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Petrovic J, Mettler J, Cho S, Heath NL. The effects of loving-kindness interventions on positive and negative mental health outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Psychol Rev 2024; 110:102433. [PMID: 38652973 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2024.102433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Loving-kindness meditations involve sending feelings of kindness and care to a series of people including oneself, loved ones, strangers, and all beings. Loving-kindness interventions (LKIs), which include knowledge and/or practice related to loving-kindness, have been gaining attention as a potential intervention for improving mental health in adults. This meta-analysis synthesized the effects of LKIs on both positive (i.e., mindfulness, compassion, positive affect) and negative (i.e., negative affect, psychological symptoms) indices of mental health across comparison types (i.e., passive control, active control, alternative treatment) and general sample types (i.e., community, university), and explored characteristics of LKIs that may impact their effectiveness (i.e., intervention format, intervention length, presence/absence of a live facilitator). Following a systematic review of six databases in November 2023, 23 randomized controlled studies met eligibility criteria and were included in the review. Relative to passive control groups, LKIs had positive effects on mindfulness, compassion, positive affect, negative affect, and psychological symptoms; these effects were non-significant relative to active control groups and alternative therapeutic treatments. Notably, the effects of LKIs did not differ as a function of sample type, intervention format, intervention length, or the presence/absence of a live facilitator. Findings provide support for the effectiveness of LKIs relative to passive control conditions, as well as their potential comparability to alternative evidence-based therapeutic treatments, and provide insight into resource-effective approaches to the delivery of effective LKIs. However, additional studies are needed to confirm the impacts of LKIs relative to other interventions in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Petrovic
- Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology (ECP), McGill University, Canada.
| | | | - Sohyun Cho
- Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology (ECP), McGill University, Canada
| | - Nancy L Heath
- Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology (ECP), McGill University, Canada
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Zangri RM, Blanco I, Pascual T, Vázquez C. Unlocking the past: efficacy of guided self-compassion and benefit-focused online interventions for managing negative personal memories. Cogn Emot 2024:1-15. [PMID: 38635402 DOI: 10.1080/02699931.2024.2337132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Positive reappraisal strategies have been found to reduce negative affect following the recall of negative personal events. This study examined the restorative effect of two mood-repair instructions (self-compassion vs benefit-focused reappraisal) and a control condition with no instructions following a negative Mood Induction Procedure by using the guided recall of a negative autobiographical event. A total of 112 university students participated in the online study (81% women, Mage: 21.0 years). Immediately following the negative memory recall, participants were randomised to each condition [(self-compassion: n = 36, benefit-focused: n = 39) or a control condition (n = 37)]. Repeated measures ANOVAs 3 (Repair condition) × 3 (Time of mood assessment: pre-recall, post-recall, post-regulation) showed that, as expected, negative mood (sadness, shame, and guilt) worsened significantly after the guided recall in all groups (p < .001). After the mood-repair intervention, participants in the self-compassion and benefit-focused conditions showed a significant reduction in negative mood (p < .019), while such improvement was not observed in the control group. Self-compassion and benefit-focused reappraisal functioned similarly as mood repair strategies after experiencing negative affect induced by the recall of negative personal memories. Implications in the context of autobiographical memory biases are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosaria Maria Zangri
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ivan Blanco
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Teodoro Pascual
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Camilo José Cela University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmelo Vázquez
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Zheng F, Liu S, Yin Q, Zheng Y, Yang J, Huang H, Chen L, Wang Y, Chen X, Wang C. Long-term impact of self-compassion training with core stability exercise on patients with nonspecific chronic low back pain: A randomized controlled trial. J Psychosom Res 2024; 181:111678. [PMID: 38643684 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2024.111678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the long-term effectiveness of self-compassion therapy (SCT) combined with core stability exercise (CSE) versus CSE alone in managing nonspecific chronic low back pain (NCLBP). METHODS The combined group received SCT and CSE, while the exercise group only received CSE. Treatment was administered once weekly for four weeks, followed by one year of follow-up. The primary outcomes were changes in functional limitations (measured by Roland and Morris Disability Questionnaire scores[RMDQ]) and self-reported back pain (measured by the Numeric Pain Rating Scale[NRS]) at 52 weeks, with assessments also conducted at 2, 4, and 16 weeks. RESULTS 52 (83.9%) completed the follow-up assessments and were included in the analysis (42 women [80.8%]; mean [SD] age,35.3 [10.0] years). In the combined group, the baseline mean (SD) RMDQ score was 9.3 (4.1),5.7 (5.8) at 2 weeks, 3.8 (3.4) at 4 weeks, 3.8 (3.7) at 16 weeks, and 2.4 (2.7) at 52 weeks. For the exercise group, the RMDQ scores were 8.2 (3.3) at baseline, 6.2 (4.2) at 2 weeks, 5.5 (4.7) at 4 weeks, 4.4 (4.5) at 16 weeks, and 5.2 (5.6) at 52 weeks. The estimated mean difference between the groups at 52 weeks was -3.356 points (95% CI, -5.835 to -0.878; P = 0.009), favoring the combined group. NRS scores showed similar changes. CONCLUSION The addition of self-compassion therapy enhances the long-term efficacy of core stability training for NCLBP (Preregistered at chictr.org.cn:ChiCTR2100042810).
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuming Zheng
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Shufeng Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Qunhui Yin
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yiyi Zheng
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Jiajia Yang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Haoxuan Huang
- Department of psychology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Lichang Chen
- Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yuyin Wang
- Department of psychology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
| | - Chuhuai Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
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Dijk SW, Hunink MGM. Nurturing health, resilience, and well-being among medical imaging professionals: creating resilient organizations for sustainable healthcare. Eur Radiol 2024; 34:2168-2170. [PMID: 37736803 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-023-10244-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Stijntje W Dijk
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M G Myriam Hunink
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
- Center for Health Decision Science, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA.
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Li J, Luo R, Guo P, Zhang D, Mo PKH, Wu AMS, Xin M, Shang M, Cai Y, Wang X, Chen M, He Y, Zheng L, Huang J, Xu RD, Lau JTF, Gu J, Hall BJ. Effectiveness of a WHO self-help psychological intervention to alleviate stress among healthcare workers in the context of COVID-19 in China: a randomised controlled trial. Epidemiol Psychiatr Sci 2024; 33:e11. [PMID: 38450478 PMCID: PMC10940054 DOI: 10.1017/s2045796024000106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS To examine the effectiveness of Self-Help Plus (SH+) as an intervention for alleviating stress levels and mental health problems among healthcare workers. METHODS This was a prospective, two-arm, unblinded, parallel-designed randomised controlled trial. Participants were recruited at all levels of medical facilities within all municipal districts of Guangzhou. Eligible participants were adult healthcare workers experiencing psychological stress (10-item Perceived Stress Scale scores of ≥15) but without serious mental health problems or active suicidal ideation. A self-help psychological intervention developed by the World Health Organization in alleviating psychological stress and preventing the development of mental health problems. The primary outcome was psychological stress, assessed at the 3-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes were depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms, insomnia, positive affect (PA) and self-kindness assessed at the 3-month follow-up. RESULTS Between November 2021 and April 2022, 270 participants were enrolled and randomly assigned to either SH+ (n = 135) or the control group (n = 135). The SH+ group had significantly lower stress at the 3-month follow-up (b = -1.23, 95% CI = -2.36, -0.10, p = 0.033) compared to the control group. The interaction effect indicated that the intervention effect in reducing stress differed over time (b = -0.89, 95% CI = -1.50, -0.27, p = 0.005). Analysis of the secondary outcomes suggested that SH+ led to statistically significant improvements in most of the secondary outcomes, including depression, insomnia, PA and self-kindness. CONCLUSIONS This is the first known randomised controlled trial ever conducted to improve stress and mental health problems among healthcare workers experiencing psychological stress in a low-resource setting. SH+ was found to be an effective strategy for alleviating psychological stress and reducing symptoms of common mental problems. SH+ has the potential to be scaled-up as a public health strategy to reduce the burden of mental health problems in healthcare workers exposed to high levels of stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinghua Li
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Sun Yat-sen University Global Health Institute, Institute of State Governance, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Health Informatics, Guangzhou, China
- Research Center of Health Informatics, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rui Luo
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pengyue Guo
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dexing Zhang
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin District, Hong Kong, China
| | - Phoenix K. H. Mo
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin District, Hong Kong, China
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Anise M. S. Wu
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao, China
| | - Meiqi Xin
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Mental Health Research Centre, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Menglin Shang
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuqi Cai
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xu Wang
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingyu Chen
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yiling He
- Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Luxin Zheng
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinying Huang
- School of Public Health, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Roman Dong Xu
- Acacia Lab for Health Systems Strengthening and Department of Health Management, School of Health Management, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Joseph T. F. Lau
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Affiliated Kangning Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Centre for Health Behaviors Research, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin District, Hong Kong, China
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jing Gu
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Sun Yat-sen University Global Health Institute, Institute of State Governance, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Health Informatics, Guangzhou, China
- Research Center of Health Informatics, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Brian J. Hall
- Center for Global Health Equity, New York University (Shanghai), Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
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Vainre M, Dalgleish T, Watson P, Haag C, Dercon Q, Galante J, Hitchcock C. Work Engagement and Well-being Study (SWELL): a randomised controlled feasibility trial evaluating the effects of mindfulness versus light physical exercise at work. BMJ MENTAL HEALTH 2024; 27:e300885. [PMID: 38423582 PMCID: PMC10910646 DOI: 10.1136/bmjment-2023-300885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mindfulness-based programmes (MBPs) are increasingly offered at work, often in online self-guided format. However, the evidence on MBPs' effect on work performance (WP) is inconsistent. OBJECTIVE This pragmatic randomised controlled feasibility trial assessed procedural uncertainties, intervention acceptability and preliminary effect sizes of an MBP on WP, relative to an alternative intervention. METHODS 241 employees from eight employers were randomised (1:1) to complete a 4-week, self-guided, online MBP or a light physical exercise programme (LE)(active control). Feasibility and acceptability measures were of primary interest. WP at postintervention (PostInt) was the primary outcome for preliminary assessment of effect sizes. Secondary outcomes assessed mental health (MH) and cognitive processes hypothesised to be targeted by the MBP. Outcomes were collected at baseline, PostInt and 12-week follow-up (12wFUP). Prospective trial protocol: NCT04631302. FINDINGS 87% of randomised participants started the course. Courses had high acceptability. Retention rates were typical for online trials (64% PostInt; 30% 12wFUP). MBP, compared with the LE control, offered negligible benefits for WP (PostInt (d=0.06, 95% CI -0.19 to 0.32); 12wFUP (d=0.02, 95% CI -0.30 to 0.26)). Both interventions improved MH outcomes (ds=-0.40 to 0.58, 95% CI -0.32 to 0.18); between-group differences were small (ds=-0.09 to 0.04, 95% CI -0.15 to 0.17). CONCLUSION The trial is feasible; interventions are acceptable. Results provide little support for a later phase trial comparing an MBP to a light exercise control. To inform future trials, we summarise procedural challenges. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Results suggest MBPs are unlikely to improve WP relative to light physical exercise. Although the MBP improved MH, other active interventions may be just as efficacious. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04631302.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maris Vainre
- Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, Cambridge University, Cambridge, UK
- Institute of Psychology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Tim Dalgleish
- Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, Cambridge University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Peter Watson
- Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, Cambridge University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Christina Haag
- Institute for Implementation Science in Health Care, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Quentin Dercon
- Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, Cambridge University, Cambridge, UK
- Institute of Mental Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Julieta Galante
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Contemplative Studies Centre, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Caitlin Hitchcock
- Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, Cambridge University, Cambridge, UK
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Maloney S, Montero-Marin J, Kuyken W. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy-Taking it Further (MBCT-TiF) compared to Ongoing Mindfulness Practice (OMP) in the promotion of well-being and mental health: A randomised controlled trial with graduates of MBCT and MBSR. Behav Res Ther 2024; 173:104478. [PMID: 38244384 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2024.104478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness and acceptability of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy-Taking it Further (MBCT-TiF), as an adapted programme for graduates of MBCT and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). MBCT-TiF sits within a global mental health approach, which aims to help shift a wider distribution of the population towards mental well-being and away from mental ill health using a family of MBCT curricula. The primary hypothesis was that MBCT-TiF, compared to Ongoing Mindfulness Practice (OMP), would help MBCT/MBSR graduates improve their mental well-being. METHOD A parallel RCT with repeated measures was conducted. 164 graduates of MBCT/MBSR were randomly assigned (1:1) to either MBCT-TiF or OMP. REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05154266). RESULTS Of the 164 graduates recruited, 83 were randomly assigned to MBCT-TiF and 81 to OMP. MBCT-TiF was significantly more effective than OMP at improving mental well-being, with large effects post-intervention (B = 6.25; 95% CI = [4.20, 8.29]; Cohen's d = 0.78). No serious adverse effects were reported. CONCLUSIONS The findings support MBCT-TiF, in the context of the proposed global mental health approach, to help MBCT/MBSR graduates sustain mental health benefits and experience further gains in mental well-being after completing an introductory MBCT/MBSR programme. Future work should consider mechanisms and longer follow-up measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Maloney
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX37JX, UK
| | - Jesus Montero-Marin
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX37JX, UK; Teaching, Research & Innovation Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health - CIBERESP), 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Willem Kuyken
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX37JX, UK.
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Rosansky JA, Howard L, Goodman H, Okst K, Fatkin T, Fredericksen AK, Sokol R, Gardiner P, Parry G, Cook BL, Weiss RD, Schuman-Olivier ZD. Effects of live-online, group mindfulness training on opioid use and anxiety during buprenorphine treatment: A comparative effectiveness RCT. Contemp Clin Trials 2024; 137:107417. [PMID: 38135210 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2023.107417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Office-based opioid treatment with buprenorphine has emerged as a popular evidence-based treatment for opioid use disorder. Unfortunately, psychosocial stress, anxiety, pain, and co-morbid substance use increase patients' risk for relapse. We designed this study to compare the effects of complementing buprenorphine treatment with 24 weeks of a live-online Mindful Recovery Opioid Care Continuum (M-ROCC) group to a time and attention-matched, live-online Recovery Support Group (RSG) active control condition. METHODS We plan to enroll a maximum of N = 280 and randomize at least N = 192 patients prescribed buprenorphine through referrals from office-based and telemedicine buprenorphine treatment providers and social media advertisements. Participants will be randomly assigned to M-ROCC or RSG and will be blinded to their treatment condition. The primary outcome for this study will be biochemically confirmed periods of abstinence from illicit opioids, as measured by self-reported use and randomly collected, video-observed oral fluid toxicology testing during the final 12 weeks of study participation. Secondary outcomes include changes in Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) anxiety and pain interference scores between baseline and week 24. RESULTS The trial was funded by the National Institutes of Health, HEAL Initiative through NCCIH (R33AT010125). Data collection is projected to end by September 2023, and we expect publication of results in 2024. CONCLUSION If the M-ROCC intervention is found to be effective in this format, it will demonstrate that live-online mindfulness groups can improve outcomes and address common co-morbidities like anxiety and pain during buprenorphine treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph A Rosansky
- Cambridge Health Alliance, Center for Mindfulness and Compassion, 350 Main Street, Suite 5126, Malden, MA 02148, United States of America; Harvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, 25 Shattuck St., Boston, MA 02115, United States of America
| | - Leah Howard
- Cambridge Health Alliance, Center for Mindfulness and Compassion, 350 Main Street, Suite 5126, Malden, MA 02148, United States of America
| | - Hannah Goodman
- Cambridge Health Alliance, Center for Mindfulness and Compassion, 350 Main Street, Suite 5126, Malden, MA 02148, United States of America
| | - Kayley Okst
- Cambridge Health Alliance, Center for Mindfulness and Compassion, 350 Main Street, Suite 5126, Malden, MA 02148, United States of America
| | - Thomas Fatkin
- Cambridge Health Alliance, Center for Mindfulness and Compassion, 350 Main Street, Suite 5126, Malden, MA 02148, United States of America
| | - A Kiera Fredericksen
- Cambridge Health Alliance, Center for Mindfulness and Compassion, 350 Main Street, Suite 5126, Malden, MA 02148, United States of America
| | - Randi Sokol
- Cambridge Health Alliance, Department of Family Medicine, 1493 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA 02139, United States of America; Tufts University School of Medicine, Family Medicine Residency Training Program, 136 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA 02111, United States of America
| | - Paula Gardiner
- Cambridge Health Alliance, Center for Mindfulness and Compassion, 350 Main Street, Suite 5126, Malden, MA 02148, United States of America
| | - Gareth Parry
- Cambridge Health Alliance, Center for Mindfulness and Compassion, 350 Main Street, Suite 5126, Malden, MA 02148, United States of America; Harvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, 25 Shattuck St., Boston, MA 02115, United States of America
| | - Benjamin L Cook
- Cambridge Health Alliance, Center for Mindfulness and Compassion, 350 Main Street, Suite 5126, Malden, MA 02148, United States of America; Harvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, 25 Shattuck St., Boston, MA 02115, United States of America; Health Equity Research Lab, Cambridge Health Alliance, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States of America
| | - Roger D Weiss
- Harvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, 25 Shattuck St., Boston, MA 02115, United States of America; McLean Hospital, 115 Mill St., Belmont, MA 02478, United States of America
| | - Zev D Schuman-Olivier
- Cambridge Health Alliance, Center for Mindfulness and Compassion, 350 Main Street, Suite 5126, Malden, MA 02148, United States of America; Harvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, 25 Shattuck St., Boston, MA 02115, United States of America.
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Laubacher C, Kral TRA, Imhoff-Smith T, Klaus DR, Goldman RI, Sachs J, Davidson RJ, Busse WW, Rosenkranz MA. Resting state functional connectivity changes following mindfulness-based stress reduction predict improvements in disease control for patients with asthma. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 115:480-493. [PMID: 37924961 PMCID: PMC10842225 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The staggering morbidity associated with chronic inflammatory diseases can be reduced by psychological interventions, including Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). Proposed mechanisms for MBSR's beneficial effects include changes in salience network function. Salience network perturbations are also associated with chronic inflammation, including airway inflammation in asthma, a chronic inflammatory disease affecting approximately 10% of the population. However, no studies have examined whether MBSR-related improvements in disease control are related to changes in salience network function. METHODS Adults with asthma were randomized to 8 weeks of MBSR or a waitlist control group. Resting state functional connectivity was measured using fMRI before randomization, immediately post-intervention, and 4 months post-intervention. Using key salience network regions as seeds, we calculated group differences in change in functional connectivity over time and examined whether functional connectivity changes were associated with increased mindfulness, improved asthma control, and decreased inflammatory biomarkers. RESULTS The MBSR group showed greater increases in functional connectivity between salience network regions relative to the waitlist group. Improvements in asthma control correlated with increased functional connectivity between the salience network and regions important for attention control and emotion regulation. Improvements in inflammatory biomarkers were related to decreased functional connectivity between the salience network and other networks. CONCLUSIONS Increased resting salience network coherence and connectivity with networks that subserve attention and emotion regulation may contribute to the benefits of MBSR for patients with asthma. Understanding the neural underpinnings of MBSR-related benefits in patients is a critical step towards optimizing brain-targeted interventions for chronic inflammatory disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Laubacher
- Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 625 W. Washington Ave, Madison, WI 53703, USA
| | - Tammi R A Kral
- Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 625 W. Washington Ave, Madison, WI 53703, USA; Healthy Minds Innovations, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 625 W. Washington Ave, Madison, WI 53703, USA
| | - Ted Imhoff-Smith
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Danika R Klaus
- Healthy Minds Innovations, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 625 W. Washington Ave, Madison, WI 53703, USA
| | - Robin I Goldman
- Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 625 W. Washington Ave, Madison, WI 53703, USA
| | - Jane Sachs
- Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 625 W. Washington Ave, Madison, WI 53703, USA
| | - Richard J Davidson
- Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 625 W. Washington Ave, Madison, WI 53703, USA; Healthy Minds Innovations, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 625 W. Washington Ave, Madison, WI 53703, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 6001 Research Park Blvd, Madison, WI 53719, USA
| | - William W Busse
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Melissa A Rosenkranz
- Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 625 W. Washington Ave, Madison, WI 53703, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 6001 Research Park Blvd, Madison, WI 53719, USA.
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Webb CA, Hirshberg MJ, Gonzalez O, Davidson RJ, Goldberg SB. Revealing subgroup-specific mechanisms of change via moderated mediation: A meditation intervention example. J Consult Clin Psychol 2024; 92:44-53. [PMID: 37768631 PMCID: PMC10841335 DOI: 10.1037/ccp0000842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Effective psychosocial interventions exist for numerous mental health conditions. However, despite decades of research, limited progress has been made in clarifying the mechanisms that account for their beneficial effects. We know that many treatments work, but we know relatively little about why they work. Mechanisms of change may be obscured due to prior research collapsing across heterogeneous subgroups of patients with differing underlying mechanisms of response. Studies identifying baseline individual characteristics that predict differential response (i.e., moderation) may inform research on why (i.e., mediation) a particular subgroup has better outcomes to an intervention via tests of moderated mediation. METHOD In a recent randomized controlled trial comparing a 4-week meditation app with a control condition in school system employees (N = 662), we previously developed a "Personalized Advantage Index" (PAI) using baseline characteristics, which identified a subgroup of individuals who derived relatively greater benefit from meditation training. Here, we tested whether the effect of mindfulness acquisition in mediating group differences in outcome was moderated by PAI scores. RESULTS A significant index of moderated mediation (IMM = 1.22, 95% CI [0.30, 2.33]) revealed that the effect of mindfulness acquisition in mediating group differences in outcome was only significant among those individuals with PAI scores predicting relatively greater benefit from the meditation app. CONCLUSIONS Subgroups of individuals may differ meaningfully in the mechanisms that mediate their response to an intervention. Considering subgroup-specific mediators may accelerate progress on clarifying mechanisms of change underlying psychosocial interventions and may help inform which specific interventions are most beneficial for whom. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian A. Webb
- Harvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, Boston, MA
- McLean Hospital, Center for Depression, Anxiety & Stress Research, Belmont, MA
| | | | - Oscar Gonzalez
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Department of Psychology, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Richard J. Davidson
- Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Simon B. Goldberg
- Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Counseling Psychology, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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11
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Denkova E, Barry J, Zanesco AP, Rooks J, Rogers SL, Jha AP. Online mindfulness training for older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: a randomized controlled trial using a multi-method assessment approach. Aging Ment Health 2024; 28:130-141. [PMID: 37702364 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2023.2242301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The COVID-19 pandemic drastically accelerated the need for studies examining the effectiveness of programs to bolster psychological well-being, particularly for at-risk groups, such as older adults (OAs). Mindfulness Training (MT) has been suggested as a well-suited program for this purpose. The present study examined the impact of a 4-week online, trainer-led MT course tailored for OAs during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Fifty-three OAs were randomly assigned to either Group A or Group B. Group A received the online MT course during the 4-week interval between the first (T1) and second (T2) testing sessions, while Group B received the same MT course during the interval between T2 and the third testing session (T3). The testing sessions included measures of mindfulness, emotional well-being, psychological health, and cognitive performance. In addition, a very brief survey was sent every week during the T1-T2 and T2-T3 intervals to assess weekly emotional well-being. RESULTS The findings revealed that MT may improve some, albeit not all, aspects of mindfulness and well-being, while no significant results were noted for outcomes measuring psychological health and cognitive performance. CONCLUSIONS These findings are discussed in the context of the evolving COVID-19 situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Denkova
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Jordan Barry
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Anthony P Zanesco
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | | | - Scott L Rogers
- School of Law, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Amishi P Jha
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
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12
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Minkler TO, Zizzi SJ, Follmer DJ. The roles of readiness and dosage in predicting outcomes of a mindful sport performance enhancement intervention with U.S. college student-athletes. PSYCHOLOGY OF SPORT AND EXERCISE 2024; 70:102539. [PMID: 37717610 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2023.102539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Research suggests that Mindfulness- and Acceptance-Based Interventions (MABIs) can impact sport performance and performance-relevant factors, though questions remain regarding when and for whom MABIs are effective. Specifically, inquiries into intervention engagement (i.e., dosage), potentially impacted by participant readiness, are needed. The present study utilized a non-randomized control group design with U.S. collegiate athletes to investigate MABI effects. Four teams from two universities in the Appalachian region (N = 57) engaged in Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement (MSPE) interventions during their offseason or pre-season training period. Participants were assessed on flow, psychological distress, mindfulness, emotion regulation difficulties, life satisfaction, readiness to practice mindfulness, attitudes toward sport psychology, and sport performance and enjoyment. Mindfulness dosage was measured weekly via self-report. Compared to controls, initial MSPE participants reported reductions in depressive symptoms and emotion regulation difficulties, and improvements in self-rated sport performance; at 6-week follow-up, initial MSPE participants reported significant increases in mindfulness and sport enjoyment, in addition to sustained reductions in emotion regulation difficulties. Pre-intervention readiness was not associated with changes across the intervention, though higher post-intervention readiness was associated with improvements in mindfulness, life satisfaction, and sport enjoyment. Higher post-intervention readiness was also associated with significantly more engagement (i.e., dosage), though no evidence indicated that dosage moderated the relationship between readiness and outcomes. These data suggest that post-intervention readiness may impact long-term engagement in mindfulness practice, and that pre-intervention readiness may not be an accurate indicator of engagement in or outcomes of an MABI with athletes.
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Mitsea E, Drigas A, Skianis C. Digitally Assisted Mindfulness in Training Self-Regulation Skills for Sustainable Mental Health: A Systematic Review. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:1008. [PMID: 38131865 PMCID: PMC10740653 DOI: 10.3390/bs13121008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increased demand for mental health interventions, with a special focus on digitally assisted ones. Self-regulation describes a set of meta-skills that enable one to take control over his/her mental health and it is recognized as a vital indicator of well-being. Mindfulness training is a promising training strategy for promoting self-regulation, behavioral change, and mental well-being. A growing body of research outlines that smart technologies are ready to revolutionize the way mental health training programs take place. Artificial intelligence (AI); extended reality (XR) including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR); as well as the advancements in brain computer interfaces (BCIs) are ready to transform these mental health training programs. Mindfulness-based interventions assisted by smart technologies for mental, emotional, and behavioral regulation seem to be a crucial yet under-investigated issue. The current systematic review paper aims to explore whether and how smart technologies can assist mindfulness training for the development of self-regulation skills among people at risk of mental health issues as well as populations with various clinical characteristics. The PRISMA 2020 methodology was utilized to respond to the objectives and research questions using a total of sixty-six experimental studies that met the inclusion criteria. The results showed that digitally assisted mindfulness interventions supported by smart technologies, including AI-based applications, chatbots, virtual coaches, immersive technologies, and brain-sensing headbands, can effectively assist trainees in developing a wide range of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral self-regulation skills, leading to a greater satisfaction of their psychological needs, and thus mental wellness. These results may provide positive feedback for developing smarter and more inclusive training environments, with a special focus on people with special training needs or disabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Mitsea
- Net Media Lab & Mind & Brain R&D, Institute of Informatics & Telecommunications, National Centre of Scientific Research ‘Demokritos’ Athens, Agia Paraskevi, 15341 Athens, Greece;
- Department of Information and Communication Systems Engineering, University of Aegean, 82300 Mytilene, Greece;
| | - Athanasios Drigas
- Net Media Lab & Mind & Brain R&D, Institute of Informatics & Telecommunications, National Centre of Scientific Research ‘Demokritos’ Athens, Agia Paraskevi, 15341 Athens, Greece;
| | - Charalabos Skianis
- Department of Information and Communication Systems Engineering, University of Aegean, 82300 Mytilene, Greece;
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Aziz S, Meier B, Wuensch K, Dolbier C. Take a break! Leisure participation moderates the workaholism-work stress relationship. THE CAREER DEVELOPMENT QUARTERLY 2023; 71:315-329. [PMID: 38390370 PMCID: PMC10883458 DOI: 10.1002/cdq.12336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Our primary aim was to gain a better understanding of how leisure activities (i.e., physical activity, mindfulness, and vacation) may beneficially relate to workaholism and work stress. Secondary aims included exploring motivations for participating in the three types of leisure activities. The job demands-resources theory; conservation of resources theory; and detachment-recovery, autonomy, mastery, meaning, and affiliation model provided context for hypothesized relationships among the variables. Full-time employees in the United States (N = 367) were recruited via Amazon's Mechanical Turk community, and they completed an online survey. Leisure participation significantly moderated the relationship between workaholism and work stress (weakening it). The majority of motivations for mindfulness and vacation were related to mental/emotional health, with a more even split between mental/emotional health and physical health/appearance motivations for physical activities. Several policy and practice-based recommendations for prioritizing leisure engagement are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahnaz Aziz
- Department of Psychology, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Brittany Meier
- Department of Psychology, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Karl Wuensch
- Department of Psychology, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Christyn Dolbier
- Department of Psychology, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
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15
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Roca P, Vazquez C, Diez G, McNally RJ. How do mindfulness and compassion programs improve mental health and well-being? The role of attentional processing of emotional information. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2023; 81:101895. [PMID: 37515955 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2023.101895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Although the benefits of Meditation-Based Programs are well documented, the mechanisms underlying these benefits have not been fully elucidated. Therefore, we examined whether: (1) formal training in mindfulness and compassion meditation modifies the distribution of attentional resources towards emotional information; and (2) whether changes in attentional processing of emotional information after the meditation programs mediate the improvements in psychological distress, emotion regulation, and well-being. METHODS A sample of 103 participants enrolled in the study: 36 in the mindfulness program (MBSR), 30 in the compassion program (CCT), and 37 in the no-intervention comparison group (CG). The assessment before and after the programs included the completion of an emotional Attentional Blink task (AB) together with self-report measures of psychological distress, emotion regulation, and well-being. RESULTS MBSR and CCT reduced similarly the AB deficit, whereas no changes occurred in the CG. This AB reduction was found for the different emotional and non-emotional stimuli (i.e., negative, positive, and neutral), showing a significant disengagement from first-target emotions and significant accessibility of second-target emotions to consciousness. The effects of both meditation programs on the psychological measures were mediated by changes in the AB and emotion regulation skills. LIMITATIONS Due to our naturalistic design in a real-world community setting, random assignment of participants was not feasible. CONCLUSIONS Meditation may promote more flexible and balanced attention to emotional information, which may be a key transdiagnostic mechanism underlying its benefits on emotional distress and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Roca
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Villanueva, Spain; Valencian International University, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Carmelo Vazquez
- School of Psychology, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain
| | - Gustavo Diez
- Nirakara Lab, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain
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Maloney S, Montero-Marin J, Kuyken W. Pathways to mental well-being for graduates of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR): A mediation analysis of an RCT. Psychother Res 2023:1-12. [PMID: 37931304 DOI: 10.1080/10503307.2023.2269299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore mediated effects of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy-"Taking it Further" (MBCT-TiF) on mental well-being through changes in mindfulness, self-compassion, and decentering. METHOD A secondary analysis of an RCT using simple mediation, with 164 graduates of MBCT and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), was implemented whereby MBCT-TiF (vs ongoing mindfulness practice; OMP) was the independent variable; changes in mindfulness, self-compassion, and decentering during the intervention were the mediators; and mental well-being at post-intervention, whilst controlling for baseline, was the dependent variable. Secondary outcomes included psychological quality of life, depression, and anxiety. RESULTS Compared to OMP, MBCT-TiF experienced significant improvements in mental well-being through changes in all three mediators (mindfulness: ab = 0.11 [0.03, 0.25]; decentering: ab = 0.16 [0.05, 0.33]; self-compassion: ab = 0.07 [0.01, 0.18]). A similar pattern was demonstrated for depression, but only mindfulness and decentering mediated effects on psychological quality of life and anxiety. CONCLUSION The findings provide preliminary support for all three mediators in driving change in mental well-being in a sample of MBCT/MBSR graduates. Future work must be theory-driven and powered to test all mediators in parallel and alongside other potential mediators (e.g., equanimity) to further understand independent contributions and interacting effects.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05154266.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jesus Montero-Marin
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Research & Innovation Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health - CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Willem Kuyken
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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17
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Montero-Marin J, Hinze V, Crane C, Dalrymple N, Kempnich MEJ, Lord L, Slaghekke Y, Tudor K, Byford S, Dalgleish T, Ford TJ, Greenberg MT, Ukoumunne OC, Williams JMG, Kuyken W. Do Adolescents Like School-Based Mindfulness Training? Predictors of Mindfulness Practice and Responsiveness in the MYRIAD Trial. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2023; 62:1256-1269. [PMID: 37236303 PMCID: PMC10935541 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2023.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We explored what predicts secondary school students' mindfulness practice and responsiveness to universal school-based mindfulness training (SBMT), and how students experience SBMT. METHOD A mixed-methods design was used. Participants were 4,232 students (11-13 years of age), in 43 UK secondary schools, who received universal SBMT (ie, ".b" program), within the MYRIAD trial (ISRCTN86619085). Following previous research, student, teacher, school, and implementation factors were evaluated as potential predictors of students' out-of-school mindfulness practice and responsiveness (ie, interest in and attitudes toward SBMT), using mixed-effects linear regression. We explored pupils' SBMT experiences using thematic content analysis of their answers to 2 free-response questions, 1 question focused on positive experiences and 1 question on difficulties/challenges. RESULTS Students reported practicing out-of-school mindfulness exercises on average once during the intervention (mean [SD] = 1.16 [1.07]; range, 0-5). Students' average ratings of responsiveness were intermediate (mean [SD] = 4.72 [2.88]; range, 0-10). Girls reported more responsiveness. High risk of mental health problems was associated with lower responsiveness. Asian ethnicity and higher school-level economic deprivation were related to greater responsiveness. More SBMT sessions and better quality of delivery were associated with both greater mindfulness practice and responsiveness. In terms of students' experiences of SBMT, the most frequent themes (60% of the minimally elaborated responses) were an increased awareness of bodily feelings/sensations and increased ability to regulate emotions. CONCLUSION Most students did not engage with mindfulness practice. Although responsiveness to the SMBT was intermediate on average, there was substantial variation, with some youth rating it negatively and others rating it positively. Future SBMT developers should consider co-designing curricula with students, carefully assessing the student characteristics, aspects of the school environment, and implementation factors associated with mindfulness practice and responsiveness. SBMT teacher training is key, as more observed proficiency in SBMT teaching is associated with greater student mindfulness practice and responsiveness to SBMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesus Montero-Marin
- University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Teaching, Research & Innovation Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health - CIBERESP), Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Liz Lord
- University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Kate Tudor
- University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Byford
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health - CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Tim Dalgleish
- Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
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Poetar CR, Bradley N, Voinescu A. Immersive virtual reality or computerised mindfulness meditation for improving mood? Preliminary efficacy from a pilot randomised trial. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1157469. [PMID: 37954176 PMCID: PMC10634527 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1157469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Mindfulness interventions are effective in improving mood, reducing stress, and increasing quality of life. New developments in technology bring important channels to deliver mindfulness interventions that can increase accessibility, such as the Internet, computerised interventions, mobile apps and recently, virtual reality (VR). The aim of the present study is to enhance our current understanding of the use of VR in mindfulness, namely we examined in a pilot randomised trial the efficacy of an immersive VR-based mindfulness approach compared to an active control (computerised-based mindfulness meditation) on improving mood. A secondary objective was to examine whether VR use resulted in simulator sickness which could affect user engagement. Methods Forty-seven (Mage = 29.22 years) healthy participants were randomly assigned to the experimental or control group. Results A mixed 2X3 ANOVA showed a significant Time effect. Namely, negative emotions were reduced in both groups, with non-significant differences between groups. For positive emotions, on the other hand, our results showed no significant impact. Simulator sickness in VR was not present, according to t-test, making VR a safe delivery method. Discussion Future research should investigate VR dosage and combine VR with other interventions (e.g., blended with face-to-face mindfulness interventions, with Internet-delivered interventions).
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Affiliation(s)
- Costina-Ruxandra Poetar
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- The International Institute for the Advanced Studies of Psychotherapy and Applied Mental Health, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Nathan Bradley
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
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Groot J, MacLellan A, Butler M, Todor E, Zulfiqar M, Thackrah T, Clarke C, Brosnan M, Ainsworth B. The Effectiveness of Fully Automated Digital Interventions in Promoting Mental Well-Being in the General Population: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JMIR Ment Health 2023; 10:e44658. [PMID: 37856172 PMCID: PMC10623223 DOI: 10.2196/44658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent years have highlighted an increasing need to promote mental well-being in the general population. This has led to a rapidly growing market for fully automated digital mental well-being tools. Although many individuals have started using these tools in their daily lives, evidence on the overall effectiveness of digital mental well-being tools is currently lacking. OBJECTIVE This study aims to review the evidence on the effectiveness of fully automated digital interventions in promoting mental well-being in the general population. METHODS Following the preregistration of the systematic review protocol on PROSPERO, searches were carried out in MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane, PsycINFO, PsycEXTRA, Scopus, and ACM Digital (initial searches in February 2022; updated in October 2022). Studies were included if they contained a general population sample and a fully automated digital intervention that exclusively used psychological mental well-being promotion activities. Two reviewers, blinded to each other's decisions, conducted data selection, extraction, and quality assessment of the included studies. Narrative synthesis and a random-effects model of per-protocol data were adopted. RESULTS We included 19 studies that involved 7243 participants. These studies included 24 fully automated digital mental well-being interventions, of which 15 (63%) were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with no intervention, there was a significant small effect of fully automated digital mental well-being interventions on mental well-being in the general population (standardized mean difference 0.19, 95% CI 0.04-0.33; P=.02). Specifically, mindfulness-, acceptance-, commitment-, and compassion-based interventions significantly promoted mental well-being in the general population (P=.006); insufficient evidence was available for positive psychology and cognitive behavioral therapy-based interventions; and contraindications were found for integrative approaches. Overall, there was substantial heterogeneity, which could be partially explained by the intervention duration, comparator, and study outcomes. The risk of bias was high, and confidence in the quality of the evidence was very low (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations), primarily because of the high rates of study dropout (average 37%; range 0%-85%) and suboptimal intervention adherence (average 40%). CONCLUSIONS This study provides a novel contribution to knowledge regarding the effectiveness, strengths, and weaknesses of fully automated digital mental well-being interventions in the general population. Future research and practice should consider these findings when developing fully automated digital mental well-being tools. In addition, research should aim to investigate positive psychology and cognitive behavioral therapy-based tools as well as develop further strategies to improve adherence and reduce dropout in fully automated digital mental well-being interventions. Finally, it should aim to understand when and for whom these interventions are particularly beneficial. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42022310702; https://tinyurl.com/yc7tcwy7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Groot
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | | | - Madelaine Butler
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Elisa Todor
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Mahnoor Zulfiqar
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | | | - Christopher Clarke
- Department of Computer Science, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Brosnan
- Centre for Applied Autism Research, Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Ben Ainsworth
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
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Ganesan S, A Moffat B, Van Dam NT, Lorenzetti V, Zalesky A. Meditation attenuates default-mode activity: A pilot study using ultra-high field 7 Tesla MRI. Brain Res Bull 2023; 203:110766. [PMID: 37734622 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2023.110766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Mapping the neurobiology of meditation has been bolstered by functional MRI (fMRI) research, with advancements in ultra-high field 7 Tesla fMRI further enhancing signal quality and neuroanatomical resolution. Here, we utilize 7 Tesla fMRI to examine the neural substrates of meditation and replicate existing widespread findings, after accounting for relevant physiological confounds. METHODS In this feasibility study, we scanned 10 beginner meditators (N = 10) while they either attended to breathing (focused attention meditation) or engaged in restful thinking (non-focused rest). We also measured and adjusted the fMRI signal for key physiological differences between meditation and rest. Finally, we explored changes in state mindfulness, state anxiety and focused attention attributes for up to 2 weeks following the single fMRI meditation session. RESULTS Group-level task fMRI analyses revealed significant reductions in activity during meditation relative to rest in default-mode network hubs, i.e., antero-medial prefrontal and posterior cingulate cortices, precuneus, as well as visual and thalamic regions. These findings survived stringent statistical corrections for fluctuations in physiological responses which demonstrated significant differences (p < 0.05/n, Bonferroni controlled) between meditation and rest. Compared to baseline, State Mindfulness Scale (SMS) scores were significantly elevated (F(3,9) = 8.16, p < 0.05/n, Bonferroni controlled) following the fMRI meditation session, and were closely maintained at 2-week follow up. CONCLUSIONS This pilot study establishes the feasibility and utility of investigating focused attention meditation using ultra-high field (7 Tesla) fMRI, by supporting widespread evidence that focused attention meditation attenuates default-mode activity responsible for self-referential processing. Future functional neuroimaging studies of meditation should control for physiological confounds and include behavioural assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saampras Ganesan
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Carlton, Victoria 3053, Australia; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria 3053, Australia; Contemplative Studies Centre, Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia.
| | - Bradford A Moffat
- Melbourne Brain Centre Imaging Unit, Department of Radiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Nicholas T Van Dam
- Contemplative Studies Centre, Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Valentina Lorenzetti
- Neuroscience of Addiction and Mental Health Program, Healthy Brain and Mind Research Centre, School of Behavioral and Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, Victoria 3065, Australia
| | - Andrew Zalesky
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Carlton, Victoria 3053, Australia; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria 3053, Australia
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21
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Goldberg SB, Sun S, Carlbring P, Torous J. Selecting and describing control conditions in mobile health randomized controlled trials: a proposed typology. NPJ Digit Med 2023; 6:181. [PMID: 37775522 PMCID: PMC10541862 DOI: 10.1038/s41746-023-00923-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Hundreds of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have tested the efficacy of mobile health (mHealth) tools for a wide range of mental and behavioral health outcomes. These RCTs have used a variety of control condition types which dramatically influence the scientific inferences that can be drawn from a given study. Unfortunately, nomenclature across mHealth RCTs is inconsistent and meta-analyses commonly combine control conditions that differ in potentially important ways. We propose a typology of control condition types in mHealth RCTs. We define 11 control condition types, discuss key dimensions on which they differ, provide a decision tree for selecting and identifying types, and describe the scientific inferences each comparison allows. We propose a five-tier comparison strength gradation along with four simplified categorization schemes. Lastly, we discuss unresolved definitional, ethical, and meta-analytic issues related to the categorization of control conditions in mHealth RCTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon B Goldberg
- Department of Counseling Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
- Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Shufang Sun
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
- International Health Institute, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
- Mindfulness Center, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Per Carlbring
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - John Torous
- Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Business School, Boston, MA, USA
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22
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Breuer E, Morris A, Blanke L, Pearsall M, Rodriguez R, Miller BF, Naslund JA, Saxena S, Balsari S, Patel V. A theory of change for community-initiated mental health care in the United States. Glob Ment Health (Camb) 2023; 10:e56. [PMID: 37854428 PMCID: PMC10579655 DOI: 10.1017/gmh.2023.49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Mental health service delivery needs radical reimagination in the United States where unmet needs for care remain large and most metrics on the burden of mental health problems have worsened, despite significant numbers of mental health professionals, spending on service provision and research. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the need for mental health care. One path to a radical reimagination is "Community Initiated Care (CIC)" which equips and empowers communities to address by providing brief psychosocial interventions by people in community settings. We co-developed a theory of change (ToC) for CIC with 24 stakeholders including representatives from community-based, advocacy, philanthropic and faith-based organizations to understand how CIC could be developed and adapted for specific contexts. We present a ToC which describes ways in which the CIC initiative can promote and strengthen mental health in communities in the United States with respect to community organization and leadership; community care and inclusion and normalizing mental health. We propose 10 strategies as part of CIC and propose a way forward for implementation and evaluation. This CIC model is a local, tailored approach which can expand the role of community members to strengthen our response to mental health needs in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Breuer
- College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Angelika Morris
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Miriam Pearsall
- National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP), Portland, ME, USA
| | | | - Benjamin F. Miller
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, Stanford School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - John A. Naslund
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shekhar Saxena
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Satchit Balsari
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Emergency Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vikram Patel
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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23
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Goldberg SB, Anders C, Stuart-Maver SL, Kivlighan DM. Meditation, mindfulness, and acceptance methods in psychotherapy: A systematic review. Psychother Res 2023; 33:873-885. [PMID: 37155740 PMCID: PMC10523914 DOI: 10.1080/10503307.2023.2209694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE : Meditation, mindfulness, and acceptance (MMA) methods have gained popularity among psychotherapists and the public. The impact of these strategies as implemented in treatment packages (e.g., mindfulness-based interventions) has been studied extensively. However, the impact of integrating MMA strategies into individual psychotherapy has not been established. METHODS : To address this gap in the literature, we conducted a systematic review of empirical (quantitative or qualitative) studies investigating the use of MMA methods during individual psychotherapy in adult samples. RESULTS : After reviewing 4671 references, only three studies (one quantitative, two qualitative) met our inclusion criteria. The one experimental study (n = 162) provided no evidence that including mindfulness meditation improved outcomes beyond other active interventions (ds = 0.00-0.12 for effects on general clinical symptoms vs. progressive muscle relaxation and treatment-as-usual, respectively). Two qualitative studies (n = 5 therapist-patient dyads in one study, n = 9 adults in one study) provided preliminary evidence that patients may find MMA methods helpful. CONCLUSIONS : We highlight future directions for work in this area, including clarifying optimal dosage and timing, identifying patient characteristics associated with beneficial or adverse effects, investigating cultural adaptations, and clarifying how MMA constructs can be measured within individual psychotherapy. We conclude by highlighting training recommendations and therapeutic practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon B. Goldberg
- Department of Counseling Psychology, University of Wisconsin – Madison
- Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin - Madison
| | - Christopher Anders
- Department of Psychological and Quantitative Foundations, University of Iowa
| | - Shannon L. Stuart-Maver
- Department of Psychological and Quantitative Foundations, University of Iowa
- Student Health and Counseling Services, University of California, Davis
| | - D. Martin Kivlighan
- Department of Psychological and Quantitative Foundations, University of Iowa
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24
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Durand-Moreau Q, Jackson T, Deibert D, Els C, Kung JY, Straube S. Mindfulness-based Practices in Workers to Address Mental Health Conditions: A Systematic Review. Saf Health Work 2023; 14:250-258. [PMID: 37818218 PMCID: PMC10562101 DOI: 10.1016/j.shaw.2023.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The effectiveness of mindfulness techniques in addressing mental health conditions in workers is uncertain. However, it could represent a therapeutic tool for workers presenting with such conditions. Our objective was to assess the effects of mindfulness-based practices for workers diagnosed with mental health conditions. We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Participants included were workers with a mental health condition. Interventions included any mindfulness technique, compared to any nonmindfulness interventions. Outcomes were scores on validated psychiatric rating scales. A total of 4,407 records were screened; 202 were included for full-text analysis; 2 studies were included. The first study (Finnes et al., 2017) used Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) associated or not with Workplace Dialogue Intervention (WDI), compared to treatment as usual. At 9 months follow-up, for the ACT group, depression scores improved marginally (standardized mean difference [SMD]: -0.06, p = 0.021), but anxiety scores were worse (SMD: 0.15, p = 0.036). Changes in mental health outcomes were not statistically significant for the ACT + WDI group. In the second study (Grensman et al., 2018), no statistically significant change in mental health scales has been observed after completion of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy compared to cognitive behavioral therapy. Substantial heterogeneity precluded meta-analysis. This systematic review did not find evidence that mindfulness-based practices provide a durable and substantial improvement of mental health outcomes in workers diagnosed with mental health conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quentin Durand-Moreau
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Tanya Jackson
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Danika Deibert
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Charl Els
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Janice Y. Kung
- John W. Scott Health Sciences Library, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Sebastian Straube
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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25
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Saijonkari M, Paronen E, Lakka T, Tolmunen T, Linnosmaa I, Lammintakanen J, Isotalo J, Rekola H, Mäki-Opas T. Promotive and preventive interventions for mental health and well-being in adult populations: a systematic umbrella review. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1201552. [PMID: 37719731 PMCID: PMC10501832 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1201552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Mental health disorders are increasing worldwide, leading to significant personal, economic, and social consequences. Mental health promotion and prevention have been the subject of many systematic reviews. Thus, decision makers likely face the problem of going through literature to find and utilize the best available evidence. Therefore, this systematic umbrella review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions for promoting mental health and mental well-being, as well as for the primary prevention of mental health disorders. Methods Literature searches were performed in APA PsycInfo, Medline, and Proquest Social Science databases from January 2000 to December 2021. The search results were screened for eligibility using pre-defined criteria. The methodological quality of the included reviews was evaluated using the AMSTAR 2 tool. The key findings of the included reviews were narratively synthesized and reported with an emphasis on reviews achieving higher methodological quality. Results Out of the 240 articles found, 16 systematic reviews and four systematic umbrella reviews were included. The methodological quality of included reviews was low or critically low. Discussion This review suggests that interventions using cognitive-behavioral therapy and those developing resilience, mindfulness, or healthy lifestyles can be effective in the promotion of mental health and well-being in adult populations. Motivational interviewing may reduce alcohol consumption in young adults. Indicated or selective prevention is likely to be cost-effective compared to universal prevention. Parenting interventions and workplace interventions may be cost-effective in terms of promoting mental health. Due to the low methodological quality of the included reviews and substantial heterogeneity among the reported results, the findings from the reviews we summarized should be interpreted with caution. There is a need for further rigorous, high-quality systematic reviews.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maija Saijonkari
- Department of Health and Social Management, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Elsa Paronen
- Department of Health and Social Management, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Timo Lakka
- Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
- Foundation for Research in Health Exercise and Nutrition, Kuopio Research Institute of Exercise Medicine, Kuopio, Finland
| | | | - Ismo Linnosmaa
- Department of Health and Social Management, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Public Health and Welfare, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Johanna Lammintakanen
- Department of Health and Social Management, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jenni Isotalo
- Department of Health and Social Management, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Hanna Rekola
- Department of Social Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Tomi Mäki-Opas
- Department of Social Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Wellbeing Services Research Center, North Savo Wellbeing Services County, Kuopio, Finland
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26
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Maloney S, Surawy C, Martin M, Montero-Marin J, Kuyken W. The State- and Trait-Level Effects and Candidate Mechanisms of Four Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) Practices: Two Exploratory Studies. Mindfulness (N Y) 2023; 14:2155-2171. [PMID: 37795338 PMCID: PMC10545571 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-023-02193-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Objectives The primary aim was to explore state- and trait-level effects and candidate mechanisms of four Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) practices. Method One hundred sixty adults self-selected from the general population were randomized to one of four mindfulness practices: body scan, mindful movement, breath and body, and befriending. Study 1 explored state-level self-compassion, mindfulness, decentering (mechanisms), and pleasantness of thoughts, emotions, and body sensations at multiple time points using two single mindfulness sessions. Study 2 explored trait-level self-compassion, mindfulness, decentering, interoceptive awareness, attentional control (mechanisms), anxiety, depression, and psychological quality of life pre-post 2 weeks of daily practice. Results In study 1, state-level effects were demonstrated in all candidate mechanisms and outcomes within the whole sample across time points (d = 0.27 to 0.86), except for state decentering. After controlling for pre-scores and additional covariates, no between-group effects were found (p = 0.050 to 0.973). In study 2, trait-level effects were demonstrated in psychological quality of life and most candidate mechanisms within the whole sample (d = 0.26 to 0.64) but no between-group effects were found (p = 0.080 to 0.805). Within the whole sample, after controlling for pre-scores, changes in mindfulness, self-compassion, decentering, and interoceptive awareness (i.e. body listening) were associated with improvements in psychological quality of life (r = 0.23 to 0.40) and self-led mindfulness practice (r = 0.18 to 0.23). Conclusions Future research should test the generated hypotheses using well-designed, adequately powered, and theory-driven studies that address universal and specific mechanisms in different populations and contexts. Pre-registration This study is not pre-registered. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12671-023-02193-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Maloney
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX37JX UK
| | - Christina Surawy
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX37JX UK
| | - Maryanne Martin
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Anna Watts Building, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG UK
| | - Jesus Montero-Marin
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX37JX UK
- Teaching, Research & Innovation Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health - CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Willem Kuyken
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX37JX UK
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27
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Galante J, Friedrich C, Dalgleish T, Jones PB, White IR. Individual participant data systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials assessing adult mindfulness-based programmes for mental health promotion in non-clinical settings. NATURE. MENTAL HEALTH 2023; 1:462-476. [PMID: 37867573 PMCID: PMC7615230 DOI: 10.1038/s44220-023-00081-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Mindfulness-based programmes (MBPs) are widely used to prevent mental ill-health that is becoming the leading global cause of morbidity. Evidence suggests beneficial average effects but wide variability. We aimed to confirm the effect of MBPs on psychological distress, and to understand whether and how baseline distress, gender, age, education, and dispositional mindfulness modify the effect of MBPs on distress among adults in non-clinical settings. Methods We conducted a pre-registered systematic review and individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis (PROSPERO CRD42020200117). Thirteen databases were searched in December 2020 for randomised controlled trials satisfying a quality threshold and comparing in-person, expert-defined MBPs in non-clinical settings with passive control groups. Two researchers independently selected, extracted, and appraised trials using the revised Cochrane Risk-of-Bias Tool (RoB2). Anonymised IPD of eligible trials were sought from collaborating authors. The primary outcome was psychological distress (unpleasant mental or emotional experiences including anxiety and depression) at 1 to 6 months after programme completion. Data were checked and imputed if missing. Pairwise, random-effects, two-stage IPD meta-analyses were conducted. Effect modification analyses followed a within-studies approach. Public and professional stakeholders were involved in the planning, conduct and dissemination of this study. Results Fifteen trials were eligible, 13 trialists shared IPD (2,371 participants representing 8 countries, median age 34 years-old, 71% women, moderately distressed on average, 20% missing outcome data). In comparison with passive control groups, MBPs reduced average distress between one- and six-months post-intervention with a small to moderate effect size (standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.32; 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.41 to -0.24; p-value < 0.001; 95% prediction interval (PI) -0.41 to -0.24 (no heterogeneity)). Results were robust to sensitivity analyses, and similar for the other psychological distress time point ranges. Confidence in the primary outcome result is high. We found no clear indication that this effect is modified by baseline psychological distress, gender, age, education level, or dispositional mindfulness. Conclusions Group-based teacher-led MBPs generally reduce psychological distress among community adults who volunteer to receive this type of intervention. More research is needed to identify sources of variability in outcomes at an individual level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julieta Galante
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Contemplative Studies Centre, Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Claire Friedrich
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Tim Dalgleish
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Peter B. Jones
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration East of England, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ian R. White
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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28
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Guillot CR, Kelly ME, Phillips NB, Su MY, Douglas ME, Poe DJ, Berman ME, Liang T. BDNF and stress/mood-related interactions on emotional disorder symptoms, executive functioning, and deliberate self-harm. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 163:195-201. [PMID: 37220696 PMCID: PMC10330730 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.05.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Some prior research has suggested that the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene may amplify responses related to life stress (e.g., depression and anxiety) or associated with negative moods (e.g., self-harm and diminished cognitive functioning). The purpose of this study was to investigate whether stress/mood-related associations with depressive and anxiety symptoms, deliberate self-harm, and executive functioning (EF) are moderated by genotypic variations in BDNF rs10835210 (a relatively understudied BDNF polymorphism) in a nonclinical sample. As part of a larger study, European American social drinkers (N = 132; 43.9% female; M age = 26.0, SD = 7.6) were genotyped for BDNF rs10835210 and were administered self-report measures of subjective life stress, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and history of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and behavioral measures of EF and deliberate self-harm. Results indicated that BDNF significantly moderated the life stress associations with depressive symptoms and NSSI, the anxious mood association with EF, and the depressed mood association with deliberate self-harm behavior. Each of these BDNF × stress/mood interactions were characterized by stress/mood associations that were stronger in individuals with the AA genotype (homozygous for the minor allele) than in individuals possessing a genotype that included the major allele (AC or CC). The main limitations of the present study were use of a cross-sectional design, modest sample size, and investigating only one BDNF polymorphism. Despite these limitations and though preliminary, current findings suggest that variations in BDNF may confer vulnerability to stress or mood, which may result in more adverse emotional, cognitive, or behavioral outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Megan E Kelly
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, USA
| | | | - Mei-Yi Su
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, USA
| | | | - Darian J Poe
- Department of Social Work, Psychology, and Philosophy, Texas Woman's University, USA
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29
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Ji CF, Wu GH, Du XD, Wang GX, Liu LL, Niu ME, Logan R, Kong FZ. Factors that contribute to trait mindfulness level among hospitalized patients with major depressive disorder. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1144989. [PMID: 37496685 PMCID: PMC10368243 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1144989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Mindfulness training among patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) reduces symptoms, prevents relapse, improves prognosis, and is more efficient for those with a high level of trait mindfulness. Upon hospital admission, 126 MDD patients completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief, Five-Factor Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), and the Rumination Response Scale (RRS). The 65 patients that scored less than the median of all subjects on the FFMQ were placed into the low mindfulness level (LML) group. The other 61 patients were placed in the high mindfulness level (HML) group. All facet scores were statistically different between the mental health assessment scores of the HML and LML groups except for RRS brooding and FFMQ nonjudgement. Trait mindfulness level exhibited a negative and bidirectional association with MDD severity primarily through the facets of description and aware actions. Trait mindfulness was also related positively with age primarily through the facets of nonreactivity and nonjudgement. Being married is positively associated with trait mindfulness levels primarily through the facet of observation and by an associated increase in perceived quality of life. Mindfulness training prior to MDD diagnosis also associates positively with trait mindfulness level. Hospitalized MDD patients should have their trait mindfulness levels characterized to predict treatment efficiency, help establish a prognosis, and identify mindfulness-related therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cai-Fang Ji
- Department of Psychology, Suzhou Guangji Hospital, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Guan-Hui Wu
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiang Dong Du
- Department of Psychology, Suzhou Guangji Hospital, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Gui-Xian Wang
- Moral Education Research Center, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Li-Li Liu
- Department of Psychology, Suzhou Guangji Hospital, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Mei-E. Niu
- Department of Nursing, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Robert Logan
- Department of Biology, Eastern Nazarene College, Quincy, MA, United States
| | - Fan-Zhen Kong
- Department of Nursing, Suzhou Guangji Hospital, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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30
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Fincham GW, Mavor K, Dritschel B. Effects of Mindfulness Meditation Duration and Type on Well-being: an Online Dose-Ranging Randomized Controlled Trial. Mindfulness (N Y) 2023; 14:1171-1182. [PMID: 37304656 PMCID: PMC10090715 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-023-02119-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Objectives This multi-arm randomized controlled online trial explored the effects of two key mindfulness characteristics (dose and type) over 2 weeks on mental well-being, along with psychological distress and dispositional mindfulness, in a healthy community sample. Method Participants were randomly assigned to one of four mindfulness interventions (~ 10 min or ~ 30 min of sitting or movement meditation) to practice daily for 2 weeks; 161 participants fully completed the study and were included in the final sample. We also explored self-reported adherence through how often participants practiced, along with dropout rate via how many participants fully completed the study. Results Well-being and mindfulness scores increased-and distress scores decreased-within all four conditions. However, most importantly, there were no significant differences between the conditions as a function of meditation dose or type. There were also no differences between the conditions on how regularly the meditations were practiced irrespective of type or dose. Additionally, there was no difference on dropout rate regarding meditation dose. However, meditation type had an effect, with a significantly higher dropout rate for participants allocated to a movement meditation irrespective of the dose. Conclusions Brief mindfulness meditation may offer some benefit to well-being regardless of the meditation type and dose but, fundamentally, no differences in effects were detected between short/long sitting meditations and short/long movement meditations. Moreover, the results indicate that movement meditations may possibly be harder to adhere to, potentially informing the tailoring of mindfulness-based self-help programs. Limitations and future directions are also discussed. Preregistration This study was retrospectively registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12619000422123). Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12671-023-02119-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guy W. Fincham
- School of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Scotland
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, England
| | - Ken Mavor
- School of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Scotland
| | - Barbara Dritschel
- School of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Scotland
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31
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Ghanbari Noshari M, Kempton HM, Kreplin U. Mindfulness or expectancy? The label of mindfulness leads to expectancy effects. COUNSELLING & PSYCHOTHERAPY RESEARCH 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/capr.12589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mona Ghanbari Noshari
- School of Psychology Massey University Auckland New Zealand
- Dr. Mind Psychology Ltd. Auckland New Zealand
| | | | - Ute Kreplin
- School of Psychology Massey University Palmerston North New Zealand
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32
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Vallim JRDS, Lima GS, Tsuji HMS, Xylaras BDP, Tufik S, Demarzo M, D'Almeida V. Mediation analysis of circadian preferences and other behavioral and sociodemographic factors associated with subjective well-being in undergraduate students. Chronobiol Int 2023:1-13. [PMID: 36803127 DOI: 10.1080/07420528.2023.2181179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
Undergraduate students are usually subjected to a routine with constant pressure, stress, circadian misalignment, and sleep irregularity that impairs their subjective well-being. Recent evidence suggests that circadian preference is also a risk factor for impaired mental health and factors related to subjective well-being. This study aimed to identify the sociodemographic factors associated with subjective well-being and describe the mediating behavioral variables. Between September 2018 and March 2021, 615 Brazilian students enrolled in higher educational institutions completed an electronic form containing questionnaires on subjective well-being, sociodemographic, and behavioral-related factors (convenience sample). A statistical mediation model was applied to describe how these variables influence subjective well-being. We observed that Morningness (p < .001), identification with the male gender (p = .010), not working while studying (p = .048), and the practice of Pilates/yoga (p = .028) were associated with greater subjective well-being. Except for employment status, no direct effects were observed, which reinforces the need to consider a multidimensional approach. The relationship between subjective well-being and sociodemographic factors exists only in the presence of behavioral mediators, specifically perceived stress, daytime sleepiness, symptoms of depression, sleep quality, and positive and negative affects. Future work should investigate in more detail the impact of sleep, stress, and circadian preferences on this relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Sergio Tufik
- Department of Psychobiology, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo-SP, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Demarzo
- Mente Aberta - Brazilian Center for Mindfulness and Health Promotion, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo-SP, Brazil
| | - Vânia D'Almeida
- Department of Psychobiology, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo-SP, Brazil
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Gherardi-Donato ECDS, Díaz-Serrano KV, Barbosa MR, Fernandes MNDF, Gonçalves-Ferri WA, Camargo Júnior EB, Reisdorfer E. The Impact of an Online Mindfulness-Based Practice Program on the Mental Health of Brazilian Nurses during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3666. [PMID: 36834361 PMCID: PMC9965119 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This quantitative, before-after study was developed to evaluate the usefulness of an online mindfulness practices program to help nursing professionals deal with stress in the challenging context of the COVID-19 pandemic through the assessment of perceived stress, anxiety and depression, levels of mindfulness, and participants' satisfaction with the program. Eligible participants were assessed at baseline to receive the online mindfulness training program for eight weeks and were appraised again at the end of the program. Standardized measures of perceived stress, depression, anxiety, and one-dimensional and multidimensional mindfulness were performed. Participant satisfaction was also studied. Adherence to treatment was 70.12%. The perceived stress, depression, and anxiety scores were significantly lower after the intervention. The mindfulness measure increased significantly, as well as the sense of well-being and satisfaction with life, study, and/or work. The participants showed high satisfaction with the program and would recommend it to other professionals. Our results indicate that mindfulness-based interventions represent an effective strategy for nurses in the face of the need for self-care with mental health and mechanisms that guarantee the sustainability of their capacities to continue exercising health care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Emilene Reisdorfer
- Department of Professional Nursing and Allied Health, Faculty of Nursing, MacEwan University, 10700 104 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 4S2, Canada
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Zeng N, Zhang M, Fu S, Xiao Q, Javed T. Online experimental research on the psychological capital development of new venture entrepreneur under the COVID-19 pneumonia epidemic. Front Psychol 2023; 13:963439. [PMID: 36710815 PMCID: PMC9874676 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.963439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The global economy has been severely traumatized by the COVID-19 pandemic, and new ventures are under tremendous pressure to survive. This paper explores whether structured reading materials and mindfulness intervention can develop entrepreneurs' psychological capital and whether there are different effects on different development methods. We recruited 112 new venture entrepreneurs and carried out an online experiment using the experimental group, the control group, and the pre-test and post-test design; at last, 83 of whom participated in the process can be assessed for psychological capital development effect. The research findings indicated that structured reading materials could effectively improve the overall psychological capital of the subjects (t = -5.574,p < 0.01) and impact in every dimension, including self-efficacy (Z = -2.858, p < 0.01), hope (t = -3.560, p < 0.01), resilience (t = -4.368, p < 0.01) and optimism (Z = -3.300, p < 0.01). In comparison, mindfulness intervention can improve the subjects' overall psychological capital (Z = -3.293, p < 0.01) and improve levels of self-efficacy (Z = -2.285, p < 0.01), hope (t = -4.244, p < 0.01), resilience (t = -3.167, p < 0.01), but limited effect on the optimism (t = -1.955, p > 0.05); In addition, there is no significant difference between structured reading materials and mindfulness intervention according to the statistical analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Zeng
- College of Economics and Management, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China,*Correspondence: Na Zeng,
| | - Ming Zhang
- College of Economics and Management, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Shanna Fu
- School of Business and Management, Shanghai International Studies University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qin Xiao
- School of Business and Management, Shanghai International Studies University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tahira Javed
- College of Economics and Management, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
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Lam SU, Riordan KM, Simonsson O, Davidson RJ, Goldberg SB. Who Sticks with Meditation? Rates and Predictors of Persistence in a Population-based Sample in the USA. Mindfulness (N Y) 2023; 14:66-78. [PMID: 36777474 PMCID: PMC9910079 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-022-02061-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Objectives Despite the well-documented psychological benefits of meditation practice, limited research has examined factors associated with meditation practice persistence. Like other health behaviors (e.g., exercise), non-persistence may undermine the effectiveness of meditation. Methods We examined rates and correlates of meditation persistence using a population-based sample (n = 953) in the United States. Persistence was operationalized in two ways: number of lifetime practice sessions (i.e., lifetime persistence) and current practice frequency (i.e., current persistence). Consistent with the National Health Interview Survey, we defined meditation as mindfulness meditation, mantra meditation, and spiritual meditation. We examined factors related to the Reasoned Action Approach (RAA), a theory that has been used to explain adherence to health behaviors. Results Almost half of the sample (49.3%) indicated lifetime exposure to meditation and a third (35.0%) indicated practice in the past year. Factors positively associated with persistence (lifetime and/or current) included having spoken with a meditation teacher, higher perceived effectiveness of meditation, higher meditation-positive subjective norms, lower perceived barriers, higher conscientiousness, higher wellbeing growth mindset, and retreat experience. Factors negatively associated with persistence included first exposure through various forms of technology and having a mental health motivation for practice. First exposure through a smartphone app and first exposure through friends and family were not associated with lifetime or current persistence. Findings were unchanged after controlling for demographics and applying a false discovery rate p-value adjustment. Conclusions These findings provide insights into factors that may promote persistence with meditation which can guide the delivery of meditation training. Preregistration This study was preregistered at the Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/4h86s).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sin U Lam
- Department of Counseling Psychology, University of Wisconsin – Madison
- Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin - Madison
| | - Kevin M. Riordan
- Department of Counseling Psychology, University of Wisconsin – Madison
- Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin - Madison
| | - Otto Simonsson
- Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin - Madison
| | - Richard, J. Davidson
- Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin - Madison
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin – Madison
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin – Madison
| | - Simon B. Goldberg
- Department of Counseling Psychology, University of Wisconsin – Madison
- Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin - Madison
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Myall K, Montero-Marin J, Gorczynski P, Kajee N, Syed Sheriff R, Bernard R, Harriss E, Kuyken W. Effect of mindfulness-based programmes on elite athlete mental health: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Sports Med 2023; 57:99-108. [PMID: 36223914 DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2022-105596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the effectiveness of mindfulness-based programmes (MBPs) on the mental health of elite athletes. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES Eight online databases (Embase, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus, MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane CENTRAL, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses and Google Scholar), plus forward and backward searching from included studies and previous systematic reviews. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES Studies were included if they were randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared an MBP against a control, in current or former elite athletes. RESULTS Of 2386 articles identified, 12 RCTs were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis, comprising a total of 614 elite athletes (314 MBPs and 300 controls). Overall, MBPs improved mental health, with large significant pooled effect sizes for reducing symptoms of anxiety (hedges g=-0.87, number of studies (n)=6, p=0.017, I 2=90) and stress (g=-0.91, n=5, p=0.012, I 2=74) and increasing psychological well-being (g=0.96, n=5, p=0.039., I 2=89). Overall, the risk of bias and certainty of evidence was moderate, and all findings were subject to high estimated levels of heterogeneity. CONCLUSION MBPs improved several mental health outcomes. Given the moderate degree of evidence, high-quality, adequately powered trials are required in the future. These studies should emphasise intervention fidelity, teacher competence and scalability within elite sport. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42020176654.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kearnan Myall
- Department of Psychiatry, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
| | - Jesus Montero-Marin
- Department of Psychiatry, Oxford University, Oxford, UK .,Teaching, Reseach and Innovation Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Paul Gorczynski
- School of Human Science, University of Greenwich, London, UK
| | - Nabeela Kajee
- Department of Psychiatry, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
| | - Rebecca Syed Sheriff
- Department of Psychiatry, Oxford University, Oxford, UK.,Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, NHS, Oxford, UK
| | - Robert Bernard
- Department of Education, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Eli Harriss
- Bodleian Health Care Libraries, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
| | - Willem Kuyken
- Department of Psychiatry, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
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Kemel PN, Porter JE, Coombs N. The Potential Barriers and Benefits of an Online Physical Activity Program during the COVID-19 Restrictions: Latrobe Virtual Streetgames. A Qualitative Study. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HEALTH EDUCATION 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/19325037.2022.2142338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Bonde EH, Mikkelsen EG, Fjorback LO, Juul L. Impacting employees' and managers' mental health skills using a workplace-adapted mindfulness-based intervention. Front Psychol 2022; 13:1020454. [PMID: 36562066 PMCID: PMC9763721 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1020454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundDuring the past decades, the mental health of the population has been declining. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) has been found effective in enhancing well-being along with reducing perceived stress and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in the workplace have shown promising results relating to the mental health of employees and managers. However, the research field of organizational-level MBIs being offered to entire companies is still nascent. Practicing mindfulness may affect skills related to good mental health. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the impact of an organizational-level MBI on the mental health skills of employees and managers.MethodsThis qualitative study was part of a quasi-experimental multi-method study. Four small and medium-sized private enterprises with a total of 368 employees and managers were included. The intervention contained: 1. An obligatory introductory session on mental health and mindfulness, 2. Voluntary participation in a 10-week live online workplace-adapted MBSR course, and 3. A workshop for selected employee representatives and managers on further implementation of mindfulness in the organization. A total of 27 focus group interviews including 76 respondents were conducted pre- and post-intervention. Verbatim transcription was performed. Data was analyzed using inductive qualitative content analysis.ResultsThrough analysis, four pre-intervention categories emerged: 1. Bodily sensations and awareness in stressful situations, 2. Reactive and passive behavior during stressful situations, 3. Differences in perception as a stressor, 4. Self-criticism and low ability to practice self-care. Six post-intervention categories were identified: 1. Enhanced ability to be aware in the present moment, 2. Increased acknowledgement of how others may view things differently from oneself, 3. Increased kindness to oneself and being able to practice self-care, 4. Moving from reactive to responsive behavior in stressful situations, 5. Mindfulness as an accelerator for an ongoing personal process and 6. Practicing mindfulness – setting time aside or being mindful in everyday life.ConclusionThis study indicates that it is possible to enhance employees’ and managers’ mental health skills using an organizational-level MBI. Enhanced awareness in the present moment transcended through post-intervention categories, facilitating increased self-kindness and responsive behavior in stressful situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Hasager Bonde
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Danish Center for Mindfulness, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark,*Correspondence: Emilie Hasager Bonde,
| | | | - Lone Overby Fjorback
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Danish Center for Mindfulness, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lise Juul
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Danish Center for Mindfulness, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Riordan KM, MacCoon DG, Barrett B, Rosenkranz MA, Chungyalpa D, Lam SU, Davidson RJ, Goldberg SB. Does meditation training promote pro-environmental behavior? A cross-sectional comparison and a randomized controlled trial. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 84:101900. [PMID: 36969767 PMCID: PMC10035784 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvp.2022.101900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Meditation training may promote pro-environmental behavior and related variables, though limited research has tested this experimentally. We investigated whether short- or long-term meditation training were associated with pro-environmental behavior, environmental attitudes, and sustainable well-being (i.e., well-being per unit consumption). In a cross-sectional comparison, long-term meditators (n=31; mean=9,154 meditation hours) displayed greater environmental attitudes (d=0.63) but not pro-environmental behavior or sustainable well-being compared to meditation-naïve participants (ds=-0.14-0.27). In a randomized controlled trial (n=125), eight-week training in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction did not significantly improve target variables relative to waitlist or structurally-matched active control (ds=-0.38-0.43). However, relative to waitlist, randomization to either meditation or active control predicted increases in pro-environmental behavior (d=-0.40) and sustainable well-being (d=0.42), although the latter finding was not robust to multiple imputation. While meditation training may promote pro-environmental behavior and its antecedents, the training investigated here does not appear to be uniquely effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin M. Riordan
- Center for Healthy Minds and Department of Counseling
Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States
| | - Donal G. MacCoon
- Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin-Madison,
And Madison Psychiatric Associates, United States
| | - Bruce Barrett
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health,
University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States
| | - Melissa A. Rosenkranz
- Center for Healthy Minds, Department of Psychiatry,
University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States
| | - Dekila Chungyalpa
- Loka Initiative and Center for Healthy Minds, University of
Wisconsin-Madison, United States
| | - Sin U Lam
- Center for Healthy Minds and Department of Counseling
Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States
| | - Richard J. Davidson
- Center for Healthy Minds, Department of Psychology, And
Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States
| | - Simon B. Goldberg
- Center for Healthy Minds and Department of Counseling
Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States
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40
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Hungerford C, Hills S, Richards C, Robinson T, Hills D. Facilitating Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Anxiety in Older People: History, Effectiveness, and Future Possibilities. Issues Ment Health Nurs 2022; 43:1014-1021. [PMID: 36053887 DOI: 10.1080/01612840.2022.2116510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
The origins of mindfulness go back some 25 centuries to Eastern teachings, including Buddhism and Hinduism. Mindfulness-based interventions gained credence in Western mental health settings in the late 1970s through the work of medical researcher Kabat-Zinn, whose interest in Eastern meditation led him to develop a program for stress reduction. Since then, mindfulness-based interventions have been utilized for various populations, including older people with anxiety. Group mindfulness-based interventions have demonstrated benefits for older people with anxiety living in residential aged care and the community. In primary care settings, innovative delivery models for group mindfulness-based interventions could be facilitated by nurses to support older people with anxiety to age in place with dignity. The benefits of mindfulness-based interventions suggest the value of integrating ancient Eastern techniques with modern Western strategies to achieve better health outcomes for older people with mental health concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Hungerford
- Faculty of Health, Federation University Australia, Ballarat, Victoria, Australia.,Central Queensland University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sharon Hills
- Faculty of Health, Federation University Australia, Ballarat, Victoria, Australia
| | - Catelyn Richards
- Faculty of Medicine Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Frankston, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tracy Robinson
- Faculty of Science, Charles Sturt University, Orange, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Danny Hills
- Faculty of Health, Federation University Australia, Ballarat, Victoria, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Frankston, Victoria, Australia
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41
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Zangri RM, Andreu CI, Nieto I, González AM, Vázquez C. Efficacy of mindfulness to regulate induced emotions in the laboratory: A systematic review and meta-analysis of self-report and biobehavioral measures. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 143:104957. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Lam SU, Kirvin-Quamme A, Goldberg SB. Overall and Differential Attrition in Mindfulness-Based Interventions: A Meta-Analysis. Mindfulness (N Y) 2022; 13:2676-2690. [PMID: 36506616 PMCID: PMC9728563 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-022-01970-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Attrition is very common in longitudinal research, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) testing psychological interventions. Establishing rates and predictors of attrition in mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) can assist clinical trialists and intervention developers. Differential attrition in RCTs that compared MBIs with structure and intensity matched active control conditions also provides an objective metric of relative treatment acceptability. Methods We aimed to evaluate rates and predictors of overall and differential attrition in RCTs of MBIs compared with matched active control conditions. Attrition was operationalized as loss to follow-up at post-test. Six online databases were searched. Results Across 114 studies (n = 11,288), weighted mean attrition rate was 19.1% (95% CI [.16, .22]) in MBIs and 18.6% ([.16, .21]) in control conditions. In the primary model, no significant difference was found in attrition between MBIs and controls (i.e., differential attrition; odds ratio [OR] = 1.05, [0.92, 1.19]). However, in sensitivity analyses with trim-and-fill adjustment, without outliers, and when using different estimation methods (Peto and Mantel-Haenszel), MBIs yielded slightly higher attrition (ORs = 1.10 to 1.25, ps < .050). Despite testing numerous moderators of overall and differential attrition, very few significant predictors emerged. Conclusions Results support efforts to increase the acceptability of MBIs, active controls, and/or RCTs, and highlight the possibility that for some individuals, MBIs may be less acceptable than alternative interventions. Further research including individual patient data meta-analysis is warranted to identify predictors of attrition and to characterize instances where MBIs may or may not be recommended. Meta-Analysis Review Registration: Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/c3u7a/).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sin U Lam
- Department of Counseling Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | - Simon B. Goldberg
- Department of Counseling Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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Mindfulness-based Interventions in inpatient treatment for SUDs: a systematic review. Addict Behav Rep 2022; 16:100467. [DOI: 10.1016/j.abrep.2022.100467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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44
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Karing C. The efficacy of online mindfulness-based interventions in a university student sample: Videoconference- or podcast-delivered intervention. Appl Psychol Health Well Being 2022; 15:740-756. [PMID: 36214182 DOI: 10.1111/aphw.12408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The increasing mental health issues among university students during the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges of delivering face-to-face interventions during lockdowns have increased the demand for online interventions. The report presents results from a randomized controlled trial investigating the benefits of online mindfulness interventions delivered by videoconference or podcast during the early phase of the pandemic in Germany. Fifty university students were randomized to a mindfulness intervention conducted by videoconference (n = 25) or to an unguided training provided by podcasts (n = 25). All students participated in a 7-week mindfulness intervention. Outcome measures included mindfulness, depression, anxiety, and life satisfaction preintervention and postintervention. The study showed a larger reduction in depression in the videoconferencing group than in the podcast group across per protocol (PP) and intention-to-treat (ITT) analyses. There was a significant increase in mindfulness (PP and ITT samples) and life satisfaction (ITT sample) in both groups. The frequency of home practice was related to positive changes in outcomes but only for the videoconferencing group. The results suggest that mindfulness training delivered via videoconferencing can be a viable option to address depressive symptoms among students. However, both interventions were effective in increasing mindfulness and life satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constance Karing
- Institute of Psychology, Department of Research Synthesis, Intervention and Evaluation, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena, Germany
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45
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Goldberg SB. A common factors perspective on mindfulness-based interventions. NATURE REVIEWS PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 1:605-619. [PMID: 36339348 PMCID: PMC9635456 DOI: 10.1038/s44159-022-00090-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have entered mainstream Western culture in the past four decades. There are now dozens of MBIs with varying degrees of empirical support and a variety of mindfulness-specific psychological mechanisms have been proposed to account for the beneficial effects of MBIs. Although it has long been acknowledged that non-specific or common factors might contribute to MBI efficacy, relatively little empirical work has directly investigated these aspects. In this Perspective, I suggest that situating MBIs within the broader psychotherapy research literature and emphasizing the commonalities rather than differences between MBIs and other treatments might help guide future MBI research. To that end, I summarize the evidence for MBI efficacy and several MBI-specific psychological mechanisms, contextualize MBI findings within the broader psychotherapy literature from a common factors perspective, and propose suggestions for future research based on innovations and challenges occurring within psychotherapy research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon B. Goldberg
- Department of Counseling Psychology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
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46
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Tian X, Liao ZL, Yi LJ, Tang L, Chen GH, Jiménez Herrera MF. Efficacy and mechanisms of four-week MBSR on psychological distress in lung cancer patients: a single-center, single-blind, longitudinal, randomized controlled trial. Asia Pac J Oncol Nurs 2022; 10:100151. [PMID: 36406466 PMCID: PMC9667193 DOI: 10.1016/j.apjon.2022.100151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a 4-week mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program on psychological distress in patients with lung cancer and elucidate its mechanisms. Methods This single-center, single-blinded, longitudinal, randomized controlled trial was conducted on 175 patients with lung cancer randomly allocated to a 4-week MBSR or a waiting-list group. The efficacy and mechanisms of the 4-week MBSR program were evaluated by outcome measures at preintervention (T0), the immediate postintervention (T1), 1 month (T2), and 3 months (T3). We analyzed the collected data using the per-protocol set principle, independent sample t-test, repeated measure analysis of variance, and structural equation modeling. Results The 4-week MBSR program significantly alleviated psychological distress (F = 15.05, P < 0.001), decreased perceived stigma (F = 8.260, P = 0.005), improved social support (F = 16.465, P < 0.001), and enhanced mindfulness (F = 17.207, P < 0.001) compared with usual care at T1, T2, and T3. All variables significantly changed over time except for copying style (P = 0.250). The changes in social support, mindfulness, and perceived stigma mediated the efficacy of the 4-week MBSR program on psychological distress (β = −0.292, P = 0.005; β = −0.358, P = 0.005). Conclusions This study shows the benefits of the MBSR program for psychological distress, social support, mindfulness, and perceived stigma in patients with lung cancer. Also, it elucidates the mechanisms by which the MBSR program alleviates psychological distress by improving social support, enhancing mindfulness, and decreasing perceived stigma. The findings provide insights into applying the MBSR program to reduce psychological distress among patients with lung cancer.
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Ganesan S, Beyer E, Moffat B, Van Dam NT, Lorenzetti V, Zalesky A. Focused attention meditation in healthy adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of cross-sectional functional MRI studies. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 141:104846. [PMID: 36067965 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Meditation trains the mind to focus attention towards an object or experience. Among different meditation techniques, focused attention meditation is considered foundational for more advanced practices. Despite renewed interest in its functional neural correlates, there is no unified neurocognitive model of focused attention meditation developed via quantitative synthesis of contemporary literature. Hence, we performed a quantitative systematic review and meta-analysis of all functional MRI studies examining focussed attention meditation. Following PRISMA guidelines, 28 studies were included in this review, of which 10 studies (200 participants) were amenable to activation likelihood estimation meta-analysis. We found that regions comprising three key functional brain networks i.e., Default-mode, Salience, and Executive Control, were consistently implicated in focused attention meditation. Furthermore, meditation expertise, mindfulness levels and attentional skills were found to significantly influence the magnitude, but not regional extent, of activation and functional connectivity in these networks. Aggregating all evidence, we present a unified neurocognitive brain-network model of focused attention meditation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saampras Ganesan
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Carlton, Victoria 3053, Australia; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria 3053, Australia.
| | - Emillie Beyer
- Neuroscience of Addiction and Mental Health Program, Healthy Brain and Mind Research Centre, School of Behavioral and Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, Victoria 3065, Australia.
| | - Bradford Moffat
- Melbourne Brain Centre Imaging Unit, Department of Radiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.
| | - Nicholas T Van Dam
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia.
| | - Valentina Lorenzetti
- Neuroscience of Addiction and Mental Health Program, Healthy Brain and Mind Research Centre, School of Behavioral and Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, Victoria 3065, Australia.
| | - Andrew Zalesky
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Carlton, Victoria 3053, Australia; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria 3053, Australia.
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Bowles NI, Davies JN, Van Dam NT. Dose–response Relationship of Reported Lifetime Meditation Practice with Mental Health and Wellbeing: a Cross-sectional Study. Mindfulness (N Y) 2022; 13:2529-2546. [PMID: 36193220 PMCID: PMC9517970 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-022-01977-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Meta-analyses of meditation studies have revealed mixed modest evidence of benefits across a range of outcomes. However, because this evidence-base is predominantly from brief interventions, it is unclear whether it accurately reflects how contemporary meditators practice or the dose–response relationship between amount of practice and outcome. This study sought to characterize how contemporary meditators practice, examine any possible dose–response relationships between historical practice and measures of psychological wellbeing, and explore which characteristics of practice most strongly predict favorable psychological outcomes. Methods One thousand six hundred and sixty-eight meditators (M = 1095 h practice, SD = 2365) responded to advertisements in meditation practice communities and social media. We explored associations between demographics, meditation practice characteristics, and outcomes including positive and negative affect, psychological distress, and life satisfaction in a cross-sectional study design. Results Historical meditation practice (accumulated lifetime hours) was significantly associated with favorable psychological outcomes (|r| ranging from .18 to .28). Model fit was optimized with a generalized additive model (average increase in R2 = 2.22), indicating non-linear effects. The strength of association between practice time and outcomes was generally strongest for approximately the first 500 h, before plateauing. Several practice types including Vipassana (as taught by S.N. Goenka) and cultivating practices (e.g. compassion, lovingkindness) were more strongly predictive of favorable psychological outcomes. Conclusions Benefits of meditation accrue over time in a non-linear manner, and show variation based on practice context. These results highlight the importance of understanding how the benefits of meditation accrue over longer time durations than typical standardized programs. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12671-022-01977-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas I. Bowles
- Contemplative Studies Centre, Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jonathan N. Davies
- Contemplative Studies Centre, Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nicholas T. Van Dam
- Contemplative Studies Centre, Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Yousefi Afrashteh M, Hasani F. Mindfulness and psychological well-being in adolescents: the mediating role of self-compassion, emotional dysregulation and cognitive flexibility. Borderline Personal Disord Emot Dysregul 2022; 9:22. [PMID: 36059027 PMCID: PMC9441221 DOI: 10.1186/s40479-022-00192-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Adolescence is a critical period of growth. Mental health during adolescence is one of the most important determinants of mental health in adulthood. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between mindfulness and psychological well-being of adolescents considering the mediating role of self-compassion, emotional dysregulation and cognitive flexibility. METHODS The method of this research is cross-sectional. The research population was adolescents (elementary, first and second high school) in Zanjan, Iran in 2021, whose approximate number was 14,000. Data through adolescent mindfulness questionnaires (Brown, West, Loverich, and Biegel, 2011), short form of psychological well-being questionnaire (Ryff and Keyes, 1995), short form of self-compassion scale (Raes et al., 2011), difficulty in Emotion regulation (Gratz and Roemer, 2004) and cognitive flexibility (Dennis and Vander Wal, 2010) were collected. Data analysis was performed using Pearson correlation coefficient and path analysis with SPSS-26 and lisrel-10.2 software. RESULTS According the results, in addition to the fact that mindfulness is directly and positively related to psychological well-being (p < 0.05), it is also indirectly through self-compassion and Cognitive flexibility has a positive and significant relationship with psychological well-being and also mindfulness has an indirect, negative and significant relationship with psychological well-being through emotional dysregulation (p < 0.05). The results supported the goodness of model fit and confirmation of hypotheses. CONCLUSION Therefore, it is recommended that practitioners provide the basis for promoting psychological well-being through mindfulness, emotional dysregulation, self-compassion and cognitive flexibility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fereshteh Hasani
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran
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50
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Schönfeld S, Rathmer I, Michaelsen MM, Hoetger C, Onescheit M, Lange S, Werdecker L, Esch T. Effects of a Mindfulness Intervention Comprising an App, Web-Based Workshops, and a Workbook on Perceived Stress Among Nurses and Nursing Trainees: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2022; 11:e37195. [PMID: 35916708 PMCID: PMC9382546 DOI: 10.2196/37195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Previous research has found digitally supported mindfulness interventions to be effective when used for stress management among workers in high-stress occupations. Findings on digitally supported mindfulness interventions among nurses working in acute inpatient care settings are heterogeneous, lack long-term follow-up, and do not assess adherence and acceptability. Objective This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness and efficacy of a digitally supported mindfulness intervention designed to improve health- and work-related outcomes among nurses and nursing trainees working in acute inpatient care settings. Methods We will conduct a multicenter randomized controlled trial using a wait-list control group design. Randomization will be stratified by hospital and job status (nurse or nursing trainee). Recruitment will take place on the web and offline during the working hours of nurses and nursing trainees. The intervention group will receive a digitally supported mindfulness intervention, which will comprise an app, 2 web-based workshops, and a workbook, whereas the wait-list control group will be scheduled to receive the same intervention 14 weeks later. The 2 web-based workshops will be led by a certified mindfulness-based stress reduction trainer. Nurses will use the app and the workbook independently. Self-report web-based surveys will be conducted on the web at baseline, at 10 weeks after allocation, at 24 weeks after allocation, and at 38 weeks after allocation. Outcomes of interest will include perceived stress (primary outcome), health- and work-related variables, and variables related to adherence and acceptability of the digitally supported mindfulness intervention. We will perform intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses. Results Data collection will be completed by the beginning of August 2022. Data analyses will be completed by December 2022. Conclusions Our study design, including long-term follow-up and the investigation of variables related to adherence and acceptability, will ensure rigorous evaluation of effectiveness and efficacy. Relative to costly in-person intervention efforts, this program may present a cost-effective and potentially highly scalable alternative. Findings regarding effectiveness, efficacy, adherence, and acceptability will inform stakeholders’ decisions regarding the implementation of similar interventions to promote the well-being of nurses and nursing trainees, which may, in turn, alleviate detrimental stress-related outcomes (eg, burnout) because of work-related demands. Trial Registration German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00025997; https://tinyurl.com/433cas7u International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/37195
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Schönfeld
- Institute for Integrative Health Care and Health Promotion (IGVF), Faculty of Health/School of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Ines Rathmer
- Institute for Integrative Health Care and Health Promotion (IGVF), Faculty of Health/School of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Maren M Michaelsen
- Institute for Integrative Health Care and Health Promotion (IGVF), Faculty of Health/School of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Cosima Hoetger
- Institute for Integrative Health Care and Health Promotion (IGVF), Faculty of Health/School of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Miriam Onescheit
- Institute for Integrative Health Care and Health Promotion (IGVF), Faculty of Health/School of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Silke Lange
- Interprofessional Graduate College in Integrative Medicine and Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Lena Werdecker
- Institute for Integrative Health Care and Health Promotion (IGVF), Faculty of Health/School of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Tobias Esch
- Institute for Integrative Health Care and Health Promotion (IGVF), Faculty of Health/School of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
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