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THE IMPACT OF TRAINING SESSIONS ON MINDFULNESS ON ONE’S ANXIETY AND
SEARCH FOR MEANING IN LIFE: A PILOT STUDY
- Odette GRISCTI,
- Clayton MICALLEF,
- Roberta SAMMUT,
- Liberato CAMILLERI
Abstract
Aim This pilot study aimed to explore if attending a training course on
mindfulness impacted one's anxiety and search for meaning in life.
Methods The study took place during the COVID-19 pandemic between
September 2022 and December 2022. A convenient sample of six faculty
members from a university in Canada who were experiencing anxiety and
searching for meaning in life participated in the study. Participants
were asked to fill in an electronic survey before and after taking an
eight-week course on mindfulness. The mindfulness course was facilitated
by an instructor who was certified and experienced in mindfulness. It
was delivered online. Results Findings from this pilot study revealed
that whilst the anxieties about the COVID pandemic had subsided at the
time of the study, the pandemic did cause participants to ask questions
about the meaning of life. Participants found the training course on
mindfulness beneficial to resolve mental health issues and anxieties. It
helped them develop a sense of meta-awareness, and an opportunity to
refocus on what is important in life. Conclusion The findings of this
study are limited to a pilot study and a larger scale study is needed to
find out if mindfulness-based techniques have an impact on one's
anxieties relating to existential issues and the search for meaning in
life.