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Public Understanding of Science... Jul 2023Promoting mental health is a major global challenge. As mindfulness meditation apps can help maintain and restore good mental health, it is important to understand how... (Review)
Review
Promoting mental health is a major global challenge. As mindfulness meditation apps can help maintain and restore good mental health, it is important to understand how their efficacy and safety are portrayed in the media. This study systematically evaluates whether evidence from academic research is used to communicate the health effects of two popular mindfulness apps, Calm and Smiling Mind. A scoping review mapped research findings from 16 relevant articles, and a media analysis examined the types of evidence used in news reporting. Analysing 105 news articles revealed that 98% did not use evidence from academic research on app-based meditation to support health claims. Only 28.5% of articles included advice from a health expert, and 9.5% mentioned potential risks and alternative treatments. Stronger evidence-based reporting on the health effects of mindfulness apps is needed to enable people to make more informed decisions for their health and wellbeing.
Topics: Humans; Meditation; Mobile Applications; Mindfulness; Emotions
PubMed: 36734473
DOI: 10.1177/09636625221147794 -
Current Opinion in Psychology Aug 2019Mindfulness for psychosis has been slow to develop, in part because of the fear and stigma that surrounds psychosis. Breakthrough research showing how to adapt... (Review)
Review
Mindfulness for psychosis has been slow to develop, in part because of the fear and stigma that surrounds psychosis. Breakthrough research showing how to adapt mindfulness groups for people with current distressing psychosis has led to a growing research base and it is now clear that adapted mindfulness for psychosis is both safe and therapeutic. However, how it works is less clear. This article argues that at its heart is a core humanising therapeutic process, characterised by key metacognitive insights and increased acceptance both of psychotic experience and the self. This core therapeutic process is underpinned not only by commitment to mindfulness practice, but also through active, constructive engagement with the group process. Individuals discover that that they are more than the psychosis, and that the self is balanced (positive and negative) and changing. It is recommended that future research explores these intra-personal and inter-personal therapeutic processes alongside outcome trials.
Topics: Ego; Humans; Metacognition; Mindfulness; Psychotherapeutic Processes; Psychotic Disorders
PubMed: 31382104
DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2019.07.022 -
Journal of Medical Internet Research Jul 2023Contemplative trainings have been found to effectively improve social skills such as empathy and compassion. However, there is a lack of research on the efficacy of... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Contemplative trainings have been found to effectively improve social skills such as empathy and compassion. However, there is a lack of research on the efficacy of app-delivered mindfulness-based and dyadic practices in boosting socioaffective capacity.
OBJECTIVE
The first aim of this study was to compare a novel app-delivered, partner-based socioemotional intervention (Affect Dyad) with mindfulness-based training to foster empathy and compassion for the self or others. The second aim of this study was to investigate the underlying mechanisms of these effects.
METHODS
This randomized controlled trial included socioemotional and mindfulness-based interventions and a waitlist control group, which received socioemotional training after the postintervention assessment. We used linear mixed-effects models to test intervention effects on self-report measures and an ecologically valid computer task of empathy, compassion for the self and others, and theory of mind. Moderated mediation models were used to investigate whether changes in acceptance, empathic distress, empathic listening, interoceptive awareness, and mindfulness served as underlying psychological processes of intervention effects.
RESULTS
In 218 participants (mean age 44.12, SD 11.71 years; 160/218, 73.4% female), we found all interventions to have positive effects on composite scores for compassion toward the self (β=.44, P<.001; β=.30, P=.002; β=.35, P<.001) and others (β=.24, P=.003; β=.35, P<.001; β=.29, P<.001). Compassion measured with the computer task did not change significantly but showed a trend toward increase only in socioemotional dyadic practice (β=.08, P=.08; β=.11, P=.06). Similarly, on the empathic concern subscale of the Interpersonal Reactivity Index, a nonsignificant trend toward increase was found in the socioemotional intervention group (β=.17; P=.08). Empathy significantly increased in both socioemotional groups (β=.16, P=.03; β=.35, P<.001) and the mindfulness-based group (β=.15; P=.04). The measures of theory of mind did not change over time. In the mindfulness-based group, the increase in self-compassion was mediated by a decrease in empathic distress (indirect effect ab=0.07, 95% CI 0.02-0.14). In the socioemotional group, an increase in self-compassion could be predicted by an increase in acceptance (β=6.63, 95% CI 0.52-12.38).
CONCLUSIONS
Using a multimethod approach, this study shows that app-delivered socioemotional and mindfulness-based trainings are effective in fostering compassion for the self and others in self-report. Both low-dose trainings could boost behavioral empathy markers; however, the effects on behavioral and dispositional markers of compassion only trended after dyadic practice, yet these effects did not reach statistical significance. Training-related increases in self-compassion rely on differential psychological processes, that is, on improved empathic distress regulation through mindfulness-based training and the activation of a human care- and acceptance-based system through socioemotional dyadic training.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04889508; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04889508.
Topics: Humans; Female; Adult; Male; Mindfulness; Empathy; Mobile Applications
PubMed: 37494106
DOI: 10.2196/45027 -
BMC Psychology Mar 2022In recent years, there has been growing interest in exploring ways to facilitate positive psychological dispositions, including resilience. The goal of the present study...
BACKGROUND
In recent years, there has been growing interest in exploring ways to facilitate positive psychological dispositions, including resilience. The goal of the present study was to explore the possibility that trait mindfulness facilitates attachment security and thus enhances resilience.
METHODS
We conducted two studies based on cross-sectional surveys. In Study 1, data of 207 students studying in Japan was collected. In Study 2, we used a different sample of 203 participants and different measurements to replicate the findings of Study 1.
RESULTS
The results of Study 1 revealed that mindfulness positively predicted resilience, while attachment anxiety and avoidance were mediators between mindfulness and resilience. The results of Study 2 showed that mindfulness positively predicted resilience, and the mediating effect of attachment avoidance was significant, but the mediating effect of attachment anxiety was not significant.
CONCLUSIONS
It is possible to facilitate attachment security through cultivating trait mindfulness, and in this way, resilience could be enhanced. The effect of different components of mindfulness on attachment and resilience requires further studies.
Topics: Anxiety; Anxiety Disorders; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Mindfulness; Students
PubMed: 35296358
DOI: 10.1186/s40359-022-00772-1 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2022Mindfulness and self-care, practiced through a variety of methods like meditation and exercise, can improve overall sense of holistic well-being (i.e., flourishing)....
BACKGROUND
Mindfulness and self-care, practiced through a variety of methods like meditation and exercise, can improve overall sense of holistic well-being (i.e., flourishing). Increasing mindfulness and self-care may lead to increased flourishing and job satisfaction among the nation-wide Cooperative Extension system delivery personnel (agents) through a theory-based online program and an extended experiential program.
METHODS
Cooperative Extension agents from two states were invited to participate in MUSCLE statewide listservs. Participants were invited to attend sessions and complete competency checks and between-session assignments each week. The study was conducted using Zoom. Pre- and post- program surveys included validated scales for flourishing and physical activity status. Due to high demand for mindfulness programing during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, experiential "Mindful Meet-up" 30-minute sessions were held on Zoom. Dissemination and implementation of the two differing interventions (i.e., MUSCLE and Mindful Meet-ups) were examined.
RESULTS
MUSCLE (more intensive program with assignments and competency checks) had lower reach, and did not show statistically increased flourishing or physical activity. Mindful Meet-ups had higher attendance and proportional reach during the beginning of the pandemic, but no practical measure of flourishing or physical activity behaviors. Unsolicited qualitative feedback was encouraging because the interventions were well-received and participants felt as though they were more mindful.
CONCLUSIONS
While agents anecdotally reported personal improvements, capturing data on outcomes was challenging. Complementing outcome data with implementation and dissemination outcomes allowed for a richer picture to inform intervention decision-making (i.e., offering the same or new programming depending on participant needs).
Topics: COVID-19; Health Educators; Humans; Mindfulness; Pandemics; Self Care
PubMed: 35646779
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.862366 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2023This systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyze the effects of a mindfulness program on mental health in university students. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
This systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyze the effects of a mindfulness program on mental health in university students.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted using the databases Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science and CINAHL. The selected studies had to incorporate a mindfulness intervention in university students. The methodological quality of the collected articles was evaluated using the PEDro scale.
RESULTS
We initially identified 321 studies, of which 21 were included in this review. The interventions focused on mindfulness with durations ranging from 8 weeks to 3 months. The results demonstrated significant effects of a mindfulness intervention on mental health in university students.
CONCLUSION
This systematic review and meta-analysis found that mindfulness is effective for improving the mental health of college students.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
identifier: CRD42023441453.
Topics: Humans; Mindfulness; Mental Health; Universities; Depression; Students
PubMed: 38111480
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1284632 -
Aging & Mental Health Jul 2021Empirical research on the processes through which mindfulness affects well-being is in its infancy. Furthermore, few studies have considered the positive effects of...
OBJECTIVES
Empirical research on the processes through which mindfulness affects well-being is in its infancy. Furthermore, few studies have considered the positive effects of mindfulness on psychological functioning from a lifespan perspective. The present study aimed to examine the role of age in moderating associations of mindfulness components with well-being in the context of a proposed model of mindfulness.
METHODS
A community-based sample of 623 participants aged between 18 and 86 years ( = 48.78, = 16.74) was recruited via an internet-based research platform. Participants completed questionnaire measures of mindful characteristics (i.e. present-moment attention, nonjudgment, interoception, acceptance, nonattachment, and decentering), flexible goal adjustment, and well-being.
RESULTS
Parallel mediation analyses showed that both present-moment attention and nonjudgment provided significant pathways to (a) flexible goal adjustment through nonattachment and decentering; and (b) well-being through acceptance, nonattachment, and decentering. Furthermore, present-moment attention, nonjudgment, acceptance, nonattachment, and decentering were all positively associated with age. Conditional process analyses revealed that the direct relationships between (1) present-moment attention and well-being, (2) nonjudgment and well-being, and (3) decentering and flexible goal adjustment became stronger with age and were significant for adults from around 40 years of age and older.
CONCLUSIONS
The findings suggest that the tendency to focus on the present-moment and adopt a nonjudgmental orientation may become especially important for well-being with advancing age, and the ability to appreciate the transitory nature of personal experiences may be particularly important for flexible employment of both goal disengagement and reengagement strategies across the second half of life.
Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Attention; Humans; Mindfulness; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 32114803
DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2020.1734915 -
Aging & Mental Health Feb 2023Worry has been shown to have a negative impact on many aspects of neurocognitive performance. Interestingly, research indicates mindfulness both improves aspects of...
Worry has been shown to have a negative impact on many aspects of neurocognitive performance. Interestingly, research indicates mindfulness both improves aspects of cognitive ability and reduces worry symptoms. Yet, the impact of mindfulness on the relationship between worry and cognition has yet to be explored. Based on research discussed herein, we hypothesize that those with higher levels of dispositional mindfulness will have better cognitive performance than those with lower levels of dispositional mindfulness, regardless of worry level. The present study investigated the potential moderating influence of mindfulness on the relationship between worry and cognitive performance. The sample included 113 older veterans who were screened at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System in Palo Alto, CA. Cognitive domains of interest included learning and memory, processing speed, attention, working memory, and executive function. Mindfulness was assessed with the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), and worry symptoms were assessed using the Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ). Hypotheses were tested with multiple regression analyses using the Hayes (2003) PROCESS macro. Contrary to what was hypothesized, only mindful awareness significantly moderated the relationship between worry and processing speed. This finding has important implications for introducing mindfulness techniques into older adults' routines to decrease worry and mitigate its negative effects on processing speed.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Mindfulness; Anxiety; Cognition; Attention; Executive Function
PubMed: 35006021
DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2021.2017851 -
Scanning 2022Mindfulness cognitive therapy is based on mindfulness decompression, integrating the elements of cognitive behavioral therapy and related psychological education...
INTRODUCTION
Mindfulness cognitive therapy is based on mindfulness decompression, integrating the elements of cognitive behavioral therapy and related psychological education components, a set of mindfulness group courses designed.
OBJECTIVE
In order to explore the influence of mindfulness training on fluency and anxiety in shooting sports training.
METHODS
There are 22 athletes in a provincial shooting team, 12 in the experimental group and 10 people in the control group, grouped according to the random principle. A single-participant experiment design with multiple baseline levels of ABA was adopted.
RESULTS
The fluency state of the athletes has increased from 28.75 to 30.63; the average value before the intervention increased by 6.5%, PEM = 88%, explaining that the previous intervention has a moderate-intensity effect. The average value of athletes' sports competition anxiety state 205 before intervention was reduced to 171.25, reduced by 16.5%, PEM = 100%, showing that the intervention effect is very effective.
CONCLUSIONS
After the shooting athletes received the intervention of the mindfulness cognitive intervention method MBCT, the state of fluency is improved, the level of competition anxiety is reduced, and the experimental intervention basically confirmed the research hypothesis. This study confirms the moderating role of emotion regulation self-efficacy between mindfulness and the fluency of shooters and provides further impetus for the refinement and development of a push-up spiral model that explains mindfulness mechanisms.
Topics: Anxiety; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Humans; Mindfulness
PubMed: 35581970
DOI: 10.1155/2022/6069561 -
Current Opinion in Psychology Aug 2019The development and implementation of psychometrically sound behavioral measures of mindfulness are important to advancing the science of mindfulness. To help organize,... (Review)
Review
The development and implementation of psychometrically sound behavioral measures of mindfulness are important to advancing the science of mindfulness. To help organize, conceptualize, and guide the development of behavioral measures of mindfulness, we propose defining features, and a four-domain framework, of the behavioral assessment of mindfulness. The framework domains include measurement of (I) objects of mindful awareness, (II) time-course of mindful awareness, (III) sensitivity of mindful awareness, and (IV) attitudes toward present moment experience. We describe mindfulness processes in each domain, and review extant behavioral method(s) and specific behavioral measure(s) of mindfulness processes per domain. Four of the 12 reviewed measures demonstrate acceptable reliabilities and preliminary evidence of construct validity as measures of mindfulness processes.
Topics: Awareness; Humans; Mindfulness; Psychometrics
PubMed: 30959378
DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2019.01.008