Attentional Posture Correction (APC)

Abstract

There is a growing body of research on the benefits of mindfulness, but little research has been done to examine a construct known as <everyday mindfulness= or related techniques that are used throughout the day instead of being restricted to practice in one sitting. For this paper, I designed a new technique, Attentional Posture Correction (APC), that draws from elements of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and happiness research. I also designed an active control technique based on everyday mindfulness and positive psychology interventions. I tested the effects of APC and the active control technique over three days on Princeton undergraduate students, and no significant differences were found in happiness-related metrics. There was a minor stress-reducing practice x condition interaction effect in favor of APC, but this effect was overshadowed by the predominance of negative results. In light of this evidence, I discuss how the previous conception APC was flawed and how it can be updated to isolate its core effective elements. Keywords: Mindfulness, attentional posture, placebo effect cognitive-behavioral therapy