Abstract
Objectives: Mindfulness is a method of training the regulation of attention with non-judgmental acceptance that is linked to beneficial effects on health. The existential approach supports the uniqueness of each individual and helps to provide meaning to their lives. In this randomized controlled trial, we examined whether mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) and the existential approach could be combined sequentially and whether they operated antagonistically or cooperatively. Methods: One hundred thirty-seven participants aged 20 years or older without any severe mental disorders were randomly assigned (1:1), via an envelope method, to receive either 8-week MBI (N = 68) or 4-week MBI followed by 4-week existential approach (EXMIND) (N = 69). Participants were first allocated to a waiting-list group and subsequently randomized to the MBI group or EXMIND group. The primary outcome was self-compassion scale (SCS) total scores at 0, 4, and 8 weeks during intervention or waiting. The analyses were performed by linear mixed models for both primary and secondary outcomes following the intention-to-treat principle. Results: Both MBI and EXMIND groups had significantly increased SCS total scores compared to those of the waiting group, with mean SCS total scores of 2.3 (SD 3.0) in the MBI group and 2.1 (2.9) in the EXMIND group versus 0.3 (2.2) in the waiting group. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that MBI followed by existential approach are not antagonistic and may have cooperative effects, suggesting that EXMIND may be a useful treatment.
Highlights
Mindfulness is the process of acknowledging subjective experience, and it has emotional regulation process, which is broader than attentional control [1]
We investigated self-compassion and depression because self-compassion seems to be one of common targets for both mindfulness and existential approach, which was measured with the Self-Compassion Scale-Japanese version (SCS-J) [16] consisting of six subscales, which were considered to be factors associated with MBI and existential approach
The primary outcome was self-compassion total scores because self-compassion seems to be one of common targets for both mindfulness and existential approach, which was measured with the Self-Compassion Scale-Japanese version (SCS-J) [16] at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks
Summary
Mindfulness is the process of acknowledging subjective experience, and it has emotional regulation process, which is broader than attentional control [1]. Attention is a key component of mindfulness practice, mindfulness incorporates an openness to experience, which reflects a nonjudgmental acceptance strongly linked to improved health [2]. Existential and Mindfulness-Based Intervention (MBIs) can be traced back to the late 1970s. MBSR and MBCT are two of the most widely used MBIs [5]. Their positive effects on mental health and quality of life have been reported in diverse clinical and nonclinical populations [6,7,8]
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