Dancing With Difficulty
A Qualitative Study on Management of Emergent Difficulties in Mindfulness Group Sessions
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 9021470 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Rachael Miller (0000-0003-2996-9571, VA New Jersey Health Care System, corresponding author), Rachael B Miller (0009-0006-9878-5193, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2024 |
| Publication date | 2024-10-21 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Journal of Humanistic Psychology (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0022-1678 • E-ISSN: 1552-650X |
| Publisher | SAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1177/00221678241290082 |
| OpenAlex | W4403584516 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 22 |
In the last decade, research has highlighted the efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions in treating psychiatric and physical conditions. Moments of difficulty during sessions are known to occur and can serve as opportunities for therapeutic growth. However, while research has concentrated on mindfulness’s impact on clients, the role of the facilitator remains underexplored. This qualitative study examined how mindfulness facilitators manage emergent difficulties during group MBCT/MBSR courses. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with MBCT/MBSR facilitators ( n=15) to discuss how they defined and managed emergent difficulty. Emergent difficulty, as derived from the interview data, is defined by dysregulation that impedes engagement, unsettles the group container, and necessitates intervention. Using thematic analysis, three key themes emerged: (a) when common difficulty becomes emergent, (b) the facilitators’ embodiment of mindfulness principles plays a pivotal role in effectively managing emergent difficulties, and (c) participants and facilitators engage in a dynamic process of “dancing with difficulty,” wherein turning toward challenges with curiosity and compassion enhances participants’ ability to remain present. The findings underscore the importance of embodiment in recognizing and addressing emergent challenges, fostering better attunement. Effective facilitation benefits individual participants and enriches the entire group’s experience by extending strategies for approaching obstacles with acceptance, compassion, and equanimity
Cognitive psychology · Group (periodic table · Mindfulness · Psychotherapist · Qualitative research · Sociology · Anthropology · Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes · Applied Psychology · Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions · Psychology · Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications
The varieties of contemplative experience
Mindfulness-based interventions
Saturation in qualitative research
Thematic Analysis
Self-focused attention in clinical disorders
Perceptions of the Long-Term Influence of Mindfulness Training on Counselors and Psychotherapists
Using thematic analysis in psychology
"A "Collective Effort to Make Yourself Feel Better
Constructive and unconstructive repetitive thought
Self-focused attention and negative affect
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |