connectivity and mindfulness in clinical and non-clinical contexts: A review and synthesis. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews February 22, 2022
- A Metacognition Based 8 Pillars Mindfulness Model and Training Strategies International Journal of Recent Contributions from Engineering Science & IT (iJES) December 18, 2020
Cites 11
- 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
- Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Psychosomatic Medicine July 1, 2003
- Inside the Mindful Mind Current Directions in Psychological Science December 1, 2013
- MINDFULNESS AND THE COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE OF ATTENTION AND AWARENESS Zygon December 3, 2025
and 6 more in the library