A Systematic Literature Review of Equanimity in Mindfulness Based Interventions

Abstract

Despite the plethora of mindfulness research, it has been suggested that equanimity has been largely ignored. Current research has sought to add greater precision to this construct. The objectives of this systematic literature review were (1) to identify whether equanimity is being recognized as a key facet in mindfulness-based interventions and (2) to evaluate the effectiveness of equanimity as a construct in psychiatric health. The data sources were ProQuest Central and SCOPUS. A systematic literature review was conducted of peer-reviewed research articles published between 2010 and 2018. Nine studies identified equanimity as a key facet in mindfulness interventions in relation to mental health interventions. The review found that there is limited standardized inclusion of equanimity and poor reliability and generalizability surrounding this construct. Furthermore, there are no explicit instruments for measuring equanimity. More research is needed in mental health intervention to develop clarity over the impact of equanimity on well-being and psychiatric health. Further, psychometric measures for the construct are limited. The wide variety of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) raises the question of how explicitly equanimity is communicated. There is also a general lack of understanding and clarity regarding its operational definition. Often, equanimity can be synonymous with the terms nonjudgment or decentering. This systematic literature review aimed to address these gaps in the literature.