Effect of Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Interoception: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background: There is increasing evidence that interoception - the ability to sense, appraise, or attend to changes in the physiological and emotional condition of the body – impacts on physical and mental wellbeing. The degree to which psychotherapies, such as mindfulness, target the mind-body connection and help to promote interoceptive functioning remains unclear. Aim: To systematically examine and quantify available evidence for the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs) on interoceptive ability, and to identify potential moderators of treatment effect. Method: A systematic search of the CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Web of Science databases identified 12 randomised controlled trials evaluating interoception pre-post MBI for a pooled sample of 771 adults. Reporting quality was assessed with the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (RoB 2.0), and Hedges’ g effect sizes with 95% confidence intervals, p values and heterogeneity statistics calculated using a random effects model. Results: MBIs produced moderate to large, statistically significant improvements across subjective facets of interoception, particularly self-regulatory domains, relative to peers who accessed alternate therapies, standard care, or no treatment (g range = 0.634 to 1.315). Between-group differences for objective measures of interoceptive accuracy were small and non-significant (gw = 0.126, 95% CI [-0.124, 0.377], p = .324). Longer term benefits could not be established (k = 2). Intervention intensity was identified as a significant moderator, indicative of a dose-response relationship. Conclusion: MBIs hold promise for improving several facets of impaired interoception implicated in the aetiology and maintenance of many high-prevalence mental health disorders.