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Mindfulness and Emotion Regulation

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Handbook of Mindfulness and Self-Regulation

Abstract

In this chapter, we begin to explore the wealth of research and theory on the implications of mindfulness for emotional experience by examining a variety of models of mindfulness and how they inform mindful emotion regulation. Then, we provide an empirical overview of the role of mindfulness in general emotional states, emotional reactions to stimuli and events, and emotions over time. Within this overview, we provide evidence for several distinct avenues through which mindfulness benefits emotion regulation, including increased willingness to experience negative emotions, reduced reactivity to emotional stimuli and situations, a decentered perspective, and increased emotional stability; we also highlight some research which suggests the neurological underpinnings of mindful emotion regulation. Finally, we link the impact of mindfulness on emotion regulation to behavioral change. Specifically, by highlighting research on smoking, alcohol use, and other addictive behaviors, we demonstrate that emotion regulation serves as a key mechanism in the relationship between mindfulness and some domains of behavioral regulation.

The preparation of this chapter was supported by the National Cancer Institute through grant R25-T CA57730 and MD Anderson’s Cancer Center Support Grant CA016672, and through a faculty fellowship from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Duncan Family Institute for Cancer Prevention and Risk Assessment.

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Acknowledgement

Significant portions of this chapter were completed while all authors were affiliated with the Department of Health Disparities Research, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychological Science, Georgia College & State University, Milledgeville, GA, 31061, USA

    Whitney L. Heppner

  2. Department of Psychology, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC, USA

    Claire A. Spears

  3. Stephenson Cancer Center and Department of Family & Preventive Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA

    Jennifer Irvin Vidrine

  4. Department of Psychology, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA

    David W. Wetter

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  1. Whitney L. Heppner
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  2. Claire A. Spears
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  3. Jennifer Irvin Vidrine
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  4. David W. Wetter
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Correspondence to Whitney L. Heppner .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands

    Brian D. Ostafin

  2. Department of Psychology, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA

    Michael D. Robinson

  3. Department of Psychology, Gettysburg College, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, USA

    Brian P. Meier

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Heppner, W.L., Spears, C.A., Vidrine, J.I., Wetter, D.W. (2015). Mindfulness and Emotion Regulation. In: Ostafin, B., Robinson, M., Meier, B. (eds) Handbook of Mindfulness and Self-Regulation. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-2263-5_9

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