Seven days of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy improves attention and coping style

Abstract

We designed a short-term training course in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) for use with busy people with little time. We examined whether or not MBCT training would affect people's cognition. We assigned 44 participants with no prior experience with mindfulness techniques randomly to either an MBCT group or a control group. These participants then completed the Trait Coping Style Questionnaire (TCSQ). After having undergone 7 days of training, we assessed participants again with the TCSQ and they also completed the Attention Network Test. Results showed that orienting and executive control differed between the MBCT and control groups, but there was no difference between the 2 groups in alerting. The score for positive coping style was significantly enhanced in the group who had undergone MBCT training. Our findings suggest that MBCT can be an effective approach to improve individuals' attentional subsystem and coping style in a short time.

Trait Mindfulness and Functional Connectivity in Cognitive and Attentional Resting State Networks

“…For example, Dickenson et al (2013) observed that during a focused breathing task, people who scored higher on a measure of trait mindfulness show greater activity in the temporo-parietal junction, superior parietal lobule, and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) than did people who scored low on this measure. These brain areas are involved with orienting and sustaining of attention, a result consistent with cognitive psychology studies showing that mindfulness is associated with superior attentional abilities (Quaglia et al, 2015; Quan et al, 2018). Creswell et al (2007) compared levels of trait mindfulness to neural activation patterns during an affect labeling task.…”

Stress Reduction by Yoga versus Mindfulness Training in Adults Suffering from Distress: A Three-Armed Randomized Controlled Trial including Qualitative Interviews (RELAX Study)

“…It has been shown that relaxation techniques can interrupt a chronic stress load, and, thus, help avert its negative consequences [ 22 , 23 ]. Moreover, they can enable changes in cognition, thus reducing perceived stress [ 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 ]. Various techniques have been shown to be effective and are routinely applied in prevention, therapy, and rehabilitation [ 27 , 28 ].…”

“…On a neuropsychological level, areas of the brain involved in emotion regulation are activated and trained [ 36 ]. Ultimately, improved attention regulation can lead to the ability to control thoughts, feelings, and behavior better [ 24 , 25 , 37 ]. The dysfunctional experience and management of stress, which is associated with poor emotion regulation, negative cognitions, and impulsive behavior, can be changed [ 24 , 32 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 ].…”

“…Ultimately, improved attention regulation can lead to the ability to control thoughts, feelings, and behavior better [ 24 , 25 , 37 ]. The dysfunctional experience and management of stress, which is associated with poor emotion regulation, negative cognitions, and impulsive behavior, can be changed [ 24 , 32 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 ]. Subjectively perceived stress then decreases, allowing for increases in physical and mental health and in quality of life [ 42 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 ].…”

Mindfulness disposition as a protective factor against the psychological impact of the coronavirus pandemic: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

“…Theorists from many schools of personality and psychotherapy have discussed the importance of observant, open awareness, and attention in the optimization of self-regulation and well-being (Martin, 2002). To date, mindfulness seems to be related to other psychological constructs such as emotional intelligence (Schutte & Malouff, 2011), vivid perception, receptive attention (Quan et al, 2018), personality traits, and highly adaptive and mature defense mechanisms (di Giuseppe et al, 2020; This document is copyrighted by the American Psychological Association or one of its allied publishers.…”