Individuals with mental illness can control their aggressive behavior through mindfulness training

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Verbal and physical aggression are significant barriers to community placement for individuals with serious and persistent mental illness.
• Current treatments include psychotropic medications and psychosocial interventions like anger management training.

Observation:

• A novel mindfulness technique, "Meditation on the Soles of the Feet," was investigated as a cognitive behavioral intervention.
• The technique involves redirecting attention from anger triggers to a neutral bodily sensation (soles of the feet).

Findings:

• In a multiple baseline study, three individuals with severe anger management issues were taught the meditation technique.
• Mindfulness training led to decreased verbal and physical aggression in participants.

Implications:

• This mindfulness intervention shows promise for managing aggression in individuals with serious mental illness.
• Sustained reduction in aggression facilitated long-term community living and reduced psychiatric readmissions.