The value of mindfulness-based methods in teaching at a clinical field placement.
The value of mindfulness-based methods in an undergraduate field placement was investigated in relation to the acquisition of self-care and other basic clinical competencies. The participants were 22 students in an applied behavioral analysis course, which included a mindfulness-based training module, and 20 students enrolled in an experimental psychology course without mindfulness training. The Mindfulness Attention and Awareness Scale, the Freiberg Mindfulness Inventory, and the Kentucky Inventory of Mindfulness Skills were used as measurements before and after intervention. Mindfulness-trained participants kept records and were asked to share their personal experiences during supervision and an exit interview. Results demonstrated that training significantly increased mindfulness. Qualitative data indicated enhanced self-care, attention to well-being, self-awareness, active involvement acquiring skills, and empathy and compassion. The need to expand the utility of mindfulness to the realm of education and the importance of including comparison groups with other self-care modules for future studies were discussed.
Gökhan
Nurper
N
Social Science Department, LaGuardia Community College of the City University of New York, 31-10 Thomson Avenue, Long Island City, NY 11101, USA. ngokhan@lagcc.cuny.edu
Meehan
Edward F
EF
Peters
Kevin
K
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological / Q000502:physiology; D000328:Adult; D001364:Awareness / Q000502:physiology*; D001524:Behavioral Medicine / Q000193:education*; D002983:Clinical Competence; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003142:Communication; D004645:Empathy / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019122:Meditation / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology; D011589:Psychology, Experimental / Q000193:education; D012649:Self Concept; D013334:Students; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*; D055815:Young Adult