Psych revision - Week 1 Mindfulness

Question 1

What is mindfulness? What are the two key definitions?

Answer 1

1. Mindfulness is an awareness that arises from paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally (Kabut-Zinn, 2003)
2. Mindfulness is a state of mind where the individual can be present, while noticing new things, and be sensitive to context (Langer, 2000)

Question 2

What are the two types of mindfulness?

Answer 2

1. Trait mindfulness - mindfulness that is a characteristic of a person
2. State mindfulness - mindfulness that is temporary; it can be induced through meditative practice (This is the main focus of sport psych, to induce mindfulness)

Question 3

Langer’s view of mindfulness comes from what..

Answer 3

Langer’s view on mindfulness is rooted in social psychology.

It is the Western perspective of mindfulness that is focused on working with the indiv. to enhance their ability to respond to their environment.

Considered state mindfulness

Question 4

Kabut-Zinn’s view of mindfulness stems from what..

Answer 4

Kabut-Zinn’s view of mindfulness stems from Buddhist Philosophy

It is the Eastern perspective of mindfulness and is less goal-orientated, but more focused on stimuli and internal process

Considered trait mindfulness with some specific practices to induce a mindful state

Question 5

Both Langer’s and Kabut-Zinn’s perspectives on mindfulness include what two similar aspects?

Answer 5

Both perspectives include:

• Self-regulation of attention is essential for invoking mindful modes of awareness
• Being conscious, not on autopilot

Question 6

What is mindlessness compared to mindfulness?

Answer 6

Mindlessness is a state of mind where the mind is largely inactive Ex. ‘autopilot’ while driving

MINDFULNESS is being ‘actively aware’ of surroundings, thoughts and feelings. Not turning off thoughts, but reducing and coping with them.

Question 7

Why is being on ‘autopilot’ likely to lead to poor performance?

Answer 7

Because you are not aware of yourself/surroundings and therefore will fail to adapt to the environment

Question 8

What are some benefits to mindfulness?

Answer 8

• Mindfulness can be a strategy to prevent choking/ poor performance
• Can increase FLOW STATE
• Can improve exercise adherence
• Improves mental wellbeing
• Can decrease anxiety and reduce the possibility of reinvestment

Question 9

What is reinvestment theory?

Answer 9

Reinvestment theory is when an athlete attempts to consciously control movements - or ‘reinvest’ after choking under pressure

Reinvestment REDUCES SKILL EFFICICENTCY - deemed skill regression

Question 10

How can mindfulness affect the process of reinvestment?

Answer 10

Mindfulness can reduce state anxiety, so explicit task ‘hyperfocus’ and therefore, reinvestment does not occur.