ObjectiveDespite consistent evidence for the beneficial effects of meditation on mental health, little is known about the mechanisms that make mindfulness meditation effective.MethodThe levels of mental health, self‐compassion, presence of meaning in life, and experiential avoidance of meditators (n = 414) and nonmeditators (n = 414) were measured and compared. Bootstrap‐based structural equation modeling (SEM) modeling analyses were used to test multiple‐step multiple‐mediator models.ResultsMeditation was positively associated with mental health, although the regularity of practice was an influential element to be considered. Significant indirect effects of meditation on mental health through self‐compassion, meaning in life, and experiential avoidance were found. SEM models were able to account for 58% of the variance in mental health scores.ConclusionsSelf‐compassion, presence of meaning in life, and reduced experiential avoidance may be active components of healthy meditation practices. Identifying the mechanisms involved in effective meditation practices has relevant implications for well‐being and mental health‐promoting interventions.

Background Clinical and health psychologists are often exposed to occupational hazards, such as burnout and compassion fatigue, which originate from emotional demands at work. Mindful Self‐Compassion (MSC) training has been demonstrated to be useful in increasing well‐being and enhancing mental health. Although the use of the MSC programme in educational contexts has been suggested, an evaluation of its efficacy as a method to improve the competencies of trainees in clinical psychology has yet to be performed. Methods Our study used a sample of 61 adults (88.5% women) attending postgraduate courses in clinical and health psychology who participated in an 8‐week MSC programme. Their levels of self‐compassion, mindfulness, well‐being, anxiety and depression symptoms were assessed before and after the intervention. Based on the participants' adherence to the MSC programme, two groups were created, that is, high (n = 30) versus low (n = 31) adherence. Results The participants in the high‐adherence group benefitted from the MSC programme because they increased their self‐compassion, mindfulness and psychological well‐being scores. The extent to which the participants reported to have been committed to the MSC practice was associated with changes in self‐compassion, mindfulness and psychological well‐being. Furthermore, the changes in self‐compassion were significantly correlated with changes in mindfulness and psychological well‐being. Conclusion The MSC programme offers a promising way to develop professional competencies and enhance the well‐being of trainees in clinical psychology.

]. Contribution to the article: Project and article design, data analysis and interpretation, analysis of results, article writing.

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