"Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Mental Health Promotion: A Narrative Review of Global Evidence with National and Regional Perspectives from India"

Abstract: Background: Mindfulness, defined as non-judgmental awareness of present-moment experiences, has gained global recognition as an effective intervention for improving mental health and psychological well-being (Kabat-Zinn, 2003; Creswell, 2017). Increasing stress, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation across populations necessitate scalable and culturally adaptable strategies (World Health Organization [WHO], 2022).

Objective: This narrative review synthesizes international, national (India), and regional (Kerala) evidence on mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs), examines their mechanisms of action, and proposes recommendations for culturally sensitive implementation.

Methods: A narrative review was conducted using peer-reviewed systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and descriptive studies published between 2010 and 2025 (Galante et al., 2023; Goldberg et al., 2022).

Results: International meta-analyses and RCTs demonstrate small to moderate improvements in anxiety, depression, stress, and quality of life following MBIs (Zhang et al., 2021; Hoge et al., 2023). Indian studies report significant reductions in perceived stress and improved emotional regulation (Pal et al., 2022; Pal et al., 2023). Kerala-based studies highlight cultural acceptability and institutional interest (Jose & Rajan, 2021; Krishnan, 2022).

Conclusion: Mindfulness is a low-cost, adaptable, and evidence-based intervention with demonstrated global efficacy and strong cultural resonance in India (Galante et al., 2023; WHO, 2022).