Authors:
Pedro Morais
1
;
Ana P. Pinheiro
2
;
Miguel S. Fonseca
3
and
Carla Quintão
4
Affiliations:
1
LIBPhys, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
;
2
Faculty of Psychology, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
;
3
Center for Mathematics and Applications, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
;
4
NOVA School of Science and Technology - Department of Physics, NOVA University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
Keyword(s):
Mindfulness, Anxiety, Depression, Stress, Quality-of-Life.
Abstract:
Purpose: This paper aims to study how mindfulness meditation can be used to prevent, or improve, states of anxiety, depression, stress and loss of quality of life. Although this model of meditation has been associated with a healthier life, there is a need for scientific evidence-based on longitudinal results. Methods: Twenty-five volunteers, asymptomatic of psychological distress, participated in this research project attending a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course. The status of each individual was assessed for 18 weeks, with three scales: World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL), Profile of Mood States (POMS) and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS). There were four evaluation periods: Pre/Peri/Post-MBSR course and a fourth follow-up, after two months. Results: Comparing the beginning to the end of the MBSR course, a significant reduction was observed in mean results of self-reported anxiety: -66.0% (p<0.001), stress: -52.0% (p<0.001), depression: -
51.0% (p<0.001) and Total Mood Disturbance (TMD): -19.0% (p<0.001), as well as an increase in quality of life: 11.2% (p<0.001). Conclusion: The current values suggest that the practice of mindfulness meditation, characterized by self-regulation of attention, can be used as a proactive way to prevent and respond to psychopathological disorders.
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