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Cognitive Complexity, Mindfulness, and Reflection in Mental Health Professionals Minnesota State University, Mankato Cornerstone: A Collection of Scholarly and Creative Works for Minnesota State University, Mankato All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects Capstone Projects 2016 Cognitive Complexity, Mindfulness, and Reflection in Mental Health Professionals Dharshini Goonetilleke Minnesota State University Mankato Follow this and additional works at: https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/etds Part of the Cognition and Perception Commons, Counseling Psychology Commons, and the Counselor Education Commons Recommended Citation Goonetilleke, Dharshini. (2016). Cognitive Complexity, Mindfulness, and Reflection in Mental Health Professionals [Doctoral dissertation, Minnesota State University, Mankato]. Cornerstone: A Collection of Scholarly and Creative Works for Minnesota State University, Mankato. https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/ etds/638/ This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects at Cornerstone: A Collection of Scholarly and Creative Works for Minnesota State University, Mankato. It has been accepted for inclusion in All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects by an authorized administrator of Cornerstone: A Collection of Scholarly and Creative Works for Minnesota State University, Mankato. Running head: COGNITIVE COMPLEXITY, MINDFULNESS, AND REFLECTION Cognitive Complexity, Mindfulness, and Reflection in Mental Health Professionals By Dharshini Goonetilleke A Dissertation Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Education In Counselor Education and Supervision Minnesota State University Mankato, Minnesota May 2016 COGNITIVE COMPLEXITY, MINDFULNESS, AND REFLECTION 2 Cognitive Complexity, Mindfulness, and Reflection in Mental Health Professionals Dharshini Goonetilleke This dissertation has been examined and approved by the following members of the dissertation committee. ______________________________ John Seymour, PhD ______________________________ Diane Coursol, PhD ______________________________ Karin Lindstrom Bremer, PhD ______________________________ Ann Miller, PhD COGNITIVE COMPLEXITY, MINDFULNESS, AND REFLECTION 3 Acknowledgments I feel as if I have traveled many miles across arid deserts, green pastures, and climbed countless mountains while completing this dissertation. I am gratefully aware of those who kept me from falling down into the perilous trenches during this journey while generously guiding me to be successful. I would like to thank my committee Dr. John Seymour, Dr. Diane Coursol, Dr. Karin Lindstrom Bremer, and Dr. Ann Miller for their support and guidance in completing this project. Dr. John Seymour: I will fondly remember the numerous philosophical discussions we have had in conceptualizing this project. You have stayed with me during this journey and I sincerely appreciate the guidance, encouragement, and support you have given me. It has been an honor working with you. Dr. Diane Coursol: I am eternally grateful for all that you have been for me over the years. I have learned profound life lessons from you and will always look forward to continue our discussions of deeper wisdoms of being. Without you, this project may have not been possible. I deeply appreciate the inspirations, mentoring, and compassion you have so selflessly given me. I am extremely privileged to have your presence in my life. Dr. Karin Lindstrom Bremer: This project may not have turned out the way it did without your guidance and I will always appreciate the research skills I have learned from you. Over the years the thoughtfulness, encouragement, motivation and mentoring that I have received from you is deeply appreciated. It has been a great honor to have your support in my life and to work with you. COGNITIVE COMPLEXITY, MINDFULNESS, AND REFLECTION 4 Especially, I thank my beloved mother, father, and brother for their unconditional love and support; your love has given me strength to follow my dreams and to be who I am. Bhante Sathi, relatives, friends and dear colleagues, I am deeply moved by your continuous belief in me and appreciate your encouragement in fulfilling my dreams. It has been a lonely process, yet your love, encouragement, compassion, and steadfastness has aided me to persevere and made this journey endurable. I am eternally grateful. COGNITIVE COMPLEXITY, MINDFULNESS, AND REFLECTION 5 Cognitive Complexity, Mindfulness, and Reflection in Mental Health Professionals Dharshini Goonetilleke Doctorate of Education in Counselor Education and Supervision Minnesota State University, Mankato Mankato, Minnesota, 2016 Abstract In this cross sectional quantitative investigation, the relationships among mental health professionals’ cognitive complexity, mindfulness, and reflection were explored. To determine if there was a correlation between mindfulness and cognitive complexity, a Pearson’s correlation was conducted: There was a strong positive correlation between mindfulness and cognitive complexity. To determine whether observing and describing (two key variables of mindfulness) could predict counselor overall cognitive complexity, a simultaneous multiple regression was conducted. The observing subscale significantly predicted counselor cognitive complexity and the describing subscale did not significantly predict mindfulness. To determine if there is a correlation between mindfulness and reflection, a Pearson’s correlation was conducted. There was a strong positive correlation between mindfulness and reflection. In accordance with the findings of this study, limitations, recommendations for future research, and implications for future practice are discussed. COGNITIVE COMPLEXITY, MINDFULNESS, AND REFLECTION 6 Table of Contents List of Tables……………………………………………………………………………...9 Chapter 1: Introduction…………………………………………………………………..10 Cognitive Complexity ................................................................................................... 11 Mindful Attention .......................................................................................................... 17 Statement of The Problem ............................................................................................. 20 Purpose of The Study .................................................................................................... 21 Research Questions (RQ) .............................................................................................. 24 Chapter 2: Literature Review…………………………………………………………….25 Role of Cognitive Complexity ....................................................................................... 25 Significance of Cognitive Complexity in Counselor Cognitive Development ............. 29 Summary ........................................................................................................................ 35 Significance of Counselor Cognitive Complexity ......................................................... 36 Role of Cognitive Complexity in Counseling ............................................................... 37 Summary ........................................................................................................................ 58 Mindfulness: A Way to Enhance Counselor Cognitive Complexity? ........................... 60 A Brief Context of Mindfulness .................................................................................... 60 Mindfulness in Counselor Education ............................................................................ 69 Summary ........................................................................................................................ 92 Chapter 3: Research Design and Methods…………………………………………….…96 Participants .................................................................................................................... 97 Sampling Procedures ..................................................................................................... 98 Sampling ........................................................................................................................ 99 COGNITIVE COMPLEXITY, MINDFULNESS, AND REFLECTION 7 Measures ........................................................................................................................ 99 Research Design and Analysis .................................................................................... 105 Summary ...................................................................................................................... 109 Chapter 4: Findings……………...……………………………………………………...110 Demographics .............................................................................................................. 110 Preparing Data for Analysis ........................................................................................ 111 Realibility……………………………………………...……………………………..113 Assumptions ................................................................................................................ 114 Research Question One ............................................................................................... 116 Research Question Two ............................................................................................... 117 Research Question Three ............................................................................................. 119 Summary .....................................................................................................................
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