Holzel 2011

Question 1

Aim of Holzel

Answer 1

Identify changes in specific brain regions and the whole brain by comparing grey matter concentrations before and after a mindfulness course.

Question 2

Experiment type

Answer 2

Longitudinal study. Took place over 8 weeks. Additional 2 weeks before study for MRI and after study for MRI

Question 3

IV of Holzel

Answer 3

Exposure to an 8 week mindfulness based intervention ( MBSR - Mindfulness-Based Stress reduction.)

Question 4

List the three exercises participants were assigned to do at home.

Answer 4

1. Body Scan attention is guided in a sequence through the whole body.
2. Mindful yoga includes gentle stretching and slow movements. Breathing exercises which aim to raise awareness of the moment to moment experience
3. Sitting meditation. Focuses on the sensation of breathing and progresses to sounds, sights, tastes and other body emotions.

Question 5

DV of Holzel

Answer 5

The change in grey matter assessed in MRI scans

Question 6

Method of Holzel

Answer 6

A 45-minute recording of these guided mindfulness exercises was given to each participant to practice daily at home.

Question 7

Sample of Holzel. Age range. gender balance. Extra for size in control.

Answer 7

Participants aged from 25-55
Experimental group: initially 18 then fell to 16. two males withdrew with MRI aspect
Experimental condition: 16 participants. 10 females 6 males

Control sample had 17 participants. 7 males 10 females

Question 8

What self reporting measure did Holzel use and when

Answer 8

Both groups completed the “Five Faucet Mindfulness Questionnaire. ( FFMQ)
Questionnaire had 39 questions that measured Observing, Describing, Acting with Awareness, Non Judging and Non reactivity.

Each item on the FFMQ was a statement and has a five point scale. 1-5.

Question 9

When was the Questionnaire done

Answer 9

both the experimental group and control group did it before and after the MSBR course.