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Review
. 2021 Nov 22:12:730972.
doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.730972. eCollection 2021.

From Self-Esteem to Selflessness: An Evidence (Gap) Map of Self-Related Processes as Mechanisms of Mindfulness-Based Interventions

Willoughby B Britton  1   2 , Gaëlle Desbordes  3 , Rebecca Acabchuk  4 , Sarah Peters  1 , Jared R Lindahl  5 , Nicholas K Canby  2   6 , David R Vago  7 , Travis Dumais  1 , Jonah Lipsky  1 , Hannah Kimmel  1 , Lauren Sager  1 , Hadley Rahrig  1 , Aya Cheaito  1 , Pamela Acero  1 , Jodi Scharf  1 , Sara W Lazar  8 , Zev Schuman-Olivier  9 , Rebecca Ferrer  10 , Ethan Moitra  2
Affiliations
Review

From Self-Esteem to Selflessness: An Evidence (Gap) Map of Self-Related Processes as Mechanisms of Mindfulness-Based Interventions

Willoughby B Britton et al. Front Psychol. .

Abstract

Self-related processes (SRPs) have been theorized as key mechanisms of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs), but the evidence supporting these theories is currently unclear. This evidence map introduces a comprehensive framework for different types of SRPs, and how they are theorized to function as mechanisms of MBIs (target identification). The evidence map then assesses SRP target engagement by mindfulness training and the relationship between target engagement and outcomes (target validation). Discussion of the measurement of SRPs is also included. The most common SRPs measured and engaged by standard MBIs represented valenced evaluations of self-concept, including rumination, self-compassion, self-efficacy, and self-esteem. Rumination showed the strongest evidence as a mechanism for depression, with other physical and mental health outcomes also supported. Self-compassion showed consistent target engagement but was inconsistently related to improved outcomes. Decentering and interoception are emerging potential mechanisms, but their construct validity and different subcomponents are still in development. While some embodied self-specifying processes are being measured in cross-sectional and meditation induction studies, very few have been assessed in MBIs. The SRPs with the strongest mechanistic support represent positive and negative evaluations of self-concept. In sum, few SRPs have been measured in MBIs, and additional research using well-validated measures is needed to clarify their role as mechanisms.

Keywords: measurement; mechanism; meditation; mindfulness; self-related processes.

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Conflict of interest statement

WB is a MBSR and MBCT teacher and has received financial compensation for this role. WB is nominally affiliated with the Mindfulness Center at Brown University which generates income by offering mindfulness classes to the public. WB is the founder of Cheetah House, a RI non-profit organization that provides information about meditation-related difficulties, individual consultations, and support groups, as well as educational trainings to meditation teachers, clinicians, educators and mindfulness providers. JL’s spouse is the founder of Cheetah House. JL has also received compensation for providing educational trainings on meditation-related difficulties. These interests have been disclosed to and is being managed by Brown University, in accordance with its Conflict of Interest and Conflict of Commitment policies. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Schematic diagram of self-related processes.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Evidence map.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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