Emotional regulation and mindfulness: a piloto study

Abstract

This quasi-experimental study examines the effects of Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) on emotional regulation (DERS) in a non-clinical population. The sample consists of a MBSR group (n = 33 adults, 66.7% women, Mage = 42.7 SD=8.9) and a matched control group (n = 14 adults, 64.3% women, Mage = 38.8 SD=9.3). The MBSR group obtain a significant improvement in the index of emotional regulation (p=0,03), specifically a decrease in emotional dyscontrol (p= 0,047) and life interference (p=0,02), compared with the control group. In conclusion, the mindfulness practice can help a person regulate their emotions in a more adaptative way, so it is an useful tool for the promotion of psychological wellness and the prevention of psychological disorders associated with stress.