A "Collective Effort to Make Yourself Feel Better": The Group Process in Mindfulness-Based Interventions.
Dulcie Cormack, Fergal Jones, Michael Maltby
Qualitative Health Research January 2018 DOI: 10.1177/1049732317733448 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 12 |
| Population | MBI students, teachers, and trainers |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Mbsr, mbct South east england Grounded theory Group development Group processes |
| Key findings | The authors propose a grounded theory model of MBI group processes centered on a core category, the group as a vessel on a shared journey, with three higher-order categories. Teachers build and steer the group vessel to foster a specific culture and sense of safety, and the group is facilitated to share communal experiences that the authors contend augment learning and enrich mindfulness practice. |
Abstract
There is growing interest in mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in the management of multiple physical and mental health issues. Although MBIs utilize a group format, research on how this format impacts teaching and learning mindfulness is lacking. This study aimed to develop a detailed theory of MBI group processes utilizing a grounded theory methodology. This article presents our subsequent model, developed from semistructured interviews conducted with MBI students, teachers, and trainers ( N = 12). A core category, the group as a vessel on a shared journey, and three higher-order categories emerged from the data. They illustrate how MBI group processes navigate a characteristic path. Teachers build and steer the group "vessel" in a way that fosters a specific culture and sense of safety. The group is facilitated to share communal experiences that augment learning and enrich mindfulness practice. Limitations and implications for clinicians and researchers are discussed.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on meditation, most cited first.
Citations in the library
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- An Eight-Week Zen Meditation and Music Programme for Mindfulness and Happiness: Qualitative Content Analysis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health December 4, 2023
- Changes in State Mindfulness are the Key to Success in Mindfulness Interventions: Ecological Momentary Assessments of Predictors, Mediators, and Outcomes in a Four-Week Koru Mindfulness Intervention. Psychological Reports November 16, 2023
- Mindfulness and Buddhist principles in oncology: Risks, misconceptions and recommendations for ethical integration. Journal of Psychosocial Oncology 2026
and 13 more in the library
Cites 17
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- An exploratory mixed methods study of the acceptability and effectiveness of mindfulness -based cognitive therapy for patients with active depression and anxiety in primary care BMC Psychiatry April 7, 2006
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- Competence in Teaching Mindfulness-Based Courses: Concepts, Development and Assessment Mindfulness September 21, 2011
- Training Teachers to Deliver Mindfulness-Based Interventions: Learning from the UK Experience Mindfulness April 26, 2010
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