The effects of mindfulness-based interventions on emotion regulation/dysregulation in people with mental health conditions: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the effects of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) on emotion regulation (ER) and emotion dysregulation (ED) in people with any mental health condition.

METHODS

Following a pre-registered protocol (PROSPERO CRD42024618605), we searched multiple databases (Web of Science, PsycINFO, Embase, and PubMed) on 04/07/2025. We identified randomised-controlled trials (RCTs) in which the effects of MBIs on ER or ED were measured in people with mental health conditions established by an adequately trained healthcare professional according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (from third to fifth editions) or equivalent diagnosis as per the International Classification of Diseases (ninth or 10th revisions). Pooled effect sizes (Hedge's g) were estimated using random-effect meta-analyses. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2.

RESULTS

We identified 19 RCTs, with 16 in the meta-analyses (988 participants in total; 50.71% randomised to MBIs). We found that MBIs significantly improved cognitive reappraisal (k = 6, g = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.33, 0.98) and reduced overall ED (k = 9; g = -0.54; CI = -0.71, -0.36). Significant reductions in ED domains concerning goal-directedness, impulsivity, and accessing ER strategies were found. Effects for expressive suppression were nonsignificant (k = 6; g = -0.25; CI = -0.94, 0.45) with significant heterogeneity. Study quality significantly moderated both ER outcomes, though not overall ED.

CONCLUSION

MBIs show potential for improving cognitive reappraisal and reducing ED across diagnoses. However, limited evidence for younger people and self-report measurements warrant cautious interpretation.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: NIHR PROSPERO 2024 CRD42024618605. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42024618605.