Seven days of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy improves attention and coping style

We designed a short-term training course in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) for use with busy people with little time. We examined whether or not MBCT training would affect people’s cognition. We assigned 44 participants with no prior experience with mindfulness techniques randomly to either an MBCT group or a control group. These participants then completed the Trait Coping Style Questionnaire (TCSQ). After having undergone 7 days of training, we assessed participants again with the TCSQ and they also completed the Attention Network Test. Results showed that orienting and executive control differed between the MBCT and control groups, but there was no difference between the 2 groups in alerting. The score for positive coping style was significantly enhanced in the group who had undergone MBCT training. Our findings suggest that MBCT can be an effective approach to improve individuals’ attentional subsystem and coping style in a short time.