INTEGRATIVE MECHANISMS OF THE INFLUENCE OF MINDFULNESS-BASED INTERVENTIONS ON EMOTIONAL REGULATION

Abstract

The article explores the mechanisms by which mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) impact emotional regulation from an integrative perspective. The relevance stems from the high prevalence of stress-related psychological disorders (anxiety, depression, PTSD) and the need to improve treatment efficacy. The introduction substantiates the aim – to analyze current MBI models and their psychological mechanisms of action, as well as to summarize the clinical effects of such interventions. The main part presents a review of 12 MBI programs (MBSR, MBCT, ACT, DBT, MBRP, etc.), indicating the developers, year of creation, focus, and key mechanisms (shown in a table). The psychological mechanisms of mindfulness practices are considered: cognitive (improved attention, metacognitive reappraisal, decentering of thoughts), affective (reduced rumination, exposure and acceptance of emotions instead of suppression), and interoceptive (enhanced awareness of bodily sensations and “embodied” emotional experience). Research findings demonstrating the impact of MBIs on reducing anxiety, depression, post-traumatic symptoms, and stress are presented, and differences in mechanisms for various disorders are highlighted (e.g., decreasing avoidance in anxiety vs. rumination in depression). An integrative model of mindfulness mechanisms is described, combining top-down (conscious cognitive control) and bottom-up (sensory acceptance) emotion regulation processes, and the roles of interpersonal and motivational components are discussed. The conclusions summarize the main findings: MBIs effectively improve emotional regulation through a set of interacting mechanisms; prospects for adapting MBIs in wartime conditions in Ukraine for military personnel, medical workers, and veterans are proposed. The importance of avoiding a reductionist “McMindfulness” approach when implementing mindfulness practices is emphasized.