Mindfulness Moderates the Relationship Between Depressive Affect and Negative Cognitions

The main finding of this study is that varying levels of mindfulness are predictive of the strength of the relationship between depressive affect and negative cognitions. This finding supports the existing literature on affect-reactive modes of information processing, which indicate that a ruminative style of thinking in the presence of depressive affect serves to exacerbate and maintain depression (Scher et al., 2005; Segal et al., 2006). These results also support the theoretical underpinnings of mindfulness interventions in the treatment of depression (Segal et al., 2002). That is, not ruminating on affective experience in a way that validates or invalidates the self as an object may lead to improved mental health. Indeed, this attitudinal stance is emphasized in many of the “third wave” therapies (e.g. ACT, DBT, MBCT)