Mindfulness: Theoretical Foundations and Evidence for its Salutary Effects
Psychological Inquiry
Short Title:
Mindfulness
Format:
Journal Article
Publication Date:
2007/10/19/
Pages:
211 - 237
Sources ID:
54416
Visibility:
Public (group default)
Abstract:
(Show)
Interest in mindfulness and its enhancement has burgeoned in recent years. In this article, we discuss in detail the nature of mindfulness and its relation to other, established theories of attention and awareness in day-to-day life. We then examine theory and evidence for the role of mindfulness in curtailing negative functioning and enhancing positive outcomes in several important life domains, including mental health, physical health, behavioral regulation, and interpersonal relationships. The processes through which mindfulness is theorized to have its beneficial effects are then discussed, along with proposed directions for theoretical development and empirical research.