Mindfulness has attracted considerable interest as a way to reduce cognitive vulnerability to stress and emotional distress, but it has not been defined operationally. Recent consensus meetings produced a two-component model of mindfulness, specifying each component in terms of specific behaviors, experiential manifestations, and psychological processes. The paper addresses temporal stability and situational specificity, speculates on the conceptual and operational distinctiveness of mindfulness, and discusses implications for instrument development and measurement.
A large pragmatic trial compared two mind-body interventions—Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR) and Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ)—for distressed cancer survivors. Participants could choose their preferred program or be randomly assigned; all were also randomized to immediate intervention or a waitlist. Among 587 participants (average age 60.7, 75% female, mostly breast cancer survivors), both MBCR and TCQ groups improved more than waitlist controls on total mood disturbance, with small to medium effects. Choosing a program or being randomly assigned did not affect outcomes. The largest improvements were in tension, anger, and vigor for MBCR, and anger, depression, and vigor for TCQ.