Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: A conceptual and empirical review.

TLDR

Mindfulness training, which involves intentionally focusing attention on present internal and external experiences through meditation exercises, is becoming increasingly popular. This review summarizes conceptual approaches to mindfulness and empirical research on mindfulness‑based interventions, and calls for methodologically sound studies to clarify their utility. Meta‑analytic techniques were employed to quantify findings and compare across studies. Despite methodological flaws in the current literature, the evidence suggests that mindfulness‑based interventions may be helpful in treating several disorders.

Abstract

Interventions based on training in mindfulness skills are becoming increasingly popular. Mindfulness involves intentionally bringing one's attention to the internal and external experiences occurring in the present moment, and is often taught through a variety of meditation exercises. This review summarizes conceptual approaches to mind-fulness and empirical research on the utility of mindfulness-based interventions. Meta-analytic techniques were incorporated to facilitate quantification of findings and comparison across studies. Although the current empirical literature includes many methodological flaws, findings suggest that mindfulness-based interventions may be helpful in the treatment of several disorders. Methodologically sound investigations are recommended in order to clarify the utility of these interventions.