How effectively does the mindfulness-based meditation, Single Breath Returning to Resting Point technique reduce stress, depression, and anxiety and enhance mindful attention awareness quality? Pilot study: Examining the effects of using the Single Breath Returning to Resting Point technique with incarcerated individuals residing in Federal Correctional Institution I, Victorville, California.
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Author
Seeda, Aroon See all items with this value
Date
2024
Degree
Doctor of Buddhist Ministry
Committee
Gauthier, Jitsujo Tina
Gabriel, Victor
Peprah, Sayida
Abstract
In this pilot study, the effectiveness of the Single Breath-Returning to Resting Point (SBRRP) technique, a mindfulness-based meditation approach, was investigated for its potential to alleviate symptoms of stress, depression, anxiety, and particularly, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), as measured by the PCL-5 scale. Additionally, the technique's impact on enhancing the quality of mindful attention awareness, measured by the MAAS scale, was evaluated. This research was conducted with 41 incarcerated individuals at the Federal Correctional Institution I in Victorville, California, who participated in nine weeks of SBRRP practice. The study aimed to discern the effects of SBRRP on Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scales (DASS), PTSD Symptoms Scale (PCL-5), and MAAS scores, comparing pre and post-intervention outcomes. Paired sample t-tests were performed to analyze the data.
Significant improvements in mental health metrics were observed through both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Descriptive analyses illustrated marked declines in mean scores for stress, depression, anxiety, and, notably, PTSD, along with a significant increase in the mean MAAS score, indicating a substantial uplift in mindfulness. The scales' reliability was validated via Cronbach's alpha, with values surpassing the 0.7 threshold, affirming high internal consistency. The data's normal distribution was corroborated by the Shapiro-Wilk test, justifying the use of parametric tests for further inferential analysis. The inferential phase highlighted the SBRRP technique's success, revealing statistically significant reductions in the symptoms of stress, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. A noteworthy enhancement in mindful attention awareness was also documented. The findings demonstrated significant effect sizes across all measured variables, firmly supporting the hypothesis that SBRRP is inherently linked with reduced levels of mental health problems and heightened mindfulness among the study's participants.
Employing the JASP statistical software for analysis and adhering to a 0.05 level of significance, this study's methodological rigor enhances the validity of its conclusions. The implications are profound, suggesting that mindfulness-based interventions, especially SBRRP, could be essential in improving mental health and mindfulness within correctional settings, effectively managing and mitigating symptoms of PTSD among incarcerated populations. This research enriches the existing body of knowledge on mindfulness interventions, emphasizing their potential role in therapeutic strategies within penal institutions, aiming at the comprehensive well-being of individuals facing the multifaceted challenges of incarceration.
Significant improvements in mental health metrics were observed through both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Descriptive analyses illustrated marked declines in mean scores for stress, depression, anxiety, and, notably, PTSD, along with a significant increase in the mean MAAS score, indicating a substantial uplift in mindfulness. The scales' reliability was validated via Cronbach's alpha, with values surpassing the 0.7 threshold, affirming high internal consistency. The data's normal distribution was corroborated by the Shapiro-Wilk test, justifying the use of parametric tests for further inferential analysis. The inferential phase highlighted the SBRRP technique's success, revealing statistically significant reductions in the symptoms of stress, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. A noteworthy enhancement in mindful attention awareness was also documented. The findings demonstrated significant effect sizes across all measured variables, firmly supporting the hypothesis that SBRRP is inherently linked with reduced levels of mental health problems and heightened mindfulness among the study's participants.
Employing the JASP statistical software for analysis and adhering to a 0.05 level of significance, this study's methodological rigor enhances the validity of its conclusions. The implications are profound, suggesting that mindfulness-based interventions, especially SBRRP, could be essential in improving mental health and mindfulness within correctional settings, effectively managing and mitigating symptoms of PTSD among incarcerated populations. This research enriches the existing body of knowledge on mindfulness interventions, emphasizing their potential role in therapeutic strategies within penal institutions, aiming at the comprehensive well-being of individuals facing the multifaceted challenges of incarceration.
Keywords
Pastoral counseling See all items with this value
Spirituality See all items with this value
Mental health See all items with this value
Anxiety reduction See all items with this value
Distress reduction See all items with this value
Meditation See all items with this value
Mindfulness See all items with this value
Single Breath Return to Resting Point (SBRRP) See all items with this value
Stress reduction See all items with this value
Degree Granter
University of the West
ISBN
9798384024682