Research on various groups of patients over the last decades has provided support for stress reduction by meditation techniques involving mindfulness as adjunct treatment. However, less research has been made with non-clinical samples than with patients. For those who are interested in the effect of stress reduction techniques for ordinary people, a recent Swiss study adds to the documentation.

The study was presented at the Annual meeting for Society for Psychotherapy Research, and included 144 stressed adults. They were examined before and after the project, with regard to psychological distress. The participants had on average elevated levels of psychological distress, which is commonly found in stressed persons. Interestingly, they obtained good effect of the stress-reduction technique they learnt. Their psychological distress was significantly reduced, their emotion regulation was improved, and they had more mindful awareness of present experiences. They also had a more non-judgemental accepting attitude towards experiences.

The results support that stress-reduction techniques can be effective not only when provided in the context of medical clinics or academic settings, but also when provided for “ordinary” people; and who doesn’t want to become accepting and non-judgemental towards themselves?