Evaluation of the contribution of values clarification to a brief mindfulness meditation intervention for anxiety

Christopher R. Berghoff, John P. Forsyth, Timothy R. Ritzert, Georg H. Eifert, Drew A. Anderson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: Evaluate the incremental effects of a computerized values clarification (VC) activity on anxiety symptomology and quality of life over and above establishment of a mindfulness meditation (MM) practice. Method: Anxious participants (N = 120, Female = 86; Mage = 22.26) were randomly assigned to a 2-week, 10-min daily MM practice + control task or a 2-week, 10-min daily MM practice + VC task. Pre-assessments and post-assessments included well-established and ideographic self-report measures. Results: Overall decreases in past week and past 24-h anxiety symptom frequency, as well as increased quality of life during the previous 24-h cycle only. VC did not have a demonstrable impact on outcomes. Conclusions: Though findings are preliminary, brief VC exercises may not enhance outcomes that follow from mindfulness practice. Additional research is needed to isolate specific and shared impacts of mindfulness-based and values-based treatment strategies on anxiety symptoms and quality of life.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1387-1402
Number of pages16
JournalJournal of Clinical Psychology
Volume74
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2018

Keywords

  • anxiety
  • mindfulness meditation
  • quality of life
  • self-affirmation
  • value clarification

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