The Effect of Mindfulness-Based Interventions as Therapy from Buddhist Perspective on Clinical Psychotherapy of Depression

Abstract

The incidence of depression is increasing rapidly, and clinicians and psychologists are constantly searching for effective clinical interventions. Although mindfulness originated in eastern Buddhism traditions, previous clinical studies suggested that mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) could be effectively applied in the West, especially for the treatment of depression. We wrote this article with four purposes: (1) to review how Buddhism is connected with depression treatment in clinical application; (2) to explore the impact of mindfulness-based intervention on depression's cognitive function; (3) to review the current successful cases and difficulties in the clinical application of MBI between the East and the West; (4) to provide suggestion for future clinical research and application based on current difficulties.

The Application of Theravāda Buddhist Meditation Practices and Techniques in Mindfulness-Based Interventions

“…Mettā meditation in MBCT fosters selfcompassion, which is essential for controlling depressive relapse. Directing loving-kindness toward oneself and addressing the inner critic are examples of modified Mettā practices (Wang et al, 2021). MBCT alters negative self-perceptions by including Mettā, encouraging self-nurturing and emotional resilience.…”