Mindfulness

Relating dispositional mindfulness, contemplative practice, and positive reappraisal with posttraumatic cognitive coping, stress, and growth

January 1, 2017
Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy

The article explores the relationship between mindfulness, contemplative practice, positive reappraisal, and posttraumatic cognitive coping, stress, and growth. It finds that higher dispositional mindfulness is linked to increased positive reappraisal as a coping strategy for trauma.

Prevalence studies of combat veterans from the recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan reveal that up to 20% experience some type of psychiatric disorder as a result of their combat experiences. One of the more notable psychiatric conditions for combat veterans is posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The synergy of metacognition and heightened emotional awareness may facilitate effective processing of posttraumatic mental contents and thereby facilitate PTG.
Dr. Garland et al.

Currently, trauma-focused, manualized psychotherapies are the prominent interventions for PTSD. These interventions, however, have significant limitations related to effectiveness, tolerance, and adherence. Consequently, alternative interventions should be considered.

The present study provides longitudinal data over 18 months on an integrative approach that is based on the principles of posttraumatic growth. Outcomes related to psychiatric symptoms, quality of life, stress and emotion management, psychological flexibility, and psychological growth are reported. The application of these principles by practitioners is reviewed.

Read the Article “Relating dispositional mindfulness, contemplative practice, and positive reappraisal with posttraumatic cognitive coping, stress, and growth;” https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2016-49325-001

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