The impact of three forms of mindfulness training on mindfulness, wellbeing and goal attainment: Findings from a randomised controlled trial and implications for coaching

Abstract

Scholarly interest in mindfulness has increased dramatically over the past 15 years and its relevance to coaching has been widely acknowledged. However, much of this empirical work has been narrowly focused on perspectives drawn from Eastern contemplative traditions, rather than the broader body of psychological science. This study sought to examine the efficacy of three different approaches to mindfulness training based on an Eastern contemplative perspective (meditation), a cognitive-attentional perspective (attention training) and a socio-cognitive perspective (mindful creativity). Using a randomised controlled trial, 72 participants were assigned to one of three experimental conditions (or a control group) for the duration of a six-week mindfulness training programme. Data collection occurred at three time points (i.e. pre-, post- and three-months follow-up) and included measures of self-reported mindfulness, psychopathology, subjective wellbeing, psychological wellbeing and goal attainment. Findings indicated that all forms of mindfulness training were associated with significant increases in mindfulness, with each training approach showing a different pattern of improvements on mental health and wellbeing variables. Interestingly for coaching, all forms of mindfulness training also produced pre-post increases in goal attainment, even though goal progression was not a feature of any programme. These findings are discussed and the implications for coaching practice briefly explored.