Theoretical Perspectives on Mindfulness:

Similaridades, Diferenças e Aplicações

Abstract

Mindfulness is a concept that has been increasingly employed in the scientific field. However, because this term represents concepts and applications that derive from different epistemologies, even if their meanings and purposes seem similar,it is necessary to map their points of convergence and divergences. Thus, this article aims to present the main characteristics of three major perspectives on mindfulness - the Buddhist tradition; the concept underlying Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs), especially MBSR; and Ellen Langer's theory - as well as to clarify the presuppositions of each one, their psychological and epistemological foundations as well as possible applications. From this presentation, the core characteristics of each theoretical model are compared, and then their  particular and / or convergent assumptions, epistemologies and objectives are identified. The result indicates that, although they bear some similarities, they have remarkable differences in their constructs, purposes and development. Therefore, although they are homonyms, they should not be considered equivalent, or in other words, the same mindfulness.