Rectifying Misconceptions: A Comprehensive Response to “Some Concerns About the Psychological Implications of Mindfulness: A Critical Analysis”

The present article attempts to address misconceptions and mischaracterizations of mindfulness-based interventions found in the article “Some Concerns about the Psychological Implications of Mindfulness: A Critical Analysis,” written by Daniel David. The paper, we contended, suffers as a result of its reductive presentation of mindfulness, the relationship of mindfulness to Buddhist thought, the empirical support for mindfulness-based interventions, and the presumed mechanisms of change and clinical utility of those interventions. Such misconceptions and mischaracterizations can unfortunately have a powerful effect on both the literature base, and on those providing direct psychological services. As such, the purpose of this response article is to stimulate a clear and accurate discussion of the concepts and applications of mindfulness, so that practitioners have the information they need to make sound treatment decisions for their clientele.