Catherine Spann, UT Arlington, Doctoral Fellow, LINK Lab
Ms. Spann conducts research in the LINK Lab as a Graduate Research Assistant. Her research focuses on the influence of various emotional states on the learning process, with an emphasis on the role mindfulness plays in motivation and learning. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Georgia and holds a Master of Science in Experimental Psychology from UT Arlington. Concurrent with her assistantship in the LINK Lab, she is a doctoral student in the Department of Psychology and intends to earn her Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology in May of 2016.
On November 19, from 10:00 until 11:00 am, in LINK Lab (246 Nedderman Hall)
Ms. Spann delivered the following public presentation:
Title: The Scientific Benefits of Mindfulness
Abstract:
Mindfulness is typically described as the awareness that emerges when paying attention in a particular way: purposefully; nonjudgmentally; in the present moment; and with curiosity, acceptance, and kindness. The construct falls under the umbrella of contemplative science, which is the result of multidisciplinary effort to understand the mind-body system via techniques such as meditation and yoga. An explosion of interest in secular mindfulness strategies has occurred in the past decade, during which there has been a dramatic rise in studies and nationally funded research grants on the use of mindfulness practices. While there is a powerful movement to implement mindfulness interventions across the United States, the research supporting such practices is tenuous. This talk will review the theory and research on mindfulness and its relationship with self-regulation and psychological wellbeing, as well its potential role in enhancing learning outcomes.