Evaluation of the contribution of values clarification to a brief mindfulness meditation intervention for anxiety

Objective: Evaluate the incremental effects of a computerized values clarification (VC) activity on anxiety symptomology and quality of life over and above establishment of a mindfulness meditation (MM) practice. Method: Anxious participants (N = 120, Female = 86; M_age = 22.26) were randomly assigned to a 2-week, 10-min daily MM practice + control task or a 2-week, 10-min daily MM practice + VC task. Pre-assessments and post-assessments included well-established and ideographic self-report measures. Results: Overall decreases in past week and past 24-h anxiety symptom frequency, as well as increased quality of life during the previous 24-h cycle only. VC did not have a demonstrable impact on outcomes. Conclusions: Though findings are preliminary, brief VC exercises may not enhance outcomes that follow from mindfulness practice. Additional research is needed to isolate specific and shared impacts of mindfulness-based and values-based treatment strategies on anxiety symptoms and quality of life.