Discriminating to Discrimination

Linda Murphy

Advanced General Psychology

Scott Brandhorst

February 24, 2011

Abstract

There is a strong positive correlation that by practicing mindful techniques,

such as awareness, attention, intention, non-judgment of behaviors and

feelings, and open mindedness will decrease discriminatory behaviors in

individuals. Individuals who use these skills on a regular basis can condition

the brain to form new schemas about other individuals, help increase

empathy, and decrease stereotypical ideas and frames, which in turn

influences habitualized behaviors. It is suggested that one of the tools of

measure used in many studies of Mindfulness is invalid, as the ‘norm’ is based

on an individualistic, white, Euro-male, Christian lens, which is

discriminatory tool, thus skewing outcomes of current studies.

Hypothesis: By practicing

mindfulness techniques

discriminatory behaviors will

decrease.

Arguments for Mindful Techniques

Individuals will become more open-minded

Individuals are more sensitive towards environmental factors

Techniques will help in creative problem solving

Techniques will increase interpersonal communication skills

Techniques will help decrease judgment

Techniques will help shift from passive to active behaviors

Techniques will help individuals stay in present moment and help in letting go of past

discriminating behaviors (Djikic, Langer, & Stapleton, 2008; Kabat-Zinn, 1994;

Ritchhart & Perkins; 2000).

The Brain and Mindfulness

Practicing Mindfulness increases neural synaptic links within the brain

Practicing mindfulness helps create new brain cells

Practicing mindfulness helps increase neural integration

Practicing mindfulness increases metacognition

Practicing mindfulness helps in the creation of new schemas

Practicing mindfulness helps individuals become aware of automatic,

habitualized behaviors, thought processes and actions (Djikic, Langer, &

Stapleton, 2008; Hollingsworth, 2008; Kabat-Zinn, 1994; Lillis & Hayes,

2007 Ritchhart & Perkins; 2000)

Arguments Against Mindfulness

Testing and studies based on ‘normal behavior’ based on Euro-white, right

handed male, Christian ideology, patriarchal society, thus outcomes skewed

(Hickey, 2010; Walsh, 2010)

Mindfulness is Buddhist in tradition, yet in the West Buddhism was removed

from mindfulness to make practices more acceptable in the medical and

psychological field (Feleppa, 2009; Hickey, 2010)

Situations may arise in which a faster response than mindfulness allows

(Burgoon & Waldren, 2000)

Many studies report that non-continued use of mindfulness practices will

decrease chances for behavior modification and awareness

The importance of Mindfulness to Science and Society

Through mindful awareness anxiety and fear dissolve away, as does the perceived

need for aggression and oppression promoting true equanimity. As an individual

learns to ‘discriminate’ internal thoughts and feelings through non-judgmental

detachment interpersonal communication skills increase as an ability to choose

behavior rather than act on automatic conditioned responses. This will help

decrease discriminatory behaviors in intimate relationships, working relationships,

politics, while embracing differences through peace and respect for self and others.

Unanswered and additional Questions

There is a positive correlation that mindfulness does decrease

discriminatory behaviors, however additional questions arise:

Does teaching mindful techniques at a younger age have a stronger

impact on decreased discriminatory behavior?

Does mindfulness practices influence fight or flight responses?

Is there an influence on the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous

system?

Would mindfulness change the way we define scientific measures?

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