Understanding context sensitive mindfulness for increasing diversity and inclusion of mindfulness programs and investigating how these programs can support wellbeing and flourishing of marginalized and challenged groups and communities

Mindfulness programs such as MBSR and MBCT were developed in specific contexts and most research has studied their effects on participants who are considered usually from more privileged groups and cultures. We are currently studying whether and how to adapt these practices to diverse cultural, religious and ethnic groups in Israeli society such as Arab, Druze and Bedouin communities, Orthodox and Ultra-Orthodox Jews, Jews who are descended from Ethiopia etc. We are also studying the usefulness and adaptation needs of mindfulness and self-compassion for individuals with disabilities, such as people who stutter and people with Cerebral Palsy.