Author

Yanchun Xu

Document Type

Thesis - University Access Only

Award Date

2011

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Counseling and Human Development

Abstract

Background: A growing body of research supports the use of mindfulness practice to help clients and to facilitate counselor effectiveness. Purpose: This study was designed to assess the effects of mindfulness training (Meditation and Qigong) for master's-level counseling students in five weekly two-hour sessions with the intention of providing the students with practical and effective methods for self-care. Methods: Quantitative and qualitative methods and control group design were used to explore the influence of mindfulness on psychological and physiological measures of stress. Results: All three dependent variables (Mindfulness, Perceived Stress, and Finger Skin Temperature) demonstrated significant changes between baseline and completion of the mindfulness training compared to the control group that did not received the mindfulness training. The level of mindfulness was significantly increased and the level of stress was significantly reduced following the mindfulness training in comparison with the control group. Conclusions: The findings provide evidence that mindfulness training through Meditation and Qigong may be a beneficial adjunct to improve counseling students' levels of wellness.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Counseling -- Study and teaching

Meditation -- Therapeutic use

Qi gong

Graduate students -- Mental health

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

42

Publisher

South Dakota State University

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