Mechanisms of Mindfulness Intervention：Rumination Behavioral Experiments

Mechanism of Rumination in the Alleviation of Emotional Distress by Mindfulness-Based Interventions: Evidence from Behavioral Experiments

This study hopes to explore whether the changes in rumination exhibited in behavioral experiments mediates the effects of mindfulness intervention on alleviating emotional distress

In recent years, mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have seen extensive application in both clinical and non-clinical settings. Studies show that mindfulness training improves emotional regulation and processing, contributing to better emotional health. MBIs have proven effective in reducing anxiety and depression among patients with conditions like multiple sclerosis, enhancing personal well-being, and alleviating chronic pain. Given the mounting evidence supporting its benefits, MBIs have become widely adopted across various settings. Nonetheless, the precise mechanisms through which mindfulness alleviates emotional distress remain poorly understood.

Rumination, a transdiagnostic process, plays a critical role in the development and persistence of emotional distress. Empirical evidence supports the effectiveness of MBIs in reducing rumination. However, the role of rumination in mediating the effects of MBIs on emotional distress remains inconsistent across studies. Kazdin (2007, 2009) outlined criteria for evaluating mechanisms and mediators, yet existing studies lack sufficient evidence to meet these standards. This study aims to explore the mechanistic role of rumination using behavioral experiments, focusing on the consistency criterion

Inclusion Criteria:

• - Subjects with scores greater than 21 on the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale.
• - Aged 18-55 years old.

Exclusion Criteria:

• - Subjects who could not access the Internet;
• - Subjects with insufficient Chinese ability;
• - Subjects who have participated in mindfulness based projects for more than 6 weeks before, and / or the current frequency of meditation practice is more than once a week;
• - Subjects with schizophrenia or psychotic affective disorder, current organic mental disorder, substance abuse disorder and generalized developmental disorder;
• - Subjects with high risk of suicide.