Abstract
Objectives
Elucidating the active ingredients of psychological treatments is an important step in the scientific validation of these interventions. Component studies are one way to test which aspects of psychological treatments impact outcomes or, in other words, are the active ingredients of treatment. As research and popular interest in mindfulness-based programs grows, it is important to evaluate the active ingredients of these programs and to continually refine theorized models of the mechanisms of mindfulness. Studying active ingredients may help clarify which elements of mindfulness-based programs are most important for dissemination.
Methods
We conducted a systematic review of component studies of mindfulness-based programs for adults with psychological conditions. PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews were followed.
Results
Eight component studies were identified. These studies dismantled mindfulness-based stress reduction, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, unified mindfulness, and core mindfulness processes. The eight studies differed with respect to types of programs and populations studied, yet similarities emerged. Notably, acceptance coupled with awareness and mindfulness meditation training may be two promising active ingredients of these different programs.
Conclusions
Future studies examining mindfulness-based programs should continue to attempt to dismantle active ingredients of treatment and use the findings to update theoretical models of mindfulness.
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Acknowledgments
We would like to thank Drs. Theresa Moyers and Kevin Vowels for their feedback on this manuscript.
Funding
Elena Stein was supported by a training grant through the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, T32 AA018108-10. Dr. Witkiewitz was supported by R01 AA025539.
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ES: designed and executed the study, completed literature search and selection, data extraction, and wrote the paper. KW: collaborated in the design of the study, independently reviewed references for study inclusion, and edited the final manuscript.
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Stein, E., Witkiewitz, K. Dismantling Mindfulness-Based Programs: a Systematic Review to Identify Active Components of Treatment. Mindfulness 11, 2470–2485 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-020-01444-0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-020-01444-0