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Mindfulness‐based interventions for eating disorders: The potential to mobilize multiple associative‐learning change mechanisms
Author(s) -
Roos Corey R.,
Sala Margaret,
Kober Hedy,
Vanzhula Irina A.,
Levinson Cheri A.
Publication year - 2021
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.23564
Subject(s) - mindfulness , psychology , psychological intervention , associative learning , acceptance and commitment therapy , cognitive psychology , associative property , psychotherapist , intervention (counseling) , psychiatry , mathematics , pure mathematics
Mindfulness is a two‐component skill that includes mindful awareness (attentional monitoring of present moment experience) and mindful acceptance (adopting an attitude of acceptance toward this experience). Although mindfulness‐based interventions (MBIs) are efficacious for many conditions, there is a lack of research on MBIs for eating disorders (EDs). We propose that MBIs may be promising for EDs given their potential to mobilize not one, but multiple associative‐learning change mechanisms in EDs–defined as adaptive processes of change involving one of two forms of associative‐learning: Pavlovian and operant learning. We hypothesize how MBIs–via increasing either mindful awareness or mindful acceptance–may mobilize up to eight associative‐learning change mechanisms, two involving Pavlovian learning, and six involving operant learning. We also elaborate on similarities and differences between MBIs and CBT approaches for EDs, as well as opportunities for synergy. Finally, we present recommendations for future research related to the development and evaluation of novel MBI interventions for EDs and the testing of mechanisms and patient‐treatment matching hypotheses.