The role of culture in mindfulness practice: A brief review
Abstract
Mindfulness has seen a worldwide increase in popularity, especially within Western psychological and health frameworks. Originally grounded in Eastern traditions, mindfulness is frequently utilized in various settings such as psychotherapy, education, and workplace training. As mindfulness crosses cultural borders, its interpretation, manifestation, and effectiveness are affected by the cultural context in which it is situated. This review examines the ways in which culture influences mindfulness practice. A systematic review was conducted between the years 2000 and 2024 and 34 studies were included. Studies from diverse regions, including Asia, North America, and Europe, examined both indigenous practices and Western secular adaptations. Cultural factors influence individual receptiveness to mindfulness, the tailoring of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs), and the diverse philosophical underpinnings of mindfulness across various cultural settings. Cultural values such as collectivism versus individualism, religiosity, spirituality and language profoundly influence the experience of mindfulness. Also, cultural competence in mindfulness enhances effectiveness and engagement. Nevertheless, risks exist regarding the appropriation of culture, misinterpretation, and the removal of context from traditional mindfulness practices, while promoting approaches that are culturally sensitive and respect both the historical origins and modern requirements. Indeed more cross-cultural research is needed as well as development of culturally adaptive models of mindfulness that balance authenticity with accessibility.
Copyright (c) 2024 Author(s)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
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