Promoción del mindfulness en la formación de psicoterapeutas a nivel universitario: un estudio piloto

Abstract

To respond to external and internal demands in a therapeutic session, psychotherapists must carry out attention monitoring. Research shows that mindfulness practice is beneficial in promoting this ability and acting as a protective agent against adverse states. However, its implementation in psychotherapist training is limited. The aim of this pilot study was to explore the influence of mindfulness training on stress, anxiety, depression, and the mindfulness construct in trainee psychotherapists, while also examining its feasibility as part of their training. Fifty-one university students participated in the study, divided into an experimental group and a control group. Pre-training and post-training measures of mindfulness were considered. Both groups completed a battery of questionnaires related to adverse states and mindfulness before the training. Subsequently, the experimental group underwent nine weeks of mindfulness training. After the training, both groups completed the questionnaire battery again. The results showed that the group that underwent mindfulness training exhibited a decrease in adverse symptoms and an increase in mindfulness scores compared to the control group. These findings highlight not only the viability of incorporating mindfulness practice into the academic training of future therapists but also its utility as a tool for personal development and the necessary skills to effectively face and develop their professional practice.