Mindfulness Meditation and Relaxation as Methods of Coping with Ego-Depletion

Date

2009-05

Authors

Steffens, Lani C.

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Abstract

Previous research suggests that the capacity for executive cognition and self-control is limited and fatigued through use, inducing a state known as ego-depletion. Mindfulness meditation is a specific practice of attention regulation that may be an effective technique for ameliorating the effects of ego-depletion. Mindfulness meditation, relaxation, and resting were compared as strategies for coping with ego-depletion. After two weeks’ of meditation or relaxation practice, participants performed a tedious task designed to induce ego-depletion in them and then performed the meditation or relaxation, or sat quietly. Results indicated that the three conditions performed at the same level. Personality variables indicated that core self-evaluations and extraversion accounted for a significant portion of the variance. Implications are discussed.

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Keywords

Ego-depletion, Self-regulation, Mindfulness meditation, Relaxation, Personality, Willpower

Citation

Steffens, L. C. (2009). <i>Mindfulness meditation and relaxation as methods of coping with ego-depletion</i> (Unpublished thesis). Texas State University-San Marcos, San Marcos, Texas.

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