Date of Graduation

Spring 2027

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Clinical Psychology (PsyD)

Department

Psychology

Committee Chairperson

Michael Gawrysiak, PhD

Committee Member

Geeta Shivde, PhD

Committee Member

Sandra Kerr, PhD

Abstract

There is abundant research on the various benefits of different mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in both clinical and non-clinical populations, but research investigating variables related to the beneficial effects on wellness often linked to mindfulness has been limited to investigating a select few MBIs such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). Additionally, little research exists currently on non-dual awareness (NDA) (Hanley et al., 2018). In many traditions from which mindfulness practices are derived, NDA is conceptualized as an experience in which one achieves a transient state of profound awareness, often through meditation practice. Although NDA is often seen as a powerful and deeply healing experience within these spiritual/religious contexts, it is only budding as an area of research in the scientific literature on mindfulness (Hanley et al., 2018). The present study investigated longitudinal effects in a non-clinical population participating in the 3 Doors Compassion Project (3DCP), a structured 9-month meditation program that teaches Tibetan Mind-Body practices (The 3 Doors, 2026). Monthly administered self-report measures of stress, psychological flourishing, NDA experiences, and dispositional mindfulness were analyzed to investigate change over time. Hierarchical linear regression models were also constructed to examine relationships between variables. Significant improvements in stress, flourishing, and dispositional mindfulness over time were found. Regression models demonstrated that dispositional mindfulness and NDA significantly predicted participant flourishing when accounting for participant meditation frequency; dispositional mindfulness also predicted significantly reduced stress. Results suggest that Tibetan mind-body practices are effective in improving psychological wellbeing, and that NDA experiences may play a role in this.

Final Version Confirmation

1

Download

Share

COinS