Abstract

This study examined the effects of mindfulness combined with positive reappraisal on social approach-avoidance behaviors in shame-inducing situations among individuals with depressive tendencies. Sixty adults with high interpersonal vulnerabil- ity were randomly assigned to either a combined mindfulness and positive reappraisal condition or a positive reappraisal- only condition. Following shame induction and intervention, explicit and implicit approach-avoidance behaviors were as- sessed. Although shame decreased after the intervention in both conditions, a significant reduction from baseline was ob- served only in the combined condition. Participants in the combined condition showed higher explicit approach choices and preferences, along with an implicit approach tendency, whereas those in the positive reappraisal-only condition exhibited rel- atively greater avoidance tendencies. These findings suggest that mindfulness may reduce automatic avoidance responses and promote social approach behaviors in shame-related contexts.