Dr William Van Gordon | University of Derby (original) (raw)
Papers by Dr William Van Gordon
Chapman, C. & Van Gordon, W. (2018). Effects of a brief online mindfulness intervention on mindfu... more Chapman, C. & Van Gordon, W. (2018). Effects of a brief online mindfulness intervention on mindfulness, psychological distress and parenting stress in preschool parents. Mindfulness and Compassion, In Press.
Kotera, Y., Green, P., & Van Gordon, W. (2018). Mental Wellbeing of Caring Profession Students: R... more Kotera, Y., Green, P., & Van Gordon, W. (2018). Mental Wellbeing of Caring Profession Students: Relationship with Caregiver Identity, Self-Compassion, and Intrinsic Motivation. Mindfulness and Compassion, In Press.
Van Gordon, W., Shonin, E., Dunn, T., Sheffield, D., Garcia-Campayo, J., & Griffiths, M. D. (2018... more Van Gordon, W., Shonin, E., Dunn, T., Sheffield, D., Garcia-Campayo, J., & Griffiths, M. D. (2018). Meditation-induced near-death experiences: A three-year prospective study. Mindfulness, Advance Online Publication, DOI:10.1007/s12671-018-0922-3
Navarro-Gil, M., Lopez-del-Hoyo, Y., Modrego-Alarcón, M., Van Gordon, W., Shonin, E., Montero-Mar... more Navarro-Gil, M., Lopez-del-Hoyo, Y., Modrego-Alarcón, M., Van Gordon, W., Shonin, E., Montero-Marin, J., & Garcia-Campayo, J. (2018). Effects of attachment-based compassion therapy (ABCT) on self-compassion and attachment style in healthy people. Mindfulness, Advance Online Publication, DOI: 10.1007/s12671-018-0896-1.
Kotera, Y., Adhikari, P., & Van Gordon, W. (2017). The relationship between work motivation and w... more Kotera, Y., Adhikari, P., & Van Gordon, W. (2017). The relationship between work motivation and worker profile in UK hospitality workers. International Journal of Education, Psychology and Counseling, 2, 231-243.
Objective: There is a growing interest in evaluating the effectiveness of compassion intervention... more Objective: There is a growing interest in evaluating the effectiveness of compassion interventions for treating psychological disorders. The present study evaluated the effectiveness of " attachment-based compassion therapy " (ABCT) in the treatment of fibromyalgia (FM), and the role of psychological flexibility as a mediator of improvements. Methods: A total of 42 patients with FM were randomly assigned to ABCT or relaxation (active control group). Both the intervention and control condition were combined with treatment as usual (TAU). The primary outcome was functional status (FIQ), and the secondary outcomes were clinical severity (CGI-S), pain catastrophizing (PCS), anxiety (HADS-A), depression (HADS-D), quality of life (EQ-5D), and psychological flexibility (AAQ-II). Differences between the groups were estimated using mixed-effects models, and mediation assessments were conducted using path analyses. results: The ABCT group demonstrated superior outcomes compared to the relaxation group, including better FIQ values after treatment (B = −3.01; p = 0.003). Differences in FIQ were maintained at 3-month follow-up (B = −3.33; p = 0.001). The absolute risk reduction in ABCT compared to relaxation increased by 40.0%, with an NNT = 3 based on criteria of ≥50% FIQ reduction after treatment. Psychological flexibility had a significant mediating effect on improvements. conclusion: These results suggest that ABCT combined with TAU appears to be effective in the treatment of FM symptoms. clinical Trial registration: http://ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT02454244.
Interconnectedness has become an established term in the meditation literature. It implies that a... more Interconnectedness has become an established term in the meditation literature. It implies that any given phenomenon is connected to all other phenomena. Perhaps the best way of appreciating how the principle of interconnectedness relates to our lives as human beings is through our connection with nature. When we breathe in, we breathe in the out-breath of plants, shrubs, and trees. When we breathe out, we breathe out the in-breath of flowers, animals, and birds. When we drink water, we drink the clouds, rivers, and oceans. When we eat a meal, we eat plants, vegetables, and fruits that have grown out of the earth. The notion that we exist interdependently and are connected to nature and all other phenomena is a beautiful idea. However, we would argue that it falls short of capturing the full depth and intimacy of our relationship with nature and the other phenomena that we share the universe with. The reason for this is that while the notion of interconnectedness helps to depict the symbiotic relationship that exists between humans and nature, it implies that one discrete and separately existing entity (e.g., a human being) is connected to another discrete and separately existing entity (e.g., nature). In other words, implicit within the meaning of the term interconnectedness is the assumption that while closely interrelated, phenomena are also separate from one another. From a relative standpoint, it is both possible and necessary to distinguish humans from nature and one phenomenon from another. However, because it is not possible to identify the Bself^ of a given phenomenon, there truly cannot exist a separation between one thing and another thing. This is because as soon as we attempt to identify the origins or self of something , we inevitably have to direct our search outwards to acknowledge the presence of other phenomena. In other words, while searching for the self of something, we find everything else that exists except the inherently existing self that was the original target of our investigation. An effective search for self will always yield the truth that in one thing exists all things yet in no thing does there intrinsically exist anything. We interexist with nature (and all other phenomena) to the extent that it is impossible to assign boundaries. Our minds and bodies are embedded within the natural world such that when we breathe in, nature breathes in with us, and when we breathe out, nature also breathes out. We are of the nature of nature; it exists in us and we exist in it. In this paper, we explore our connection with nature and focus on how nature can be used to enhance mindfulness practice, foster wellbeing, and cultivate insight into the self, reality, and the present moment more generally.
Van Gordon, W., & Shonin, E. (2017). Mindfulness: The art of being human. Mindfulness, Advanced O... more Van Gordon, W., & Shonin, E. (2017). Mindfulness: The art of being human. Mindfulness, Advanced Online Edition, DOI: 10.1007/s12671-017-0819-6.
Loving-kindness and compassion meditation in psychotherapy. Thresholds: Quarterly Journal of the ... more Loving-kindness and compassion meditation in psychotherapy. Thresholds: Quarterly Journal of the Association for Pastoral and Spiritual Care and Counselling (A Journal of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy), Spring Issue, 9-12.
Chapman, C. & Van Gordon, W. (2018). Effects of a brief online mindfulness intervention on mindfu... more Chapman, C. & Van Gordon, W. (2018). Effects of a brief online mindfulness intervention on mindfulness, psychological distress and parenting stress in preschool parents. Mindfulness and Compassion, In Press.
Kotera, Y., Green, P., & Van Gordon, W. (2018). Mental Wellbeing of Caring Profession Students: R... more Kotera, Y., Green, P., & Van Gordon, W. (2018). Mental Wellbeing of Caring Profession Students: Relationship with Caregiver Identity, Self-Compassion, and Intrinsic Motivation. Mindfulness and Compassion, In Press.
Van Gordon, W., Shonin, E., Dunn, T., Sheffield, D., Garcia-Campayo, J., & Griffiths, M. D. (2018... more Van Gordon, W., Shonin, E., Dunn, T., Sheffield, D., Garcia-Campayo, J., & Griffiths, M. D. (2018). Meditation-induced near-death experiences: A three-year prospective study. Mindfulness, Advance Online Publication, DOI:10.1007/s12671-018-0922-3
Navarro-Gil, M., Lopez-del-Hoyo, Y., Modrego-Alarcón, M., Van Gordon, W., Shonin, E., Montero-Mar... more Navarro-Gil, M., Lopez-del-Hoyo, Y., Modrego-Alarcón, M., Van Gordon, W., Shonin, E., Montero-Marin, J., & Garcia-Campayo, J. (2018). Effects of attachment-based compassion therapy (ABCT) on self-compassion and attachment style in healthy people. Mindfulness, Advance Online Publication, DOI: 10.1007/s12671-018-0896-1.
Kotera, Y., Adhikari, P., & Van Gordon, W. (2017). The relationship between work motivation and w... more Kotera, Y., Adhikari, P., & Van Gordon, W. (2017). The relationship between work motivation and worker profile in UK hospitality workers. International Journal of Education, Psychology and Counseling, 2, 231-243.
Objective: There is a growing interest in evaluating the effectiveness of compassion intervention... more Objective: There is a growing interest in evaluating the effectiveness of compassion interventions for treating psychological disorders. The present study evaluated the effectiveness of " attachment-based compassion therapy " (ABCT) in the treatment of fibromyalgia (FM), and the role of psychological flexibility as a mediator of improvements. Methods: A total of 42 patients with FM were randomly assigned to ABCT or relaxation (active control group). Both the intervention and control condition were combined with treatment as usual (TAU). The primary outcome was functional status (FIQ), and the secondary outcomes were clinical severity (CGI-S), pain catastrophizing (PCS), anxiety (HADS-A), depression (HADS-D), quality of life (EQ-5D), and psychological flexibility (AAQ-II). Differences between the groups were estimated using mixed-effects models, and mediation assessments were conducted using path analyses. results: The ABCT group demonstrated superior outcomes compared to the relaxation group, including better FIQ values after treatment (B = −3.01; p = 0.003). Differences in FIQ were maintained at 3-month follow-up (B = −3.33; p = 0.001). The absolute risk reduction in ABCT compared to relaxation increased by 40.0%, with an NNT = 3 based on criteria of ≥50% FIQ reduction after treatment. Psychological flexibility had a significant mediating effect on improvements. conclusion: These results suggest that ABCT combined with TAU appears to be effective in the treatment of FM symptoms. clinical Trial registration: http://ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT02454244.
Interconnectedness has become an established term in the meditation literature. It implies that a... more Interconnectedness has become an established term in the meditation literature. It implies that any given phenomenon is connected to all other phenomena. Perhaps the best way of appreciating how the principle of interconnectedness relates to our lives as human beings is through our connection with nature. When we breathe in, we breathe in the out-breath of plants, shrubs, and trees. When we breathe out, we breathe out the in-breath of flowers, animals, and birds. When we drink water, we drink the clouds, rivers, and oceans. When we eat a meal, we eat plants, vegetables, and fruits that have grown out of the earth. The notion that we exist interdependently and are connected to nature and all other phenomena is a beautiful idea. However, we would argue that it falls short of capturing the full depth and intimacy of our relationship with nature and the other phenomena that we share the universe with. The reason for this is that while the notion of interconnectedness helps to depict the symbiotic relationship that exists between humans and nature, it implies that one discrete and separately existing entity (e.g., a human being) is connected to another discrete and separately existing entity (e.g., nature). In other words, implicit within the meaning of the term interconnectedness is the assumption that while closely interrelated, phenomena are also separate from one another. From a relative standpoint, it is both possible and necessary to distinguish humans from nature and one phenomenon from another. However, because it is not possible to identify the Bself^ of a given phenomenon, there truly cannot exist a separation between one thing and another thing. This is because as soon as we attempt to identify the origins or self of something , we inevitably have to direct our search outwards to acknowledge the presence of other phenomena. In other words, while searching for the self of something, we find everything else that exists except the inherently existing self that was the original target of our investigation. An effective search for self will always yield the truth that in one thing exists all things yet in no thing does there intrinsically exist anything. We interexist with nature (and all other phenomena) to the extent that it is impossible to assign boundaries. Our minds and bodies are embedded within the natural world such that when we breathe in, nature breathes in with us, and when we breathe out, nature also breathes out. We are of the nature of nature; it exists in us and we exist in it. In this paper, we explore our connection with nature and focus on how nature can be used to enhance mindfulness practice, foster wellbeing, and cultivate insight into the self, reality, and the present moment more generally.
Van Gordon, W., & Shonin, E. (2017). Mindfulness: The art of being human. Mindfulness, Advanced O... more Van Gordon, W., & Shonin, E. (2017). Mindfulness: The art of being human. Mindfulness, Advanced Online Edition, DOI: 10.1007/s12671-017-0819-6.
Loving-kindness and compassion meditation in psychotherapy. Thresholds: Quarterly Journal of the ... more Loving-kindness and compassion meditation in psychotherapy. Thresholds: Quarterly Journal of the Association for Pastoral and Spiritual Care and Counselling (A Journal of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy), Spring Issue, 9-12.
Shonin, E., Van Gordon, W., Griffiths, M. D. (2014, February 27th-28th). A randomized controlled ... more Shonin, E., Van Gordon, W., Griffiths, M. D. (2014, February 27th-28th). A randomized controlled trial of the effects of Meditation Awareness Training (MAT) on work-related stress and job performance. International Conference on Psychology, Psychiatry, Neurological, Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences, Barcelona, Spain (World Academy of Science, Engineering, and Technology).
Van Gordon, W. (2018). The top ten mistakes made by meditation practitioners. Positive Health, 24... more Van Gordon, W. (2018). The top ten mistakes made by meditation practitioners. Positive Health, 245, 7-8.
Most introductory books on psychology inform readers that there are many different types of psych... more Most introductory books on psychology inform readers that there are many different types of psychologist such as clinical psychologists, forensic psychologists, developmental psychologists, social psychologists, cognitive psychologist, health psychologists, occupational psychologists, sports psychologists, counselling psychologists, neuropsychologists and research psychologists. Clearly there are many other types of psychologist in addition to the list above, and there are also numerous sub-types of psychologist that specialise in a specific area within one of the aforementioned domains. In this article, we deviate from the traditional model of categorising psychologists according to work setting and/or study perspective, and suggest a new schema that focusses on the underlying qualities and competencies of the psychologist. Our approach is not intended to supplant the aforementioned traditional categorisations. Rather, it is solely intended as 'food for thought' by suggesting a method of categorisation that emphasises the core skills and values that are common to the job description of all psychologists (i.e., irrespective of whether they work in clinical, occupational, or developmental settings, or adhere to a specific psychological perspective, etc.). Consequently, we have based our schema on the assumption that regardless of the particular setting or perspective in which a psychologist specialises, there is an expectation that all psychologists – at least to a small degree – have an understanding of the scientific workings of the human mind and behaviour that exceeds that of the average lay person. Our method of categorisation is also founded on the assumption that, based on this greater degree of insight into the mind, all psychologists have a duty to guide others toward a better understanding of their own minds and behaviour, and where appropriate, toward improved levels of psychological wellbeing. Our 'food for thought' model comprises four categories of psychologist.
When people are practising a spiritual path it is normal that, to a certain extent, their interes... more When people are practising a spiritual path it is normal that, to a certain extent, their interest and commitment to the path waxes and wanes. For example, they may feel fully on-board one day but then later during the same month, they may question their choice to follow a particular spiritual teacher or a given path of spiritual practice. Generally speaking, the cycle of feeling more or less committed, along with the inner dialogue that typically accompanies it, is a positive thing. Doubts or questions arise and in the course of working through them, people often end up understanding more about themselves, as well as the path they are treading. In other words, periods of ‘spiritual questioning’ are normal, if not essential, for fostering progress along the path.
“Jesus said: If those who lead you say to you ‘look, the kingdom is in the sky,' then the birds o... more “Jesus said: If those who lead you say to you ‘look, the kingdom is in the sky,' then the birds of the sky will precede you. If they say to you, 'It is in the sea,' then the fish will precede you. Rather, the kingdom is inside of you, and it is outside of you. When you come to know yourselves, then you will become known, and you will realize that it is you who are the sons of the living father. But if you will not know yourselves, you dwell in poverty and it is you who are that poverty." (From the Gospel of Thomas)
A world-honoured one whose many names include Shakyamuni Buddha, from the limitless expanse of the deathless realm, with divine tongue (using words beyond sound), did spontaneously converse with the world-honoured one whose many names include Jesus Christ. The two beings of unsurpassable omniscience, simultaneously decided to take human form and walk again in the realm known as earth.
Most Buddhist practice systems assert that there are various stages on the path to enlightenment.... more Most Buddhist practice systems assert that there are various stages on the path to enlightenment. Perhaps the most well-documented example is the Ten Bodhisattva Bhūmis which in Mahayana Buddhism, are understood to reflect ten stages of spiritual awakening – culminating in Buddhahood – that a Bodhisattva (a highly compassionate spiritual being) progresses through. Another perhaps less known example is the Four Vidyadhara Levels in the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. A vidyadhara (which means ‘awareness holder’) is believed to progress through the following four stages: 1. matured vidyadhara, 2. vidyadhara with power over life, 3. mahamudra vidyadhara, and 4. spontaneously accomplished vidyadhara. In Theravada Buddhism, various states of spiritual awakening are likewise recognised, including the state of ‘Arahant’, which is generally understood to correspond to a level of spiritual awakening in which the cycle of samsara (the perpetuating round of birth, suffering, death and rebirth) has been broken, but that is still below the level of a Buddha. In order to arrive at the state of Arahant, Theravada Buddhism (and other early Buddhist schools) assert that the spiritual practitioner progresses through stages of ‘stream-enterer’ (Pāli: Sotapanna), ‘once-returner’ (Sakadagami), and ‘non-returner’ (Anāgāmi).
Some people like fast cars, some people like fine dining, and some people like expensive clothes.... more Some people like fast cars, some people like fine dining, and some people like expensive clothes. Some people are partial towards liquor, some towards gambling, and some towards tobacco. Some people like men and some people like women. Some people have a penchant for extreme sports, some for hot climates, and some for partying. Some people are passionate about video games, some about film, and some about photography. Some people like technology, some like nature, and some like travelling.
The five precepts (Pāli: pañca-sīlāni) provide a basic code for living a life that is in-keeping ... more The five precepts (Pāli: pañca-sīlāni) provide a basic code for living a life that is in-keeping with Buddhist ethical ideals. They are recited by lay and monastic Buddhist practitioners all over the world and a great deal has been written about their literal meaning. In today’s post, we offer an interpretation of the five precepts that focuses on their hidden meaning.
Some people are of the view that in order to enter the spiritual path one has to forget about the... more Some people are of the view that in order to enter the spiritual path one has to forget about the world and everything we know. However, rather than forgetting about or turning one’s back on the world, a true meditation practitioner is a person that completely surrenders themselves to, and becomes fully immersed in, the world. In order to surrender ourselves to the world we first have to abandon hope and fear. When we have hope, we leave ourselves exposed to suffering. We suffer when our hopes and expectations are not met. Wherever there is hope, there is also fear – the fear that our hopes will not be realised.
In recent decades there have been major advances in scientific understanding of the human brain. ... more In recent decades there have been major advances in scientific understanding of the human brain. To a large extent these advances have been driven by new neuroimaging technologies that have provided neuroscientists with increasingly refined images or maps of the brain. One specific arm of neuroscientific research has made use of these neuroimaging techniques in order to try to identify the neurological seat of the self or consciousness. Today’s post briefly highlights some of the key findings of this research and discusses them in relation to core Buddhist principles concerning the manner in which the self is believed to exist.
I am not interested in where you have been or what you have done. I care not who you are, but I ... more I am not interested in where you have been or what you have done.
I care not who you are, but I care deeply how you are.
If you are happy – truly happy – then so am I.
Do you know who I am?
In our most recent post entitled “The Top Ten Mistakes made by Meditation Practitioners”, at four... more In our most recent post entitled “The Top Ten Mistakes made by Meditation Practitioners”, at fourth place was the mistake of “Forgetting about death”. This section provoked some interesting comments and questions which we would now like to briefly address.
Not forgetting about death means to remember that all phenomena are impermanent. All things are in a constant state of flux. Moment by moment all things change. We were born, we live, and we will die. Absolutely nothing escapes the cycle of impermanence.
“Jesus said: If those who lead you say to you ‘look, the kingdom is in the sky,' then the birds o... more “Jesus said: If those who lead you say to you ‘look, the kingdom is in the sky,' then the birds of the sky will precede you. If they say to you, 'It is in the sea,' then the fish will precede you. Rather, the kingdom is inside of you, and it is outside of you. When you come to know yourselves, then you will become known, and you will realize that it is you who are the sons of the living father. But if you will not know yourselves, you dwell in poverty and it is you who are that poverty." (From the Gospel of Thomas)
A world-honoured one whose many names include Shakyamuni Buddha, from the limitless expanse of the deathless realm, with divine tongue (using words beyond sound), did spontaneously converse with the world-honoured one whose many names include Jesus Christ. The two beings of unsurpassable omniscience, simultaneously decided to take human form and walk again in the realm known as earth.
Based upon an extensive and comprehensive review of the literature, and based upon findings from ... more Based upon an extensive and comprehensive review of the literature, and based upon findings from our own research, the following is what we consider to be some key findings and/or emerging insights from the scientific study of meditation.
When correctly practiced, meditation can improve physical, psychological, and spiritual wellbeing.
Shonin, E., & Van Gordon, W., & Griffiths, M. D. (2016). Mindfulness and wellbeing: Towards a uni... more Shonin, E., & Van Gordon, W., & Griffiths, M. D. (2016). Mindfulness and wellbeing: Towards a unified operational approach. In: I. Ivtzan, & T. Lomas (Eds). Mindfulness in Positive Psychology: The Science of Meditation and Wellbeing (pp. 280-292). Oxford: Routledge.
Van Gordon, W., Shonin, E., Griffiths, M. D., & Singh, N. N. (2015). Mindfulness and the Four Nob... more Van Gordon, W., Shonin, E., Griffiths, M. D., & Singh, N. N. (2015). Mindfulness and the Four Noble Truths. In: E. Shonin, W. Van Gordon, & N. N. Singh (Eds). Buddhist Foundations of Mindfulness (pp. 9-27). New York: Springer.
Shonin, E., Van Gordon, W., Singh, N. N., & Griffiths, M. D. (2015). Mindfulness of Emptiness and... more Shonin, E., Van Gordon, W., Singh, N. N., & Griffiths, M. D. (2015). Mindfulness of Emptiness and the Emptiness of Mindfulness. In: E. Shonin, W. Van Gordon, & N. N. Singh (Eds). Buddhist Foundations of Mindfulness (pp. 159-178). New York: Springer.
Langer, A. I., Carmona-Torres, J. A., Van Gordon, W., & Shonin, E. (2015). Mindfulness for the tr... more Langer, A. I., Carmona-Torres, J. A., Van Gordon, W., & Shonin, E. (2015). Mindfulness for the treatment of psychosis: State of the art and future developments. In: E. Shonin, W. Van Gordon, & M. D. Griffiths (Eds). Mindfulness and Buddhist-derived Approaches in Mental Health and Addiction (pp. 211-244). Gewerbestrasse (Switzerland): Springer.
Mindfulness and Buddhist-derived treatment techniques in mental health and addiction. In: E. Shon... more Mindfulness and Buddhist-derived treatment techniques in mental health and addiction. In: E. Shonin, W. Van Gordon, & M. D. Griffiths (Eds). Mindfulness and Buddhist-derived Approaches in Mental Health and Addiction (pp. 1-8). Gewerbestrasse (Switzerland): Springer.
Shonin, E., Van Gordon, W., Dunn, T., Singh, N. N., & Griffiths, M. D. (2014). Study summary - Me... more Shonin, E., Van Gordon, W., Dunn, T., Singh, N. N., & Griffiths, M. D. (2014). Study summary - Meditation Awareness Training (MAT) for work-related wellbeing and job performance: A randomized controlled trial. In J. Näsström (Ed.), Focused, Calm and Effective: Effects of Mindfulness in the Workplace (pp.22-25). Stockholm: Potential Project Sverige AB. (ISBN 9781508855644).