Experience of mindfulness in people with bipolar disorder: a qualitative study.
Paul Chadwick, Hardeep Kaur, Maged Swelam, Susan Ross, Lyn Ellett
Psychotherapy Research May 2011 DOI: 10.1080/10503307.2011.565487 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 12 |
| Population | People with bipolar disorder who had been practising mindfulness for at least 18 weeks |
| Intervention | Mindfulness |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | Participants described mindfulness as helping them focus on the present, become more aware of mood changes, accept their experiences, and reduce the impact of mood states. All reported subjective benefits and challenges, with processes of change including relating differently to negative thoughts and stabilizing negative affect. |
Abstract
The aim of the study was to explore experiences of practising mindfulness and how this related to living with, and managing, bipolar disorder. Qualitative methodology was used to explore the experiences of 12 people with bipolar disorder who had been practising mindfulness for at least 18 weeks. Semi-structured interviews exploring how mindfulness practice related to living with bipolar disorder were recorded verbatim, transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Seven themes emerged: Focusing on what is present; clearer awareness of mood state/change; acceptance; mindfulness practice in different mood states; reducing/stabilizing negative affect; relating differently to negative thoughts; reducing impact of mood state. All participants reported subjective benefits and challenges of mindfulness practice, and gave insights into processes of change.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on meditation, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 15
- Dancing Mindfulness: A Phenomenological Investigation of the Emerging Practice. Explore 2015
- Self-Referential Thinking, Suicide, and Function of the Cortical Midline Structures and Striatum in Mood Disorders: Possible Implications for Treatment Studies of Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Bipolar Depression Depression Research and Treatment 2012
- Perceptions of Adjunctive Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy to Prevent Suicidal Behavior Among High Suicide-Risk Outpatient Participants Crisis May 31, 2018
- Starting where I am: a grounded theory exploration of mindfulness as a facilitator of transition in living with a long‐term condition Journal of Advanced Nursing May 12, 2016
- Qualitative Survey Analysis of Higher Education Students' Experience of Mindfulness - Thematic Analysis International Journal of Education and Social Development January 21, 2025
and 10 more in the library
Cites 8
- Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 2000
- Effectiveness of a meditation-based stress reduction program in the treatment of anxiety disorders American Journal of Psychiatry July 1, 1992
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 2004
- Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression August 21, 2006
- Metacognitive awareness and prevention of relapse in depression: Empirical evidence. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 2002
and 3 more in the library