MBSR vs Active Control Interventions: Mindfulness' Unique Benefits - Essay Sample

Introduction

Comparisons made between the effects of MBSR training and those of active control interventions whose purpose is to promote well-being in a manner that is similar to several therapeutic interventions, the appropriate conclusion to arrive at is that the benefits associated with MBSR are unique to the exercise of mindfulness.

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The changes that are related to the practice of the mind indicate the possibility of a reduction in how the inflamed cutaneous neurons develop. Further, after controlling the therapeutic factors that were not specific, a more precise pattern on the functioning of the HPA- axis was established. Subjects who were placed under the MBSR training indicated minimal response to the flare and acute cortisols during analysis. Those who were subjected to HEP training posted different results. The reaction of their cortisols fell tremendously during the assessments.

With regards to the training of pre-MBSR and post-MBSR, cortisols’ reductions show similarity and consistency with the profiles of those who are healthier. Results indicating a sharp slope in the cortisol axis shows that the mental health, as well as physical health of the patient, are positive or healthier. They are also indicative of a higher awareness capability. In contrast, a cortisol representation that has a flat slope depicts several conditions. Such conditions include stress that is chronic, tiredness, mental depression, etc.

Whereas there existed a general difference within the group with regards to the slope indicating cortisol changes, no change was established within the group with regards to how the cortisols reacted with the TSST. Instead, it declined within the groups in a similar pattern. Research has affirmed this finding by bringing up the same precedence. That no determination can be made as to whether the reduction in the amount of cortisol’ reaction both pieces of training is as a result of its behavioral response to the constant TSSTs. It is highly probable that the decline in the response of cortisol was as a result of the interventions during the repeated TSSTs. A case study affirmed this theory by indicating that in situations where the regular tests of TSSTs were done every week, the was a 15% reduction in the response of the cortisols. Further, over 8 to 12 weeks, this percentage rose to 31%. An indication that this decline probably indicates the effects of habituation and interventions.

Presently, training of MBSR indicates a reduction in the sympathy response to TSST concerning the group of HEP. Consequently, there has been a reduction in how the reaction of flare is facilitated. An analysis of the data on cortisol saliva did not reveal any after-training differences in the groups. Instead, it indicated that both factions posted a similar decline in response to stress. The sensitivity of each axis is different in the sense that the axis of HPA is less sensitive than the shaft of SNS. Studies have, however, proved that two have no relations to each other. When subjected to various stressing factors, their reactions increased significantly. While the amount of response of the cortisols reduced, that of the NE indicated stability.

There, however, exists the possibility that the differences exhibited by both factions were not better determined owing to the various levels of the cytokine. Further, the probability that the results were overwhelmed by the go-betweens that were inflammatory, which also affected the immunity cells. On the other hand, the response to flares is directly proportional to the variations of active sympathies. Further, if the reaction to flashes changed rather rapidly, and began to register declines by the time any measurements were done, it would be impossible to record the exact differences in the levels of cytokine that existed after the training. This points towards a flaw in both of these testing systems, an area that needs to be improved on to register more accurate data.

Nevertheless, the studies posted by these two articles emphasize the conclusion that the difference between training on mindfulness and other means is bear. For instance, when the practice of both measures is determined concurrently, they establish that there is bound to be a decline in the cortisols. However, when examined separately, the method involving MBSR reveals a different set of behavior from the cortisols after training. With regard to the preparation of mindfulness, a decline in the rates of inflammations is witnessed. This suggests that this is probably the better alternative of letting-off symptoms that come along with swelling.

Persons who have more active neurons as a result of an illness that is inflammatory in nature would achieve better results through training of mindfulness, compared to all other forms of interventions which do not focus on mindfulness. The existence of a disparity in the size of flares during the after-training, yet there was no difference posted by the levels of cytokine, further affirms this fact.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is apparent that the results of any interventions made on the variables that exist are heavily reliant on practicing. This provides hope and encouragement that one could help himself out when faced with similar circumstances. The effectiveness of the self-help comes along with sharpening and growing the skill and ability, so much so that the manner in which they take in, process and react to any message or information or situation provided is influenced to their advantage.

Works Cited

Astin, J. (1997). Stress reduction through mindfulness meditation: Effects on psychological symptomatology, sense of control, and spiritual experiences. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 66, 97–106.

Baer, R. A., Smith, G. T., & Allen, K. B. (2004). Assessment of mindfulness by self-report: The Kentucky inventory of mindfulness skills. Assessment, 11, 191–206.

Brown, K., & Ryan, R. (2003). The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84, 822–848.