Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Encountering the Psychological Research Paradigm: How Buddhist Practice Has Fared in the Most Recent Phase of Its Western Migration

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Buddhist Foundations of Mindfulness

Part of the book series: Mindfulness in Behavioral Health ((MIBH))

Abstract

Does the power of Buddhist mindfulness practice diminish when it is adapted into forms suitable for psychological research and evidence-supported clinical practice? The answer, from the viewpoint of Buddhist scholarship and practice traditions, is a qualified “yes.” After a brief review of the migration of Buddhism across cultures and the methods and aims of Buddhist practice in the larger context of Buddhist teachings, this chapter traces the reasons for the unwillingness or inability of most research so far done to mine the full potential of Buddhist mindfulness practice to a divergence between some philosophical and methodological assumptions underlying the scientific endeavor, on the one hand, and those embraced by Buddhism, on the other. The assumptions that shape the research paradigm necessitate various requirements for any subject matter to be fit for being researched. These requirements are shown to marginalize or altogether rule out research, which would address the ontological inquiry that is at the heart of Buddhist mindfulness practice. These requirements also create a strong bias in favor of beginning-level mindfulness practice, which makes ignoring such ontological inquiry easier. How these biases and restrictions work in practice is illustrated in terms of the randomized controlled trial design, which sets the gold standard for research. A pathway forward is outlined which calls for suspension of some of the a priori restrictions and a return to the open stance of empiricism in which phenomena determine method of study rather than the other way round.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 119.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Aronson, H. (1998). Review of psychotherapy and Buddhism: Toward an integration by J. Rubin. Journal of Buddhist Ethics, 5, 63–73.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bishop, S. R., Lau, M., Shapiro, S., Carlson, L., Anderson, N. D., Carmody, J., Segal, Z. V., Abbey, S., Speca, M., Velting, D., & Devins, G. (2004). Mindfulness: A proposed operational definition. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 11(3), 2310–2241.

    Google Scholar 

  • Borkovec, T. D., Alcaine, O. M., & Behar, E. (2004). Avoidance theory of worry and generalized anxiety disorder. In R. G. Heimberg, C. I. Turk, & D. S. Mennin (Eds.), Generalized anxiety disorder: Advances in theory and practice (pp. 77–108). New York: Guilford.

    Google Scholar 

  • Buddhadasa, B. (1994). Heartwood of the Bodhi Tree: The Buddha’s teaching on voidness. Boston: Wisdom.

    Google Scholar 

  • Buddhaghosa, B. (1975). Viduddhimagga: The path of purification. Kandy: Buddhist Publication Society.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chandrakirti. (2004). Introduction to the middle way: Chandrakirti’s Madhyamakavatara with commentary by Jamgon Mipham. Boston: Shambhala.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chapman, A. L., Gratz, K. L., & Tull, M. T. (2011). The dialectical behavior therapy skills workbook for anxiety: Breaking free from worry, panic, PTSD, and other anxiety symptoms. Oakland: New Harbinger.

    Google Scholar 

  • Davies, J. A. (2014). Relational dharma: A modern paradigm of transformation—A liberating model of intersubjectivity. The Journal of Transpersonal Psychology, 46(1), 92–121.

    Google Scholar 

  • Engler, J. (2003). Being somebody and being nobody: A reexamination of the understanding of self in psychoanalysis and Buddhism. In J. Safran (Ed.), Psychoanalysis and Buddhism. Boston: Wisdom.

    Google Scholar 

  • Follette, V. M., Palm. K. M., & Rasmussen Hall, M. L. (2004). Acceptance, mindfulness and trauma. In S. C. Hayes, V. M. Follette, & M. M. Linehan (Eds.), Mindfulness and acceptance: Expanding the cognitive-behavioral tradition. New York: Guilford.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hayes, S. C. (2002). Buddhism and acceptance and commitment therapy. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 9, 58–66.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hayes, S. C. (2004a). Acceptance and commitment therapy, relational frame theory, and the third wave of behavioral and cognitive therapies. Behavior Therapy, 35, 638–665.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hayes, S. C. (2004b). Acceptance and commitment therapy and the new behavior therapies: Mindfulness, acceptance, and relationship. In S. C. Hayes, V. M. Follette, & M. M. Linehan (Eds.), Mindfulness and acceptance: Expanding the cognitive-behavioral tradition. New York: Guilford.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hayes, S. C., & Wilson, K. G. (2003). Mindfulness: Method and process. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 10(2), 161.

    Google Scholar 

  • James, W. (2000). Pragmatism and other writings. New York: Penguin.

    Google Scholar 

  • James, W. (2013). The varieties of religious experience: A study of human nature. Scotts Valley: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jennings, P. (2010). Mixing minds: The power of relationship in psychoanalysis and Buddhism. Somerville: Wisdom.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kabat-Zinn, J. (1990). Full catastrophe living. New York: Dell.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kabat-Zinn, J. (2012). Mindfulness for beginners: Reclaiming the present moment—and your life. Boulder: Sounds True.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kalupahana, D. (2015). Mulamadhyamakakarika of Nagarjuna: The philosophy of the middle way. New Delhi, India: Motilal Banarsidass.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kuhn, T. (1970). The structure of scientific revolutions. Chicago:University of Chicago Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Linehan, M. M., & Schmidt, H. (1995). The dialectics of effective treatment of borderline personality disorder. In W. O. O’Donohue & L. Krasner (Eds.), Theories in behavior therapy: Exploring behavior change (pp. 553–584). Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Association.

    Google Scholar 

  • Linehan, M. M., Armstrong, H. E., Suarez, A., Allmon, D., & Heard, H. L. (1991).Cognitive-behavioral treatment of chronically parasuicidal borderline patients. Archives of General Psychiatry, 48, 1060–1064.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Linehan, M. M., Schmidt, H., Dimeff, L. A., Craft, J. C., Kanter, J., & Contois, K. A. (1999). Dialectical behavioral therapy for patients with borderline personality disorder and drug-dependence. American Journal of Addictions, 8, 279–292.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Linehan, M. M., Cochran, B. N., & Kehrer, C. A. (2001) Dialectical behavior therapy for borderline personality disorder. In D. H. Barlow (Ed.), Clinical handbook of psychological disorders (3rd ed., pp. 470–522). New York: Guilford.

    Google Scholar 

  • Linehan, M. M., Dimeff, L. A., Reynolds, S. K., Contois, K., Shaw-Welch, S., Heagerty, P., et al. (2002). Dialectical behavior therapy versus comprehensive validation plus 12 steps for the treatment of opioid dependent women meeting criteria for borderline personality disorder. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 67, 13–26.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ma, S. H., & Teasdale, J. D. (2003). Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression: Replication and exploration of differential relapse prevention effects. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 72, 31–40.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mahasi, S. (1985). The progress of insight: A treatise on Buddhist satipatthana meditation. Kandy: Buddhist Publication Society.

    Google Scholar 

  • Marlatt, G. A. (1994). Addiction, mindfulness, and acceptance. Content, context, and the types of psychological acceptance. In S. C. Hayes, N. S. Jacobson, V. M. Folllette, & M. J. Dougher (Eds.), Acceptance and change: Content and context in psychotherapy (pp. 175–197). Reno: Context.

    Google Scholar 

  • Marlatt, G. A., Witkiewitz, K, Dillworth, T., Bowen, S. W., Parks, G. A., Macpherson, L. M., Lonczak, H. S., Larimer, M.E., Simpson, T., Blume, A. W., Crutcher, R. (2004). Vipassana meditation as a treatment for alcohol and drug use disorders. In Hayes, S. C., Follette, V. M., and Linehan, M.M. Mindfulness and acceptance: Expanding te cognitive-behavioral tradition. New York NY: Guilford (pp. 261–287).

    Google Scholar 

  • McKay, M., Wood, J., & Brantley, J. (2007). The dialectical behavior therapy skills workbook: Practical DBT exercises for learning mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, emotional regulation, and distress tolerance. Oakland: New Harbinger.

    Google Scholar 

  • NICE. (2009). Depression—The treatment and management of depression in adults: Quick reference guide. NICE Clinical Guideline CG90. London: National Institute for Clinical Excellence.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pandita, S. U. (1992). In this very life. Boston: Wisdom.

    Google Scholar 

  • Puhakka, K. (2003). Awakening from the spell of reality: Lessons from Nagarjuna. In S. R. Segall (Ed.), Encountering Buddhism: Western psychology and Buddhist teachings (pp. 131–141). Albany: SUNY.

    Google Scholar 

  • Puhakka, K. (2012). Buddhist wisdom in the west: A 50-year perspective on the contributions of Alan Watts. In P. Columbus & D. Rice (Eds.), Alan Watts here and now: Contributions to philosophy and psychology. Albany: SUNY.

    Google Scholar 

  • Puligandla, R. (1975). Essentials of Indian philosophy. Wheaton: Abingdon.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ramanan, V. K. (1986). Nagarjuna’s philosophy. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rimes, K. A., & Wingrove, J. (2011). Pilot study of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for trainee clinical psychologists. Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy, 39, 235–241.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Segal, Z. V., Williams, J. M.G., & Teasdale, J. D. (2002). Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression. New York: Guilford.

    Google Scholar 

  • Segal, Z. V., Teasdale, J.D., & Williams, J. M.G. (2004). Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy: Theoretical rationale and empirical status. In S. C. Hayes, V. M. Follette, & M. M. Linehan (Eds.), Mindfulness and acceptance: Expanding the cognitive-behavioral tradition. New York: Guilford.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shapiro, S. L., Astin, J. A., Bishop, S. R., & Cordova, M. (2005) Mindfulness-based stress-reduction for healthcare professionals: Results from a randomized trial. International Journal of Stress Management, 12, 164–176.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shonin, E., & Van Gordon, W. (2014). Manager’s experiences of meditation awareness training. Mindfulness. doi:10.1007/s12671-014-0334-y.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shonin, E., Van Gordon, W., Dunn, T. J., Singh, N. N., & Griffiths, M. D. (2014). Meditation awareness training (MAT) for work-related wellbeing and job performance: A randomized controlled trial. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction. doi:10.1007/s 11469-014-9513–2.

    Google Scholar 

  • Teasdale, J. D., Segal, Z., & Williams, J. M. G. (1994). How does cognitive therapy prevent depressive relapse and why should attentional control (mindfulness) training help? Behavioural Research and Therapy, 31, 25–39.

    Google Scholar 

  • Walsh, R. (1995). Phenomenological mapping: A method for describing and comparing states of consciousness. The Journal of Transpersonal Psychology, 27, 1–23.

    Google Scholar 

  • Walsh, R. (1999). Asian contemplative disciplines: Common practices, clinical applications, and research findings. The Journal of Transpersonal Psychology, 31, 83–107.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Clinical Psychology, California Institute of Integral Studies, 1453 Mission Street, 5th Floor, 9410, San Francisco, CA, USA

    Kaisa Puhakka

Authors
  1. Kaisa Puhakka
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Kaisa Puhakka .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Awake to Wisdom Centre for Meditation and Mindfulness Research, Nottingham, United Kingdom

    Edo Shonin

  2. Awake to Wisdom Centre for Meditation and Mindfulness Research, Nottingham, United Kingdom

    William Van Gordon

  3. Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior , Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Regents University , Augusta , Georgia, USA

    Nirbhay N. Singh

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2015 Springer International Publishing Switzerland

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Puhakka, K. (2015). Encountering the Psychological Research Paradigm: How Buddhist Practice Has Fared in the Most Recent Phase of Its Western Migration. In: Shonin, E., Van Gordon, W., Singh, N. (eds) Buddhist Foundations of Mindfulness. Mindfulness in Behavioral Health. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-18591-0_11

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation