Preventing Depression through Selflessness: Effects and Mechanisms of Attentional vs. Deconstructive Meditation in a Three–Arm Randomized Controlled Trial

A randomized controlled trial compared two meditation styles—focused-attention and self-inquiry—against a wait-list control group among 147 participants. Both meditation types reduced depressive symptoms and identity threat more than no meditation, with similar effectiveness. Focused-attention meditation also reduced dysfunctional attitudes more than self-inquiry or the control. Cognitive decentering (the ability to observe thoughts without identification) mediated the benefits of focused-attention meditation, while self-inquiry meditation showed exploratory links to increased feelings of connectedness to humanity and nature. The findings suggest that different meditation practices improve well-being through partially distinct psychological mechanisms, though the connectedness results require cautious interpretation.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract Objectives This randomized controlled trial examined mechanisms underlying meditation-induced changes in self-related processes and compared attentional and deconstructive meditation. The objectives were to (1) examine whether components of selflessness mediate the effects of meditation on dysfunctional attitudes, identity threat, and depressive symptoms, and (2) compare the effects and mechanisms of attentional and deconstructive meditation. Method Participants ( n = 147) were randomly assigned to focused-attention meditation (FA), self-inquiry meditation (SI), and wait-list control (WL). Pre- and post-intervention self-reports assessed dysfunctional attitudes, identity threat, and depressive symptoms. Mediators included connectedness to humanity, connectedness to nature, and cognitive decentering, reflecting components of selflessness. Results Significant time × condition interactions were observed for all outcome variables. Both FA and SI led to greater reductions in depressive symptoms and identity threat compared to WL, with no significant differences between FA and SI. FA produced significantly greater reductions in dysfunctional attitudes than both SI and WL. Both active conditions showed greater increases in cognitive decentering than WL. Time × condition interactions for connectedness to humanity and nature were not significant; however, exploratory within-group analyses indicated significant pre-post increases only in the SI condition. Mediation analyses revealed within-condition and exploratory mechanisms: FA effects were primarily mediated by cognitive decentering, whereas SI effects on identity threat were mediated by changes in connectedness. Conclusions Attentional and deconstructive meditation practices yield comparable benefits for depression-related outcomes but operate through partially distinct mechanisms. Cognitive decentering played a central mechanism in attentional meditation while deconstructive practice showed exploratory associations with connectedness, warranting cautious interpretation. This study is not preregistered.