In general, current treatment for adult survivors of CSA utilizes research-based cognitive behavioral interventions, such as prolonged exposure (PE) therapy (Foa, McLean, Capaldi, & Rosenfield, 2013) and cognitive processing therapy (Simone, Resick, Rosner, & Steil, 2014) that target post-traumatic symptoms. These therapies have received strong support in the research community (Resick, Nishith, & Griffin, 2003); however, they require exposure to the original trauma, which can be problematic for survivors of CSA who are often unwilling or unable to face the distressing memories of being abused (Follette, 2006; Orsillo & Batten, 2005). This unwillingness to face trauma, which is a major obstacle for male survivors, can lead to avoidance behaviors,
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Mindfulness is the state of being fully present and aware in the moment, paying attention to thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and environmental stimuli with non-judgmental acceptance (Kabat-Zinn, 2003). A meta-analysis of 22 studies on mindfulness-based interventions concluded that mindfulness-based interventions reduced dysfunctional symptoms, including anxiety and panic, and improved psychological wellbeing (Baer, 2003). Additionally, participants had high rates of completion and satisfaction with the programs, continued to practice the skills after completion of the programs, and maintained improved quality of life. The study concluded that mindfulness-based interventions were at least as effective as cognitive behavioral …show more content…
The study conceptualized mindfulness as “an enhanced attention to and awareness of current experience or present reality . . . which may be reflected in a more regular or sustained consciousness of ongoing events and experiences” (pp. 822-823), whereas mindlessness is “the relative absence of mindfulness, [which] can be defensively motivated, as when an individual refuses to acknowledge or attend to a thought, emotion, motive, or object of perception” (p. 823). The study assumed that humans have a natural ability to sustain attention and be aware, that individuals differ in their willingness or tendency to sustain attention or be aware, and that various factors can influence individuals’ capacity to be mindful. The results of this study demonstrated that mindfulness increased wellbeing by fostering self-knowledge and self-regulation through a specific type of awareness and
Mindfulness is the state of being fully present and aware in the moment, paying attention to thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and environmental stimuli with non-judgmental acceptance (Kabat-Zinn, 2003). A meta-analysis of 22 studies on mindfulness-based interventions concluded that mindfulness-based interventions reduced dysfunctional symptoms, including anxiety and panic, and improved psychological wellbeing (Baer, 2003). Additionally, participants had high rates of completion and satisfaction with the programs, continued to practice the skills after completion of the programs, and maintained improved quality of life. The study concluded that mindfulness-based interventions were at least as effective as cognitive behavioral …show more content…
The study conceptualized mindfulness as “an enhanced attention to and awareness of current experience or present reality . . . which may be reflected in a more regular or sustained consciousness of ongoing events and experiences” (pp. 822-823), whereas mindlessness is “the relative absence of mindfulness, [which] can be defensively motivated, as when an individual refuses to acknowledge or attend to a thought, emotion, motive, or object of perception” (p. 823). The study assumed that humans have a natural ability to sustain attention and be aware, that individuals differ in their willingness or tendency to sustain attention or be aware, and that various factors can influence individuals’ capacity to be mindful. The results of this study demonstrated that mindfulness increased wellbeing by fostering self-knowledge and self-regulation through a specific type of awareness and