Title: Does Mindfulness Reduce Risk-Taking Behaviour
Presenter: Brett Davidson
Supervisor:
Dr. Richard Le Grand
Abstract: The practice of mindfulness has been shown to have several benefits
such as reducing stress, enhancing concentration, and improving
emotional regulation. Some research has shown that mindfulness
training can also help reduce risk-taking behaviours. However, more
research is needed about what types of mindfulness and in what context
the practice can help reduce risk-taking behaviour. The present study
sought to investigate the effectiveness of two types of brief mindfulness
interventions (focused attention meditation and open-monitoring
meditation) on reducing risk-taking behaviour. Using a randomized
trial design, participants were randomly assigned to a focused attention
meditation group, an open-monitoring meditation group, or a control
group that listened to a short documentary. To measure risk-taking
behaviours, participants completed two blocks of the Balloon Analogue
Risk Task and completed a self-report risk-taking survey. Data collection
for the study is ongoing, and results will be discussed more in-depth
during the presentation.