Mechanisms of Mindfulness in Communication Training

Abstract

Mindfulness, an ancient spiritual practice, is becoming an increasingly popular component of communication courses, training individuals to reserve judgment in their dealings with others. However, the effects of mindfulness in communication courses are not well researched. We compared students taking an introductory communication course that included a mindfulness component (N=20) against a control group of students taking an equivalent course without mindfulness content (N=24). Both groups improved in their positive reappraisal tendencies following communication training; however, the groups appeared to differ in how they positively reappraised situations. Only the mindfulness group demonstrated improved mindfulness scores following training, accounting for that group's increases in positive reappraisal, and providing evidence for mindfulness training as one mechanism for reducing negative reactivity in communication.

Keywords:

• Mindfulness
• Positive Reappraisal
• Blame
• Mindful Coping Model
• Spirituality

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Beth Blankenstein, Susanne O'Brien, Diana Levine, members of the NHTI Institute Leadership Team, and the students who voluntarily participated in the study for their contributions.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Daniel C. Huston

Daniel C. Huston is a Professor in the Department of English, Fine Arts, and Foreign Languages at NHTI, Concord's Community College

Eric L. Garland

Eric L. Garland is an Assistant Professor in the College of Social Work at Florida State University and a Research Affiliate for Trinity Institute for the Addictions

Norman A.S. Farb

Norman A.S. Farb is a postdoctoral fellow at the Rotman Research Institute