Qualitative Journal Article Review
Bihari, J. L. N., & Mullan, E. G. (2014). Relating mindfully: A qualitative exploration of changes in relationships through mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Mindfulness, 5, 46-59.
Statement of Problem
This article addresses the need to decrease the possibility of relapse in chronically depressed persons. The researchers analyze the relationships between interpersonal processes, chronic depression, and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT). Since “people with chronic depression may themselves (unintentionally) actively generate interpersonal stress,” it is extremely important to thoroughly explore the issue and contribute to the development of the theoretical model that will underpin MBCT (Bihari & Mullan, 2014, p. 48).
Literature Review
Many studies guided and precipitated this research. For example, the authors discuss the “differential activation hypothesis,” or the interacting cognitive subsystems model (ICS) described by Teasdale and Barnard (1993). Further, they base their findings on qualitative research by Allen et al. (2009), Smith et al. (2007), and others. Finally, the authors mentioned that MBCT integrated components of the mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program created by Kabat-Zinn (1990). This article focused on their definition of mindfulness as “paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally” (p. 50).
Research Questions Being Investigated
According to Bihari & Mullan (2014), the research question was, “What are the interpersonal change processes associated with MBCT?” (p. 48).
Method
Participants
There were eleven participants who have completed the MBCT program in the past three years. They had to fit this requirement and give their informed consent.
Materials
The researchers used semi-structured interviews and then conducted an in-depth analysis of participants’ change processes.
Procedure
The researchers gained the necessary information through interviews, conducted a literature review, and analyzed the data.
Data Analysis
The data was collected through a literature review and two levels of semi-structured interviews. First, they transcribed and then analyzed the data.
Results
The main findings were organized “into the three domains of “context,” “change processes,” and “changes in relationships” (Bihari & Mullan, 2014, p. 49). The clinical relevance of the findings is that they are helpful to both medical providers and patients with chronic depression.
Implications
Implications for Counselors, Clients, and Counselling
The implications of the findings for the counselors and counseling are that this research provides specific steps that will be useful for patients with chronic depressions and can be implemented by medical providers to help them. For example, the authors explain “how mindfulness practices enabled a process of stepping back into a reflective space,” and it can be used by counselors (Bihari & Mullan, 2014, p. 50). As for the implications for the patients, they can become more educated about the context of their depressive episodes and the ways to deal with them.
Discussion
Summary
The original research purpose was to define the interpersonal change processes related to MBCT. The findings outlined in the diagrammatic representation entirely supported and answered the research question (Bihari & Mullan, 2014, p. 50).
Interpretation
It is possible to say that the conclusions made by the authors are warranted and relevant, and there are no viable alternative explanations of the results and findings. The study’s strengths include that it will remain useful through the years and that the findings are divided into the three categories that make the study structured. The authors provide new information valuable for further studies. The limitation is that there could have been a sampling bias. According to Bihari and Mullan (2014), “a circular research process was adopted in that the researcher collected data, conducted analyses, re-visited raw data and collected further data at interdependent stages until theoretical saturation was achieved” (p. 48). Additionally, the research design was grounded theory, and its salient feature was that priority was given to the emergent data over theoretical assumptions (Richards & Morse, 2013). Ethical considerations of the study include the fact that the participation was voluntary and anonymous, and participants signed consent.
For Further Study
There are some recommendations for future research that will contribute to the overall information about the topic under study. To begin with, it is essential to explore particular change processes of MBCT so that the underpinning theoretical framework may be developed (Bihari & Mullan, 2014, p. 57). Additionally, during future research, it is necessary to “include more follow-up interviews to encourage a more in-depth exploration through building trust and allowing participants more time to notice and reflect on changes” (Bihari & Mullan, 2014, p. 56). Finally, it would be helpful to conduct further studies to recheck the information and findings.
References
Allen, M., Bromley, A., Kuyken, W., & Sonnenberg, S. (2009). Participants’ experiences of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy: “it changed me in just about every way possible.” Journal of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy, 37(4), 413–430.
Bihari, J. L. N., & Mullan, E. G. (2014). Relating mindfully: A qualitative exploration of changes in relationships through mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Mindfulness, 5, 46-59.
Kabat-Zinn, J. (1990). Full catastrophe living: using the wisdom of your body and mind to face stress, pain, and illness. Dell Publishing.
Richards, L., & Morse, J. M. (2013). Readme first for a user’s guide to qualitative methods (3rd ed.). Sage Publications.
Smith, A., Graham, L., & Senthinathan, S. (2007). Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for recurring depression in older people: A qualitative study. Aging & Mental Health, 11(3), 346–357.
Teasdale, J., & Barnard, P. (1993). Affect, cognition and change. Erlbaum.