Mindfulness-based Self-management Therapy (MBSMT): A Positive Psychotherapy for Well-being and Happiness

Description

Page: 378-382

Priyanka and Sandeep Singh (Department of Applied Psychology, G.J.U.S.T., Hisar, Haryana)

In order to function optimally in life, well-being and happiness are crucial. Happiness leads to a more fulfilling and contented life, as well as the ability to cope with stress more easily (Steptoe, 2019). The practice of mindfulness promotes a deeper awareness of thoughts, feelings, and emotions, which contributes significantly to well-being and happiness. There are a number of interventions based on mindfulness that are applied to enhance well-being, including Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Therapy (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). Similarly, an intervention named Mindfulness Based Self Management Therapy (MBSMT) was developed with the purpose of enhancing well-being and happiness among people. The therapy consists of a nine-week program, including two sessions per week. The intervention incorporates four modules: 1) Awareness and Acceptance; 2) Belief Management; 3) Strengths Assessment; and 4) Positive Emotions. The first module comprises two weeks program with the main focus on developing awareness and acceptance skills. It includes awareness of breathing, body scan, thoughts, feelings, and mindfulness of everyday activities. The second module is also two weeks program, with the main focus on revalidating the faulty beliefs that block happiness. The third module focuses on assessment and practicing strengths and it is a one-week program. The last module comprises of four weeks which helps in the development of positive emotions including gratitude, self-efficacy, optimism, and forgiveness. The main focus of the therapy (MBSMT) is to develop the skill of awareness in people about their emotions, beliefs, strengths, thoughts, and feelings; and to manage them in a more rational and optimal way. If people have an awareness of their core strengths, thoughts and emotions they will be able to manage themselves effectively even in adverse situations. We successfully implemented the therapy (MBSMT) on 30 school teachers having low scores on happiness. Based on post-study results, the therapy (MBSMT) appears to be effective in increasing happiness levels.