Ellen Langer's Mindfulness: A Path To Happiness

Mindfulness: A Path to Happiness

The aim of positive psychology is not simply to treat mental illness in individuals and communities but to allow them to thrive (International Positive Psychology Association, 2009 cited in Compton & Hoffman, 2012). One way in which positive psychology has cultivated happiness in individuals and communities is through mindfulness. “Mindfulness is paying attention to ones ongoing experience in a way that allows openness and flexibility. It is being fully present and aware during our daily activities” (Compton & Hoffman, 2012). There are two different types of mindfulness which have been used to improve well-being these are Ellen Langer’s approach and the buddhist approach. Ellen Langer’s approach centres on

The meta-analysis included 20 studies which met the inclusion criteria for this meta-analysis. Studies included clinical populations with a variety of diagnoses including cancer, depression, eating disorders, chronic pain. The studies included controlled and observational studies. Study findings indicated that “the consistent and relatively strong level across very different types of sample indicate that mindfulness training might enhance general features of coping with distress and disability in everyday life, as well as under more extraordinary conditions of serious disorders or stress” (2004,

It has also presented studies on the footprint of mindfulness and how mindfulness can facilitate self-acceptance, a key component of happiness. Considering this variety of ways in which mindfulness has been used to improve the well-being of study participants, this essay proposes that mindfulness could be used to cultivate happiness for everyone. However a worldwide intervention is not exactly realistic, instead two places mindfulness interventions could be introduced are schools and workplaces. Using the intervention model of the Black S & Fernando R study detailed previously given its results and the results of similar studies which they have cited, an intervention could be designed for schools. However to prevent this interfering with the curriculum and the possibly differing views of parents on its importance it could be piloted first as an extracurricular activity. In workplaces perhaps mindfulness interventions based around self-acceptance and acceptance of others would benefit workers more. These interventions could be introduced through optional lunch time