Positive Therapy - Mindfulness Flashcards
(8 cards)
What is the scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of mindfulness?
Hotzel et al found that doing 30 minutes of mindfulness a day increases the density of grey matter in the brain (neurone cell bodies in the brain) which means brain chemistry was changed in areas associated with memory stress and empathy, can bring positive change in brain physiology and can help improve emotional states such as stress and improve memory
What is the evidence to suggest that mindfulness based stress reduction can have possible effects on our immune system and our mood?
Davidson et al (2003) found that 25 employees who did an 8 week course of MBSR has increased activity in areas of the brain associated with positive emotions compared to a control group of 16 people. The MBSR group also produced more antibodies in response to a flu jab compared to the control group, shows there is quantifiable and measurable benefits to physical and mental health from taking part in mindfulness based courses, however evidence suggests MBSR is only effective when done in group settings, evidence supporting effectiveness of doing mindfulness alone is weak
Why might mindfulness only be effective when used in conjunction with CBT rather than a therapy on its own?
Mindfulness based cognitive therapy attempts to alter the process of thinking and relationship with thoughts rather than just challenging content of thoughts, Teasdale et al (2000) found an 8 week course significantly reduced depression for those who has 3 or more experiences of depression (there was no difference for those who has 2 or less experiences) this was compared to patients who has treatment as usual, problematic as mindfulness alone is not as effective as when combined with other traditional therapies, although Teasdale’s research says MBCT is effective it is only a benefit to some (people with recurrent depression)
Why might mindfulness not be effective and suitable for everyone?
Not everyone has the right characteristics needed to do meditation as part of this therapy, argued that to success in mindfulness you beee to already be a calm patient person, may only provide benefits for people with particular personality types so careful consideration js needed into who mindfulness is suitable for
Why is an ethical strength if mindfulness that it doesn’t drag up the past or provoke any anxiety causing thoughts or memories?
Unlike psychodynamic therapies it doesn’t involve attributing current issues to past events, unlike CBT it doesn’t challenge or change thought process but encourage an awareness and acceptance of thoughts, gentle approach to therapy, doesn’t cause any anxiety or guilt like other therapies
Why is the fact that people may not be informed of the roots of mindfulness be an ethical weakness?
Mindfulness included meditation which has Buddhist roots so people should be aware they are engaging in a religious practice, could conflict moral or religious beliefs so they should be fully informed of the links to Buddhism before they do mindfulness
How can practicing mindfulness lead to people being more moral (ethical) in other aspects of life?
Ruedy and Schweitzer found that people who were proficient in mindfulness were less likely to cheat on a task and more likely to uphold ethical standards in decision making processes, improving our state of mind can being benefits to our approach to life, however people who have higher sense of morality may be more likely to commit to developing their levels of mindfulness so difficult to establish a cause and effect.
Why is mindfulness being widely accessible an ethical strength?
Various forms accessible to all, can be practiced informally, apps, websites, courses running, where people can be taught basics if the process and given opportunities to practice the technique, inclusive therapy that everyone can benefit from regardless of accessibility issues, such as affordability if having to oat privately for forms of therapy, or where they live as some nhs treatments are not available in some areas of the country
