Mindfulness theory: feeling tones (vedanās) as a useful framework for research.
Current Opinion in Psychology October 9, 2018 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2018.10.002 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Buddhism Meditation |
| Keywords | Humans Emotions Intention Attention Biomedical research |
| Key points | Argues that feeling tones—pleasant, unpleasant, and neutral—are constructed rather than inherent in objects of experience, and that they can be usefully examined through the nāma factors of contact, feeling tone, perception, attention, and intention. Contends that reactions to feeling-tone valence strongly shape behavior, and that cultivating caring mindfulness can profoundly influence both feeling tones and behavior. |
Abstract
This essay explores the relevance of the practice of mindfulness of feeling tones as a useful framework for research. First it presents three common types of feeling tones: pleasant/unpleasant and neutral. Then it looks at the matrix in which they could be usefully considered for research, that is the nāma factors (contact, feeling tone, perception, attention and intention). It explains that feeling tones are constructed and that they do not reside in the object of experience. This is followed by a rigorous study of each types of feeling tones and our reaction to their valence as they can have a strong impact on our behavior. Finally it points out that cultivating caring mindfulness can profoundly influence feeeling tones and behavior.
Comparable studies
Other theoretical and historical papers on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness: A proposed operational definition. | 2004 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Mechanisms of mindfulness | 2005 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| How Does Mindfulness Meditation Work? Proposing Mechanisms of Action From a Conceptual and Neural Perspective | 2011 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression | 2006 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Self-awareness, self-regulation, and self-transcendence (S-ART): a framework for understanding the neurobiological mechanisms of mindfulness | 2012 | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
Citations in the library
Cited by 7
- Differential effects of digital mindfulness-based interventions on creative potential and responsibility among middle school students. British Journal of Educational Psychology September 1, 2024
- Mapping the Buddhist Mind: A Scoping Review of Mental Factors and Their Therapeutic Potential in Mental Health Mindfulness March 24, 2026
- Bridging traditions: a template analysis of Buddhist and Western psychological approaches to mindfulness. Frontiers in Psychology June 10, 2026
- Measuring mindfulness: A systematic review and evaluation of self-report mindfulness scales. Clinical Psychology Review February 25, 2026
- Defining Mindfulness: A Review of Existing Definitions and Suggested Refinements Mindfulness 2025
and 2 more in the library