Interest in mindfulness meditation continues to grow as accumulating evidence suggests mindfulness training encourages more positive functioning. However, basic questions about the conditions best suited for realizing mindful states remain unanswered. Prominent among these is whether a group mindfulness practice setting is more effective for novice meditators than a solitary practice setting. Answering this question has assumed new urgency due to the imposition of physical distancing measures designed to stop the spread of COVID-19. In a time of limited social contact, is a simulated group practice setting better than practicing alone? This preliminary study investigated whether environmental setting impacted mindfulness practice experience by examining the effects of three simulated meditation practice environments (1. group practice, 2. nature practice, and 3. solitary practice) on state mindfulness and perceived social connectivity in a sample of novice meditators. Significant differences emerged across the three simulated practice settings. Findings suggest watching others meditate while meditating appears to most effectively induce a state of mindfulness and strengthen feelings of social connectivity. This study supports traditional beliefs about the benefits of group mindfulness practice. These findings also have implications for social workers struggling to stretch limited resources to address growing mental health demands, especially during times of heightened social isolation due to COVID-19. If a simulated group practice confers the same cognitive benefits as solitary practice while also conferring social benefits, simulated group instruction may be preferable for therapeutic and economic reasons.

随着越来越多的证据表明正念训练鼓励更积极的功能，人们对正念冥想的兴趣继续增长。然而，关于最适合实现正念状态的条件的基本问题仍未得到解答。其中最突出的是，对于新手冥想者来说，集体正念练习设置是否比单独练习设置更有效。由于实施了旨在阻止 COVID-19 传播的物理距离措施，回答这个问题已成为新的紧迫性。在社会接触有限的情况下，模拟小组练习是否比单独练习更好？这项初步研究通过检查三种模拟冥想练习环境（1. 集体练习，2. 自然练习和 3. 孤独练习）在新手冥想者样本中关于状态正念和感知的社会联系。三个模拟练习设置之间出现了显着差异。研究结果表明，在冥想时观看他人冥想似乎最有效地诱导一种正念状态并加强社会联系的感觉。这项研究支持关于集体正念练习的好处的传统信念。这些发现也对努力利用有限资源来满足日益增长的心理健康需求的社会工作者产生了影响，尤其是在 COVID-19 导致社会孤立加剧的时期。如果模拟集体练习与单独练习具有相同的认知益处，同时也带来社会益处，