Objective: Evaluate the incremental effects of a computerized values clarification (VC) activity on anxiety symptomology and quality of life over and above establishment of a mindfulness meditation (MM) practice.
Method: Anxious participants (N = 120, Female = 86; Mage = 22.26) were randomly assigned to a 2-week, 10-min daily MM practice + control task or a 2-week, 10-min daily MM practice + VC task. Pre-assessments and post-assessments included well-established and ideographic self-report measures.
Results: Overall decreases in past week and past 24-h anxiety symptom frequency, as well as increased quality of life during the previous 24-h cycle only. VC did not have a demonstrable impact on outcomes.
Conclusions: Though findings are preliminary, brief VC exercises may not enhance outcomes that follow from mindfulness practice. Additional research is needed to isolate specific and shared impacts of mindfulness-based and values-based treatment strategies on anxiety symptoms and quality of life.
Keywords: anxiety; mindfulness meditation; quality of life; self-affirmation; value clarification.
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