Target mechanisms of mindfulness-based programmes and practices: a scoping review.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to identify the psychological mechanisms through which mindfulness-based programs (MBPs) and practices influence mental health and well-being outcomes.
Results Summary
The study found significant indirect effects for mindfulness skills, decentering, and attitudes like self-compassion across various outcomes and populations. However, gaps remain regarding alternative mechanisms (e.g., attention and awareness) and their relation to specific outcomes.
Population
General population samples, with some studies focusing on specific mindfulness practices.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mindfulness-based programmes (MBPs) | increase | mental health and well-being | the population | - | demonstrated effects | #1 |
Mindfulness-based programmes (MBPs) or mindfulness practice | increase | mental health and well-being outcomes | different population samples | - | significant indirect effects | #2 |
Mindfulness-based programmes (MBPs) or mindfulness practice | increase | mental health and well-being outcomes | - | - | significant indirect effects | #3 |
Mindfulness skills | increase | mental health of whole populations | whole populations | - | may be key intervention targets | #4 |
Decentering | increase | mental health of whole populations | whole populations | - | may be key intervention targets | #5 |
Attitudes of mindfulness (eg, self-compassion) | increase | mental health of whole populations | whole populations | - | may be key intervention targets | #6 |
QUESTION: Mindfulness-based programmes (MBPs) and practices have demonstrated effects in mental health and well-being, yet questions regarding the target mechanisms that drive change across the population remain unresolved. STUDY SELECTION AND ANALYSIS: Five databases were searched for randomised controlled trials that evaluate the indirect effects (IEs) of an MBP or mindfulness practice in relation to mental health and well-being outcomes through psychological mechanisms. FINDINGS: 27 eligible studies were identified, with only four exploring mechanisms in the context of specific mindfulness practices. Significant IEs were reported for mindfulness skills, decentering and attitudes of mindfulness (eg, self-compassion) across different outcomes, population samples, mental health strategies and active comparators. Evidence gap maps and requirements for testing and reporting IEs are provided to help guide future work. CONCLUSIONS: Mindfulness skills, decentering and attitudes of mindfulness may be key intervention targets for addressing the mental health of whole populations. However, future work needs to address significant knowledge gaps regarding the evidence for alternative mechanisms (eg, attention and awareness) in relation to unique outcomes (eg, well-being), mental health strategies (ie, promotion) and active comparators. High-quality trials, with powered multivariate mediation analyses that meet key requirements, will be needed to advance this area of work. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: 10.17605/OSF.IO/NY2AH.