The central aim of the research was to proof through randomized control experiments the ability of mindfulness meditation compared to relaxation training interventions to reduce ruminative and destructive behaviors and thoughts. An ability that consequently provides a distinctive mechanism to reduce stress. Through the brief training in somatic relaxation or mindfulness meditation, the researchers attempt to prove that MM greatly improves positive moods and reduces distress.
The significant feature of MM is its unique qualities and difference from traditional methods of relaxation due to its focus on relaxation during the practice. In the recent past, there has been an increasing number of cases of stress and depression from a large percentage of the population. This has often resulted in psychotic mental cases and rumination which results in anxiety and a host of other depressive disorders. Mental thoughts and cognitions, which are cultivated through MM, are essential in providing peace of mind and consequently reduce stress. When positive states of mind, psychological distress, ruminative and distractive thoughts, and behaviors are measured while controlling social desirability, MM is observed to have better results of stress reduction. The conclusion is comprehensive since the research is done through randomization of control examinations of somatic relaxation versus MM. However, there are significant increases in positive mood states and decreases in distress in both the relaxation training, MM records better results. Somatic relaxation utilizes body awareness based relaxation and utilizes autogenic relaxation techniques using the six phrases of autogenic procedure. It also uses simple breathing techniques, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery for body relaxation.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), on the other hand, is the base program utilized by the MM intervention. It incorporates body, sitting, walking, Hatha Yoga, and loving-kindness meditation.
The study was comprehensive comparing two stress reduction interventions of month duration. Each had different approaches for stress reduction for participants who were students taking courses in health and medicine. The unmatched randomized study had results that indicated that both the participants in the SR and MM groups as compared to the control group were able to successfully alleviate their general psychological distress. These were from observations of the Global Severity Index scores of the Brief Symptom Inventory and an increase in the Positive States of Mind Scale. Effect sizes were larger for both the groups except for the control group with the mediation group leading the pack. MM has the ability to reduce both distraction and rumination which contributes to the reduction of psychological stress; this is possible in both nonclinical and clinical populations.
Data on post intervention record a continual low level of stress levels even after the training and treatment is complete. Mindfulness practice in MM changes the processes of attention that are often expected to occur. A main significant practice in MM is to attempt to cultivate moment-to-moment awareness to the inner and outer stimuli that is non-judgmental. This results in the ability of trainees to shift and redirect their attention to the present situations rather than focusing more on future expectations.
The MM intervention is, therefore, evidently an appropriate procedural program that reassures patients of psychological distress disorders of a reduction in distractive behaviors and thoughts. The MM intervention is capable of improving my treatment related symptoms by improving my emotional adjustment from the recent operation I had to remove benign growths that were developing around my neck. It is its capability to significantly reduce distress, distraction, and rumination and increase positive states of mind that separates and sets it aside from other traditional forms of relaxation interventions.
