Chapter 16: Mindfulness Approaches

   Mindfulness approaches in this chapter are described as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectual Behavior Therapy (DBT). These approaches share origins in cognitive and behavior therapies as well as the integration of mindfulness and acceptance principles. ACT was founded by Steven Hayes. This theory identifies 6 critical processes of human function: acceptance, being present, cognitive diffusion, self as perspective, values, and committed action. DBT was established by Marsha Linehan to treat individuals with parasuicidal tendencies, or suicide attempts and self-harming behavior without suicidal intention. The D in DBT or Dialectics refers to a holistic approach where context is important. Another construct of this therapy method, emotion regulation, refers t an individuals ability to pay attention to their emotions and decipher and understand the experiences attached to them.
   Mindfulness is an important aspect for an student placed in culturally diverse situations. The Mindfulness aspect of ACT is built up to by its other parts of being present, acceptance, cognitive diffusion and self as perspective. Each of these too are key to truly successful experiences abroad. Without acceptance a student maybe in a situation of constant rejection of all around them. They must be present in order to truly process and understand what is happening around them, as well as recognize a though as just that, a though, not an absolute truth they blindly follow. All of this can turn what should be an enriching experience into a dark stain negatively affecting the rest of their life.