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Introduction to Mindfulness - Dean Amory

Art and Benefits of Mindfulness Meditation

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The results indicated a trend <strong>to</strong>ward improvement in participants’<br />

optimism and resilience, however changes were not found <strong>to</strong> be<br />

significant.<br />

Participants self-reported significant reductions in their levels of<br />

stress, anxiety and depression after taking part in the course.<br />

Discussion<br />

Given the small sample size and the lack of a control group in this<br />

study all results must be interpreted cautiously. A sample of seven<br />

participants does not allow for the statistical power necessary <strong>to</strong> draw<br />

any firm conclusions regarding the usefulness of MBRP for<br />

individuals recovering from multiple and enduring addictions.<br />

Moreover, the lack of follow-up data impedes us from determining<br />

whether any gains achieved through the course were maintained in<br />

the months after completion. Therefore, we cannot generalise from<br />

these results, however, we can take encouragement from tentative<br />

evidence of the benefits of MBRP reported in this pilot study. When<br />

taken <strong>to</strong>gether with the qualitative data collected throughout the<br />

course of the study, and with previous research that has been carried<br />

out on MBRP internationally, it can be concluded that the use of<br />

MBRP in supporting people recovering from addiction shows<br />

promise and warrants further research.<br />

The analyses revealed improvements in participants’ self-reported<br />

levels of psychological functioning, quality of life, levels of optimism,<br />

resilience and mindful qualities. Not all of these results were<br />

statistically significant, however all showed trends <strong>to</strong>ward<br />

improvement in the expected direction. The most significant<br />

improvements found in all the scales were in their ability <strong>to</strong> accept<br />

their thoughts and feelings and in their satisfaction with their social<br />

relationships. This suggests the use of MBRP may benefit people<br />

recovering from multiple and enduring addictions.<br />

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