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Mindfulness as a way of addressing the deficits in clinical psychology training programmes: A review

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 June 2015

Pooja Hemanth*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, James Cook University Singapore, Singapore and Department of Psychological Sciences, Norwich Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
Paul Fisher
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, James Cook University Singapore, Singapore and Department of Psychological Sciences, Norwich Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
*
corresponding author: Pooja Hemanth, 149 Sims Drive, Singapore 387380. Email: pooja.hemanthkumar@my.jcu.edu.au

Abstract

Research suggests that there is a lack of focus on developing trainees’ intrapersonal skills or adequately fostering self-care. Mindfulness training may help address the gaps in training programmes. Quantitative and qualitative studies involving mindfulness training for postgraduate trainees were reviewed. There is a need to explore different designs of mindfulness training groups to ascertain what would be feasible and effective, given the trainees’ existing time constraints. Furthermore, the current understanding is limited due to the difficulties defining and operationalising mindfulness. Qualitative research would help to explore what mindfulness training means to trainees and how it impacts on their lives.

Type
Review Article
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s) 2015 

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