Researchers propose that distinct mindfulness practices may be more effective for specific anxiety types, such as chronic worry and hypervigilance. Focused attention meditation may benefit those who struggle with constant worry, while open monitoring may help individuals experiencing physical symptoms of anxiety like rapid heartbeat or sweaty palms. The proposed framework aims to match anxiety sufferers with precise treatments by understanding the relationship between mindfulness, cognitive control, and different anxiety types.
In a new paper, Resh Gupta and colleagues suggest that tailored mindfulness practices can combat anxiety by improving cognitive control—the ability to regulate thoughts and actions in alignment with goals. However, anxiety disrupts this control, leading to intensified worry symptoms. By using mindfulness to strengthen cognitive control, individuals can break the cycle of worry.
The study proposes a non-unitary, multi-dimensional taxonomy of anxiety, cognitive control, and mindfulness constructs to develop a precise framework for studying the effects of mindfulness on cognitive control in anxiety. The framework aligns anxiety dimensions with specific mindfulness states and interventions, which can be assessed through experimental paradigms and behavioral and neural metrics.
Gupta et al. suggest that focused attention meditation may be beneficial for individuals who struggle with constant worry, while open monitoring may help those experiencing physical symptoms of anxiety. These approaches aim to teach the individual to focus on the present moment experience, rather than getting caught up in worry or hyperarousal.
The research emphasizes the importance of precision in understanding the relationship between mindfulness and cognitive control in anxiety. By recognizing the unique characteristics of different anxiety types and developing tailored mindfulness interventions, individuals can gain a better appreciation for their specific needs and develop effective coping strategies to improve their quality of life.
Source: https://neurosciencenews.com/mindfulness-anxiety-psychology-28954