The effects of attention to body sensations and muscular relaxation on mood and decentering

Tae Shirouzu*, Fusako Koshikawa

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Mechanisms of Dohsa-hou (a holistic psycho-rehabilitation method) were investigated by comparing the effects of attention to body sensation and muscular relaxation. Participants were randomly divided into the following three groups. The Dohsa + Attention (D + A) group practiced Dohsa-hou by focusing attention on somatic sensations. The Dohsa (D) group practiced Dohsa without focusing attention. The control group did not practice Dohsa. AU the participants were assessed using the Decentering Scale, the Self-Acceptance Scale, and the Depression and Anxiety Mood Scale before and after the intervention. The results indicated that both the D + A and D groups had increased self-acceptance and decreased anxiety scores. However, in comparison to the control group, the decentering score increased in the D + A group (p < .05), whereas the Depression score decreased in the D group (p<.05). These findings suggest that attention to body sensations is effective in increasing decentering, whereas muscular relaxation is effective in decreasing depressed mood.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)115-122
Number of pages8
JournalShinrigaku Kenkyu
Volume82
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2011 Jun

Keywords

  • Attention concentration
  • Decentering
  • Dohsa-hou
  • Mindfulness
  • Muscular relaxation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Psychology

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