PUBH6008 Capstone A: Research Proposal - Assignment Solution

• Introductory Background 

During adolescence stage, individuals undergo substantial level of mental, physical, social and emotional development that makes them highly vulnerable to stress and anxiety (Rempel, 2012). The challenges associated with high level learning and pressure of changing social lives of adolescents makes it difficult for them to develop coping mechanism for dealing with stress (Huppert & Johnson, 2010). The reports on global stress level has noted that in recent years, 70% have reported to experience stress of which 10% of adolescents are experiencing stress and anxiety (Boyd, Lanius & McKinnon, 2018). It was further noted that that in past decade level of stress among Australian adolescents has almost tripled during the past decade. For example, 9% adolescents have mentioned to experience stress in 2007, which has tripled and extended to around 36% in 2017 (Bharti, 2018). These figures are alarming and thus calls for attention of researchers to identify ways through which adolescents can deal with stress and anxiety. The inability of youngsters to cope with stress can drag them to long run psychological and mental health issues (Bamber, 2016). Thus in the present study, the aim is to identify that how meditation and mindfulness might help the Australian adolescents to cope with stress. 

• Aims of Research 

The main aim of this research is to identify the role of meditation and mindfulness in management of stress among Australian Adolescents. The study will focus on different meditation mindfulness techniques, which include; focused attention, open monitoring, automatic self-transcending (transcendental meditation) and body-mind techniques. The previous relevant studies will be investigated to identify that which technique(s) is more effective for management and reduction of stress among adolescents. Additionally, the moderating variables will be identified which could enhance the effectiveness of each technique for management of stress. 

The two core research questions are identified for the underlying study; 

1. From the techniques of mindfulness meditation; focused attention, open monitoring, automatic self-transcending (transcendental meditation) and body-mind techniques, which will be more effective for management of stress among adolescents?
2. Which variables could moderate the association of mindfulness meditation techniques with stress management among adolescents? 

• Background Literature 

In the context of using meditation for stress management, mainly focus is maintained on mindfulness meditation. This approach emphasizes on present moment judgment of individuals, such that connection between mind and body can be developed and enhanced control can be obtained over attention (Greenberg & Harris, 2012; Greeson et al., 2014). As noted by Demarzo et al. (2014) through meditation, attention to specific purpose can be fostered among individuals, which not only brings improvement in their focus but also enables them to use their thoughts in more constructive way, such that stress and anxiety can be reduced. The exploration of literature has highlighted that different meditation techniques are being used in interventions for lowering the level of stress among adolescents (Dvořáková et al., 2017). These techniques encompass; focused attention, open monitoring, automatic self-transcending (transcendental meditation) and mind-body techniques.  

Firstly, the focus attention technique enables an individual to concentrate on single though, such that mind can be kept from wandering and thus focus can be maintained on enhancement of relaxation (Semple, Reid & Miller, 2005; Praissman, 2008). Secondly, the open monitoring method enables an individual to maintain reliance on moment based experience in a non-judgmental manner, with an aim of developing insight for controlling negative emotions (Song & Lindquist, 2015). This method has been widely studied by researchers for management of behavior among children with hyperactivity disorder. Thirdly, transcendental meditation allows engagement of body for relaxation and focuses on subsidence of brain activity (amada & Victor, 2012; Lau & Hue, 2011). This method has also studied for management of mood disorders among children and teenagers, stating that it leads to elevation of stress to significant level (Lau & Hue, 2011). Finally, mind-body technique maintains focus on using physiological state of individual for triggering insights for engagement and relaxation. The most commonly used physiological techniques are; muscle relaxing therapy, meditation through deep breathing, meditation based on posture combination selection, guided imagery and body scan meditation among others (Regehr, Glancy & Pitts, 2013). 

The further research investigation has assisted in identification of two relevant models for recognizing the role of mindfulness meditation in management of stress, including; Dorjee’s Five Dimension Model of Mindfulness and Health Belief Model (Rempel, 2012). The five dimensional model encompasses; intention and context, bare attention, meta-awareness, wholesome emotions and mindfulness and ethical discernment (McIndoo et al., 2016; Huppert & Johnson, 2010). This model mainly addresses that uncontrolled mind fosters negative emotions and thus ability of individual to; maintain control over thoughts, offering attention to present moment, sustaining attention to present moment through use of cognitive skills, developing positive emotions and obtaining clarity of mind – can enable the management of stress in effective manner (Gallego et al., 2014; Semple, Lee, Rosa & Miller, 2010). On the other hand, Health belief Model focuses on health oriented behavior of person, stating that known ability about health issues associated with specific behavior can encourage an individual to bring changes in underlying behavior (Regehr, Glancy & Pitts, 2013). The participation in mindfulness meditation activities is thus linked with realization of individual about negative consequences of stress and anxiety, which encourage them to get engage in more positive behavior. These theoretical aspects are considered as highly relevant to guide the present research study.