Increases in positive reappraisal coping during a group-based mantram intervention mediate sustained reductions in anger in HIV-positive persons.
BACKGROUND
There is evidence that various meditation practices reduce distress, but little is known about the mechanisms of frequently repeating a mantram-a spiritual word or phrase-on distress reduction. Mantram repetition is the portable practice of focusing attention frequently on a mantram throughout the day without a specific time, place, or posture.


OBJECTIVE
We examined the hypothesis of whether increases in positive reappraisal coping or distancing coping mediated the sustained decreases in anger found following a group-based mantram intervention that was designed to train attention and promote awareness of internal experiences.


METHODS
A secondary analysis was performed on data collected from a randomized controlled trial that compared a group-based mantram intervention (n = 46) to an attention-matched control (n = 47) in a community sample of human immunodeficiency virus-positive adults. Positive reappraisal and distancing coping were explored as potential mediators of anger reduction.


RESULTS
Participants in the mantram intervention reported significant increases in positive reappraisal coping over the 5-week intervention period, whereas the control group reported decreases. Increases in positive reappraisal coping during the 5-week intervention period appear to mediate the effect of mantram on decreased anger at 22-week follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings suggest that a group-based mantram intervention may reduce anger by enhancing positive reappraisal coping.
Bormann
Jill E
JE
Nursing and Patient Care Services, Veterans Affairs San Diego Health Care System, San Diego, CA, USA. jill.bormann@va.gov
Carrico
Adam W
AW
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000786:Anger; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000523:psychology*; D018452:Homosexuality, Female / Q000523:psychology; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019122:Meditation / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010555:Personality Inventory; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group; D012803:Sick Role; D029181:Spirituality; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult