Mindfulness and modification therapy for behavioral dysregulation: results from a pilot study targeting alcohol use and aggression in women

Objectives: Increasing evidence suggests that deficits in mindfulness (awareness, attentiveness, and acceptance of the present moment) play a role in a range of disorders involving behavioral dysregulation. This paper adds to that literature by describing a transdiagnostic psychotherapy (Mindfulness & Modification Therapy; MMT) developed to target behavioral dysregulation. Design: An open‐treatment pilot‐trial investigated the feasibility, acceptability, and pre‐post effects of MMT targeting women ( N = 14) court‐referred for alcohol abuse/dependence and aggression. Results: Pre‐post comparisons revealed significant decreases in alcohol use, drug use, and aggression. In addition, the retention rate was 93%. Conclusion: Preliminary evidence suggests that MMT is a feasible and acceptable treatment that decreases dysregulated behaviors such as substance use and aggression, while also potentially increasing retention. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 67:1–17, 2011.