Heward, Carolyn (2025) The History and Theoretical Framework of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). In: Li, Wendy Wen, Griffith, Gemma M, Shapiro, Shauna, and Zhu, Zhuohong, (eds.) The Palgrave Handbook of Third-Wave Psychotherapies. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham, Switzerland, pp. 375-399.

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Abstract

This chapter explores the historical development and theoretical underpinnings of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), tracing its journey from Buddhist monasteries to Western healthcare settings. It examines the pivotal role of Jon Kabat-Zinn in developing and popularising MBSR, and investigates the program’s theoretical framework, which integrates Buddhist concepts, psychological theories, and neuroscientific findings. The chapter discusses key psychological perspectives, including attention regulation, emotion regulation, and embodied cognition, while incorporating relevant neurobiological evidence. It also addresses criticisms of MBSR’s secularisation and explores the significance of understanding MBSR’s history and theoretical foundations for research, practice, and future developments. By providing a comprehensive overview of MBSR’s origins and mechanisms, this chapter offers valuable insights for researchers, practitioners, and those interested in the intersection of contemplative practices and modern healthcare.

Item ID:	89456
Item Type:	Book Chapter (Research - B1)
ISBN:	978-3-032-00352-2
Keywords:	MBSR, history, theoretical framework
Copyright Information:	© 2025 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG
Date Deposited:	12 Nov 2025 02:09
FoR Codes:	50 PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES > 5002 History and philosophy of specific fields > 500299 History and philosophy of specific fields not elsewhere classified @ 40% 52 PSYCHOLOGY > 5201 Applied and developmental psychology > 520199 Applied and developmental psychology not elsewhere classified @ 20% 52 PSYCHOLOGY > 5203 Clinical and health psychology > 520399 Clinical and health psychology not elsewhere classified @ 40%
SEO Codes:	28 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 2801 Expanding knowledge > 280119 Expanding knowledge in philosophy and religious studies @ 50% 20 HEALTH > 2004 Public health (excl. specific population health) > 200409 Mental health @ 50%
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