Mindfulness and Interoceptive Awareness: A Network Analysis

• Published in: The journal of nervous and mental disease Vol. 212; no. 7; pp. 384 - 391
• Main Authors: Sala, Margaret, Schanzer, Sophie, Morris, Claudia
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-07-2024
• ISSN: 0022-3018; 1539-736X; 1539-736X
• DOI: 10.1097/NMD.0000000000001779

Higher trait mindfulness is correlated with higher interoceptive awareness. However, there is a gap in understanding which mindfulness dimensions connect to which interoceptive awareness dimensions. This study (N = 1005) used network analysis to identify central and bridge nodes driving the linkage between mindfulness and interoceptive awareness. Central nodes included trusting body sensations, feeling a sense of calm when bringing awareness to the body, the ability to refocus one's attention from thinking to sensing the body, and the ability to accept all emotions. Bridge nodes included noticing how food and drink affect thoughts, bodily sensations, and emotions; staying alert to the sensations of the body when taking a shower; and noticing and letting go of distressing thoughts and feelings. Future research studies should explore whether mindfulness-based interventions may be more effective by targeting observations of sensations related to eating and the body as well as noticing and letting go of distressing thoughts and feelings.