How mindfulness training promotes positive emotions: Dismantling acceptance skills training in two randomized controlled trials.

May combine two claims.

MA participants showed significant decreases in diary-assessed depression (mean change = -0.36, d = .31) and hostility (mean change = -0.48, d = .51), whereas neither MO nor control participants showed significant decreases in depression or hostility.

“MA participants also showed significant decreases in depression (MA mean change=−0.36, p=.011, d=.31) and hostility (MA mean change=−0.48, p<.0005, d=.51), whereas neither MO or control participants showed significant decreases in depression (MO mean change=−0.18, p=.214, d=.12; control mean change=−0.03, p=.881, d=.02) or hostility (MO mean change=−0.08, p=.506, d=.07; control mean change=0.15, p”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: The ambulatory assessment data are missing at random, so that the multilevel models' estimates are unbiased.

May combine two claims.

Only MA participants showed significant increases in diary-assessed happiness (mean change = 0.69, d = .58) and vigor (mean change = 0.63, d = .56).

“Both MA and MO participants showed significant increases in feelings of calm (MA mean change=0.80, p<.0005, d=.75; MO mean change=0.58, p<.0005, d=.48), whereas only MA participants showed significant increases in happiness (MA mean change=0.69, p<.0005, d=.58; MO mean change=0.28, p=.059, d=.20) and vigor (MA mean change=0.63, p<.0005, d=.56; MO mean change=0.25, p=.068, d=.20).”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: The ambulatory assessment data are missing at random, so that the multilevel models' estimates are unbiased.

May combine two claims.

MA participants showed significantly greater decreases in overall diary negative affect compared to NT (g = .66), whereas MO and NT participants did not significantly differ (g = .35).

“However, MA participants showed significantly greater decreases in overall negative affect compared NT participants (χ2(1)=8.59, p=.003, g=.66), whereas MO and NT participants did not significantly differ (χ2(1)=2.29, p=.130, g=.35).”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: The ambulatory assessment data are missing at random, so that the multilevel models' estimates are unbiased.

May combine two claims.

MA had a significant advantage over MO in increasing happiness (g = .39), with no significant differences for vigor (g = .37) or calm (g = .22).

“There was a significant advantage of MA over MO in increasing happiness (χ2(1)=4.08, p=.043, g=.39), with no significant differences on increasing feelings of vigor (χ2(1)=3.71, p=.054, g=.37) or calm (χ2(1)=1.28, p=.257, g=.22).”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: The ambulatory assessment data are missing at random, so that the multilevel models' estimates are unbiased.

May combine two claims.

In Study 1, both MA and MO training decreased negative affect, with less evidence that acceptance training appreciably reduces negative affect.

“In contrast, both MA and MO training decreased negative affect, with less evidence that the inclusion of acceptance training appreciably reduces negative affect.”

May combine two claims.

MA participants showed significantly greater increases in state positive affect compared to NT (g = .95), as did MO participants relative to NT (g = .68).

“MA participants showed significantly greater increases in state positive affect compared to NT participants (χ2(1)=15.10, p<.0005, g=.95), as did MO participants relative to NT participants (χ2(1)=8.48, p=.004, g=.68).”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: The ambulatory assessment data are missing at random, so that the multilevel models' estimates are unbiased.

May combine two claims.

There was no main effect of study condition and no time by condition interaction for momentary negative affect.

“There was no main effect of study condition across baseline and post-intervention time points (χ2(2)=0.54, p=.764), and no time × condition interaction (χ2(2)=4.75, p=.093) (see Tables 4A and 5A).”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: The ambulatory assessment data are missing at random, so that the multilevel models' estimates are unbiased.

May combine two claims.

Both MA and MO participants showed significant decreases in overall diary negative affect (MA mean change = -0.54, d = .58; MO mean change = -0.29, d = .27), whereas NT participants did not (mean change = -0.02, d = .02).

“Both MA- and MO-trained participants showed significant decreases in overall negative affect from baseline to post-intervention (MA mean change=−0.54, p<.0005, d=.58; MO mean change=−0.29, p=.008, d=.27), whereas control participants did not (NT mean change=−0.02, p=.859, d=.02).”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: The ambulatory assessment data are missing at random, so that the multilevel models' estimates are unbiased.

May combine two claims.

Study 1 provides initial support for the primary Monitor + Accept hypothesis, showing that acceptance skills training has added benefit for boosting positive affect in mindfulness interventions.

“Overall, Study 1 provides initial support for the primary Monitor + Accept hypothesis, showing that the inclusion of acceptance skills training has added benefit for boosting positive affect in mindfulness interventions.”

May combine two claims.

MA showed an advantage over NT specifically for hostility (g = .73) and anxiety (g = .58) but not depression.

“MA showed an advantage over NT specifically for hostility (χ2(1)=10.75, p=.001, g=.73) and anxiety (χ2(1)=6.70, p=.010, g=.58) but not feelings related to depression (χ2(1)=2.16, p=.142, d=.33).”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: The ambulatory assessment data are missing at random, so that the multilevel models' estimates are unbiased.

May combine two claims.

Both MA and MO participants showed significant increases in momentary positive affect (MA mean change = 0.61, d = .61; MO mean change = 0.49, d = .43), whereas NT participants did not (mean change = 0.09, d = .09).

“Both MA- and MO-trained participants showed significant increases in momentary positive affect from baseline to post-intervention (MA mean change=0.61, p<.0005, d=.61; MO mean change=0.49, p<.0005, d=.43) whereas control participants did not (NT mean change=0.09, p=.434, d=.09) (see Table 5A).”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: The ambulatory assessment data are missing at random, so that the multilevel models' estimates are unbiased.

May combine two claims.

Both MA and MO participants showed significant decreases in diary-assessed anxiety (MA mean change = -0.79, d = .58; MO mean change = -0.62, d = .39), whereas NT participants did not (mean change = -0.19, d = .10).

“Consistent with changes in overall negative affect, both MA and MO participants showed significant decreases in anxiety (MA mean change=−0.79, p<.0005, d=.58; MO mean change=−0.62, p<.0005, d=.39) whereas control participants did not (NT mean change=−0.19, p=.281, d=.10).”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: The ambulatory assessment data are missing at random, so that the multilevel models' estimates are unbiased.

May combine two claims.

Effect sizes were medium-large after MA training (ds=.39-.70), small-medium after MO training (ds=.15-.36), and very small after control training (ds=.01-.22).

“Medium-large effects were observed after MA training (ds=.39-.70), small-medium effects after MO training (ds=.15-.36), and very small effects after control training (ds=.01-.22).”

May combine two claims.

There was a main effect of day of week on momentary positive affect (χ2(5)=16.10, p=.007), on diary-assessed positive affect (χ2(5)=15.01, p=.010), and on diary-assessed negative affect (χ2(5)=13.72, p=.018).

“But there was a relationship between day of the week and positive and negative affect in this sample; there was a main effect of day of week on momentary positive affect (χ2(5)=16.10, p=.007), on diary-assessed positive affect (χ2(5)=15.01, p=.010), and on diary-assessed negative affect (χ2(5)=13.72, p=.018).”

May combine two claims.

Both MA and MO participants showed significant increases in happiness, calm, and vigor from pre- to post-intervention, whereas control participants did not show increases in any of these types of positive affect.

“Consistent with changes in overall positive affect, both MA and MO participants showed significant increases in happiness (MA mean change=0.75, p<.0005, d=.65; MO mean change=0.29, p=.011, d=.25), calm (MA mean change=0.75, p<.0005, d=.67; MO mean change=0.35, p=.002, d=.31), and vigor (MA mean change=0.59, p<.0005, d=.52; MO mean change=0.41, p<.0005, d=.36), whereas control participants did not”

May combine two claims.

Acceptance training is a key ingredient for the positive affect effect; omitting acceptance training significantly reduced positive affect benefits.

“supporting the Monitor + Accept hypothesis, acceptance training appears to be a key ingredient for this effect. When acceptance training was not included in the mindfulness intervention, positive affect benefits were significantly reduced.”

• Also stated in: § General Discussion · plain

  “removing acceptance skills training from mindfulness interventions significantly reduced positive affect benefits (approximately halving the magnitude of effects).”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

For diary-assessed positive and negative affect outcomes, empty 2-level models showed 34-48% of total variance between individuals and 52-66% within individuals.

“For diary-assessed positive and negative affect outcomes, empty 2-level models showed that 34-48% of the total variance occurred between individuals, whereas 52-66% of variance occurred within individuals.”

May combine two claims.

For momentary positive and negative affect outcomes, 21-32% of total variance occurred between individuals, 5-7% at the day level, and 63-72% within individuals.

“For momentary positive and negative affect outcomes, 21-32% of the total variance occurred between individuals, 5-7% was explained at the day level, and 63-72% occurred within individuals.”

May combine two claims.

In diary assessment analyses, there was a significant main effect of time (χ2(1)=38.02, p<.0005), no main effect of study condition across time (χ2(2)=2.25, p=.325), and a significant time × condition effect on overall positive affect (χ2(2)=12.67, p=.002).

“In diary assessment analyses, an MLM revealed a significant main effect of time (χ2(1)=38.02, p<.0005), no main effect of study condition across time (χ2(2)=2.25, p=.325), and, as predicted, a significant time × condition effect on overall positive affect (χ2(2)=12.67, p=.002).”

May combine two claims.

These differences were magnified in end-of-day reports and were specific to feelings of happiness (happy, pleased, cheerful) across the two trials.

“These differences were magnified in end-of-day reports and were specific to feelings of happiness (i.e., happy, pleased, cheerful) across the two trials.”

May combine two claims.

The two studies showed similar medium-to-large effect sizes on positive affect outcomes (ds=.70 for diary-assessed positive emotions; ds=.61 and .39 for momentary positive affect).

“The two studies showed similar medium-to-large effect sizes on positive affect outcomes (ds=.70 for diary-assessed positive emotions; ds=.61 and .39 for momentary positive affect)”

May combine two claims.

Both MA and MO interventions reduced anxious affect and momentary negative affect in Study 1.

“both of these interventions reduced anxious affect and momentary negative affect.”

May combine two claims.

Although evidence supports the Monitor + Accept hypothesis, showing a benefit of MA over MO training for boosting positive affect across Studies 1 and 2, there is also some indication that training in Monitoring Only is moderately effective for increasing positive affect and reducing negative affect.

“Although the evidence here supports the Monitor + Accept hypothesis, showing a benefit of MA over MO training for boosting positive affect across Studies 1 and 2, there is also some indication that training in Monitoring Only is moderately effective for increasing positive affect and reducing negative affect.”

May combine two claims.

Although study findings supported the Monitor + Accept hypothesis concerning increases in positive emotions, there was not compelling support for the secondary hypothesis concerning the contribution of acceptance training on reducing daily life negative affect.

“Although the study findings supported the Monitor + Accept hypothesis concerning increases in positive emotions, there was not compelling support for the secondary hypothesis concerning the contribution of acceptance training on reducing daily life negative affect.”

May combine two claims.

Reductions in negative affect were observed across all three interventions in Study 2, with no advantage of MA training over MO or active placebo-controlled training.

“Likewise, reductions in negative affect were observed across all three interventions in Study 2, with no advantage of MA training over MO or active placebo-controlled training.”

May combine two claims.

There was no evidence that training in monitoring skills intensified negative affectivity, an important revision to MAT.

“There was no evidence that training in monitoring skills intensified negative affectivity, an important revision to MAT (Lindsay & Creswell, 2017).”

• cites Lindsay & Creswell, 2017Not checked yet

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May combine two claims.

Across both studies, MA tended to decrease negative affect more than MO, and MO tended to be superior to both active and no treatment control groups.

“across both studies, MA tended to decrease negative affect more than MO, and MO tended to be superior to both active and no treatment control groups.”

May combine two claims.

These findings were consistent across different lengths of training (2 weeks vs. 8 weeks), different delivery methods (in-person group-based vs. individual smartphone-based), and different instructors and instructional techniques (MBSR-based instruction vs. Unified Mindfulness instruction).

“These findings were consistent across different lengths of training (2 weeks vs. 8 weeks), different delivery methods (in-person group-based vs. individual smartphone-based), and different instructors and instructional techniques (MBSR-based instruction vs. Unified Mindfulness instruction).”

May combine two claims.

Two large pre-registered clinical trials conceptually replicated the basic finding that mindfulness interventions can increase positive emotions in diverse samples of stressed adults, with acceptance skills being particularly important for promoting these effects.

“Two large pre-registered clinical trials conceptually replicated the basic finding that mindfulness interventions can increase positive emotions in diverse samples of stressed adults, with acceptance skills being particularly important for promoting these effects.”

May combine two claims.

Some evidence suggests that experiential acceptance fosters positive emotional experience, but acceptance alone might not be enough to increase positive affect.

“There is some indication that experiential acceptance promotes positive emotional experience (Kashdan, Barrios, Forsyth, & Steger, 2006; Kashdan & Breen, 2007; Kratz, Davis, & Zautra, 2007), although acceptance by itself may not be sufficient for enhancing positive affect (Ford, Lam, John, & Mauss, 2017).”

• cites Kashdan, Barrios, Forsyth, & Steger, 2006Not checked yet

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• cites Kashdan & Breen, 2007Not checked yet

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• cites Kratz, Davis, & Zautra, 2007Not checked yet

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Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

MAT provides two competing predictions regarding the interaction of monitoring and acceptance skills on affective outcomes.

“Monitor and Acceptance Theory (MAT) is a new theoretical account that offers two competing predictions about how the basic components of mindfulness interventions – monitoring and acceptance skills – interact to impact affective outcomes (Lindsay & Creswell, 2017).”

• cites Lindsay & Creswell, 2017Not checked yet

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May combine two claims.

Stress amplifies these tendencies and narrows attention toward stress-related cues, leaving out pleasant and neutral ones.

“These tendencies are magnified during periods of stress, which tends to narrow attention to focus on stress-relevant stimuli to the exclusion of pleasant and neutral stimuli (Derryberry & Tucker, 1994).”

• cites Derryberry & Tucker, 1994Not checked yet

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May combine two claims.

A receptive, open, and accepting orientation to all experiences might lessen attentional biases, expand awareness, and give greater access to positive stimuli that would otherwise be missed.

“In contrast, orienting toward all experiences with receptivity, openness, and acceptance may reduce these attentional biases (Kiken & Shook, 2011), broaden awareness (Garland, Hanley, Goldin, & Gross, 2017), and afford greater access to positive stimuli that might otherwise go unnoticed.”

• cites Kiken & Shook, 2011Not checked yet

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• cites Garland, Hanley, Goldin, & Gross, 2017Not checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Sometimes, however, this monitoring tendency has been linked to positive outcomes like greater life satisfaction and personal growth.

“In some cases, however, this tendency has also been associated with positive happiness-related outcomes (e.g., higher satisfaction with life and personal growth; Chopko & Schwartz, 2009; Christopher & Gilbert, 2010).”

• cites Chopko & Schwartz, 2009Not checked yet

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• cites Christopher & Gilbert, 2010Not checked yet

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Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

An accepting and receptive stance toward momentary experiences might expand awareness, making people more open to daily positive stimuli and thereby raising overall positive affect.

“Bringing an attitude of acceptance and receptivity toward momentary experiences may broaden awareness and open individuals to the many positive stimuli available in daily life, increasing positive affect overall.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Certain well-controlled trials indicate that mindfulness interventions do not outperform active controls in lowering negative affect.

“However, some well-controlled studies suggest that mindfulness interventions are no more effective than active control interventions for reducing negative affect (e.g., Davis & Zautra, 2013).”

• cites Davis & Zautra, 2013Not checked yet

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May combine two claims.

Ambulatory assessment methods are less affected by retrospective memory biases, capture affective experiences in real-world settings, and predict health outcomes better.

“In contrast, ambulatory assessment approaches (Smyth, Juth, Ma, & Sliwinski, 2017) suffer much less from retrospective memory biases, tap affective experiences in real world contexts, and are more predictive of health outcomes (Conner & Feldman Barrett, 2012).”

• cites Smyth, Juth, Ma, & Sliwinski, 2017Not checked yet

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• cites Conner & Feldman Barrett, 2012Not checked yet

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Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

According to MAT, monitoring and acceptance skills combine synergistically to enhance positive emotions.

“Instead, MAT posits that monitoring and acceptance skills work synergistically to boost positive emotions (Lindsay & Creswell, 2015).”

• cites Lindsay & Creswell, 2015Not checked yet

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May combine two claims.

The evidence regarding monitoring's affective effects is mixed, with self-reported monitoring skills tied to both positive and negative outcomes.

“Overall, evidence on the affective consequences of monitoring is mixed, linking self-reported monitoring skills to both positive and negative affective outcomes, and highlighting the need for experimental manipulation of monitoring training in isolation.”

May combine two claims.

Acceptance alters one's relationship to present-moment experiences, thereby shifting attention and the quality of experience.

“In all of these cases, acceptance begins to transform how one relates to present-moment experiences, ultimately changing the scope of attention and the nature of experience.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Monitoring skill develops through repeated practice of returning attention to the body after it wanders.

“It is common for the mind to drift away from focusing on the body, and practice in repeatedly bringing attention back to the body develops skill in monitoring.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Monitoring practice frequently feels effortful, uncomfortable, or frustrating when attention wanders or fixates on agitation or discomfort.

“It is also common for monitoring practice to be effortful, uncomfortable, or frustrating as attention continues to wander or narrow in on feelings of agitation or discomfort in the body.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

Third-wave acceptance- and mindfulness-based interventions regard acceptance training as essential, even though mindfulness is traditionally defined as clear awareness.

“Although mindfulness is canonically described as a state of clear awareness (Quaglia, Brown, Lindsay, Creswell, & Goodman, 2014), acceptance training is considered an integral part of third-wave acceptance- and mindfulness-based interventions (Hayes, 2004; Mennin, Ellard, Fresco, & Gross, 2013).”

• cites Quaglia, Brown, Lindsay, Creswell, & Goodman, 2014Not checked yet

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• cites Hayes, 2004Not checked yet

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• cites Mennin, Ellard, Fresco, & Gross, 2013Not checked yet

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Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

Acceptance toward one's experience produces openness, expands awareness, and allows attention to notice and enjoy pleasant moments.

“Experientially, orienting toward one’s experience with acceptance creates a sense of openness, broadening the scope of awareness and freeing attention to notice and savor pleasant experiences in the moment.”

May combine two claims.

Retrospective reports of global affect often inaccurately reflect experienced emotional states, and negative emotions tend to outweigh positive ones in memory.

“Yet retrospective report of global affect is often an inaccurate reflection of experienced emotional states, with negative emotions tending to outweigh positive emotions in memory (Thomas & Diener, 1990).”

• cites Thomas & Diener, 1990Not checked yet

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Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

Scientific definitions of mindfulness commonly identify monitoring and acceptance as its two core components, and these are also what set mindfulness interventions apart from other therapies.

“Attention monitoring and acceptance are the two basic components described in numerous scientific definitions of mindfulness (e.g., Bishop et al., 2004) and the two unique elements of mindfulness interventions that distinguish them from other therapeutic interventions (Lindsay & Creswell, 2017).”

• cites Bishop et al., 2004Not checked yet

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• cites Lindsay & Creswell, 2017Not checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

More extensive research indicates that mindfulness practice, ranging from 5 minutes to 8 weeks, lowers negative affectivity.

“A larger body of research has investigated the effects of mindfulness interventions on decreasing negative affect, with evidence that mindfulness practice from 5 minutes to 8 weeks reduces negative affectivity (Keng, Smoski, & Robins, 2011; Khoury et al., 2013; Schumer, Lindsay, & Creswell, in press).”

• cites Keng, Smoski, & Robins, 2011Not checked yet

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• cites Khoury et al., 2013Not checked yet

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• cites Schumer, Lindsay, & Creswell, in pressNot checked yet

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Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Theory suggests that monitoring attention amplifies both positive and negative feelings by increasing awareness of present-moment sensory input.

“By bringing greater awareness to present-moment sensory experiences (e.g., body sensations, mental images and dialogue, sounds in the environment), attention monitoring has been theorized to intensify both positive and negative affective experiences (Lindsay & Creswell, 2017).”

• cites Lindsay & Creswell, 2017Not checked yet

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Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

Recent theorizing proposes that mindfulness practice can lead to positive affect, growth, and flourishing, even though it does not intentionally generate positive thoughts and feelings.

“Although mindfulness meditation does not involve intentionally generating positive thoughts and feelings, recent theorizing posits that positive affect, growth, and flourishing can emerge following mindfulness practice (Garland, Farb, Goldin, & Fredrickson, 2015a).”

• cites Garland, Farb, Goldin, & Fredrickson, 2015aNot checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

82.7% of participants attended at least 6 of the 9 possible classes and only 9.2% attended fewer than half of the classes.

“Moreover, 81 of 98 participants (82.7%) attended at least 6 of the 9 possible classes and only 9 participants (9.2%) attended fewer than half of the classes.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The sample size was determined by power calculations for the larger trial's primary stress reduction outcomes.

“The sample size was determined based on power calculations for primary stress reduction outcomes of the larger trial.”

• Also stated in: § Methods · plain

  “To achieve 90% power, G*Power calculated a total of N=120 participants needed to test the primary study aims using omnibus tests.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The treatment expectancy measure showed high internal consistency (alpha = .91, .92, and .91 at Weeks 1, 4, and 8).

“Cognitive (e.g., “how successful do you think this program will be in reducing your stress symptoms?”) and emotional (e.g., “how much improvement in your symptoms do you think will occur?”) subscales were averaged to create an overall measure of positive treatment expectancies (Cronbach’s α=.91, .92, and .91 at Weeks 1, 4, and 8 respectively).”

May combine two claims.

Participants who completed the intervention were highly adherent, with no condition differences in the number of classes attended; on average they attended 7.44 of the 9 possible classes.

“Participants who completed the intervention were highly adherent, with no condition differences in the number of classes attended (F(1,96)=0.00, p=.983). On average, participants attended 7.44 of the 9 possible classes (8 weekly classes plus the day-long retreat).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

On average, participants logged 12 hours of home practice in 26 practice sessions during the 8-week intervention period.

“On average, participants logged 12 hours of home practice (in 26 practice sessions) during the 8-week intervention period.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

There were no condition differences in compliance with the ambulatory assessment protocols at baseline or post-intervention.

“There were no condition differences in compliance with the ambulatory assessment protocols at baseline (F(2,133)=0.91, p=.404) or post-intervention (F(2,133)=2.49, p=.087).”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

To minimize contamination with acceptance content, a MO curriculum guide was used by both teachers with specific reminders regarding language and focus on concentration and monitoring practices.

“To minimize contamination (i.e., acceptance content), a MO curriculum guide was used by both teachers that included learning intentions, themes, session activities, and facilitator intentions. The curriculum guide included specific reminders regarding language and focus on concentration and monitoring practices.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Daily diary positive and negative affect was assessed using a previously validated scale.

“Positive and negative affect were assessed in greater detail at the end of each day for three days both pre- and post-intervention using a previously validated scale (Cohen et al., 2003; Usala & Hertzog, 1989).”

• cites Cohen et al., 2003Not checked yet

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• cites Usala & Hertzog, 1989Not checked yet

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May combine two claims.

92% of randomized participants completed the study, with no condition differences in number of drop-outs.

“First, 92% of randomized participants completed the study, with no condition differences in number of drop-outs (χ2(2)=3.37, p=.186).”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Researchers have recommended using a dismantling paradigm to pinpoint the active ingredients of mindfulness interventions.

“The present studies employed a dismantling paradigm, an approach that has been recommended to identify the active components of mindfulness interventions (Britton et al., 2017; Davidson & Dahl, 2017; Williams et al., 2014; Williams, Russell, & Russell, 2008).”

• cites Britton et al., 2017Not checked yet

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• cites Davidson & Dahl, 2017Not checked yet

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• cites Williams et al., 2014Not checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Participants were allocated to three conditions (MA, MO, NT) using a computerized random number generator in simple randomization with a 3:3:2 ratio, implemented separately for each cohort.

“participants were allocated into one of three study conditions using a computerized random number generator in simple randomization with a 3:3:2 ratio, with the ratios corresponding to MA, MO, and NT, respectively. Randomization procedures were implemented separately for each cohort (N=42; N=55; N=40).”

May combine two claims.

The inclusion of acceptance training more effectively boosts positive affect, with medium-large effects for MA (ds = .61-.70) and small-medium effects for MO (ds = .32-.43).

“Overall, though, the evidence suggests that the inclusion of acceptance training more effectively boosts positive affect, with medium-large effects attributed to MA (ds=.61-.70) and small-medium effects attributable to MO (ds=.32-.43).”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: The MO program successfully excluded acceptance-related content, so that MA and MO differ primarily in acceptance skills training.

May combine two claims.

Substantial variance existed at each level of the data (33-55% between individuals for diary; 20-36% between individuals, 5-7% at the day level, and 58-75% within individuals for EMA), confirming the dependent structure and justifying 2-level diary and 3-level EMA models.

“For diary-assessed positive and negative affect outcomes, empty 2-level models showed that 33-55% of the total variance occurred between individuals, while 45-67% of the variance occurred within individuals. For EMA affect outcomes, 20-36% of the total variance occurred between individuals, 5-7% was explained at the day-level, and 58-75% of the variance occurred within individuals. The substantial”

May combine two claims.

Engaging and disengaging equally with positive, negative, and neutral experiences might reduce the dominance of negative ones and make subtle pleasant bodily sensations and emotions more noticeable.

“Allowing oneself to engage and disengage with positive, negative, and neutral experiences equally may make negative experiences less overpowering (Catalino, Arenander, Epel, & Puterman, 2017), and subtle pleasant somatic sensations and emotions may become more perceptible (Farb et al., 2010).”

• cites Catalino, Arenander, Epel, & Puterman, 2017Not checked yet

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• cites Farb et al., 2010Not checked yet

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Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

Multilevel models provide unbiased estimates for data missing at random and are therefore robust to missing data.

“MLMs model all available data and provide unbiased estimates for data missing at random; thus, MLMs are robust to missing data.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Instructors were not completely blind to the general study hypotheses but were unaware of the specific measures used to test hypotheses.

“Because the instructors also developed the modified MO program, they were not completely blind to the general study hypotheses, but were unaware of the specific measures used to test hypotheses.”

May combine two claims.

The smartphone format gave strong experimental control for isolating mindfulness components and accounted for many non-mindfulness treatment factors.

“This smartphone format provided maximal experimental control in isolating the components of mindfulness training and further controlled for many non-mindfulness-specific treatment components (e.g., placebo expectancies, daily time and effort, instructor effects, social environment).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

The allocation sequence was concealed; only author AGCW had access to it and had no participant contact other than assignment.

“Allocation sequence was concealed, such that only author AGCW had access to the sequence and otherwise was not involved with the running of the study and had no contact with participants other than to assign them to the next condition in the randomization sequence.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

The power analysis assumed a small effect size (eta-squared = 0.02) for the MA vs MO comparison on psychological stress, a pre-post correlation of .60, and a two-tailed alpha of .05.

“we conservatively estimated a small effect size (η2=0.02) for comparing the two active mindfulness training programs on changes in psychological stress (i.e., a group × time interaction). We estimated a pre-post correlation of .60 and a conservative two-tailed Type I error rate of .05.”

• cites Carson, Carson, Gil, & Baucom, 2004Not checked yet

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• cites Creswell, Pacilio, Lindsay, & Brown, 2014Not checked yet

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• cites Rahl, Lindsay, Pacilio, Brown, & Creswell, 2017Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

The amount of class time spent in meditation practice was equivalent in the MA and MO programs.

“The amount of class time spent in meditation practice was equivalent in MA and MO programs.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

MA participants tended to practice at home more than MO participants (mean difference = 2.85 hours), but home practice did not significantly differ between conditions.

“MA participants tended to practice at home more than MO participants over the course of the 8-week intervention (Mdiff = 2.85 hours), but home practice did not significantly differ between conditions (F(1,96)=2.97, p=.088).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Diary analyses included 133 participants, and momentary assessment analyses included 136.

“N=133 participants were included in diary analyses and 136 were included in momentary assessment analyses.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Of the 107 participants assigned to one of the two study interventions, 98 completed the intervention (91.6%).

“Of the 107 participants assigned to one of the two study interventions, 98 completed the intervention (91.6%).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

All participants gave written informed consent, and the Carnegie Mellon University IRB approved all procedures.

“Written informed consent was obtained from all participants, and all study procedures were approved by the Carnegie Mellon University IRB.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Enrollment ended as planned after the third cohort began, since recruitment targets were met.

“Trial enrollment concluded as planned following the launch of the third cohort because recruitment goals had been reached.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

This ambulatory method captures dynamic affective processes in natural settings and assessed pre- to post-intervention changes in momentary and end-of-day positive and negative affect.

“This approach is sensitive to dynamic affective processes that occur in a person’s natural environment, and tested for changes in both momentary and end-of-day positive and negative affect from pre- to post-intervention.”

May combine two claims.

MA showed an advantage over MO for decreasing diary-assessed hostility, suggesting some additive benefit of acceptance skills training on negative affect.

“However, MA showed a significant advantage over MO for decreasing diary-assessed hostility, suggesting some additive benefit of acceptance skills training on negative affect.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: The MO program successfully excluded acceptance-related content, so that MA and MO differ primarily in acceptance skills training.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

This study's design and outcomes were preregistered under Clinical Trials identifier NCT02502227, with hypotheses based on MAT.

“The study design and outcomes described here were pre-registered with Clinical Trials identifier NCT02502227; hypotheses were guided by MAT (Lindsay & Creswell, 2015, 2017).”

• cites Lindsay & Creswell, 2015Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

• cites Lindsay & Creswell, 2017Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Among the 137 randomized participants, 124 provided at least one post-intervention daily diary and 125 provided at least one post-intervention momentary assessment.

“Of the 137 randomized participants, 124 completed at least one post-intervention daily diary and 125 completed at least one post-intervention momentary assessment (see Figure 1A for CONSORT flow chart).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Participants included in analyses completed 58% of surveys at baseline and 79% at post-intervention.

“In total, participants included in analyses completed 58% of surveys at baseline and 79% at post-intervention.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The ambulatory assessment data reported in this paper were not analyzed until the complete dataset had been collected.

“The ambulatory assessment data reported here were not analyzed until the complete dataset was collected.”

May combine two claims.

The Coping control program was designed to be useful for managing stress by reinforcing common reappraisal and coping strategies without training mindfulness, and was included to control for nonspecific effects of an active training program.

“Overall, the Coping control program was designed to be useful for managing stress by reinforcing common reappraisal and coping strategies (see Carver et al., 1989; Ochsner & Gross, 2005) without training mindfulness, and was included to control for nonspecific effects of undergoing an active training program, such as treatment expectancies and daily practice toward the goal of reducing stress.”

• cites Carver et al., 1989Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

• cites Ochsner & Gross, 2005Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

The two mindfulness meditation programs were designed to systematically parse mindfulness instruction into attention monitoring and acceptance.

“The two mindfulness meditation programs were designed to systematically parse mindfulness instruction in (1) attention monitoring and (2) acceptance.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

The study's hypotheses were guided by the Monitor + Accept Theory (MAT).

“hypotheses were guided by MAT (Lindsay & Creswell, 2015, 2017).”

• cites Lindsay & Creswell, 2015, 2017Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Participants in all conditions were adequately adherent to both baseline and post-intervention ambulatory assessments, on average completing 91% of baseline surveys and 86% of post-intervention surveys.

“Similarly, participants in all conditions were adequately adherent to both baseline and post-intervention ambulatory assessments, on average completing 91% of baseline surveys and 86% of post-intervention surveys.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

All participants were blind to study condition, and study staff were blind to condition in 76% of baseline sessions.

“All participants were blind to study condition, and study staff were blind to condition in 76% of baseline sessions3.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

The post-intervention assessment took place an average of 4.66±1.88 days after the end of the intervention, with no differences between conditions (F(2,146)=1.03, p=.360).

“Finally, the post-intervention assessment took place an average of 4.66±1.88 days after the end of the intervention, with no differences between conditions (F(2,146)=1.03, p=.360).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

2-level models were used for diary data and 3-level models for EMA data.

“Thus, 2-level models were used for diary data and 3-level models were used for EMA data.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The study design and outcomes were pre-registered with Clinical Trials identifier NCT02433431.

“The study design and outcomes described here were pre-registered with Clinical Trials identifier NCT02433431”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

On average, participants completed 13.49 of the 14 lessons, and 75% completed all 14 lessons (1.3% completed fewer than 10).

“On average, participants completed 13.49 of the 14 lessons, and 75% of participants completed all 14 lessons (1.3% of participants completed fewer than 10 lessons).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Using G*Power, the study estimated N=147 needed to detect post-intervention omnibus differences between three conditions at 80% power using ANOVAs, and N=120 needed to detect group × time interactions with pre-post correlation .60 and two-tailed Type I error rate .05.

“Using G*Power, we estimated a total of N=147 participants were needed to detect post-intervention omnibus differences between three study conditions at 80% power using ANOVAs (the primary trial outcome), and N=120 were needed to detect group × time interactions estimating a pre-post correlation of .60 and a two-tailed Type I error rate of .05 (Faul et al., 2007).”

• cites Faul et al., 2007Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Negative affective states as measured here may not closely correspond to states of distress and other negative emotions assessed in clinical populations.

“It is also possible that negative affective states, as measured here, do not closely correspond to states of distress and other negative emotions assessed in clinical populations”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Happiness is known to improve personal relationships, career satisfaction, health, and overall satisfaction with life.

“Happiness is known to improve personal relationships, career satisfaction, health, and overall satisfaction with life (Lyubomirsky, King, et al., 2005; Pressman & Cohen, 2005).”

• cites Lyubomirsky, King, et al., 2005Not checked yet

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• cites Pressman & Cohen, 2005Not checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Of 153 enrolled participants, 150 completed the intervention, 149 completed post-intervention EMA, 148 provided post-intervention diary data, and 149 provided data at a post-intervention lab assessment.

“Of 153 participants (for all of whom baseline data was available), 150 completed the intervention, 149 completed post-intervention EMA, 148 provided post-intervention diary data, and 149 provided data at a post-intervention lab assessment.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Written informed consent was obtained from all participants, and all study procedures were approved by the Carnegie Mellon University IRB.

“Written informed consent was obtained from all participants, and all study procedures were approved by the Carnegie Mellon University IRB.”

May combine two claims.

Mindfulness interventions uniquely enhance positive affect but may have little relative benefit for reducing negative affect above and beyond other placebo-controlled active treatments.

“This study suggests that mindfulness interventions uniquely enhance positive affect but may have little relative benefit for reducing negative affect above and beyond other placebo-controlled active treatments.”

May combine two claims.

Study 2 had high participant retention (98%) and treatment adherence (96%) compared to longer group-based mindfulness interventions.

“its high rates of participant retention (98%) and treatment adherence (96%) compared to longer group-based mindfulness interventions.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The ambulatory assessment data reported here were not analyzed until the complete dataset was collected.

“The ambulatory assessment data reported here were not analyzed until the complete dataset was collected.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

The intervention programs were developed in collaboration with Shinzen Young and based on his Unified Mindfulness system.

“The intervention programs were developed in collaboration with leading mindfulness teacher Shinzen Young and were based on his Unified Mindfulness system (Young, 2016).”

• cites Young, 2016Not checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Subject IDs were assigned sequentially, and author EKL used a computerized random number generator to pre-assign one of three condition codes to each ID in blocks of 8, 16, or 24 using a 3:3:2 randomization sequence (MA:MO:control).

“Subject IDs were assigned sequentially, and author EKL used a computerized random number generator to pre-assign one of three condition codes to each ID in blocks of 8, 16, or 24 using a 3:3:2 randomization sequence (MA:MO:control).”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

To equalize expectancies, all participants viewed the same 5-minute introductory video, and 'mindfulness' was not mentioned during the study period.

“To equalize expectancies at the baseline appointment, all participants viewed the same 5-minute introductory video explaining how to prepare for and what to expect in the training program, and “mindfulness” was not mentioned during the study period.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

To maximize experimental control, all three interventions were delivered by the same female instructor (blind to hypotheses) and were matched on attentional demand, length, structure, and delivery tone.

“To maximize experimental control in isolating the effects of monitoring and acceptance instruction, all three interventions were delivered by the same female instructor (who was blind to hypotheses) and were matched on attentional demand (i.e., active listening and guided practice), length of each lesson, lesson structure (i.e., proportion of time devoted to didactics, guidance, and silent”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

There were no condition differences in the counterbalance of ambulatory assessment days (χ2(2)=3.10, p=.21).

“There were no condition differences in the counterbalance of ambulatory assessment days (χ2(2)=3.10, p=.21).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

The counterbalance distributed weekdays and weekend days equally between baseline and post-intervention assessments and enabled collection of post-intervention assessments immediately following the intervention.

“This counterbalance distributed weekdays and weekend days equally between baseline and post-intervention assessments and enabled the collection of post-intervention ambulatory assessments immediately following the intervention.”

May combine two claims.

Previous studies indicate that brief mindfulness practice increases attention to positive stimuli and magnifies positive affective experience.

“Second, previous studies indicate that brief mindfulness practice increases attention to positive stimuli (Kiken & Shook, 2011) and magnifies positive affective experience (Erisman & Roemer, 2010)”

• cites Kiken & Shook, 2011Not checked yet

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• cites Erisman & Roemer, 2010Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

May combine two claims.

Participants in all conditions were highly adherent to the training programs, with no condition differences in treatment adherence (F(2,146)=0.40, p=.670).

“Likewise, participants in all conditions were highly adherent to the training programs, with no condition differences in treatment adherence (F(2,146)=0.40, p=.670).”

May combine two claims.

Short-term smartphone-based mindfulness interventions are efficacious and valuable for increasing well-being in populations who may not have access to in-person mindfulness programs.

“they demonstrate the efficacy and value of short-term smartphone-based mindfulness interventions for increasing well-being in populations who may not have access to in-person mindfulness programs.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Sample size was determined for primary stress reduction outcomes in the larger clinical trial.

“Sample size was determined for primary stress reduction outcomes in the larger clinical trial (Lindsay, Young, Smyth, Brown, & Creswell, 2018).”

• cites Lindsay, Young, Smyth, Brown, & Creswell, 2018Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Day of week was included as a covariate in all EMA analyses.

“Thus, day of week was included as a covariate in all EMA analyses.”

May combine two claims.

At the post-intervention assessment, there were no condition differences in treatment expectancies (F(2,146)=1.55, p=.22), indicating similar perceptions of treatment benefits across all three training conditions.

“At this assessment, there were no condition differences in treatment expectancies (F(2,146)=1.55, p=.22), indicating similar perceptions of treatment benefits across all three training conditions.”

May combine two claims.

Study attrition was low, with a 2% participant drop-out rate and no condition differences in study drop-outs (χ2(2)=1.42, p=.491).

“Study attrition was low, with a 2% participant drop-out rate and no condition differences in study drop-outs (χ2(2)=1.42, p=.491).”

May combine two claims.

Smartphone-based mindfulness training approaches may reduce practical and psychological barriers associated with more intensive group-based interventions while delivering similar benefits for positive emotions.

“Indeed, smartphone-based mindfulness training approaches may reduce some of the practical and psychological barriers associated with more intensive group-based mindfulness interventions, while delivering similar benefits for positive emotions.”

May combine two claims.

Formal mindfulness practice focuses on noticing momentary emotions, thoughts, and sensations (monitoring) and observing each experience with equal receptivity regardless of affective content (acceptance); maintaining this equanimous attitude can trigger subtle pleasant emotions that carry over into daily life.

“Specifically, formal mindfulness practice focuses on noticing momentary emotions, thoughts, and sensations (i.e., monitoring) and observing each experience with equal receptivity regardless of affective content (i.e., acceptance); maintaining this equanimous, even-tempered attitude can trigger subtle pleasant emotions that carry over into daily life.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Changes in self processes may be an important pathway linking mindfulness skills with positive emotions and other intra- and interpersonal outcomes.

“First, changes in self processes may be an important pathway linking mindfulness skills with positive emotions and other intra- and interpersonal outcomes (Vago & Silbersweig, 2012).”

• cites Vago & Silbersweig, 2012Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Reductions in distress are one important pathway linking mindfulness training with improvements in physical health.

“From a health psychology perspective, reductions in distress are one important pathway linking mindfulness training with improvements in physical health (Creswell & Lindsay, 2014)”

• cites Creswell & Lindsay, 2014Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

May combine two claims.

Recent evidence suggests that although acceptance by itself is linked with lower negative affect, it is unrelated to positive affect.

“recent evidence suggests that, although acceptance by itself is linked with lower negative affect, it is unrelated to positive affect (Ford et al., 2017).”

• cites Ford et al., 2017Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

When all affective experiences are treated with acceptance and equanimity, an array of subtle pleasant emotions and sensations can be savored as they unfold in each moment without being disrupted by a desire to prolong or cling to positive experiences.

“Fourth, when all affective experiences are treated with acceptance and equanimity, an array of subtle pleasant emotions and sensations can be savored as they unfold in each moment (Bryant, Chadwick, & Kluwe, 2011; Kiken, Lundberg, & Fredrickson, 2017) without being disrupted by a desire to prolong or cling to positive experiences.”

• cites Bryant, Chadwick, & Kluwe, 2011Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

• cites Kiken, Lundberg, & Fredrickson, 2017Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

It is possible that, over longer periods of practice, systematic training in monitoring momentary experience becomes equally as effective as explicitly learning to monitor these experiences with acceptance.

“Further, it is possible that, over longer periods of practice, systematic training in monitoring momentary experience becomes equally as effective as explicitly learning to monitor these experiences with acceptance.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

These pathways explaining how monitoring and acceptance increase positive affect were not directly tested here.

“These pathways explaining how monitoring and acceptance increase positive affect were not directly tested here, but should be evaluated in future research”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

Practicing nonreactivity toward one's inner experiences may begin to retrain habitual reactivity to affective stimuli in the environment, further encouraging attunement of attention to positive cues and experiences of positive affect in daily life.

“Third, practicing nonreactivity toward one’s inner experiences may begin to retrain habitual reactivity to affective stimuli in the environment, further encouraging the attunement of attention to positive cues and experiences of positive affect in daily life.”

May combine two claims.

By detecting and untangling emotions and sensations in the present moment, monitoring practice by itself may promote clarity and reduce sensory overload.

“By detecting and untangling emotions and sensations in the present moment, monitoring practice by itself may promote clarity and reduce sensory overload.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The importance of acceptance in contemporary mindfulness interventions is the topic of ongoing debate among mindfulness intervention researchers and contemplative scientists.

“The importance of acceptance in contemporary mindfulness interventions is the topic of ongoing debate among mindfulness intervention researchers and contemplative scientists (e.g., Bodhi, 2011; Dreyfus, 2011; Dunne, 2011; Grossman & Van Dam, 2011).”

• cites Bodhi, 2011Not checked yet

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• cites Dreyfus, 2011Not checked yet

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• cites Dunne, 2011Not checked yet

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May combine two claims.

The present findings contribute to a second, less explored pathway highlighting the capacity for mindfulness to generate positive affect and potentially promote mental health and well-being.

“the present findings contribute to a second, less explored pathway highlighting the capacity for mindfulness to generate positive affect (Garland, Farb, et al., 2015a) and potentially promote mental health and well-being.”

• cites Garland, Farb, et al., 2015aNot checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

It is plausible that different forms of mindfulness training and coping skills training are equally effective in reducing negative affect; attention regulation, acceptance, and reappraisal are all considered effective emotion regulation strategies for reducing negative affectivity.

“Of course, it is also plausible that different forms of mindfulness training and coping skills training are equally effective in reducing negative affect; attention regulation (trained in the MA and MO programs), acceptance (trained in the MA program), and reappraisal (trained in the Coping control program) are all considered effective emotion regulation strategies for reducing negative affect”

• cites Wadlinger & Isaacowitz, 2006Not checked yet

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• cites Wolgast, Lundh, & Viborg, 2011Not checked yet

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• cites Kohl, Rief, & Glombiewski, 2012Not checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

This self-transcendence may encourage greater connection with others, promoting compassion and prosocial behaviors.

“Further, this self-transcendence may encourage greater connection with others (Lindsay & Creswell, 2014), promoting compassion and prosocial behaviors (Berry et al., 2018; Condon, Desbordes, Miller, & DeSteno, 2013).”

• cites Lindsay & Creswell, 2014Not checked yet

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• cites Berry et al., 2018Not checked yet

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• cites Condon, Desbordes, Miller, & DeSteno, 2013Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

It is possible that acute positive emotions resulting from meditation practice may begin to retune the attentional system toward positive cues in the environment.

“it is possible that the acute positive emotions resulting from meditation practice may begin to retune the attentional system toward positive cues in the environment (Todd, Cunningham, Anderson, & Thompson, 2012).”

• cites Todd, Cunningham, Anderson, & Thompson, 2012Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

May combine two claims.

Positive emotions may reduce the risk of depression relapse, suggesting that mindfulness training with an emphasis on acceptance techniques might help to reduce relapse risk.

“For example, positive emotions may reduce the risk of depression relapse (Wichers et al., 2010), suggesting that mindfulness training with an emphasis on acceptance techniques might help to reduce relapse risk.”

• cites Wichers et al., 2010Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Mindfulness training is effective for reducing psychological distress and symptoms of stress, depression, and anxiety in normative and clinical populations.

“though a large literature shows that mindfulness training is effective for reducing psychological distress (Keng et al., 2011) and symptoms of stress, depression, and anxiety in normative and clinical populations (Khoury et al., 2013)”

• cites Keng et al., 2011Not checked yet

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• cites Khoury et al., 2013Not checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

Providing concrete techniques for training acceptance skills, as done in these studies, may further encourage such adjuvant treatment.

“Providing concrete techniques for training acceptance skills, as done in these studies, may further encourage such adjuvant treatment.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Positive emotions themselves are known to propagate more positive emotions.

“Indeed, positive emotions themselves are known to propagate more positive emotions (Wadlinger & Isaacowitz, 2006).”

• cites Wadlinger & Isaacowitz, 2006Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The negative affect measures reported here could have been relatively insensitive to changes in appraisal processes surrounding the experience of negative emotion that monitoring and acceptance skills might target.

“Or, the negative affect measures reported here could have been relatively insensitive to changes in appraisal processes surrounding the experience of negative emotion that monitoring and acceptance skills might target (e.g., negative affect is experienced as less problematic).”

May combine two claims.

These findings contribute to the evidence base of positive psychological interventions by helping to establish the effectiveness of mindfulness training for increasing positive emotions and identifying key features (acceptance) that promote these effects.

“These findings also contribute to the evidence base of positive psychological interventions by helping to establish the effectiveness of mindfulness training for increasing positive emotions and identifying key features of this intervention (i.e., acceptance) that promote these effects (Ivtzan & Lomas, 2016).”

• cites Ivtzan & Lomas, 2016Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

May combine two claims.

This work extends previous research showing that both acceptance and cognitive change (reappraisal) strategies are effective for regulating negative emotions, but that mindful acceptance strategies may be more useful for boosting positive emotions.

“Finally, in the domain of emotion regulation, this work extends previous research showing that both acceptance and cognitive change (i.e., reappraisal; Ochsner & Gross, 2005) strategies are effective for regulating negative emotions, but that mindful acceptance strategies may be more useful for boosting positive emotions.”

• cites Ochsner & Gross, 2005Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

May combine two claims.

Learning to accept present-moment experiences may initiate both stress reduction and positive affect gains with downstream benefits for physical health.

“Thus, learning to accept present-moment experiences may initiate both stress reduction (Lindsay et al., 2018) and positive affect gains with downstream benefits for physical health.”

• cites Lindsay et al., 2018Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

May combine two claims.

Although trait tendency to monitor present experience has been linked with negative affectivity, meditation practice that develops monitoring skills is not detrimental and may instead lead to adaptive outcomes.

“Although the trait tendency to monitor present experience has been linked with negative affectivity (e.g., Desrosiers et al., 2014; Pearson et al., 2015), meditation practice that develops monitoring skills is not detrimental and may instead lead to adaptive outcomes (Lindsay et al., 2018).”

• cites Desrosiers et al., 2014Not checked yet

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• cites Pearson et al., 2015Not checked yet

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• cites Lindsay et al., 2018Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

It is possible that the types of positive affect fostered through mindfulness training may broaden one's attention, thoughts, and behaviors in ways that build lasting resources and reinforce positive states.

“Finally, it is possible that the types of positive affect fostered through mindfulness training may broaden one’s attention, thoughts, and behaviors in ways that build lasting resources and reinforce positive states (Fredrickson, 1998, 2013).”

• cites Fredrickson, 1998, 2013Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The negative affect results may have been influenced by high treatment expectancies across all interventions, as the trainings were described to participants as stress management programs.

“indeed, the negative affect results in particular may have been influenced by high treatment expectancies across all interventions, as the trainings were described to participants as stress management programs.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Positive emotional experience is known to have important influences on social behavior and relationships, career success, decision making, satisfaction with life, and resilience.

“In social psychology, positive emotional experience is known to have important influences on social behavior and relationships, career success, decision making, satisfaction with life, and resilience (Lyubomirsky et al., 2005)”

• cites Lyubomirsky et al., 2005Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Developing mindful acceptance skills might promote a more stable sense of self-worth by reducing self-evaluative processing and ego-involvement with present-moment experience.

“For example, developing mindful acceptance skills might promote a more stable sense of self-worth (Crocker & Knight, 2005) by reducing self-evaluative processing (Farb et al., 2007) and ego-involvement with present-moment experience (Brown & Leary, 2016).”

• cites Crocker & Knight, 2005Not checked yet

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• cites Farb et al., 2007Not checked yet

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• cites Brown & Leary, 2016Not checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

It is possible that the studies lacked power to detect small differential effects of the interventions on negative affect.

“It is also possible that the studies lacked power to detect small differential effects of the interventions on negative affect”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

A number of Buddhist practice traditions that include mindfulness training do not include acceptance as an explicit element, yet secular mindfulness-based interventions include both awareness and acceptance training.

“A number of Buddhist practice traditions that include mindfulness training do not include acceptance as an explicit element (Bodhi, 2011), yet secular mindfulness-based interventions include both awareness and acceptance training (Lindsay & Creswell, 2017).”

• cites Bodhi, 2011Not checked yet

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• cites Lindsay & Creswell, 2017Not checked yet

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May combine two claims.

Practice in monitoring may begin to engender an implicit attitude of acceptance and equanimity toward experiences that both reduces the potency of negative emotions and allows positive stimuli to be noticed more frequently and savored in the moment.

“Practice in monitoring may begin to engender an implicit attitude of acceptance and equanimity toward experiences that both reduces the potency of negative emotions and allows positive stimuli to be noticed more frequently and savored in the moment.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Clinical research and theory has described how an objective and decentered perspective toward experiences can be an important mechanism of change following mindfulness-based therapy.

“Indeed, clinical research and theory has likewise described how an objective and decentered perspective toward experiences can be an important mechanism of change following mindfulness-based therapy (Fresco et al., 2007; Segal, Williams, & Teasdale, 2002; van der Velden et al., 2015).”

• cites Fresco et al., 2007Not checked yet

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• cites Segal, Williams, & Teasdale, 2002Not checked yet

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• cites van der Velden et al., 2015Not checked yet

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May combine two claims.

Theoretically, monitoring and acceptance skills work together to boost positive emotions; acceptance may allow more positive stimuli to enter awareness, but monitoring is also necessary to deeply attend to and appreciate these stimuli in the present moment.

“Theoretically, monitoring and acceptance skills work together to boost positive emotions; acceptance may allow more positive stimuli to enter awareness, but monitoring is also necessary to deeply attend to and appreciate these stimuli in the present moment (Lindsay & Creswell, 2015).”

• cites Lindsay & Creswell, 2015Not checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

It is unclear whether continued mindfulness practice is necessary for maintaining these benefits.

“Finally, it is unclear whether continued mindfulness practice is necessary for maintaining these benefits.”

May combine two claims.

Mindfulness training, and acceptance skills in particular, may help to reduce fixation on stressful stimuli, broaden the scope of awareness, and allow greater access to positive stimuli specifically among stressed adults.

“mindfulness training, and acceptance skills in particular, may help to reduce fixation on stressful stimuli, broaden the scope of awareness, and allow greater access to positive stimuli specifically among stressed adults (Garland, Farb, et al., 2015a).”

• cites Garland, Farb, et al., 2015aNot checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

The ability to implement mindfulness skills in daily life may fade without continued practice; formal meditation practice may be necessary to preserve training-based increases in mindfulness skills and positive affect over an extended time.

“However, the ability to implement mindfulness skills in daily life may fade without continued practice; formal meditation practice may be necessary to preserve training-based increases in mindfulness skills and positive affect over an extended time.”

May combine two claims.

Stress tends to narrow attentional focus to threat-relevant features, limiting the ability to notice positive cues.

“Still, stress tends to narrow attentional focus to threat-relevant features (e.g., Chajut & Algom, 2003; Derryberry & Tucker, 1994), limiting the ability to notice positive cues”

• cites Chajut & Algom, 2003Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

• cites Derryberry & Tucker, 1994Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Neither study included a long-term follow-up assessment; increases in positive affect following mindfulness training might remain stable, continue to build, or decrease over time.

“Second, neither study included a long-term follow-up assessment; increases in positive affect following mindfulness training might remain stable, continue to build, or decrease over time.”

May combine two claims.

The study samples included men and women across a wide range of ages, from 18-67 years in Study 1 and 18-65 years in Study 2, and other demographic characteristics were generally representative of the larger Pittsburgh metropolitan area.

“Moreover, the study samples included men and women across a wide range of ages, from 18-67 years in Study 1 and 18-65 years in Study 2, and the other demographic characteristics were generally representative of the larger Pittsburgh metropolitan area.”

May combine two claims.

The studies emphasize the importance of learning to accept present-moment experiences for enhancing happiness, and suggest that mindfulness interventions may be tailored toward boosting positive emotions and their associated benefits.

“Together, the studies emphasize the importance of learning to accept present-moment experiences for enhancing happiness, and suggest that mindfulness interventions may be tailored toward boosting positive emotions and their associated benefits.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

We recruited participants who reported an above average level of perceived stress.

“First, we recruited participants who reported an above average level of perceived stress.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

More work is needed to develop manipulation checks of monitoring and acceptance skill development in mindfulness interventions, given current debates about whether existing self-report measures of mindfulness skills have suitable discriminant validity.

“First, more work is needed to develop manipulation checks of monitoring and acceptance skill development in mindfulness interventions, given current debates about whether existing self-report measures of mindfulness skills have suitable discriminant validity (e.g., Goldberg et al., 2016; Visted, Vøllestad, Nielsen, & Nielsen, 2014).”

• cites Goldberg et al., 2016Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

• cites Visted, Vøllestad, Nielsen, & Nielsen, 2014Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Participants were smartphone owners, which may have limited our ability to reach a representative sample of lower SES and older adults, although smartphone ownership is very high and continues to rise in these populations.

“Fourth, participants were smartphone owners, which may have limited our ability to reach a representative sample of lower SES and older adults (e.g., Poushter, 2016), although smartphone ownership is very high and continues to rise in these populations (e.g., Smith, 2015, 2017).”

• cites Poushter, 2016Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

• cites Smith, 2015, 2017Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Mindfulness training is not the sole route to happiness, and it is currently unclear whether mindfulness training would have similar benefits for people who are high in trait positive emotionality, optimism, extraversion, self-esteem, or self-enhancement.

“Finally, it is important to acknowledge that mindfulness training is not the sole route to happiness, and it is currently unclear whether mindfulness training would have similar benefits for people who are high in trait positive emotionality, optimism, extraversion, self-esteem, or self-enhancement (Diener, Suh, Lucas, & Smith, 1999).”

• cites Diener, Suh, Lucas, & Smith, 1999Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

Mindfulness interventions-and acceptance training in particular-foster a new lens through which to view one's experiences in daily life, which may alter attitudes and behaviors in ways that build positive emotions and provide feedback to reinforce this mindful perspective.

“Indeed, mindfulness interventions—and acceptance training in particular—foster a new lens through which to view one’s experiences in daily life, which may alter attitudes and behaviors in ways that build positive emotions and provide feedback to reinforce this mindful perspective (Walton & Wilson, in press).”

• cites Walton & Wilson, in pressNot checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

It is possible that stressed populations might have more room for intervention-related improvements in positive affect, although participants in both studies reported moderate baseline levels of positive affect on average.

“It is possible that stressed populations might have more room for intervention-related improvements in positive affect, although participants in both studies reported moderate baseline levels of positive affect on average.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

In the context of mindfulness interventions, acceptance is defined in relation to present-moment experiences; while attention monitoring can be practiced without explicit acceptance training, practicing an accepting attitude toward momentary body sensations and emotions fundamentally relies on first bringing attention to these experiences.

“In the context of mindfulness interventions, acceptance is defined in relation to present-moment experiences; while attention monitoring can be practiced without explicit acceptance training, practicing an accepting attitude toward momentary body sensations and emotions fundamentally relies on first bringing attention to these experiences.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

We conducted two pre-registered dismantling trials to test how the basic components of mindfulness interventions boost positive affect among stressed community adults.

“Guided by a novel theoretical account, we conducted two pre-registered dismantling trials to test how the basic components of mindfulness interventions boost positive affect among stressed community adults.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Educational attainment was higher than the national average particularly in Study 1, a factor that may relate to higher adherence or motivation toward intervention content.

“Third, educational attainment was higher than the national average particularly in Study 1, a factor that may relate to higher adherence or motivation toward intervention content.”