Massachusetts Undergraduate Research Conference (MassURC)

In the landscape of Western psychology, mindfulness has captured widespread interest. This surge indicates a strong link between mindfulness — a contemplative act of self-reflection — and enhanced happiness or subjective well-being (SWB). Centrally, mindfulness involves a deliberate focus on the present moment, forming the basis of therapies like Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). Building upon underlying principles, MBCT and MBSR have emerged as pivotal applications, delivering their benefits through specialized practices. In essence, mindfulness has become a therapeutic anchor. Despite available evidence endorsing mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs), the corpus of research within the field persists, with a focus on pinpointing the mechanisms that underlie their positive impact on SWB. This comparative review indicates that MBCT and MBSR effectively enhance SWB, encompassing improved life satisfaction and positive affect (Diener, 1984; Tov & Diener, 2013). However, they achieve this through distinct and nuanced approaches. MBCT, for instance, integrates traditional cognitive behavioral therapy with mindfulness techniques to expressly target depressive symptoms. In contrast, MBSR broadly aims at stress relief through a comprehensive meditation regimen, body awareness, and yoga practices. While empirical support highlights the positive effects of MBCT and MBSR, further inquiry is vital for advancing scientific understanding, especially concerning their influence on the mind-body connection. A more profound comprehension of the capacity of MBIs to foster psychological wellness will create a path for better-targeted and tailored mindfulness-based treatments.

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