The effects of a mindfulness based stress reduction program on stress, mindfulness self efficacy, and positive states of mind, an article written by Vickie Y. Chang in 2004, details a study conducted on the effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) as an intervention tool for pain, positive states of mind, and mindfulness self efficacy. I chose this article because I am interested in learning about how the mind and meditation can help certain ailments and reduce stress. To me the concept of self-help and healing through meditation is a very interesting theory.
I am interested in understanding and reviewing the results of this study and how they prove or disprove the use and effectiveness of MBSR training as a means of managing stress, controlling pain, and creating a positive state of mind. If in fact, an individual can gain certain healing and stress-reducing methods from meditative procedures taught through MBSR training it would be a very important find. If individuals could be more reliant on meditation as a means of positive emotional status and at the same time lower their stress levels medical aliments would be reduces.
Stress can be the underlying cause of many ailments and when stress levels are reduced, chances are the reoccurrence of certain ailments will be reduced. On a mental level, issues such as depression and severe self-esteem would possibly start to decline in numbers. With the meditative methods offered by MBSR, individuals could rely more on themselves and less on doctors and therapists for the small issues in their daily lives. The purpose of this study was to prove the effectiveness of mindfulness meditation when applied to pain, stress, illness, and positive mindsets.
Few studies show the actual degree at which participants could acquire ‘present centered attention awareness’ which many believe is the foundation of mindfulness. The hypothesis of this study is that the MBSR program will increase the participants’ mindfulness self-efficacy. The case study was conducted with the use of a well-designed intervention. Forty-three participants were recruited for the study. They were then enrolled into a private university course for continuing education.
The participants were evaluated pre and post intervention and data was collected in order to conclude the study. After questions on self-efficacy, pain, and status of mind were completed the started their intervention. The intervention consisted of eight weekly one hundred and fifty minute group sessions and a full day of retreat. Each session included forty-five minutes of meditative practice, forty-five minutes of mindful movement exercises with yoga, and one hour of group discussion.
Each participant was also given an audio program and asked to practice six days a week at home for forty-five minutes per session. Participants were also taught developmental skills for non-judgmental awareness of their emotions, physical sensations, and self-kindness. Self-report measures were used to collect demographical information. Such things as age, gender, ethnicity, and previous experience with meditation were documented. Areas including pain level, status of the mind, stress levels, and self-efficacy were also measured.