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.