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Abnormal Psychology: Gratitude Experiential Paper

Aim: To explore various evidence-based interventions that are grounded in and align with the emerging science of Positive Psychology. These interventions that include (but are not limited to) mindfulness, self-compassion and gratitude, have been shown to be beneficial for individuals experiencing distress, within the context of a mental health diagnosis or not.

Please choose ONE of the following 3 options

Option A: Self-Compassion Experiential Paper

To do:

Self-Compassion Exercise:  Self-Compassionate Letter – write a self-compassionate letter to yourself! Please make sure that it includes many self-compassionate statements!

For this paper, you will include the following 5 paragraphs:

1. Introductory paragraph – introduce the reader to the topic of your paper (Interesting hook and clear introduction to the subject of your paper; clear thesis included – i.e., “This paper will …”)
2. A description of self-compassion. What is it? Make reference to Kristen Neff, and the three components of self-compassion. Kristen Neff is the self-compassion expert! Check out www.selfcompassion.org
3. Evidence of its efficacy (in clinical and/or non-clinical populations). Efficacy means effectiveness! That means that you need to look at research studies that have assessed the effectiveness of a self-compassion intervention (an experimental design — either a within-subject or between-subject design).. Please make reference to at least THREE research studies (highlighting the population, intervention, and main findings) and use in-text citations! Please make sure that at least ONE of these studies is with a clinical population (i.e., individuals diagnosed with depression, anxiety, substance disorders …)

If you are consulting other sources, please ensure that they are academic and peer-reviewed sources. Do not engage in a Google-search. Use the library databases, and scrutinize the quality of the material (Kristen Neff’s website also includes a number of journal articles). I highly recommend that you consult these sources (and please read the entire articles!):

• Breines, J. G., & Chen, S. (2012): http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.362.5856&rep=rep1&type=pdf
• Neff, K. D., & Germer, C. K. (2013): https://ezproxy.mohawkcollege.ca/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=ip,cpid&custid=mohawk&db=a9h&AN=84187611&site=ehost-live&scope=site
• Shapira, L. B., & Mongrain, M. (2010): https://www.researchgate.net/publication/233219786_The_benefits_of_self-compassion_and_optimism_exercises_for_individuals_vulnerable_to_depression
• Mantelou, A., & Eirini, K. (2017): https://www.researchgate.net/publication/315976037_The_Effectiveness_of_a_Brief_Self-Compassion_Intervention_Program_on_Self-Compassion_Positive_and_Negative_Affect_and_Life_Satisfaction
• Dreisoerner, A., Junker, N., & van Dick, R. (2020): https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10902-019-00217-4

4. A reflection of your experience: How did you feel in your mind and body before writing this letter? How did you feel in you mind and body after writing this letter? Did you find it to be a beneficial exercise? Do you plan to continue the practice? Please be as descriptive as possible.
5. Concluding paragraph – Any final thoughts? Any caveats (things to keep in mind)? Thoughts for future research?

In addition to your References page, you need to include an Appendix. Please include your self-compassionate letter here. Failure to do so will result in a 2-mark deduction. Please note that your letter will be kept confidential (it will not be shared with anyone). If there are details in your letter that you would like to keep private, please use XXXXXXX (or other symbols) in the portions of the letter that contain these sensitive details that you do not feel comfortable sharing with me.

Option B: Gratitude Experiential Paper

To do: Choose ONE of the following 2 options:

1. Gratitude Visit (one time) – Step 1: Write a gratitude letter to someone. Step 2: Gratitude Visit – deliver the letter to this person (in person or virtual visit). You must read the letter to the recipient! Please click the link for further instructions.
2. Gratitude Journal (3x/week for 2 weeks) – Please click the link for further instructions.

For this paper, you will include the following 5 paragraphs:

1. Introductory paragraph – introduce the reader to the topic of your paper (Interesting hook and clear introduction to the subject of your paper; clear thesis included – i.e., “This paper will …”)
2. A description of gratitude. What is it?  I encourage you to look up Robert Emmon’s definition (he is a gratitude expert)
3. Evidence of its efficacy (in clinical and/or non-clinical populations). Efficacy means effectiveness! That means that you need to look at research studies that have assessed the effectiveness of a gratitude-based intervention (an experimental design — either a within-subject or between-subject design). Please make reference to at least THREE research studies (highlighting the population, intervention, and main findings) and use in-text citations! Please make sure that at least ONE of these studies is with a clinical population (i.e., individuals diagnosed with depression, anxiety, substance disorders …)

If you are consulting other sources, please ensure that they are academic and peer-reviewed sources. Do not engage in a Google-search. Use the library databases, and scrutinize the quality of the material. I highly recommend that you consult these sources (and please read the entire articles!):

• Wood, A., Froh, J., & Geraghty,A. (2010): https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/pdfs/GratitudePDFs/2Wood-GratitudeWell-BeingReview.pdf – excellent article! Focus on the section starting from p. 8 (Gratitude Interventions; nice table summary – Table 5). Do not stop at this article! Look up some of the intervention studies cited here!
• Emmons, R., & Stern, R. (2003): http://ei.yale.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/jclp22020.pdf

Gratitude Letter

• Froh, J.J., Kashdan, T.B., Ozimkowski, K.M., & Miller, N. (2009): https://people.hofstra.edu/jeffrey_j_froh/fall%202009%20web/froh%20article%20PDF_JOPP%20final%20proof-1.pdf
• Seligman, M. E., Steen, T. A., Park, N., & Peterson, C. (2005): http://www.positiveinsights.co.uk/articles/EMPIRICAL_RESULT_OF_INTERVENTIONS.pdf

Gratitude Journal

• Emmons, R. A., & McCullough, M. E. (2003): https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/pdfs/GratitudePDFs/6Emmons-BlessingsBurdens.pdf

3. A reflection of your experience:
   • Option 1 – Gratitude Visit: Step 1: How did you feel writing this letter (describe your emotional state). Step 2: How did you feel before you read the letter to the recipient? How did you feel during/after reading the letter? How did your recipient respond (what did they say/do? Please describe their verbal and nonverbal reaction. How did their reaction make you feel? Did you find it to be a beneficial exercise (for yourself, possibly others around you)? Do you plan to continue the practice? Please be as descriptive as possible.
   • Option 2 – Gratitude Journal: What was it like to write your entries in your journal? How did you feel each time you sat down to write an entry? Did you notice a change over the course of the two weeks? What impact did it have on you, if any? Do you plan to continue this practice? Please be as descriptive as possible.

5. Concluding paragraph – Any final thoughts? Any caveats (things to keep in mind)? Thoughts for future research?

In addition to your References page, you need to include an Appendix. Please include your gratitude letter/journal here. Failure to do so will result in a 2-mark deduction.

Option C: Mindfulness Meditation Experiential Paper

To do:

Mindfulness Meditation Exercise: Please listen to the following 10-minute Headspace meditation daily for 7 days: https://www.headspace.com/meditation/10-minute-meditation

For this paper, you will include the following 5 paragraphs:

1. Introductory paragraph – introduce the reader to the topic of your paper (Interesting hook and clear introduction to the subject of your paper; clear thesis included – i.e., “This paper will …”)
2. A description of mindfulness. What is it?  I encourage you to look up John Kabat-Zinn’s definition (he is a mindfulness expert and founder of MBSR).
3. Evidence of its efficacy (in clinical and/or non-clinical populations). Efficacy means effectiveness! That means that you need to look at research studies that have assessed the effectiveness of a mindfulness-based intervention (an experimental design — either a within-subject or between-subject design). Please make reference to at least THREE research studies (highlighting the population, intervention, and main findings) and use in-text citations! Please make sure that at least ONE of these studies is with a clinical population (i.e., individuals diagnosed with depression, anxiety, substance disorders …)

If you are consulting other sources, please ensure that they are academic and peer-reviewed sources. Do not engage in a Google-search. Use the library databases, and scrutinize the quality of the material I highly recommend that you consult the following source (and please read the entire article, and consult other articles listed under References!):

• Carmody, J.&  Baer, R. A. (2008): https://ezproxy.mohawkcollege.ca/login?url=https://search.proquest.com/docview/231663389/fulltextPDF/C941D00918A54F6APQ/1?accountid=39951

4. A reflection of your experience: In general, how did you feel in your mind and body before meditating? How did you feel in you mind and body after meditating? Were there any exceptions to this general experience? Did you notice a change over the course of the week (i.e., first time versus subsequent sessions, if applicable? Did you find it to be a beneficial exercise (for yourself, possibly others around you)? Do you plan to continue the practice?

5. Concluding paragraph – Any final thoughts? Any caveats (things to keep in mind)? Thoughts for future research?

In addition to your References page, you need to include an Appendix. Please include your filled-in table here. Failure to do so will result in a 2-mark deduction.