"The thought is gonna come and the thought is gonna go": A qualitative study on how non-meditators learn and apply brief mindfulness-based instructions for food cravings

Tatar, B. , Pázmányová, R. and Papies, E. K. (2021) "The thought is gonna come and the thought is gonna go": A qualitative study on how non-meditators learn and apply brief mindfulness-based instructions for food cravings. Appetite, 166, 105482. (doi: 10.1016/j.appet.2021.105482) (PMID:34217760)

Abstract

While brief mindfulness-based interventions have emerged as tools to modulate automatic responding in various domains of health and wellbeing, findings are primarily based on quantitative experimental research. However, these group-level findings do not capture the rich subjective experiences of individuals learning mindfulness. In the following qualitative study, we explored how non-meditators learn and apply brief mindfulness instructions in the domain of food cravings. Ten non-meditators listened to 'normal viewing' instructions, which asked them to view foods in the way that they normally would. They then viewed a video of attractive foods, and were interviewed about their experiences of learning and applying the instructions. Next, participants listened to a 5-min recording of mindfulness instructions, viewed another food video while applying the mindfulness instructions, and were interviewed again. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. When participants applied brief mindfulness, their relationship to the food stimuli changed such that they started perceiving their experiences as transient. Certain factors (e.g., use of visual metaphors) and processes (e.g., listening to the 'normal viewing' instructions first) facilitated this change. The ease of applying the instructions fluctuated with food preferences and perceived strength of cravings. Participants reported that they would apply the instructions in daily life if they felt a need for this, including in domains other than food. However, they anticipated challenges such as remembering and finding time to apply. Our findings highlight the specific aspects that influence how brief mindfulness instructions are learned and applied. These insights may change how brief mindfulness is studied empirically, and may inform the development of simple and empowering techniques that can promote wellbeing in daily life.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This work was partially supported by the Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland (Vacation Scholarship; awarded to RP).
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Papies, Dr Esther and Tatar, Betül
• Authors: Tatar, B., Pázmányová, R., and Papies, E. K.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Psychology; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Psychology & Neuroscience
• Journal Name: Appetite
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 0195-6663
• ISSN (Online): 1095-8304
• Published Online: 01 July 2021
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2021 Elsevier
• First Published: First published in Appetite 166:105482
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher