Cultivating mindfulness: effects on well-being.
Shauna L Shapiro1, Doug Oman, Carl E Thoresen
1Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA 95053, USA. slshapiro@scu.edu
Journal of Clinical Psychology
|May 20, 2008
Summary
Mindfulness practices, including Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and the Eight Point Program, effectively increase mindfulness. This enhanced mindfulness mediates positive outcomes like reduced stress and rumination.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Mindfulness Studies
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Growing interest in mindfulness cultivation and its link to well-being.
- Mindfulness is often measured using scales like the Mindful Attention and Awareness Scale (MAAS).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if mindfulness can be cultivated through specific interventions.
- To determine if cultivated mindfulness mediates positive psychological outcomes.
- To examine the relationship between adherence to meditation practices and outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Randomized controlled trial with college undergraduates.
- Comparison of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Eight Point Program (EPP) against a waitlist control.
- Pretest, posttest, and 8-week follow-up assessments using self-report measures.
Main Results:
- Both MBSR and EPP groups showed significant increases in mindfulness compared to controls at 8-week follow-up.
- Increases in mindfulness mediated reductions in perceived stress and rumination.
- Adherence to meditation practices predicted positive outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Distinct meditation-based interventions can effectively cultivate mindfulness as measured by the MAAS.
- Cultivated mindfulness plays a mediating role in achieving psychological benefits such as stress and rumination reduction.
- Future research should explore long-term effects and broader applications of these meditation practices.
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