evaluating mindfulness therapy

• 1. strength is that there is evidence from research to suggest it is effective
• 1. study found that MBSR decreased levels of anxiety and depression, these results were also seen after a one year follow up
• 1. reibal et al assessed levels of anxiety and depression in 136 patients participating in an 8 week MBSR mindfulness programme, including 20 minute meditation per day
• 1. suggests that not only is mindfulness therapy effective at reducing effects of psychological disorders like anxiety and depression also prevents symptoms from returning over long periods of time
• 2. strength is that it is appropriate for use with a range of disorders and people of different ages
• 2. a study found that MBSR has been developed for use in general hospitals with patients suffering conditions which ,at be chronic, disabling or terminal
• 2. research also found using mindfulness in schools helps reduce pupils anxiety an stress, improve behaviour with those who practice mindfulness reporting higher well-being scores
• 2. strength as it highlights how versatile and flexible therapy can be
• 3. limitation is that on rare occasions could lead to negative psychological side effects
• 3. been argued that meditation can lead to disturbing psychological experiences that have been referred to as “a dark night of the soul”
• 3. where a person enters a deep state of meditation before ready and there are accounts of meditation causing hallucinations
• 3. while psychological side effects are rare, a weakness as it could potentially make a psychological disorder worse or create new one
• 4. limitation is that it helps to manage symptoms of disorder not the cause of the problem
• 4. example, if the disorder is caused by repressed memory of a psychological trauma, faulty thought processes or a life stress mindfulness will not provide cure
• 4. mindfulness may not get root cause of thoughts, it helps individuals cope with them and not dwell on them, alleviating their suffering
• 4. suggests that mindfulness may be more useful for mentally healthy people rather than those who are mentally ill