Terry Lavender: research

Mindful meditation has proven effectiveness in alleviating chronic pain. However, traditional meditation techniques are not easily accessible to non-meditators and require weeks of training to be effective. The Transforming Pain Research Group at Simon Fraser University has been investigating ways to make mindfulness more accessible to chronic pain sufferers through virtual reality and other technologies. Previous research has shown a link between immersive virtual reality (VR) and mindfulness, through the intermediation of biofeedback measurements. The present study is being undertaken to investigate whether immersion on non-VR platforms, especially portable devices such as smartphones and tablet computers can also facilitate mindfulness. This investigation will be done by measuring mindfulness and immersion in both experienced meditators and non-meditators while engaged in an immersive activity on a tablet computer.

Mindfulness and immersion will be assessed through both physiopsychological measurement (Galvanic Skin Response) and self report (survey instrument). GSR readings will be taken before the treatment to establish a baseline, and then again during the treatment. Post-treatment, participants will complete a 44-item Likert-type survey that combines questions designed to determine immersion and mindful meditation.

Results from the two groups will be analyzed separately and also compared to determine whether immersion and mindfulness did take place (and to what degree) and whether there was a difference between the experienced and novice meditators. If the results indicate an increase in immersion or mindfulness, it would establish the potential for using portable platforms such as smartphones and tablets to facilitate mindfulness.