Effects of a Body-Based Mindfulness Program on Alexithymia, Dispositional Mindfulness, and Distress Symptoms: A Pilot Clinical Trial.
Rossella Mattea Quinto, Francesca Russo, Francesca Scafuto, Marco Innamorati, Federico Nitamo Montecucco, Silvia Ghiroldi
Behavioral sciences (Basel, Switzerland) January 8, 2025 DOI: 10.3390/bs15010055
Summary
A body-based mindfulness program significantly reduced distress symptoms, including anxiety and depression, among 73 healthy adults aged 40.1 on average. Participants in the experimental group experienced notable improvements in dispositional mindfulness—specifically in observing, acting with awareness, and non-reacting—while also showing decreased levels of alexithymia. The intervention demonstrated effectiveness even after controlling for initial scores, highlighting its potential to enhance emotional integration and overall well-being. This approach may serve as a valuable tool for managing psychological distress and fostering a cohesive sense of self.
Abstract
Mind-body practices have shown to be effective in reducing psychological distress and improving well-being and quality of life in clinical samples and healthy populations. We tested the effects of a body-based mindfulness intervention based on alexithymia, distress symptoms, and dispositional mindfulness among healthy adults. A total of seventy-three participants (mean age 40.1) were assigned to a body-based mindfulness program (i.e., experimental group) and the control group (i.e., waiting list). Distress symptoms were assessed with the Symptoms Questionnaire; alexithymia was measured using the Toronto Alexithymia Scale; and dispositional mindfulness was assessed with the Five Facets Mindfulness Questionnaire. Measures were completed at baseline and at one-week post-test. Even when controlling for baseline score, the body-based mindfulness program has shown to be effective in reducing distress symptoms (i.e., anxiety, depression, and somatic symptoms) and alexithymia, as well as improving dispositional mindfulness (i.e., observing, acting with awareness, and non-reacting). The findings from this study provide evidence that the body-based mindfulness program may help individuals to integrate bodily expressions, thoughts, and emotions, keeping an integrated sense of self.