scholarly journals Mechanisms of mindfulness: Evaluating theories and proposing a model

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Naomi White
Keyword(s):  
Well Being ◽  
Behaviour Therapy ◽  
Levels Of Abstraction ◽  
Self Identity ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
Cognitive Behaviour ◽  
State Practice ◽  
Clinical Interest ◽  
Mechanisms Of Mindfulness ◽  
Mental Events

<p>Clinical interest in mindfulness theories and interventions for the treatment of psychological problems such as anxiety and mood disorders has increased dramatically over the last decade. Alongside this interest relatively little attention has been paid to the hypothesised mechanisms of mindfulness that result in a mindfulness state; practice has outstripped the development of a coherent model of the mechanisms. The Decontextualising Model of Mindfulness (DMM) is proposed here to address this gap. The DMM suggests that mindfulness techniques operate to decontextualise mental events from their web of hierarchically organised levels of abstraction and associated meaning, which opens up the cognitive “space” to introduce more adaptive strategies. The DMM is evaluated in terms of its ability to explain existing theories, cognitive-behaviour therapy, and accepted mechanisms of change in psychotherapy. The DMM aims to stimulate deeper understanding of how mindfulness works so that (1) Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs) are more equipped to induce mindfulness states; (2) the origins of psychopathology may be better understood and therefore more effectively treated; and (3) the causes of psychological well-being may be made more clear and therefore more readily enhanced. The research and theoretical literature as well as the current investigation indicate that in particular self-identity and self-compassion are two areas that warrant further investigation.</p>

scholarly journals Mechanisms of mindfulness: Evaluating theories and proposing a model

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Naomi White
Keyword(s):  
Well Being ◽  
Behaviour Therapy ◽  
Levels Of Abstraction ◽  
Self Identity ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
Cognitive Behaviour ◽  
State Practice ◽  
Clinical Interest ◽  
Mechanisms Of Mindfulness ◽  
Mental Events

<p>Clinical interest in mindfulness theories and interventions for the treatment of psychological problems such as anxiety and mood disorders has increased dramatically over the last decade. Alongside this interest relatively little attention has been paid to the hypothesised mechanisms of mindfulness that result in a mindfulness state; practice has outstripped the development of a coherent model of the mechanisms. The Decontextualising Model of Mindfulness (DMM) is proposed here to address this gap. The DMM suggests that mindfulness techniques operate to decontextualise mental events from their web of hierarchically organised levels of abstraction and associated meaning, which opens up the cognitive “space” to introduce more adaptive strategies. The DMM is evaluated in terms of its ability to explain existing theories, cognitive-behaviour therapy, and accepted mechanisms of change in psychotherapy. The DMM aims to stimulate deeper understanding of how mindfulness works so that (1) Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs) are more equipped to induce mindfulness states; (2) the origins of psychopathology may be better understood and therefore more effectively treated; and (3) the causes of psychological well-being may be made more clear and therefore more readily enhanced. The research and theoretical literature as well as the current investigation indicate that in particular self-identity and self-compassion are two areas that warrant further investigation.</p>

scholarly journals Self-guided mindfulness and cognitive behavioural practices reduce anxiety in autistic adults: A pilot 8-month waitlist-controlled trial of widely available online tools

Autism ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 867-883 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sebastian B Gaigg ◽  
Paul E Flaxman ◽  
Gracie McLaven ◽  
Ritika Shah ◽  
Dermot M Bowler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Behaviour Therapy ◽  
Self Help ◽  
Online Tools ◽  
Cognitive Behaviour ◽  
Autistic Adults

Anxiety in autism is an important treatment target because of its consequences for quality of life and well-being. Growing evidence suggests that cognitive behaviour therapies and mindfulness-based therapies can ameliorate anxiety in autism but cost-effective delivery remains a challenge. This pilot randomised controlled trial examined whether online cognitive behaviour therapy and mindfulness-based therapy self-help programmes could help reduce anxiety in 54 autistic adults who were randomly allocated to either an online cognitive behaviour therapy (n = 16) or mindfulness-based therapy (n = 19) programme or a waitlist control group (n = 19). Primary outcome measures of anxiety, secondary outcome measures of broader well-being and potential process of change variables were collected at baseline, after programme completion, and then 3 and 6 months post-completion. Baseline data confirmed that intolerance of uncertainty and emotional acceptance accounted for up to 61% of self-reported anxiety across all participants. The 23 participants who were retained in the active conditions (14 mindfulness-based therapies, 9 cognitive behaviour therapies) showed significant decreases in anxiety that were maintained over 3, and to some extent also 6 months. Overall, results suggest that online self-help cognitive behaviour therapy and mindfulness-based therapy tools may provide a cost-effective method for delivering mental health support to those autistic adults who can engage effectively with online support tools. Lay abstract Anxiety in autism is an important target for psychological therapies because it is very common and because it significantly impacts upon quality of life and well-being. Growing evidence suggests that cognitive behaviour therapies and mindfulness-based therapies can help autistic individuals learn to manage feelings of anxiety but access to such therapies remains problematic. In the current pilot study, we examined whether existing online cognitive behaviour therapy and mindfulness-based therapy self-help tools can help reduce anxiety in autistic adults. Specifically, 35 autistic adults were asked to try either an existing online cognitive behaviour therapy (n = 16) or mindfulness-based therapy (n = 19) programme while a further 19 autistic adults served as a waitlist comparison group. A first important finding was that 23 of the 35 (66%) participants who tried the online tools completed them, suggesting that such tools are, in principle, acceptable to many autistic adults. In addition, adults in the cognitive behaviour therapy and mindfulness-based therapy conditions reported significant decreases in anxiety over 3 and to some extent also 6 months that were less apparent in the waitlist group of participants. On broader measures of mental health and well-being, the benefits of the online tools were less apparent. Overall, the results suggest that online self-help cognitive behaviour therapy and mindfulness-based therapy tools should be explored further as a means of providing cost-effective mental health support to at least those autistic individuals who can engage effectively with such online tools.

Looking After Me Looking After You: using positive cognitive behavioural techniques to improve emotional well-being

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. E. Bhutani
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effective ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Systematic Investigation ◽  
Behaviour Therapy ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural ◽  
Cognitive Behaviour ◽  
Positive Experiences ◽  
Mental Well Being ◽  
Further Development

AbstractStress and anxiety have been identified as among the most common reasons for sickness absence. Therefore, timely work-based well-being interventions are needed. Strengths-based Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy (CBT) approaches are of benefit therapeutically. Guided imagery approaches enable individuals utilize previous positive experiences and construct positive future templates potentially increasing the likelihood of better outcomes. One hundred and seventeen participants from a health service clinical/corporate environment participated in the Looking After Me Looking After You (LAMLAY) programme. It comprised three 3-hour or four 2-hour sessions weekly. Positive imagery and strengths-based cognitive-behavioural approaches were delivered via participant exercises and didactically. Completion rate was 77.8%; seventy-five participants (83% of completers) completed the Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS) pre-course (mean 46.4) and post-course (mean 52.4). Significant improvements in well-being were obtained (t = 9.32, d.f. = 74, p<0.0001, d = 0.82). An online follow-up survey demonstrated sustained improved scores on the WEMWBS (F2,223 = 17.04, p<0.001, η = 0.13). Satisfaction ratings indicated high approval levels. Participants’ well-being improved at the end of the LAMLAY programme and was sustained at follow-up. The potential impact of LAMLAY and the potential to deliver cost-effective benefits is discussed. Further development work is required including more systematic investigation over a longer term.

How acceptance and commitment therapy changed the perspective on support provision for staff working with intellectual disability

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-73 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mauro Leoni ◽  
Serafino Corti ◽  
Roberto Cavagnola ◽  
Olive Healy ◽  
Stephen J. Noone
Keyword(s):  
Acceptance And Commitment Therapy ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Third Generation ◽  
Behaviour Therapy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Commitment Therapy ◽  
Acceptance And Commitment ◽  
Cognitive Behaviour

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a review on evidence-based intervention concerning the reduction of stress/burnout and the improvement of wellbeing for professionals working with people with intellectual disabilities (IDs). Design/methodology/approach – Theoretical models and literature related to stress reduction are reviewed from a classical cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) approach up to the novel contribution of the third generation of cognitive-behavioural therapies, with a specific focus on contextual behavioural sciences and acceptance and commitment Therapy (ACT). Findings – Despite the improvement of CBT-based interventions in reducing risk factors for stress and burnout, the limitations of a problem-solving approach when applied to challenging environments like those of direct support to persons with ID, are still large. Interventions based on the core processes and the related techniques of ACT appear to be promising in promoting the well being of paid carers reducing the risk of burnout, and increasing psychological flexibility. Such factors can increase the ability to clarify personal and professional values, as well as the opportunities to act consistently with such values and achieve greater social reinforcement in the work environment. Research limitations/implications – The limitations of the existing research are presented and discussed. There are several aspects that future research should address in order to promote staff training protocols that could be extensively applied with preventive aims. Organisations could take the available procedures and methodologies and implement these evidence-based practices within existing training. Originality/value – The research on the application of ACT and third generation of behavioural approaches to the wellbeing and behaviour of staff supporting persons with IDs remains limited. The present paper is the first narrative review on this topic.

scholarly journals Feasibility, acceptability and change in health following a telephone-based cognitive behaviour therapy intervention for patients with axial spondyloarthritis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca Pedley ◽  
Linda E Dean ◽  
Ernest Choy ◽  
Karl Gaffney ◽  
Tanzeel Ijaz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disease Activity ◽  
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Value Systems ◽  
British Society ◽  
Initial Assessment ◽  
Behaviour Therapy ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Cognitive Behaviour ◽  
Patient Reported

Abstract Objective The aim was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a telephone-based cognitive behaviour therapy (tCBT) intervention for individuals with axial SpA (axSpA), with and without co-morbid FM, and to measure the change in patient-reported health outcomes. Methods A convenience sample of individuals recruited from British Society for Rheumatology Biologics Registry for AS (BSRBR-AS) sites were offered a course of tCBT (framed as coaching). Patient-reported outcomes were measured at baseline and on course completion. Semi-structured qualitative interviews assessed intervention acceptability. Thematic analysis was informed by the theoretical framework of acceptability. Results Forty-two participants attended for initial assessment. Those completing at least one tCBT session (n = 28) were younger, more likely to meet classification criteria for FM (57 vs 29%) and reported higher disease activity. Modest improvements were reported across a range of disease activity and wider health measures, with 62% of patients self-rating their health as improved (median 13 weeks post-intervention). Twenty-six participants were interviewed (including six who discontinued after initial assessment). tCBT was widely acceptable, offering a personalized approach. Despite low or unclear expectations, participants described improved sleep and psychological well-being and gained new skills to support self-management. Reasons for non-uptake of tCBT centred on lack of perceived need and fit with individual value systems. Many felt that tCBT would be most useful closer to diagnosis. Conclusion Higher uptake among axSpA patients with co-morbid FM suggests that these individuals have additional needs. The findings are helpful in identifying patients most likely to engage with and benefit from tCBT and to maximize participation.

scholarly journals Psychedelics and health behaviour change

2021 ◽  
pp. 026988112110085
Author(s):  
Pedro J Teixeira ◽  
Matthew W Johnson ◽  
Christopher Timmermann ◽  
Rosalind Watts ◽  
David Erritzoe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Behaviour Change ◽  
Health Behaviour ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Premature Mortality ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Behaviour Therapy ◽  
Health Behaviour Change ◽  
Cognitive Behaviour

Healthful behaviours such as maintaining a balanced diet, being physically active and refraining from smoking have major impacts on the risk of developing cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and other serious conditions. The burden of the so-called ‘lifestyle diseases’—in personal suffering, premature mortality and public health costs—is considerable. Consequently, interventions designed to promote healthy behaviours are increasingly being studied, e.g., using psychobiological models of behavioural regulation and change. In this article, we explore the notion that psychedelic substances such as psilocybin could be used to assist in promoting positive lifestyle change conducive to good overall health. Psilocybin has a low toxicity, is non-addictive and has been shown to predict favourable changes in patients with depression, anxiety and other conditions marked by rigid behavioural patterns, including substance (mis)use. While it is still early days for modern psychedelic science, research is advancing fast and results are promising. Here we describe psychedelics’ proposed mechanisms of action and research findings pertinent to health behaviour change science, hoping to generate discussion and new research hypotheses linking the two areas. Therapeutic models including psychedelic experiences and common behaviour change methods (e.g., Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Motivational Interviewing) are already being tested for addiction and eating disorders. We believe this research may soon be extended to help promote improved diet, exercise, nature exposure and also mindfulness or stress reduction practices, all of which can contribute to physical and psychological health and well-being.

scholarly journals The Relationship Among the Components of Self-compassion: A Pilot Study Using a Compassionate Writing Intervention to Enhance Self-kindness, Common Humanity, and Mindfulness

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aljoscha Dreisoerner ◽  
Nina Mareen Junker ◽  
Rolf van Dick
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Common Humanity ◽  
Self Identity ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
False Discovery ◽  
Writing Exercises ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Compassion Scale

Abstract Self-compassion has been theorized to have three components, each with a positive pole and a negative pole: self-kindness versus self-judgment, common humanity versus isolation, and mindfulness versus over-identification. Neff (Self Identity 2:85–101, 2003a) proposes that they mutually influence each other, however, this proposition has not been tested yet. We conducted a pilot study to see if improvements from training one component spilled over to the other two—and whether these trainings had an impact on well-being. 80 participants completed 8 weeks of self-compassionate writing exercises to enhance either self-kindness, common humanity, or mindfulness. Trait self-compassion was assessed using the six-factor model of the self-compassion scale. To address issues of alpha-error-inflation, the false discovery rate was fixed at 5%, and critical p values were adjusted accordingly. Participants in the mindfulness condition reported increased total self-compassion (p = .009), which was accompanied by increased self-kindness (p = .027) and lower isolation (p = .045). Participants in the common humanity condition reported improved total self-compassion (p = .018), lower over-identification (p = .045), and higher life-satisfaction (p = .049). The training in self-kindness failed to improve self-kindness or any other factor. These findings provide initial evidence that the components of self-compassion mutually enhance each other. They also emphasize the importance of mindfulness within the conceptualization of self-compassion.

scholarly journals Development of materials to support parents whose babies cry excessively: findings and health service implications

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (04) ◽  
pp. 320-332 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaqui Long ◽  
Charlotte Powell ◽  
Deborah Bamber ◽  
Rosemary Garratt ◽  
Jayne Brown ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Service ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Online Information ◽  
Behaviour Therapy ◽  
Cognitive Behaviour ◽  
Excessive Crying ◽  
Apparent Reason ◽  
Uk National Health Service ◽  
The Uk

AimTo develop evidence-based materials which provide information and support for parents who are concerned about their baby’s excessive crying. As well as meeting these parents’ needs, the aim was to develop a package of materials suitable for use by the UK National Health Service (NHS).BackgroundParents report that around 20% of infants in Western countries cry excessively without an apparent reason during the first four months of age. Traditionally, research has focused on the crying and its causes. However, evidence is growing that how parents evaluate and respond to the crying needs to receive equal attention. This focus encompasses parental resources, vulnerabilities, well-being and mental health. At present, the UK NHS lacks a set of routine provisions to support parents who are concerned about their baby’s excessive crying. The rationales, methods and findings from a study developing materials for this purpose are reported.MethodFollowing a literature review, 20 parents whose babies previously cried excessively took part in focus groups or interviews. They provided reports on their experiences and the supports they would have liked when their baby was crying excessively. In addition, they identified their preferred delivery methods and devices for accessing information and rated four example support packages identified by the literature review.FindingsDuring the period their baby cried excessively, most parents visited a health service professional and most considered these direct contacts to have provided helpful information and support. Websites were similarly popular. Telephones and tablets were the preferred means of accessing online information. Groups to meet other parents were considered an important additional resource by all the parents. Three package elements – a Surviving Crying website, a printed version of the website and a programme of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy-based support sessions delivered to parents by a qualified practitioner, were developed for further evaluation.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document