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. 2019;10(1):89-99.
doi: 10.1007/s12671-018-0951-y. Epub 2018 May 21.

An Exploration of Formal and Informal Mindfulness Practice and Associations with Wellbeing

Kelly Birtwell  1   2 , Kate Williams  1 , Harm van Marwijk  3 , Christopher J Armitage  1   4 , David Sheffield  5
Affiliations

An Exploration of Formal and Informal Mindfulness Practice and Associations with Wellbeing

Kelly Birtwell et al. Mindfulness (N Y). 2019.

Abstract

Mindfulness has transdiagnostic applicability, but little is known about how people first begin to practice mindfulness and what sustains practice in the long term. The aim of the present research was to explore the experiences of a large sample of people practicing mindfulness, including difficulties with practice and associations between formal and informal mindfulness practice and wellbeing. In this cross-sectional study, 218 participants who were practicing mindfulness or had practiced in the past completed an online survey about how they first began to practice mindfulness, difficulties and supportive factors for continuing to practice, current wellbeing, and psychological flexibility. Participants had practiced mindfulness from under a year up to 43 years. There was no significant difference in the frequency of formal mindfulness practice between those who had attended a face-to-face taught course and those who had not. Common difficulties included finding time to practice formally and falling asleep during formal practice. Content analysis revealed "practical resources," "time/routine," "support from others," and "attitudes and beliefs," which were supportive factors for maintaining mindfulness practice. Informal mindfulness practice was related to positive wellbeing and psychological flexibility. Frequency (but not duration) of formal mindfulness practice was associated with positive wellbeing; however, neither frequency nor duration of formal mindfulness practice was significantly associated with psychological flexibility. Mindfulness teachers will be able to use the present findings to further support their students by reminding them of the benefits as well as normalising some of the challenges of mindfulness practice including falling asleep.

Keywords: Content analysis; Mindfulness; Psychological flexibility; Stress; Survey; Wellbeing.

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Conflict of interest statement

This study was given approval by the University of Derby Ethics Committee and has therefore been performed in accordance with the ethical standards laid down in the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki and its later amendments. All participants gave their informed consent via an online consent form prior to taking part in the study.The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Method of introduction to mindfulness. Note: MBPI = mindfulness-based approaches to pain and illness; MRE = mindful resilience enhancement
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Frequency of formal and informal mindfulness practice
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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