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Gepubliceerd in: Mindfulness 1/2020

28-11-2019 | REVIEW

How Mindfulness Enhances Meaning in Life: A Meta-Analysis of Correlational Studies and Randomized Controlled Trials

Auteurs: Steven Tsun-Wai Chu, Winnie W. S. Mak

Gepubliceerd in: Mindfulness | Uitgave 1/2020

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Abstract

Objectives

Mindfulness-based interventions have been widely applied to various populations with demonstrated effects in reducing physical and psychological distress. However, it is equally important to investigate whether, and how, mindfulness might enhance people’s psychological well-being. One important dimension of well-being is meaning in life. We systematically analyzed the correlational relationship between mindfulness and meaning in life and whether randomized controlled trials of mindfulness-based interventions could enhance meaning in life.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search identified 22 studies (25 samples, N = 7895) for the meta-analysis of the relationship between mindfulness and meaning in life, and 9 studies (11 samples, N = 912) for the meta-analysis of the effects of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of mindfulness-based interventions on meaning in life.

Results

Cross-sectional correlation between mindfulness and meaning was estimated to be .37, a moderate effect size. RCTs of mindfulness-based interventions had a moderate effect size on meaning (Hedge’s g = 0.53). Our systematic review indicated that the effect of mindfulness on meaning was mediated by decentering, authentic self-awareness, and attention to positive experience.

Conclusions

Overall, these findings showed the promise of applying mindfulness-based interventions to enhance meaning in life. However, more empirical studies with an active control group are required to establish the effects of mindfulness-based interventions above and beyond placebo effect.
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Metagegevens
Titel
How Mindfulness Enhances Meaning in Life: A Meta-Analysis of Correlational Studies and Randomized Controlled Trials
Auteurs
Steven Tsun-Wai Chu
Winnie W. S. Mak
Publicatiedatum
28-11-2019
Uitgeverij
Springer US
Gepubliceerd in
Mindfulness / Uitgave 1/2020
Print ISSN: 1868-8527
Elektronisch ISSN: 1868-8535
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-019-01258-9

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