The Effects of a Brief Mindfulness-based Group Counseling Program on the Resilience and Maladaptive Self-focused Attention of Adults

Abstract

This study is an experimental research aimed at developing and validating a program that utilizes mindfulness meditation techniques to increase resilience and reduce maladaptive self-focused attention. To conduct the study, a total of 98 adults were recruited as participants, and a needs assessment survey was conducted to develop a group counseling program focused on mindfulness. Among the adults in their 20s to 50s located in Gyeongsangnam-do, 15 adults participated in the experimental group, where a total of 10 sessions of 80 minutes each, based on mindfulness theory, were conducted. The control group, consisting of 15 adults, did not receive any intervention. Three measures were used to assess the effects of the study: resilience, maladaptive self-focused attention, and mindfulness. The statistical analysis involved conducting repeated measures ANOVA to analyze the pre-and post-test changes in the experimental and control groups. The results indicated that the mindfulness-based shortterm group counseling program had a positive impact on resilience and maladaptive self-focused attention. Additionally, significant effects were observed in the sub-factors of mindfulness, specifically nonjudgmental acceptance and attentional focus. However, there were no significant effects on defusion and present moment awareness. This may be attributed to the short duration of the program over two days, which could have made it challenging to induce significant changes in mindfulness. Nevertheless, this study is significant in confirming that a short-term group counseling program based on mindfulness can be an effective approach to enhancing resilience and reducing maladaptive self-focused attention.