Increases in External Sensory Observing Cross-Sectionally Mediate the Repair of Positive Affect Following Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Individuals with Residual Depression Symptoms

Abstract Objectives Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression (MBCT-D) has been shown to be effective at repairing positive affect deficits in depressed individuals, but the mechanism of action underpinning these changes not empirically examined. To address this issue, secondary analyses two randomised controlled trials individuals with residual depression were conducted. Method Study 1 was a cross-sectional mediation analysis trial reporting superior effects MBCT-D waitlist control bolstering momentary symptoms ( n = 130). 2 replicated subset 117) from second, larger comparing maintenance antidepressants (M-ADM) prevent depressive relapse that also included outcome. Results In 1, an increase external sensory observing uniquely mediated superiority over affect. Replicating findings, 2, M-ADM and cross-sectionally by observing. Conclusions These findings suggest one way which enhances may training capacity attend experience.