Rudaz, M., Ledermann, T., Twohig, M. P., & Levin, M. E. (2019). Does a Brief Mindfulness Training Enhance Heartfulness in Students? Results of a Pilot Study. OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine, 4(4), 15. doi:10.21926/obm.icm.1904059
Background: There is robust evidence that mindfulness trainings enhance mindfulness as operationalized in Western psychology, but evidence about their effect on aspects of heartfulness is sparse. The present study, therefore, sought to evaluate whether a brief mindfulness training enhances heart qualities, including self-compassion, gratitude, and the generation of feelings of happiness.
Methods: Eighteen students enrolled in a mindfulness training that was offered as part of an interdisciplinary class. The training consisted of five training sessions and four booster sessions of 45 min each over the course of nine weeks. Mindfulness was measured with the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire-Short Form (FFMQ-SF) and self-compassion was measured with the Self-Compassion Scale Short Form (SCS-SF). In addition, two items were drawn from the Caring for Bliss Scale (CBS) measuring gratitude and the generation of feelings of happiness in the present moment. Assessments were conducted before the training (pre), after the training (post), and four weeks after the completion of the training (follow-up).
Results: Results demonstrated that mindfulness, general self-compassion, and the generation of feelings of happiness increased from pre to post, while self-critical attitudes decreased; also, these changes were maintained at follow-up. Gratitude increased from pre to post and then decreased from post to follow-up.
Conclusions: A brief mindfulness training seems to be beneficial for students to improve mindfulness and aspects of heartfulness, but further research is needed to investigate the effectiveness of the training relative to a cohort or active control group.