Understanding the mindfulness-attachment connection to the context of mindfulness-based stress reduction

This study examined how a measure of adult attachment (ECR-R) and a measure of mindfulness (FFMQ) changed over a Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction course (MBSR). This study further examined how ECR-R and FFMQ scores, previous meditation experience, and homework practice were related. The study’s convenience sample was drawn from eight MBSR classes held across the northeastern and southeastern United States. Study hypotheses (1-3) predicted attachment security (ECR-R scores) and mindfulness (FFMQ scores) would improve over the MBSR course and that attachment Anxiety and Avoidance would be both be negatively correlated with mindfulness. Hypotheses (4-5) further predicted that previous meditation experience and homework practice would moderate the relationship between mindfulness and attachment. The results supported hypotheses one and two and partially supported three, where attachment Anxiety, but not Avoidance was shown to be negatively correlated with mindfulness. The results did not support hypotheses four and five, finding neither predicted moderating relationship