Implementation of Mindfulness-Based Emotion Regulation Strategies: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract

Among the strategies people can use to regulate their emotions, there is increasing interest in mindfulness. Although prior reviews support that mindful acceptance (equanimity) is an effective strategy, other components of mindfulness (monitoring/ mindful awareness) have received less attention. Further, a recent theoretical framework—the Dual-mode Model of Mindful Emotion Regulation—proposed that mindfulness has two “modes” of action in emotion regulation: (1) implementation to regulate emotions as time-limited strategies and (2) acting as a moderator that facilitates effective emotion regulation. The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the implementation of mindfulness-based strategies and facilitation effects of mindfulness on emotion reactivity and strategy implementation. A total of 2037 records were screened, from which 110 studies with 767 effects (N = 8,105) were analyzed. There was a significant effect of mindfulness-based strategies (g = .28, 95% CI [.18, .38], I² = 83.3%). Components of monitoring (g = .17, 95% CI [.02, .32]) and equanimity (g = .3, 95% CI [.19, .41]) were also effective, although monitoring alone was significantly less effective than other strategies. The effect size was greater for within-subjects designs, text-based emotional stimuli, personally relevant stimuli, and behavioral outcomes (e.g., pain tolerance). Despite small-study effects and publication bias, the estimate was robust to sensitivity analyses (between .15 and .3). Meta-regression of facilitation supported that greater study-level equanimity was associated with reduced reactivity. As hypothesized, mindfulness-based strategies can effectively regulate emotions. Methodological considerations and directions for future study are discussed.