- the intensity of daily practice regimes
- the duration of a typical training program
- the experience backgrounds of the participants who engage in them

Effective Variables of Retreat Practice in Psychological Research

- bridges the research gaps between non-intensive interventions in novices and cross-sectional studies of expert practitioners 
- could be key area to study for identifying boundary conditions/dosage requirements
- can help tailor specific mindfulness interventions to individuals

Significance of Retreat Practice in Psychological Research

- in retreat, practitioners improved in performance activity in attention and response tasks
- greater performance improvements observed during the first half of the retreat than during the second half
- retreats may prove useful for understanding the effects of concentrated practice on biological markers of stress and health 

Results of Retreat Practice in Psychological Research

- how changes in attention and cognitive abilities on retreats may foster corresponding changes in compassion and well-being

Retreat Practice Research Ideas

Retreat practice is an understudied class of meditation intervention in psychological research

Haverford College in Pennsylvania

Retreat practice is a form of mindfulness practice that involves taking a vacation and participating in a retreat solely dedicated to practicing mindfulness. Often, retreats incorporate long periods of formal meditation practice by having participants complete all activities in silence.

Retreat Practice

King, Brandon & Conklin, Quinn & Zanesco, Anthony & Saron, Clifford. (2019). Residential Meditation Retreats: Their Role in Contemplative Practice and Significance for Psychological Research. Current Opinion in Psychology. 28. 10.1016/j.copsyc.2018.12.021. 

Residential Meditation Retreats: Their Role in Contemplative Practice and Significance for Psychological Research 

- rigorous daily schedule of formal mediation practice, which typically ranges from 6-11 hours a day
- Secluded environment
- Guidance, behavioral regimes
- Blurs the boundary between formal and informal modes of practice -> extends meditation to all aspects of life
- includes participants with more cumulative practice experience

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