46-3 A Pilot Study on the Process of Cultivating Mindfulness
Mindfulness-Based Intervention (MBI) integrates meditation, yoga, body scan and some cognitive-behavioral interventions to release pressure and prevent relapse of depression. The positive effects of MBI on reducing negative emotions and improving well-being have been supported. However, research regarding the process of cultivating mindfulness and the role of homework practice in this process is limited. Purpose: the aims of this study were (1) to investigate the processes of cultivating mindfulness successfully and unsuccessfully when MBI was adopted and (2) to explore the role of homework practice in these processes. Method: the study adopted the qualitative research method. Fifteen focus groups (49 adult participants) were conducted at the end of the 4th session and the 8th session, and one month after the completion of MBI. Results: the study found that the process of successfully cultivating mindfulness had four specific steps: being confused at the beginning, gaining benefits during exploration, experiencing changes after MBI, and adopting the attitude of mindfulness in daily life. In the process of successfully cultivating mindfulness, the acquisition of knowledge and the perception of experiences were equally important. Homework practice itself played a key role in experiencing mindfulness and becoming habituated to mindful awareness during the learning course. We also point out when and who might have difficulties with the cultivation of mindfulness. Conclusions: the process of successfully cultivating mindfulness included four steps. In addition, when and who might have difficulties with the cultivation of mindfulness and the benefits of homework practice in the process of successfully cultivating mindfulness were identified. These indicators would enable group facilitators to detect and prevent them as early as possible so that all group members could cultivate their mindfulness successfully.
Keywords
meditation practice ； mental health ； mindfulness-based intervention
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