Mindful control vs. mindful acceptance : an experimental evaluation of the acute impact of intentions guiding mindfulness practice on psychological and emotional experiences
Eric D. Tifft
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 73 |
| Population | Meditation-naïve undergraduate students |
| Dose | 10-minute daily meditation |
| Duration | Two weeks |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | Both meditation conditions improved distress and well-being from pre- to post-intervention. The authors report that participants in the acceptance condition had greater and more rapid reductions in anxiety, stress, and negative affect than those in the experiential control condition, suggesting that the intention guiding meditation practice may influence outcomes. |
Abstract
Mindfulness meditation (MM) has gained attention from the mainstream media and scientific communities due to its benefits in ameliorating psychological suffering, aiding in the treatment of physical conditions, and promoting well-being. However, a growing body of research suggests that MM may also produce unintended, adverse effects. Research in emotion regulation suggests that how people use MM may be critical in understanding both the benefits and iatrogenic effects of such practices. Emotion regulation science suggests that efforts to avoid, suppress, or otherwise control unwanted internal experiences are ineffective long-term strategies and can backfire, thus potentiating psychological distress. Conversely, acceptance of difficult internal experiences has been found to reduce psychological and emotional distress, promote engagement in meaningful life activities, and increase well-being. Bridging MM and emotional regulation science, the present research aimed to evaluate whether intentions guiding MM impact psychological and emotional outcomes in an undergraduate sample. Meditation-naïve undergraduates (N = 73) were randomized to one of two MM conditions (experiential control [n = 47] or acceptance [n = 26]) and then completed a 10-minute MM daily for two weeks. A battery of psychometrically-sound measures and idiographic items spanning psychological, emotional, and process domains was administered pre-, mid-, and post-intervention. Results showed that regardless of condition, participants improved on numerous indices of distress and wellbeing from pre- to post-meditation. Results further suggest that participants in the acceptance condition had greater and more rapid reductions in anxiety, stress, and negative affect relative to their experiential control counterparts. Discussion expands on findings in terms of their relevance for the practice of meditation in psychotherapy and in daily life.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cites 45
- Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Assessment January 27, 2006
- Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: A conceptual and empirical review. Clinical Psychology Science and Practice 2003
- Meditation Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-being JAMA Internal Medicine January 6, 2014
- Mindfulness Interventions Annual Review of Psychology September 30, 2016
- Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Prevention of Depressive Relapse JAMA Psychiatry April 28, 2016
and 40 more in the library