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Negatively biased cognition as a mechanism of mindfulness: a review of the literature

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Abstract

Mindfulness-based interventions are efficacious in reducing depression and anxiety symptoms, but mechanisms underlying these benefits have not been fully elucidated. Based on cognitive theories of depression and anxiety, a reduction in negatively biased cognition may be one mechanism. We reviewed the empirical literature on mindfulness and negatively biased cognition. Thirty-seven studies met inclusion/exclusion criteria. The evidence generally indicated that mindfulness was inversely associated with negatively biased cognition, across various measures (i.e., self-reported negatively biased cognitive styles and cognitive responses to tasks involving valenced stimuli), study designs (i.e., correlational, quasi-experimental, and experimental), and samples (i.e., unselected and clinical). However, the relation was mixed for cognitive reactivity to negative emotions in recurrent depression and null for indices of quick behavioral control. Correlational evidence in unselected samples also supported an indirect relation between mindfulness and fewer depression and anxiety symptoms through less negatively biased cognition. Mindfulness may be useful for addressing this intended mechanism of traditional cognitive-behavioral therapy. Future research should more directly test the role of negatively biased cognition in protective and therapeutic effects of mindfulness.

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Notes

  1. The accepting or nonjudgmental nature of mindfulness is similar to non-avoidance and should not be confused with passivity or lack of discernment in action.

  2. Not all forms of meditation and yoga are focused on mindfulness; some meditative practices primarily encourage other psychological qualities – e.g., absorption.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Nova Behavioral Healthcare Corporation, 2307 Norwood Ave # H, Goldsboro, NC, 27534, USA

    Cameron G. Ford

  2. West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA

    Cameron G. Ford & Ilana Haliwa

  3. Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA

    Laura G. Kiken

  4. University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA

    Natalie J. Shook

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  1. Cameron G. Ford
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  2. Laura G. Kiken
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  3. Ilana Haliwa
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  4. Natalie J. Shook
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Correspondence to Cameron G. Ford.

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This study was not subject to review of any IRB as no data were collected. This study reviewed only existing, published research. No new informed consent was obtained in our review of the existing literature.

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Ford, C.G., Kiken, L.G., Haliwa, I. et al. Negatively biased cognition as a mechanism of mindfulness: a review of the literature. Curr Psychol 42, 8946–8962 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-021-02147-y

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