Evaluation of the contribution of values clarification to a brief mindfulness meditation intervention for anxiety
Journal of Clinical Psychology
Published online on March 15, 2018
Abstract
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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.
- Journal of Clinical Psychology, Volume 74, Issue 9, Page 1387-1402, September 2018.