An investigation into the effectiveness of two mindfulness techniques : mindful breathing and the body scan

Care, Helen Jane (2006) An investigation into the effectiveness of two mindfulness techniques : mindful breathing and the body scan. University of Southampton, Doctoral Thesis.

Record type: Thesis (Doctoral)

Abstract

The literature on mindfulness as a clinical intervention has rapidly expanded in recent years but questions about its use and effectiveness remain unanswered, one of which concerns the active agents of change. The current study aimed to investigate two specific techniques which currently form part of larger mindfulness training packages: mindful breathing and the body scan. 59 university undergraduates were recruited and were tested on a number of measures of stress tolerance, psychological symptoms and affect, as well as attention and mindfulness skills. A range of mixed design ANOVA statistics are calculated but no significant effect of training in either technique is reported. The study suggests that non-specific factors, such as membership of a group, might be important in the success of mindfulness training.

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