This paper presents a discussion on the similarities and differences between metacognition therapy (MCT) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) from the perspectives of metacognition and attention control information processing. The findings suggest that the aforementioned treatments promote the functions of metacognitive awareness and attention direction. However, the approaches for promoting these functions differ, which indicates that they are related to the uniqueness of the treatment method. For example, MCT emphasizes metacognitive knowledge, whereas MBCT highlights metacognitive experience, which reflect their respective trainings. Moreover, differences can be observed in the subject to which attention is directed. In particular, MCT focuses on in vitro stimuli, whereas MBCT focuses on in vivo stimuli. Based on these differences, this paper summarizes the commonality of theoretical models and therapies in MCT and MBCT and discusses the related issues and the prospects of these forms of mindfulness therapy.
