-
Annual Review of Psychology Jan 2023Self-compassion refers to being supportive toward oneself when experiencing suffering or pain-be it caused by personal mistakes and inadequacies or external life... (Review)
Review
Self-compassion refers to being supportive toward oneself when experiencing suffering or pain-be it caused by personal mistakes and inadequacies or external life challenges. This review presents my theoretical model of self-compassion as comprised of six different elements: increased self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness as well as reduced self-judgment, isolation, and overidentification. It discusses the methodology of self-compassion research and reviews the increasingly large number of empirical studies that indicate self-compassion is a productive way of approaching distressing thoughts and emotions that engenders mental and physical well-being. It also reviews research that dispels common myths about self-compassion (e.g., that it is weak, selfish, self-indulgent or undermines motivation). Interventions designed to increase self-compassion, such as compassion-focused therapy and mindful self-compassion, are discussed. Finally, the review considers problematic issues in the field, such as the differential effects fallacy, and considers limitations and future research directions in the field of self-compassion research.
Topics: Humans; Self-Compassion; Empathy; Emotions; Mindfulness; Judgment
PubMed: 35961039
DOI: 10.1146/annurev-psych-032420-031047 -
Current Sports Medicine Reports Dec 2021Interventions to promote athlete health and performance have traditionally been focused on the physical elements of injury and training. More recently, however,...
Interventions to promote athlete health and performance have traditionally been focused on the physical elements of injury and training. More recently, however, increasing attention has been placed on the mental aspects of athlete health, with emerging evidence suggesting that injury risk and athletic performance are significantly affected by athlete well-being. Mindfulness meditation has been shown to have significant benefits for a number of physical and mental health outcomes in various clinical populations, and recent research has explored how mindfulness may enhance athletic performance, improve athlete mental health, reduce injury risk, and perhaps even facilitate recovery from injury. As awareness of mindfulness as a noninvasive, low-risk, and accessible intervention increases in the Western society, use among athletes has increased as well. Health care providers should be aware of this evidence in order to guide athletes regarding the use of mindfulness as an intervention to potentially improve athlete health and performance.
Topics: Athletes; Athletic Performance; Attention; Humans; Mental Health; Mindfulness
PubMed: 34882123
DOI: 10.1249/JSR.0000000000000919 -
Holistic Nursing PracticeBurnout decreases work performance and quality of care and can result in medical errors, lower patient satisfaction, and higher rates of turnover. A study of 68 000...
Burnout decreases work performance and quality of care and can result in medical errors, lower patient satisfaction, and higher rates of turnover. A study of 68 000 registered nurses showed that 35% of hospital nurses were experiencing symptoms of burnout. A systematic review identified that mindfulness-based interventions for health care professionals reduced stress and burnout and increased self-compassion and general health. However, the authors determined that more high-quality research is needed. This study examined the impact of a 4-hour workshop on burnout syndrome, perceived stress, and mindfulness skills. The objective of this study was to determine whether a 4-hour mindfulness workshop was effective in reducing burnout and perceived levels of stress and increasing mindfulness. Nurses at a Midwest academic medical center were recruited through e-mail to attend a 4-hour mindfulness workshop. Participants completed the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Service Survey, Perceived Stress Scale, and Cognitive and Affective Mindfulness Scale-Revised prior to the start of the workshop and 1 and 6 months after the workshop. The study design allowed for comparisons preintervention and postintervention. Of the 52 nurses who completed the baseline questionnaires, 94% were female with an average age of 38 years. Thirty-one percent completed the questionnaires at 1 month and 20 nurses at 6 months. At 1 month, nurses reported statistically significant decreased perceptions of stress (-2.31, P = .01) and emotional exhaustion (-4.78, P = .03). Mindfulness skills, personal accomplishment, and depersonalization improved but were not statistically significant. At 6 months, statistically significant findings included increased perceptions of mindfulness (2.50, P = .04), personal accomplishment (4.43, P = .04), and decreased emotional exhaustion (-6.21, P = .05). Perceptions of stress and depersonalization improved but were not statistically significant. In this study, nurses reported decreases in burnout and perceived stress and increases in mindfulness after attending a 4-hour mindfulness workshop. Further research is needed to determine the long-term impact of mindfulness-based training on nurses' burnout, stress, and mindfulness skills. The results of this study add to the body of literature that supports the benefits of mindfulness-based interventions.
Topics: Adult; Burnout, Professional; Education; Female; Humans; Job Satisfaction; Male; Middle Aged; Mindfulness; Nurses; Occupational Stress; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 32282563
DOI: 10.1097/HNP.0000000000000378 -
The International Journal of Eating... Jun 2020Mindfulness is implicated in eating disorder (ED) psychopathology. However, this literature has not been synthesized to date. The current meta-analysis examined the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
Mindfulness is implicated in eating disorder (ED) psychopathology. However, this literature has not been synthesized to date. The current meta-analysis examined the associations between mindfulness and ED psychopathology.
METHODS
A total of 74 independent samples (effects = 576) were included. We used a multilevel random-effects model to estimate summary study-level effect sizes, and multilevel mixed-effects models to examine moderator effects.
RESULTS
Mindfulness was negatively associated with ED psychopathology (r = -.25, p < .001), both concurrently (r = -.25, p < .001) and prospectively (rs = -.22 to -.24, ps < .001). Associations were strongest for binge eating, emotional/external eating, and body dissatisfaction as well as the acting with awareness and nonjudging facets.
DISCUSSION
Mindfulness may be an important process in ED psychopathology. Future research should prospectively and experimentally examine the relation between mindfulness and ED psychopathology.
Topics: Adult; Feeding and Eating Disorders; Female; Humans; Male; Mindfulness; Psychopathology
PubMed: 32100320
DOI: 10.1002/eat.23247 -
Currents in Pharmacy Teaching & Learning Oct 2019The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of mindfulness meditation using the Headspace™ app on mindfulness, mental well-being, and perceived stress in...
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of mindfulness meditation using the Headspace™ app on mindfulness, mental well-being, and perceived stress in pharmacy students.
METHODS
Professional year one (P1), professional year two (P2,) and professional year 3 (P3) pharmacy students were recruited to participate. Students were instructed to meditate using the Headspace™ app for at least 10min per day for four weeks. Students at baseline completed the health promoting lifestyle profile (HPLP). Data was collected from the pre/post surveys using the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS), and Cohen Perceived Stress Scale (PSS).
RESULTS
Ninety-two pharmacy students enrolled in the study. Seventy-percent of the participants completed the study. Only one participant was excluded in the post data analysis due to non-adherence with the protocol. The data revealed that for all scales the intervention was associated with enhanced mindfulness and mental well-being and decreased perceived stress. Further analysis indicated that controlling for various health promoting lifestyle behaviors preserves the positive impact of mindfulness meditation as demonstrated.
CONCLUSIONS
Mindfulness meditation uniformly and independently improved the participants overall mental health. The data supports a feasible option for minimizing stress and maintaining mental well-being in a demanding professional program. This study encourages students in pharmacy schools to adopt these practices in their curriculum.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Male; Meditation; Mindfulness; Perception; Stress, Psychological; Students, Pharmacy; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 31685171
DOI: 10.1016/j.cptl.2019.06.005 -
Nutrition Bulletin Jun 2022Mindful eating is increasingly being used to try to promote healthy eating and weight management. However, the term refers to a diverse set of practices that could have... (Review)
Review
Mindful eating is increasingly being used to try to promote healthy eating and weight management. However, the term refers to a diverse set of practices that could have quite different effects on behaviour. This narrative review provides a guide to the concept of mindful eating as well as a comprehensive overview of research in the area. This includes the ways in which mindful eating has been operationalised and measured as well as evidence for effects and potential mechanisms of action. The research reviewed suggests that multi-component mindfulness-based interventions may be beneficial for disordered eating and weight management, but it is unclear whether these benefits exceed those obtained by alternative treatments. Some studies suggest that specific mindful eating strategies may have immediate effects on eating, but more research is needed to reach any definitive conclusions. These studies also suggest that effects may vary depending on the characteristics of the individual and/or the specific eating context. As such, research may ultimately point towards a more personalised approach to the application of mindful eating in order to maximise benefits. Finally, mindful eating interventions for children represent a relatively new area of research and there is currently insufficient evidence to draw any firm conclusions about their value. To advance both our understanding and effective application of mindful eating, more experimental research with high levels of methodological rigour is needed as well as research that explores underpinning mechanisms of action.
Topics: Child; Diet, Healthy; Feeding Behavior; Feeding and Eating Disorders; Humans; Mindfulness
PubMed: 36045097
DOI: 10.1111/nbu.12559 -
Advances in Experimental Medicine and... 2021Recently, the importance of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in the treatment of depression is gradually emerging. Particularly, mindfulness meditation has various...
Recently, the importance of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in the treatment of depression is gradually emerging. Particularly, mindfulness meditation has various approaches related to dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), and evidence has been provided that they alleviate depressive symptoms. In particular, as MBCT increases the level of evidence in the treatment of repetitive depressive disorders, guidelines are being recommended to prevent recurrence. Mindfulness may also contribute to improving the patient's symptoms as well as improving the therapeutic relationship with the therapist. For both mindful patients and therapists, positive awareness of internal experiences can be a good way to enrich the mind and overcome depressive disorders.
Topics: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Depressive Disorder; Humans; Mindfulness; Recurrence; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 33834406
DOI: 10.1007/978-981-33-6044-0_16 -
Journal of the American Geriatrics... Mar 2021Hypertension increases the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease or related dementias. This pilot study's purpose was to examine the feasibility and acceptability of a... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
OBJECTIVES
Hypertension increases the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease or related dementias. This pilot study's purpose was to examine the feasibility and acceptability of a novel intervention, Mindfulness in Motion (MIM) and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension DASH (MIM DASH), to improve diet, mindfulness, stress, and systolic blood pressure (BP) in older African Americans with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and hypertension.
DESIGN
Cluster randomized controlled trial.
SETTING
Intergenerational community center in a large metropolitan area.
PARTICIPANTS
African Americans with MCI and hypertension. Participants were divided into six groups randomized 1:1:1 to the MIM DASH group, attention only (non-hypertensive education) group, or true control group. The MIM DASH and attention only interventions were delivered in 8-weekly 2 hour group sessions. MIM included mindful movements from chair/standing, breathing exercises, and guided meditation. The DASH component used a critical thinking approach of problem solving, goal setting, reflection, and self-efficacy. The true control group received a DASH pamphlet at the end.
MEASUREMENTS
Feasibility was tracked through enrollment and attendance records; acceptability was assessed through interviews. Blood pressure was measured using the Omron HEM-907XL Monitor. Dietary intake was measured by DASH-Q. Mindfulness was measured by the Cognitive and Affective Mindfulness Scale. Stress was measured by the Perceived Stress Scale. MCI was determined using the Self-Administered Gerocognitive Examination. Data were collected at baseline and 3-months.
RESULTS
Median session attendance was six for the MIM DASH group and six for the attention only group. There were no changes in diet, mindfulness, or stress. There was a clinically significant reduction in systolic BP in the MIM DASH group (-7.2 mmHg) relative to the attention only group (-.7), and no change between the MIM DASH and true control groups.
CONCLUSION
Results indicate that the MIM DASH intervention was feasible and culturally acceptable in African Americans with hypertension and MCI.
Topics: Black or African American; Aged; Cognitive Dysfunction; Dietary Approaches To Stop Hypertension; Female; Humans; Hypertension; Male; Mindfulness; Pilot Projects
PubMed: 33227157
DOI: 10.1111/jgs.16947 -
The Journal of Nervous and Mental... Feb 2020Mindfulness and self-compassion are reported to have a preventive effects on depression and anxiety disorders. In the present study, we aimed to assess the effect of... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Mindfulness and self-compassion are reported to have a preventive effects on depression and anxiety disorders. In the present study, we aimed to assess the effect of mindful self-compassion intervention on preventing postpartum depression in a group of symptomatic pregnant women. Participants were screened and assigned to the intervention and control groups randomly. A 6-week Internet-based Mindful Self-Compassion Program was used to train the participants. Multiple scales were used to assess depressive and anxiety symptoms, mindfulness, self-compassion, and mother and infant well-being. All assessments were performed at three time points: baseline, 3 months, and 1 year postpartum. Compared with the control group, the intervention group showed significant improvement in depressive and anxiety behaviors. In addition, the intervention group became more mindful and self-compassionate at 3 months and 1 year postpartum. More importantly, both mothers and infants experienced substantial improvement in well-being. Our findings indicate that mindful self-compassion intervention is effective in preventing postpartum depression and promoting mother and infant well-being.
Topics: Adult; Anxiety; Depression; Depression, Postpartum; Empathy; Female; Humans; Mindfulness; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
PubMed: 31868776
DOI: 10.1097/NMD.0000000000001096 -
JAMA Network Open Aug 2020Stress among health care professionals is well documented. The use of mindfulness-based interventions to reduce stress has shown promising results; however, the time... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
IMPORTANCE
Stress among health care professionals is well documented. The use of mindfulness-based interventions to reduce stress has shown promising results; however, the time commitment of typical programs can be a barrier to successful implementation in health care settings.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the efficacy and feasibility of a brief mindfulness-based program to reduce stress during work hours among health care professionals.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
This intent-to-treat randomized clinical trial was conducted among full-time health care professionals at the Clinical Center at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, between September 2017 and May 2018. Participants were randomized to receive mindfulness-based self-care (MBSC) training or life-as-usual control. Data were analyzed from June 2018 to January 2020.
INTERVENTIONS
The MBSC intervention included 5 weekly, 1.5-hour in-class mindfulness practice sessions.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Stress level was the primary outcome, assessed with the Perceived Stress Scale 10-Item version. Secondary outcomes included anxiety, burnout, positive and negative affect, mindfulness (trait and state), and self-care. Assessments were taken at baseline and at the end of the intervention (week 5) in the intervention and control groups, and at follow-up (week 13) in the intervention group to test for a maintenance effect. A postprogram evaluation was also obtained.
RESULTS
Of 82 randomized participants, 78 who completed the study at week 5 were included in the modified intent-to-treat analysis (median [interquartile range] age, 32 [23-48] years; 65 [83%] women), including 43 participants in the MBSC group and 35 participants in the control group. At the end of the intervention, compared with the control group, the MBSC group had reduced levels of stress (mean [SD] score, 17.29 [5.84] vs 18.54 [6.30]; P = .02) and anxiety (mean [SD] score, 2.58 [1.52] vs 4.23 [1.73]; P < .001), and improved positive affect (mean [SD] score, 35.69 [7.12] vs 31.42 [7.27]; P < .001), state mindfulness (mean [SD] score, 3.74 [1.18] vs 2.78 [1.16]; P < .001), and mindful self-care (mean [SD] score, 7.29 [2.44] vs 5.54 [2.77]; P < .001). Burnout, negative affect, and trait mindfulness levels did not differ between groups. Changes within the MBSC group through follow-up included sustained reductions in stress (change, -6.14; 95% CI, -7.84 to -4.44; P < .001), anxiety (change, -1.46; 95% CI, -1.97 to -0.94; P < .001), trait mindfulness (change, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.36 to 0.90; P < .001), and state mindfulness (change, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.39 to 2.39; P < .001).
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
This randomized clinical trial found that this brief mindfulness-based intervention was an effective and feasible means to reduce stress in health care professionals. Larger studies are needed to assess the effects on clinical care and patient outcomes.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03781336.
Topics: Academies and Institutes; Adult; Anxiety; Feasibility Studies; Female; Health Personnel; Hospitals; Humans; Male; Maryland; Middle Aged; Mindfulness; Occupational Stress; Research Personnel; Young Adult
PubMed: 32840621
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.13424