Stress Reduction Center

West Chester University

Donald McCown
Assistant Professor
Room 211 Sturzebecker Health Sciences Center
West Chester , PA 19383 610-436-2267
STRESSREDU@wcupa.edu


Who can benefit from Mindfulness–Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)?

For many participants, the benefits of the MBSR program include:

  • Lasting decreases in physical and psychological symptoms
  • Decreased pain levels and better ability to cope with pain that may not go away
  • Improved immune function
  • A greater sense of control
  • Improved relationships with self and others
  • Increased ability to focus and concentrate
  • Ability to respond more effectively to short and long-term stress
  • Management of life circumstances with greater acceptance
  • Enhanced health and well-being
  • Ability to make choices with greater clarity and awareness
  • Awareness of what is being avoided in one's life and less reactivity to chronic stressors.

People participate for many reasons including:

  • Anxiety and panic
  • Chronic pain - headaches, fibromyalgia, etc.
  • Chronic illness – cancer, HIV/AIDS, organ transplants
  • Emotional upset – inappropriate expressions of anger, chronic fearfulness
  • Fatigue
  • Heart disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Sleep disruption
  • Stress – ob, family, financial
  • Wellness and health promotion

What is Mindfulness?

"Paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally" (Kabat-Zinn)

"Bringing one's complete attention to the present experience on a moment-to-moment basis." (Marlatt & Kristeller)

"The non-judgmental observation of the ongoing stream of internal and external stimuli as they arise." (Baer)

"Awareness of present experience with acceptance." (Germer, Segal, Fulton)

Some Comments about MBSR from WCU Participants

"I got a better perspective on what's important and an ability to face very stressful situations with more equanimity."

"MBSR helped me with my perspective- being more aware of my reactions, my body, and living more in the moment."

"I am much more relaxed and grounded now, and I have started to try to take better care of myself. I am determined to make positive changes in my life."

"This class has helped me find new ways to calm myself down. What I have learned can be used on a daily basis throughout my life."

"This program provides a variety of tools to use in the future to control stress."