“A consensus is emerging among the researchers that mindfulness is associated with better physical health and psychological well-being.” (p.1)
A study was done on 100 undergraduate students, 52 of which were male, and 48 were female, and were assessed on self reported measures of mindfulness, in an attempt to show the positive or negative affects of practicing mindfulness on ones well being. Results showed that these practices had a positive impact on the students with their mental health as well as their general well being.
Methods in Buddhism are now being adopted by westernized medical practices for mindfulness for the improvement of mental health.
“Mindfulness connotes non-judgmental and nonreactive acceptance of emotional states.”
According to Ellen Langer (1989), it refers to “a flexible state of mind, openness to novelty, a process of actively drawing novel distinctions.” (p.1)
Research has shown that practicing mindfulness can increase positive affective experiences, using mindfulness regularly can aid self-regulatory behaviors and many experiences of positive emotional states.
Jacob, et al, (2004) conducted a survey on mindfulness, spirituality and subjective well-being and observed that mindfulness leads to pro-social values, decreases negative affective experiences, increases positive affective experiences and life satisfaction. (p.2)
Mandal, Sachit Prasun. Mental Health and Mindfulness: Mediational Role of Positive and Negative Affect, 2012. SIS J. Proj. Psy. & Ment. Health.
