Background: This online randomized controlled trial tested two hypotheses derived from the Monitor and Acceptance Theory (MAT) of the therapeutic mechanisms of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs).
Aims: We examined the hypotheses that MBIs can enhance attention monitor and acceptance (i.e., an emotion-regulation strategy) skills in chronically stressed adults (H1), and that pre-post intervention chronic stress reductions are moderated by improvements in monitor and acceptance (H2).
Method: Ninety-eight volunteers aged between 18 and 65 who reported medium-to-high levels of chronic stress participated in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to receive a pre-recorded MBI or to a waitlist-control group. To test H1, pre- and post-intervention or waiting list, volunteers completed self-reported and behavioral measures of monitoring and acceptance. Subsequently, the former waiting list group completed the MBI and provided data for a third time. To test H2, data from all MBI completers was merged. The data was analyzed via mixed two-way ANOVAs and related follow-up within group tests (H1), and moderation analyses (H2).
Results: As predicted, we observed improvements in acceptance skills in the MBI group over time (H1). However, we did not observe changes in monitor efficiency in the MBI group over time (H1), nor an interaction effect between changes in acceptance and monitoring skills in predicting chronic stress reductions (H2).
Limitations: We encouraged participants to complete all MBI-related activities through the use of reminders and a practice diary. However, it was not possible to directly verify their compliance with the program.
Implications: Results will lead to theoretical updates of MAT.

Authors:
Francesco Saldarini, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Japan
Jayne Morriss, University of Southampton, United Kingdom
Hiromitsu Miyata, Waseda University, Japan
Mark Cropley, University of Surrey, United Kingdom

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Francesco Saldarini is a Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Postdoctoral Fellow and Visiting Researcher at Waseda University.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/fsaldarini/

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