Understanding and integrating mindfulness into psychiatric mental health nursing practice.

Mindfulness, rooted in ancient Buddhist philosophy, is being adopted in Western clinical settings for psychotherapy and stress management, but confusion persists about its definition, antecedents, processes, and outcomes. This review examines the literature to clarify these aspects and discusses how mindfulness can be integrated into psychiatric mental health nursing practice.

Study at a glance

Abstract

The practice of mindfulness is increasingly being integrated into Western clinical practice within the context of psychotherapy and stress management. Although it is based in ancient Buddhist philosophy, there remains confusion about the definition, antecedents, processes, and outcomes of mindfulness practice. This article reviews the literature on mindfulness, with a focus upon a clearer definition and understanding of the processes and integration into psychiatric mental health nursing practice.