Qualitative research on the adherence of mindfulness practice in psychological counseling outpatients

Objective To explore the barriers and facilitators of the adherence of formal practice after mindfulness-based cognitive therapy （MBCT） in psychological counseling outpatients.

Methods One-on-one interview was conducted in 15 psychological counseling outpatients who attended MBCT at Shanghai Mental Health Center and had been out of treatment 5 months or more. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results Poor mood， weak willpower， limited time and space， lack of companionship and supervision， and discomfort with the recording were the five factors that prevented the patients from sticking to their practice. Personality trait， trust， benefit， need for self-care， time/space arrangement， fellow practitioners， therapists， and ease and convenience of practice were the eight factors that promoted the patients to practice.

Conclusion The COM-B model helps therapists and individuals with practice needs to understand the mechanism of formal practice facilitators at a holistic level. Therapists and individuals with practice needs should be concerned about possible barriers on the adherence of formal practice.