Application of a mindfulness and compassion‐based approach to the at‐risk mental state
Tara Hickey, Barnaby Nelson, Graham Nicholas Meadows
Clinical Psychologist July 1, 2017 DOI: 10.1111/cp.12132 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Meditation |
| Citations | 18 |
| Key points | Argues that mindfulness and compassion approaches are unique strategies with the potential to significantly advance treatment of the at-risk mental state, particularly by toning down threatening experiences such as hostile voices and self-attacking inner dialogue. Proposes that a mindfulness and compassion-based intervention for this population should be developed and evaluated according to best practice guidelines. |
Abstract
BackgroundPsychological interventions based on mindfulness and compassion approaches have demonstrated improved outcomes across a range of disorders. However, the application of these approaches to the at‐risk mental state (ARMS) has received little attention to date. This paper explores their potential to enhance treatment of the ARMS.MethodsThis article follows guidelines developed by the UK Medical Research Council and the US National Institute of Health on developing and evaluating complex interventions. The paper (1) describes the ARMS, treatment and outcomes, (2) explores relevant literature on mindfulness and compassion, (3) discusses the likely processes of change involved in a mindful compassionate approach, (4) provides a rationale for integrating mindfulness and compassion into treatment of the ARMS, and (5) offers recommendations to enhance knowledge and treatment in this area.ResultsCommon ARMS experiences include attenuated psychotic symptoms, depression, anxiety, insecure attachment style, and difficulties with daily functioning. In particular, voice tones are often hostile or critical and paranoia is associated with a self‐attacking inner dialogue. Mindfulness and compassion are emotion regulation strategies that have the potential to tone down these threatening experiences by enhancing a sense of safety and reassurance. However, the potential impact of mindfulness and compassion on attachment style and feelings of social connectedness warrants further investigation.ConclusionsMindfulness and compassion approaches are unique strategies that have the potential to significantly advance treatment of the ARMS. It is timely that a mindfulness and compassion‐based intervention for the ARMS is developed and evaluated according to best practice guidelines.
Comparable studies
Other theoretical and historical papers on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness: A proposed operational definition. | 2004 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Mechanisms of mindfulness | 2005 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| How Does Mindfulness Meditation Work? Proposing Mechanisms of Action From a Conceptual and Neural Perspective | 2011 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression | 2006 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Self-awareness, self-regulation, and self-transcendence (S-ART): a framework for understanding the neurobiological mechanisms of mindfulness | 2012 | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
Citations in the library
Cited by 2
Cites 8
- Mechanisms of mindfulness Journal of Clinical Psychology December 29, 2005
- How Does Mindfulness Meditation Work? Proposing Mechanisms of Action From a Conceptual and Neural Perspective Perspectives on Psychological Science October 14, 2011
- Regulation of the Neural Circuitry of Emotion by Compassion Meditation: Effects of Meditative Expertise PLoS One March 25, 2008
- Investigating the phenomenological matrix of mindfulness-related practices from a neurocognitive perspective. American Psychologist October 1, 2015
- Predictors and moderators of biopsychological social stress responses following brief self-compassion meditation training. Psychoneuroendocrinology July 1, 2016
and 3 more in the library