Stress is often villainized but it is also inevitable, which means effectively coping with stress is our best defense. According to research published in the journal Anxiety, Stress, & Coping, mindfulness meditation-based interventions may help build long-lasting flexible coping skills that enable us to problem solve effectively in the face of stressful life events.
Researchers at Western Washington University conducted a study to see if mindfulness meditation could enhance coping flexibility, which they defined as the ability to pay attention to, and modify strategies for dealing with stress. Previous research has shown that people who can shift and adapt their responses to stress are more optimistic, and have less depression and anxiety.
Previous research has shown that people who can shift and adapt their responses to stress are more optimistic, and have less depression and anxiety.
For this study, researchers gathered one hundred fifteen male and female undergraduate students with no prior meditation practice. Approximately half were assigned to a meditation group, and the other half…
