DOI: 10.5176/2251-1865_CBP16.37
Authors: Pei Lim Ting, Alvin Lai Oon Ng and Cheng Kar Phang
Abstract: Mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) has become increasingly popular for the general population as a tool to be better able to cope with daily stressors. Nevertheless, a standard MBI consists of eight sessions which may be too time-consuming for some people. Additionally, there were few qualitative studies on participants’ viewpoint of the effectiveness of MBI and the specific components of MBI that are deemed useful and practical. This study examines the efficacy of a brief MBI on depression, anxiety, well-being and mindfulness, as well as to explore participants’ viewpoint on the useful components of the intervention. Forty-nine participants recruited from the general public participated in a five-week MBI. Outcomes were measured by Patient Health Questionnaire, Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale, Flourishing Scale and Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire. 15 participants were then gathered in a form of focus group for a discussion on their experiences. A follow up with 38 participants was conducted three months post-intervention. Results showed significant reduction in depression and anxiety, as well as significant improvement in subjective well-being and mindfulness. Focus group responses mainly included a shift of focus to the present, adaptive response to daily stressors, an increased sense of calmness and feeling grateful for the ordinary. Follow up revealed that most participants’ self-perceived coping skills ranged from average to well, and thought that they would not have been able to cope as well without the participation in the MBI. Taken together, this study implies that brief MBI is a promising intervention to improve well-being and that should be developed further. Questions arising from the results and implications of this study are discussed.
Keywords: mindfulness-based intervention, anxiety, depression, qualitative measures
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