Student Independent Projects Psychology 2015: The Effects of Mindfulness on Mental Health

Abstract

Examining studies on mindfulness and mental health, this literature review shows that mindfulness can have a positive effect on mental health for all involved. It also shows how mindfulness, when used with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and its other components (i.e., Exposure and Response Therapy: ERP) can be more effective than without using mindfulness. Mindfulness practice can take many different forms but the end result is the same, being more aware of the present moment rather than the future or past. Mindfulness allows individuals to be in touch with reality and recognize their thoughts as only thoughts which are neither true or false nor good or bad. This may allow individuals to better deal with their mental illnesses. Illnesses that have been shown to benefit include depression, anxiety, eating disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, and even low self-esteem.