Are We Speaking the Same Language? Finding Theoretical Coherence and Precision in "Mindfulness-Based Mechanisms" in Chronic Pain.
Anthony M Harrison, Whitney Scott, Louise C Johns, Eric M. J. Morris, Lance M. McCracken
Pain Medicine November 1, 2017 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnw310 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Conceptual narrative review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Individuals with any type of chronic pain |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Chronic pain Theory |
| Key findings | Argues that theoretical challenges—including lack of clarity around the mindfulness construct, proliferation of purported mechanisms, and limited evidence for mechanisms—inhibit progress in mindfulness-based interventions for chronic pain. Proposes that a contextual behavioral theory of "psychological flexibility" offers a useful framework and that further integration of existing mindfulness constructs is needed to guide future treatment development and evaluation. |
Abstract
Over the past 50 years, the field of chronic pain has witnessed an evolution of psychological approaches with some notable success. Some of this evolution has included "mindfulness-based interventions" (MBIs), now regarded as having encouraging partial support for their effectiveness. However, several theoretical challenges remain that may inhibit the progress of MBIs. These challenges include a lack of clarity surrounding the mindfulness construct itself, the proliferation of purported underlying mechanisms arising from different theories, and limited evidence for the mechanisms through which MBIs work. The current conceptual review provides a critique of existing theoretical models of mindfulness that have been applied to understanding and treating chronic pain. A conceptual narrative review was conducted. Treatment programs for people with chronic pain. Individuals with any type of chronic pain. MBIs for chronic pain. Mindfulness-based mechanisms explored in relation to several domains of functioning. Based on this assessment, a summary of available evidence for a particular contextual behavioral theory of "mindfulness"-psychological flexibility-is outlined. Findings show the need for further integration of existing mindfulness constructs to better guide development and evaluation of mindfulness-based treatment methods in the future.
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 3
- Mindfulness-based intervention in patients with persistent pain in chest (MIPIC) of non-cardiac cause: a feasibility randomised control study. Open heart May 2022
- "I'm empowered to look after myself" - Mindfulness as a way to manage chronic pain: An interpretative phenomenological analysis of participant experiences in Scotland. Social Science & Medicine (1967) May 25, 2021
- Effects of a 12-Minute Smartphone-Based Mindful Breathing Task on Heart Rate Variability for Students With Clinically Relevant Chronic Pain, Depression, and Anxiety: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Research Protocols December 2, 2019
Cites 17
- Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Assessment January 27, 2006
- Mindfulness: A proposed operational definition. Clinical Psychology Science and Practice 2004
- Mechanisms of mindfulness Journal of Clinical Psychology December 29, 2005
- Metacognitive awareness and prevention of relapse in depression: Empirical evidence. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 2002
- Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness‐Based Cognitive Therapy – a systematic review of randomized controlled trials Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica April 28, 2011
and 12 more in the library