Abstract
Objectives: The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of the simple and easy program based on mindfulness or Zen meditation we developed on stress reduction for outpatients. Method: Eight voluntary outpatients who satisfied the initial screening criteria were recruited for this study. They underwent mindfulness training for one month, and answered a questionnaire measuring their mood right before and after each practice and other questionnaires measuring one's trait such as general health, cognitive skills, cognitive styles, the spiritual attitude in life at 6 stages, from baseline to 3 month follow-up (3 mFU). Results: This program had little immediate effect on reducing anxious and depressed mood state. As for effects on trait indices, the program improved negative belief on worry. As a mediator of this result, cognitive skills which mitigate a catastrophizing thought and Affect-related Automatic Thought improved. Also, patients who did appropriate and enough practices improved cognitive skills such as cognitive control and Affect-related Automatic Thought compared with patients with inadequate practice. Conclusion: Although the program has little immediate effect on improving negative mood, it has consistent effect on cultivating cognitive skills and style. The result suggests the MT might be compliment to the daily practice of psychotherapy.
