Training to strengthen the mental self-boundary (Self-Boundary Awareness Training, SBAT) results in greater mindfulness: How self-boundary awareness increases mindfulness

An 8-week training program designed to strengthen the mental self-boundary led to large improvements in self-boundary perception and significant increases in mindfulness scores. Forty-two participants attended seven evening sessions and one full-day session, practiced guided imagination exercises daily, kept a diary, and learned about the spatial Boundary-Based Awareness Model. No specific mindfulness exercises were assigned. Pre- and post-training questionnaire results showed greatly improved self-boundary domain scores and significant mindfulness improvements, suggesting that training the mental self-boundary may enhance mindfulness.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract42 individuals completed an 8-week course to strengthen the mental self-boundary. The group met on seven evenings (2 ½ hours) and for an entire day (6 hours) to exchange experiences and train the conscious perception of their mental self-boundary in pairs or as a group. At home they carried out a guided imagination exercise every day and kept a diary on specific self-boundary issues. The participants also received theoretical input on the spatial Boundary-Based Awareness Model and had the opportunity to physically experience the various mental perspectives in relation to their own inner mental world and that of others. Participants did not carry out any specific mindfulness exercises at home. Evaluation of FMI and BPS questionnaires completed before and after the training revealed a greatly improved score for the self-boundary domain as well as a significant improvement in the mindfulness score. Below we describe the training in more detail and discuss how self-boundary training could lead to greater mindfulness.