Journal of Psychology & Psychotherapy
Open Access

Mindfulness, attachment theory and human resilience for increasing mental wellbeing and longevity

17^th World Summit on Positive Psychology, Psychotherapy & Cognitive Behavioral Sciences

May 01-03, 2017 Toronto, Canada

Emma Roberts

University of Bradford, UK

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Psychol Psychother

Abstract :

Individuals with varying mental health diagnosis from more common neurosis to complex psychosis report one commonality, a sense of extreme â�?�?lonelinessâ�?. Researchers in the UK have uncovered and alarming national trends in suicide rates with it being at its highest rate since 2011. Men, however remain three times more likely to take their own lives, according to â�?�?Samaritans Suicide statics reportâ�?: 2016. The link between social isolation and suicidal ideation is prevalent, the city of Leeds has one of the highest rates of male suicide with males being five times more likely to commit suicide than females. A recent suicide audit conducted by Professor Alan White, the Founder of the Centre for Menâ�?�?s Health at Leeds Beckett University said, â�?�?There are a range of factors which can undermine menâ�?�?s sense worth, such as facing employment difficulties; divorce and loss of contact with children; long term health conditions and these negative events result in low resilience that can culminate in suicideâ�?. Repeatedly, researchers have demonstrated a link between low resilience and poor mental health, suicidal ideation and the act of suicide. Yet professionals and researchers are still exploring theories on what makes an individual â�?�?resilientâ�?. Curiosity about what factors make one individual more resilient than another is leading to continued research into the concept of resilience. The psychological definition of resilience is the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats and significant sources of stress. There are questions which are still being investigated about resilience, as to it a personality trait which is naturally occurring or is it learned. If it is learned, does that mean resilience individuals can train themselves to become more psychology robust, overcome adversity, and have deeper mental stamina that enhances their chances of longevity. I will explore how mindfulness improves emotional intimacy between humans by building the individualâ�?�?s capacity for â�?�?mentalizationâ�?. A theory of mind discussed in many areas of study and research psychology, psychotherapy and philosophy can be connected to the mindfulness concept of raising awareness, becoming aware of oneâ�?�?s own thoughts. It is also a core component in the development of empathy. Researchers have found that mental health conditions like depression, low mood and stress are in part caused by a failure in the capacity to mentalize. Mentalization originated as a concept in psychoanalytic literature in the 1960â�?�?s and such theories of mind are still topic of debate by researchers. The argument by researchers in attachment theories has been that securely attached individuals tend to have developed more robust ability for mentalization and therefore are more protected from psychosocial adversity.

Biography :

Email: pause4thought@outlook.com