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Mindfulness Based Flourishing Program: A Cross-Cultural Study of Hong Kong Chinese and British Participants

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Abstract

The Mindfulness Based Flourishing Program (MBFP) is an online 8-week intervention developed for enhancing wellbeing with the use of mindfulness practices, through targeting a range of positive variables. The efficacy of the MBFP has been demonstrated in a randomized controlled trial, and in order to further establish it as an intervention with widespread application, cross-cultural validation is warranted. The current study was conducted with the primary aim of testing the validity of the MBFP with a Hong Kong Chinese population, as well as verifying its positive effects. A randomized wait-list controlled design was adopted with 115 participants (92 females, mean age = 31.50). Intervention outcomes were compared between Hong Kong Chinese and British participants. Five positive variables were examined (self-compassion, meaning in life, positive and negative emotions, gratitude, and mindfulness), and measures were taken pre- and post-intervention. Significant gains in wellbeing measures were observed in both the Hong Kong Chinese and the British experimental groups. Levels of wellbeing post-intervention were also higher for the two experimental groups as compared to their control counterparts. The current study provides preliminary evidence for the MBFP’s cross-cultural validity, and strengthens previous claims for its efficacy as a new, accessible alternative for enhancing wellbeing.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, The University of East London UEL, Stratford Campus, London, E15 4LZ, UK

    Itai Ivtzan, Tarli Young, Hoi Ching Lee & Tim Lomas

  2. Department of Psychology, Lund University, Paradisgatan 5P, 22350, Lund, Sweden

    Daiva Daukantaitė & Oscar N. E. Kjell

Authors
  1. Itai Ivtzan
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  2. Tarli Young
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  3. Hoi Ching Lee
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  4. Tim Lomas
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  5. Daiva Daukantaitė
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  6. Oscar N. E. Kjell
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Correspondence to Itai Ivtzan.

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This study received ethical approval from the Research Ethics Committee of the University of East London, Water Lane, London E15 4LZ.

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Ivtzan, I., Young, T., Lee, H.C. et al. Mindfulness Based Flourishing Program: A Cross-Cultural Study of Hong Kong Chinese and British Participants. J Happiness Stud 19, 2205–2223 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-017-9919-1

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