Erfaringer ved mindfulness som helsefremmende metode : en kvalitativ studie om kursdeltakeres erfaringer etter mindfulness retreat i Kenya

Abstract

Background The reason for the study was to look into mindfulness as health promotion method through Norwegian participants' experiences after mindfulness retreat in Kenya.

Purpose and problem The purpose of this study is to examine the experiences participants are left with after mindfulness training in a salutogenic perspective.

The problem I am asking is; "What experiences have Norwegian participants after mindfulness retreat in Kenya –light of health promotion and quality of life?"

Method: design, selection and analysis I have used qualitative research methods. Data were collected in the form of participant observation as preparation and semi-structured in-depth interviews of seven participants after mindfulness retreat. The interviews were recorded on dictaphone and later transcribed. For the analysis was used systematic text condensation.

Results The results showed that participants experienced openness and cohesion as positive and invigorating. Mindfulness was a concrete tool for good health effect in spite that it will require training over time. Participants experienced relationship between minfulness and quality of life.

Conclusion Participants experienced mindfulness as health promoting above bodily pain and stress, as well as a stabilizing effect and regulatory inappropriately thoughts and emotions.

Keywords Mindfulness, Quality of life, Health promotion, health, salutogenesis