Mentalizing in chronic conditions: A cross-sectional study of reflective functioning and adherence in transplant recipients

These findings demonstrate that mentalization functions as a psychological buffer against non-adherence during periods of psychological distress in transplant recipients. Impaired reflective functioning represents a specific risk factor for medication non-adherence, particularly when recipients experience elevated psychopathological symptoms. Results support the development of mentalization-based interventions to enhance transplant recipients' psychological integration of the transplant experience and promote sustained adherence to immunosuppressive therapy.