Mindfulness and Stress Reduction Assignment Sample

Subject Name : Nursing

Introduction

Stress has become a rampant issue in the contemporary world. In fact, every individual must experience stress even if at once in life. Despite variations in the definition of stress, different scholars have concurred that stress presents some conditions of demand that an individual cannot physically or psychologically meet (Finlay, 2019). The inability to meet the demands creates a breakdown in different individual levels of functionality. Contrary to the view by many, stress is not always a negative thing since at times it may be associated with positivity, especially where it creates an opportunity for gaining something. There are different ways of handling and especially reducing stress. Mindfulness as a way of reducing stress has been an issue of concern among psychologists, health professional and other concerned parties.

A qualitative study done by Janet McConville and her colleagues on "Physiotherapy student experience of a mindful movement and a mindful stress-reduction intervention" was focused on understanding the reliability of mindfulness in reducing stress among University students. The genesis of the study was the increase in psychological distress which raised major concern (McConville et al., 2019). Generally, the authors present a commendable knowledge in the human health field. McConville herself being a senior lecturer in the Latrobe University's Disciple of Physiotherapy may have the necessary knowledge in understanding stress as a psychological issue.

Moreover, Craig Hassed is an important addition to the team with two of his Bachelor's Degrees in the field of medicine and Surgery. Lewis' counselling history may also be important in understanding the issues facing the students. Chambers psychological counselling expertise is also important. However, the authors lack specialized expertise in psychological matters with most of them having either a general health knowledge or even falling low in psychological knowledge. For instance, Hassed's knowledge in medicine may not be sufficient in handling sensitive psychological matters such as stress.

Possible conflicts of interest presented in the paper portray the importance of furthers studies in understanding stress and its reduction entirely. The conflicting interest is also important in providing a wide view of understanding to the readers of the paper. However, the conflicts of interest may create confusion, especially in the less knowledgeable individuals who may want to rely on the paper in understanding their stressful situations. Moreover, conflicts of interest in the paper may create an image that the researchers did not engage in enough research that could disapprove some of the arguments leaving no counter-arguments.

Research Questions

What is the reason for the psychological distress in University Students?
Is mindfulness a reliable way of reducing stress?
What other methods can be effective in reducing stress in people?

The research design used in the paper was an analysis of themes from the data set selected by the researchers (Viskovich & De George-Walker, 2019). The themes used had an induction from the data set the researchers had themselves gathered rather than relying on data collected from previous studies. The information gathered from the data set was generalized over the entire population. An assumption was made that what the participants described was accurately what they had experienced in reality. In justifying their choice of design, the researchers presented writing papers to the researchers who all signed an informed consent. In the reduction of the risk of bias, the researchers chose not to rely on previous studies but make conclusions based on their own research.

In the selection of the participants of the research, a large group of third-year students was gathered for a psychotherapy clinic and informed of the upcoming research. Only those who were willing were involved in the research. The willing data set was grouped into MSR or MMov group for data analysis. The collection of data involved interviews that were recorded in audiotapes. The interviews were followed by questions to verify the results. Data analysis leading to the consensus and final results conclusion was done through an analysis of the transcribed audiotapes. The transcripts were severally read to deduce any close connection before making final conclusions.

Sampling as a method of choosing the participant gave a chance of selection to all. Additionally, in the collection of information for the study, interviews were beneficial due to their nature of giving first-hand information. In terms of data analysis, the independent analysis of the transcribed data gave a chance for more accurate conclusions. However, the small sample obtained for the entire target group may not be sufficient to make accurate conclusions (Marthiensen et al., 2019). Interviews may also be biased at times. Moreover, data analysis by two people may also lead to biased conclusions that may alter the accurate of the study.

From the findings of the study, it was found that mindfulness is a major element towards the reduction of stress. From the participants who managed to go through the entire process of research, it was understood that serious engagements of the mind were pivotal in reducing stress. In addition, there were other methods, such as clinical therapy, that are effective in reducing stress. However, the authors cite that the number kept reducing as the interviewing process progressed with only five who finished the entire process. Consequently, it may be unjustified to generalize results of a study targeting over one hundred people with the results from five people. An implementation of the finding may be entirely wrong.

Part B

Whether the practice of mindfulness may be of help in the reduction of stress among university students is a statement that remains conflicted among many (Viskovich & De George-Walker, 2019). The adoption of the findings from the research conducted by McConville, and colleagues in the Scenario of the argument between Steve and Debbie would be influenced by several enablers or barriers. In this case, the enablers would include: good knowledge and skills and the recognition for good performance by the researchers. On the other hand, barriers to the adoption of the research would be inadequate data and time constraint. McConville, and colleagues are professionals who had relatively sufficient knowledge in human health.

Consequently, the expertise of the researchers can be used as an enabler in the adoption of the findings of the research in the Steve and Debbie Scenario. Moreover, the good performance of the researchers in the study can hardly be overlooked. In their research, they had formulated strong and relevant research questions that the research dedicated itself in answering. The good performance is also depicted as the research goes beyond the issue of mindfulness in reducing stress to seek other methods of stress reduction.

The barrier of limited data, especially, the one used in making a conclusion, may present a hindrance to the adoption of the McConville and colleagues’ research finding into Steve and Debbie's case. It may be practically unrealistic to make conclusions based on such limited numbers of research participants, especially those who went through the entire interviewing process up to completion. Another barrier to the adoption of the research to the Scenario would be time constraint, especially the time may have been required to validate the research finding, especially through another similar research.

In conclusion, a chance is still left for the advancement of the research to understand whether mindfulness is a reliable method of reducing stress. The previous researches have left loopholes, and thus, their findings may not be sufficient in making a viable conclusion concerning the matter. An understanding of the entire scope of the decision concerning the reliance of mindfulness in reducing stress necessitates future researches with a comparison of the barriers and enablers towards the adoption of the findings of the studies in future scenarios.

References

Finlay, L. (2019). Practical ethics in counselling and psychotherapy: A relational approach. SAGE Publications Limited.

Marthiensen, R., Sedgwick, M., & Crowder, R. (2019). Effects of a Brief Mindfulness Intervention on After-Degree Nursing Student Stress. Journal of Nursing Education, 58(3), 165-168.

McConville, J., Lewis, D., Chambers, R., & Hassed, C. (2019). Physiotherapy student experience of a mindful movement and a mindful stress-reduction intervention: A qualitative study. New Zealand Journal of Physiotherapy, 47(3).

Viskovich, S., & De George-Walker, L. (2019). An investigation of self-care related constructs in undergraduate psychology students: Self-compassion, mindfulness, self-awareness, and integrated self-knowledge. International Journal of Educational Research, 95, 109-117.

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