Abstract
BackgroundMindfulness means paying attention in the present moment, non-judgmentally, without commentary or decision-making. We report results of a pilot study designed to test the feasibility of using Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) (with minor modifications) as a smoking intervention.MethodsMBSR instructors provided instructions in mindfulness in eight weekly group sessions. Subjects attempted smoking cessation during week seven without pharmacotherapy. Smoking abstinence was tested six weeks after the smoking quit day with carbon monoxide breath test and 7-day smoking calendars. Questionnaires were administered to evaluate changes in stress and affective distress.Results18 subjects enrolled in the intervention with an average smoking history of 19.9 cigarettes per day for 26.4 years. At the 6-week post-quit visit, 10 of 18 subjects (56%) achieved biologically confirmed 7-day point-prevalent smoking abstinence. Compliance with meditation was positively associated with smoking abstinence and decreases in stress and affective distress.Discussions and conclusionThe results of this study suggest that mindfulness training may show promise for smoking cessation and warrants additional study in a larger comparative trial.
Highlights
Mindfulness means paying attention in the present moment, non-judgmentally, without commentary or decision-making
Abstinence A 6-week abstinence rate of 56% is relatively high when compared to results of a previous comparable study population showing 33% point prevalent 6-week post-quit abstinence rate in a when provided with moderately intensive counseling, no pharmacotherapy, and seen weekly at the time of testing [33]
The best explanation for this may be that Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an intensive intervention and that due to its intensive nature, dropout rates are high but success rates in those who complete the intervention is high
Summary
Mindfulness means paying attention in the present moment, non-judgmentally, without commentary or decision-making. Mindfulness is a skill, and like learning a musical instrument, is developed through repeated daily practice. An intended result of mindfulness practice is that a mental orientation of mindfulness will develop toward daily events providing enhanced mental/emotional flexibility and clarity to deepening one's enjoyment of life and making one more skillful in facing life's challenges. The secular instruction of mindfulness has been formulated through Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), a stress reduction program developed by Jon (page number not for citation purposes). MBSR is structured to provide basic instructions in mindfulness and in starting a daily meditation practice to individuals, most of whom have not had prior exposure to the subject. MBSR requires participants to meet as a group for 2–3 hours, once per week, for eight weeks, meet for a 7-hour "day of mindfulness", and practice mindfulness meditation 45 minutes per day, six days per week
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