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The present thesis assesses a core component of mindfulness training, experiential mindfulness meditations, on one of the primary targets of mindfulness training, self-regulation. The research presented here explores the effect of a single mindfulness meditation practice on self-regulation on novice meditators of all ages, with a special interest in children and adolescents. This thesis offers a distinct contribution to the literature on mindfulness, by two main methods: (a) systematically reviewing, meta-analysing and synthesising experimental investigations of single session mindfulness meditation practices on self-regulation, and (b) exploring the potential effects of a single session mindfulness meditation practice on self-regulation in children in two novel studies. The findings provide preliminary support that mindfulness meditation practice may be an active component of mindfulness training for self-regulation in children from age 7 years. Furthermore, there is evidence for all ages of a direct short-term effect of a single mindfulness meditation practice on self-regulation by impacting on attention and emotion regulation. The thesis presents an original theoretical model for the short-term effects of mindfulness meditation practice on self-regulation based on the thesis findings. The thesis offers a novel contribution to an emerging area of research within the domain of mindfulness, and highlights the need for (a) more understanding of the age at which mindfulness meditation practice may contribute to the effects of mindfulness training, and (b) further investigation of processes through which self-regulation is affected by mindfulness meditation practice. By investigating the effect of mindfulness meditation practice on self-regulation there is potential for further understanding of the processes of change of mindfulness training and theory development.

Emerging research indicates that there is a relationship between shame and symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This thesis aimed to investigate this relationship further by firstly synthesising current research within a systematic review and meta-analysis. The second part of this thesis aimed to add to the literature by investigating the relationship between shame-proneness and obsessive intrusive thoughts (OITs), a specific symptom dimension of OCD. The systematic review and meta-analysis synthesised data and findings from 21 eligible studies. The meta-analysis found a significant, moderate, positive correlation between shame and OCD symptoms. This relationship was supported when studies were split into subgroups based on sample type and outcome measures used. The narrative synthesis also supported these findings, with most studies finding self-reported levels of shame to be significantly higher in groups of individuals experiencing symptoms of OCD than control groups. The meta-analysis findings should be interpreted with caution due to high levels of heterogeneity. The research study used a cross-sectional design to investigate the relationship between shame-proneness and experiences of OITs (including frequency, related distress and inferences about the self) within a non-clinical sample. Participants (n = 299) completed a battery of questionnaires online. Consistent with predictions, shameproneness significantly predicted all OIT measures, over and above OCD symptoms. However, OCD symptoms were the strongest predictor of OIT frequency, not shameproneness as predicted. The implications of these findings are considered within the context of the current literature and cognitive models of OCD. Limitations, clinical applications and recommendations for future research are also highlighted.

This thesis aimed to investigate the relationship between obsessive-compulsive symptoms (particularly obsessive intrusive thoughts) and executive functions (particularly working memory). Previous research had demonstrated executive function (EF) deficits in individuals with OCD. Executive functions are those cognitive mechanisms that help to control and regulate thoughts and behaviour. However, several questions remained unanswered: 1) do individuals with subclinical OCD also demonstrate EF deficits? 2) Are those EF deficits found in individuals with OCD trait in nature, or caused by state factors? 3) Are EFs implicated in OCD-relevant processes, such as thought control strategies? Three studies were conducted to help investigate these questions further. The study presented in chapter two found no difference between individuals with subclinical OCD and nonclinical individuals on a range of executive function tasks. The study presented in chapter three found that an increase in obsessive intrusive thoughts did not lead to impairments in working memory. The study presented in chapter four found no relationship between working memory and an individual’s ability to dismiss obsessive intrusive thoughts. The implications of the results from this thesis are discussed and future directions are suggested.

Research has indicated that maladaptive appraisals of cognitions and cognitive experiences (such as intrusive thoughts and auditory hallucinations) can maintain distress. Theories suggest this mechanism can explain why such experiences can fall on a continuum from unproblematic to distressing. This thesis focused on three involuntary cognitive experiences prevalent in nonclinical and clinical populations where this mechanism of distress has been hypothesised: tinnitus; obsessive intrusive thoughts (OITs); and involuntary musical imagery (INMI). Evaluation of the effectiveness of psychological interventions to reduce tinnitus distress, and investigation into appraisals of OITs and INMI and what might have influence over these was conducted. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted on 21 studies to identify and evaluate the effectiveness of psychological interventions for reducing tinnitus distress in adults. Large treatment effects emerged for cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) in both therapist-delivered and self-help formats. A very large treatment effect emerged for ‘other’ approaches including multidisciplinary combinations of sound therapy techniques with psychological intervention, mindfulness, and psychoeducation. It was concluded that cross-disciplinary combined interventions and those aimed at addressing maladaptive appraisals of tinnitus could facilitate a reduction in distress. Study limitations and clinical implications were discussed. The empirical chapter investigated OITs and INMI. Ninety-one UK university staff and students completed measures of OIT and INMI appraisal, perceived thought control and self-reported thought suppression. Additionally, the predictive influence of working memory on these measures was also explored. Participants completed a computerised operation span task to test working memory capacity (WMC). Significant relationships emerged between both negative OIT and INMI appraisal. Negative appraisal for both OITs and INMI were significantly associated with low perceived thought control, but this was weak for INMI. Negative OIT appraisal was significantly related to higher self-reported thought suppression. WMC did not significantly explain the variance in these variables. Study limitations and implications for clinical practice were discussed. In conclusion, the literature review highlighted effectiveness of interventions which challenge maladaptive appraisals in reducing tinnitus distress; and the empirical chapter drew associations between negative appraisals of involuntary cognitions, and beliefs about thought control. Together, the findings suggest commonalities in mechanisms of distress which may be extended across a range of experiences, including those traditionally considered to be unproblematic and which have only recently started to be explored (such as INMI). It is recommended that appraisals of other experiences which can cause distress, and potential interventions which target such appraisals, continue to be explored in future research.

This thesis is comprised of a literature review and an empirical study. The aim of this review is to provide an integration of the literature on parenting style and child emotion regulation outcomes, in minority cultural groups residing within a dominant Western culture. Seven studies were included in this review. The search terms used were variations of "parenting", "culture" and "emotion regulation". These studies were critically evaluated and rated against a quality appraisal tool. There was some evidence to suggest cross cultural differences in parenting, emotion socialisation and emotion regulation outcomes for children. The results are discussed in the conceptual context of existing cultural models. Finally, the clinical implications for practice are discussed and recommendations for future research also suggested. The empirical study concerned the development and validation of a Parent Observation Measure of Mindfulness in Children (POMM-C). Procedures for developing the POMM-C items are described. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a two factor structure; Acting with awareness and Observing. The POMM-C was found to have good internal consistency and test-retest reliability. The construct validity of the POMM-C also demonstrated some promising results. The factor structure and construct validity of the POMM-C are discussed in relation to the conceptualisation of mindfulness in children and how mindfulness changes as children develop through childhood. It is anticipated that the development of this measure may also further our understanding of the multifaceted nature of mindfulness in children. The limitations of the study are discussed, as are implications for clinical practice and future directions.

The current thesis consists of a literature review and a research study. The literature review systematically evaluated the parental role in the development of anxious cognitions in children. Studies were identified through electronic database searches, using key terms related to 'parent', 'child', 'anxiety' and 'cognitions'. The review confirmed that parents have a role in the development of child anxious cognitions by behaving in fearful ways, reducing their child's autonomy, verbally communicating fear to their child and indirectly via their own expectations about their child. Findings were consistent with Cresswell, Cooper, and Murray's (2010) model of the parental behavioural pathways that lead to the development of anxious cognitions in children. Findings are limited due to the small number of reviewed studies and low number of fathers included in the studies. The research study aimed to investigate the relationship between parent anxiety and child anxiety, by examining the role of parental control, parental experiential avoidance and mindful parenting. A cross-sectional design was employed. Parents (N = 85) of children aged 8-12 years were recruited from a community sample. Parents completed a survey of self-report measures that assessed parent anxiety, child anxiety, parental control, parental experiential avoidance and mindful parenting. Significant associations were found between parental experiential avoidance and mindful parenting and child anxiety. Parental experiential avoidance predicted child anxiety, however mindful parenting did not. Parental control and parental experiential avoidance mediated the relationship between parent and child anxiety. Future research should replicate the study using a clinical sample and longitudinal design.

Research has indicated that levels of distress and wellbeing amongst qualified and trainee mental health professions are poor. This thesis sought to explore the factors that may contribute to distress as well as increase understanding about how mental health professionals can be supported. A meta-analysis was conducted on 15 studies to assess the effect of mindfulness-based interventions on reducing distress and improving wellbeing and mindfulness amongst mental health professionals. Further, traditional mindfulness-based interventions were compared with adapted versions with regards to changes in distress and mindfulness. The relationship between variation in number of intervention hours and distress and mindfulness was also assessed. Mindfulness-based interventions had positive effects on all outcomes. Intervention type (traditional or adapted) and variation in intervention hours did not relate to distress or mindfulness. Methodological limitations are considered. Recommendations for clinical practice and future research are considered. The empirical chapter reports the findings from a longitudinal within-subjects study with 259 trainee therapists (‘Trainee Clinical Psychologists’, ‘High Intensity, Improving Access to Psychological Therapies’ (IAPT) trainees and ‘Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners’ trainees) in the United Kingdom. The study assessed whether attachment orientation (anxious and avoidant), coping approach (suppressive and reactive) and/or mindfulness related to distress over time. Additionally, the study examined whether coping approach and/or mindfulness mediated the relationship between attachment orientation and distress over time. All variables were related to each other. In the mediation analysis, only reactive coping mediated the attachment-distress relationship. Limitations of the research are discussed. Further, clinical implications are explored along with future research recommendations.

This thesis comprises a systematic literature review and a research study. The literature review aimed to critically evaluate and synthesise the evidence for the effectiveness of mindfulness interventions in targeting burnout within helpingprofessions. Studies were identified by searching relevant electronic databases using terms related to "mindfulness", "burnout", and "helping-professions". Subsequently, fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria. These studies were rated as fair quality overall when assessed against a validated quality checklist. There was tentative evidence found for the effectiveness of mindfulness interventions for targeting burnout, particularly emotional exhaustion. However, the diversity of the mindfulness interventions provided, and various methodological limitations, reduced generalisability. These limitations are discussed, and recommendations for further research suggested. The research study qualitatively explored the experiences of eleven primary school teachers who had attended a mindfulness group to reduce stress and burnout. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken and interpretative phenomenological analysis was employed. The findings highlighted how mindfulness practices provided an opportunity for participants to reflect upon the contextual pressures and internal processes that contributed to their stress. For the majority of participants this led to an increased understanding of their work role within a wider perspective, enabling value-aligned behavioural change. A number of participants reported an increased sense of connecting and attuning to both their own and their pupils' emotional needs. However, the experience of attending the group and continued engagement in its practices also provided numerous challenges. The findings are discussed in relation to the literature on occupational stress and burnout, teacher identity, and mindfulness, and implications for clinical practice and future research are reported.

Paranoia (often manifest as persecutory delusions) is a common symptom of psychosis, but is also seen in the general population. A continuum model of psychosis suggests that investigation into the underlying mechanisms and processes involved in paranoia in both clinical and non-clinical populations will be helpful in informing our understanding and future treatment of this symptom. Firstly, a systematic review was conducted of the literature to investigate the role of worry in paranoia in clinical samples. High levels of worry were found throughout the literature, often comparable to those found in samples with generalised anxiety disorder. There was some evidence to suggest that there are similar underlying processes in anxiety and paranoia. There may be a role of metacognitive beliefs about worry in particular. The effectiveness of some preliminary treatments for worry in paranoia is also discussed, along with the methodological limitations of the literature. Secondly, an experiment was conducted, investigating the relationship between paranoia, intrusive thoughts, executive functioning, and mood in a non-clinical sample. Results found that paranoid intrusive thoughts may be a type of intrusive thought worthy of investigation in its own right. An increase in paranoia score was also found to predict perceived difficulty dismissing a paranoid intrusive thought, over and above the effect of mood, age and gender. Participants with increased selective attention to threat words also found paranoid intrusive thoughts harder to dismiss. There was found to be no relationship between other measures of executive functioning and dismissibility of paranoid intrusive thoughts. Clinical implications are discussed.