The effectiveness of detached mindfulness techniques - oriented poetry therapy on cognitive attentional syndrome

Abstract

Poetry therapy can be used as a therapeutic approach to reduce symptoms of mood disorders. This study explored the preliminary efficacy of detached mindfulness techniques (DM) and poetry therapy in improving the cognitive attentional syndrome (CAS). An AB form of single-subject experimental design with one baseline before the intervention stage, six measures during the intervention stage and a final measure at follow-up (after 1-month). The participants were chosen from academic staff who struggled with intrusive thoughts across a variety of domains. Three participants were selected by purposeful sampling method. The intervention included 6 sessions of 60 min of DM - oriented poetry therapy once a week. The Cognitive attentional syndrome Inventory (CAS) was used for evaluation. Analysis of results demonstrated that the highest level of improvement on the CAS was 40% and the lowest level was 33% with this effect persistenting at follow-up. Further, identifying both the DM mechanisms and changing those into the poetic metaphors played a significant role in reducing the CAS; empowering participants to observe their thoughts and emotional experiences in a detached manner.