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Mindfulness and eating disorder psychopathology: A meta‐analysis
Author(s) -
Sala Margarita,
Shankar Ram Shruti,
Vanzhula Irina A.,
Levinson Cheri A.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
international journal of eating disorders
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.785
H-Index - 138
eISSN - 1098-108X
pISSN - 0276-3478
DOI - 10.1002/eat.23247
Subject(s) - psychopathology , mindfulness , moderation , psychology , multilevel model , clinical psychology , binge eating , meta analysis , eating disorders , medicine , social psychology , machine learning , computer science
Abstract Objective Mindfulness is implicated in eating disorder (ED) psychopathology. However, this literature has not been synthesized to date. The current meta‐analysis examined the associations between mindfulness and ED psychopathology. Methods A total of 74 independent samples (effects = 576) were included. We used a multilevel random‐effects model to estimate summary study‐level effect sizes, and multilevel mixed‐effects models to examine moderator effects. Results Mindfulness was negatively associated with ED psychopathology ( r = −.25, p < .001), both concurrently ( r = −.25, p < .001) and prospectively ( r s = −.22 to −.24, p s < .001). Associations were strongest for binge eating, emotional/external eating, and body dissatisfaction as well as the acting with awareness and nonjudging facets. Discussion Mindfulness may be an important process in ED psychopathology. Future research should prospectively and experimentally examine the relation between mindfulness and ED psychopathology.