Mindfulness and eating disorder psychopathology: A meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE

Mindfulness is implicated in eating disorder (ED) psychopathology. However, this literature has not been synthesized to date. The current meta-analysis examined the associations between mindfulness and ED psychopathology.

METHODS

A total of 74 independent samples (effects = 576) were included. We used a multilevel random-effects model to estimate summary study-level effect sizes, and multilevel mixed-effects models to examine moderator effects.

RESULTS

Mindfulness was negatively associated with ED psychopathology (r = -.25, p < .001), both concurrently (r = -.25, p < .001) and prospectively (rs = -.22 to -.24, ps < .001). Associations were strongest for binge eating, emotional/external eating, and body dissatisfaction as well as the acting with awareness and nonjudging facets.

DISCUSSION: Mindfulness may be an important process in ED psychopathology. Future research should prospectively and experimentally examine the relation between mindfulness and ED psychopathology.