Can mindfulness be too much of a good thing? The value of a middle way

Abstract

Previous research has found that very few, if any, psychological or physiological processes are universally beneficial. Instead, positive phenomena tend to follow a non-monotonic or inverted U-shaped trajectory where their typically positive effects eventually turn negative. This review investigates mindfulness-related processes for signs of non-monotonicity. A number of mindfulness-related processes-including, mindful attention (observing awareness, interoception), mindfulness qualities, mindful emotion regulation (prefrontal control, decentering, exposure, acceptance), and meditation practice-show signs of non-monotonicity, boundary conditions, or negative effects under certain conditions. A research agenda that investigates the possibility of mindfulness as non-monotonic may be able to provide an explanatory framework for the mix of positive, null, and negative effects that could maximize the efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions.

Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Figures

Figure 1.

Illustrates an inverted U-shaped relationship between mindfulness-related processes (MRP) (horizontal axis) and wellbeing (vertical axis). Panel 1 shows how low levels or deficiencies in MRPs correspond with low levels of wellbeing. It also shows how wellbeing increases as the deficiency in MRPs is reversed. Panel 2 illustrates how optimal levels of MRP corresponds to maximal levels of wellbeing. Panel 3 depicts how an excess of an MRP, past what is optimal, corresponds to a reduction in wellbeing.