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

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.

The (In)flexible self: Psychopathology, mindfulness, and neuroscience

“…Notably, MBIs have been shown able to target transdiagnostic symptoms ( Compen & Speckens, 2021 ; Greeson, et al, 2018 ). Britton et al (2021) have reviewed specifically how self-related processes may be key mechanisms of MBIs, and found that MBIs consistently seem to reduce rumination, a transdiagnostic process with clear rigidity. They concluded however that the evidence supporting these theories is currently unclear, as few such processes have been measured in MBIs, and additional research using well-validated measures is needed.…”

An ontology of mechanisms of action in behaviour change interventions

“…For instance, by drawing on evidence that certain MoAs are consistently not associated with behaviour change, theory authors could remove relevant constructs from their theories. The ontology can also be used to map evidence about MoAs onto its classes, as part of creating an "evidence-gap map" (Britton et al, 2021). Such maps can help researchers identify MoAs that require more study and avoid repeatedly investigating the same MoAs.…”

PROTOCOL: Treatment for depressive disorder among adults: An evidence and gap map of systematic reviews

“…Depression can result from a complex interaction of psychological, physical, behavioral, and other factors (Pandey, 2021; Ratanasiripong, 2012; World Health Organization, 2017), and there are various treatment mechanisms (Britton, 2021; Xie, 2021). For example, pharmacotherapy mainly reduces the activity of brain nerves by reducing neurotransmitters in the body, thus stabilizing the mood of patients with depression; psychological therapy as well as educational program and training aim to correct cognitive bias, improve behavioral coping ability, and promote positive behaviors to empower the suffers of depression.…”

“…Depression can result from a complex interaction of psychological, physical, behavioral, and other factors (Pandey, 2021;Ratanasiripong, 2012;World Health Organization, 2017), and there are various treatment mechanisms (Britton, 2021;Xie, 2021).…”