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Current Opinion in Psychology Aug 2019The previous two decades have seen an exponential increase in the number of published scientific investigations on the efficacy of mindfulness-based stress reduction... (Review)
Review
The previous two decades have seen an exponential increase in the number of published scientific investigations on the efficacy of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) training to improve function in a wide range of physical and psychological processes. The resulting body of work provides strong evidence that MBSR has salubrious effects. Yet, when compared directly to groups with training that matches MBSR in factors common to most legitimate interventions, such as learning new skills, expectation of benefit, social engagement and support, and attention from expert instructors, both groups tend to improve to a similar extent. This raises the question of whether there are benefits that are specific to training in mindfulness and if so, why are we not detecting them? Here, we discuss the factors that contribute to the general lack of differentiation between MBSR and active control groups, including the specificity of outcome measures and experimental design, random assignment, inclusion/exclusion criteria, and the time course and trajectory of change. In addition, we offer recommendations to address these factors in future research.
Topics: Biomedical Research; Humans; Mindfulness; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Research Design; Stress, Psychological
PubMed: 30739006
DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2018.12.022 -
Seminars in Oncology Nursing Dec 2017To review how mindfulness can be elicited in and strategically managed through communication, with a goal toward enhancing the patient/family relationship in the... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
To review how mindfulness can be elicited in and strategically managed through communication, with a goal toward enhancing the patient/family relationship in the experience of cancer care.
DATA SOURCES
Published, peer-reviewed literature, research reports, and Web-based resources.
CONCLUSION
Mindful communication, an active process whereby the health care provider and patient /family unit are attentive to the timing, nature, and context of the dialogue exchange, helps direct care that is patient-centered, reflective, and relational.
IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE
Oncology nurses using a patient-centered approach to communication will be more equipped to use mindfulness-based strategies that can potentially shift the way cancer care is delivered.
Topics: Communication; Humans; Mindfulness; Neoplasms; Patient-Centered Care
PubMed: 29107525
DOI: 10.1016/j.soncn.2017.09.004 -
Journal of Alternative and... Sep 2019Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have become increasingly popular for treating various physical and mental disorders. An increase in mindfulness levels through... (Review)
Review
Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have become increasingly popular for treating various physical and mental disorders. An increase in mindfulness levels through the teaching of mindfulness meditation is the most well-studied mechanism of MBIs. Recent studies, however, suggest that an increase in mindfulness is also observed in physical or psychosocial interventions not explicitly labeled as MBIs, or what the authors call non-MBIs. The authors aimed to review what non-MBIs can increase mindfulness levels despite not explicitly teaching mindfulness meditation. The authors conducted a literature search for studies that included a non-MBI study arm measuring pre- and postintervention mindfulness levels using one of the following eight validated self-reported mindfulness questionnaires: Five-Faceted Mindfulness Questionnaire, Mindful Awareness and Attention Scale, Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory, Toronto Mindfulness Scale, Philadelphia Mindfulness Scale, Kentucky Inventory of Mindfulness Skills, Child and Adolescent Mindfulness Measure, and Cognitive and Affective Mindfulness Scale-Revised. The authors identified 69 non-MBI study arms from 51 independent studies of the non-MBI itself or as active controls of an MBI under investigation. The authors documented or calculated, if not provided, effect sizes (ES) for changes in mindfulness levels following these interventions. Among the 69 non-MBI arms, 36 showed no effect for change in mindfulness (ES <0.20), 3 were indeterminate (no ES available or unable to calculate), 13 had small effects (0.20 < ES <0.5), 13 had medium effects (0.50 < ES <0.80), 3 had large effects (0.80 < ES <1.3), and 1 had a very large effect (ES >1.3) for change in mindfulness. Analysis of the characteristics of non-MBIs with significant increases in mindfulness levels suggested some commonalities between MBIs and non-MBIs, shedding light on a spectrum of mindfulness-related interventions and the possibility that there are many roads to developing mindfulness.
Topics: Humans; Meditation; Mindfulness; Psychotherapy
PubMed: 31241348
DOI: 10.1089/acm.2019.0137 -
Journal of Community Psychology Sep 2022The benefits of mindfulness are well-documented; however, these benefits may not be evenly distributed across communities. Equitable Mindfulness aims to make these...
The benefits of mindfulness are well-documented; however, these benefits may not be evenly distributed across communities. Equitable Mindfulness aims to make these benefits accessible to a wider and more inclusive audience. The aim of this study was to investigate the applicability of Equitable Mindfulness and systemic barriers that prevent mindfulness programs from being equitably accessed across communities. Twenty-one participants were recruited for qualitative in-depth interviews during a 2-day mindfulness conference. The constant comparison method was used to iteratively identify and categorize themes that emerged within and across interviews. Five dominant themes emerged from the data as follows: inherent equitability, accessibility, inclusiveness, awareness and knowledge-sharing, and acknowledgement of multiple perspectives. Having an applicable and meaningful term to use when describing mindfulness as an inclusive and equitable practice can facilitate the exploration of a new area of research. There is a need for future initiatives aimed at making mindfulness trainings and programs more equitable and accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic status, race/ethnicity, or abilities/disabilities.
Topics: Disabled Persons; Humans; Mindfulness
PubMed: 35150593
DOI: 10.1002/jcop.22821 -
Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry Apr 2016Previous research has demonstrated that mindfulness-based programmes improve psychological functioning in a myriad of adult domains. These include health care, marketing... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
Previous research has demonstrated that mindfulness-based programmes improve psychological functioning in a myriad of adult domains. These include health care, marketing and sports industries. The efficacy of mindfulness-based programmes in the adult population is well established. Indeed, compared to adult empirical literature, mindfulness programmes for adolescents are relatively developmental and less articulated until now. It may be argued that mindfulness-based programmes could and should begin early and be applicable to young people at a time that is critical in their development. Hence, this article analyses the characteristics, objectives and outcomes of mindfulness interventions for adolescents, focusing on the mindfulness programme adjustments and adaptations made to the content for this target group.
METHOD
A critique of the literature that included published articles of mindfulness-based interventions (both clinical and universal programmes) for adolescents were sourced and reviewed. Conference papers and unpublished dissertations were excluded.
RESULTS
The review indicated that a majority of these were longitudinal and feasibility studies, with only one clinical randomised controlled trial study.
CONCLUSION
Preliminary evidence for the use of mindfulness-based with adolescents continues to be nascent, with many of the studies using inappropriate or no mindfulness process measures at all. In addition, a majority of the studies did not provide specific details of the mindfulness programmes for adolescents, nor discuss what modifications were undertaken--all of which makes comparison difficult. However, with the availability of recent and age-appropriate mindfulness measures for adolescents, more rigorous and robust research looks promising.
Topics: Adolescent; Adolescent Development; Humans; Mental Health; Mindfulness
PubMed: 25810416
DOI: 10.1177/1359104515577486 -
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 -
Sleep Medicine Clinics Jun 2019Mindfulness-based therapies (MBTs) are increasingly being investigated as a treatment for insomnia and general sleep disturbance, but significant gaps remain in the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Mindfulness-based therapies (MBTs) are increasingly being investigated as a treatment for insomnia and general sleep disturbance, but significant gaps remain in the evidence base. In this article, the authors present (1) a unifying psychological process model that relates mindfulness to sleep; (2) a systematic review of the literature reporting on trials of MBTs for insomnia and sleep disturbance, which includes an assessment of quality of trial reporting, adaptation of MBTs for sleep, and whether mindfulness practice was associated with effects observed; and (3) a meta-analysis of MBTs for insomnia and sleep disturbance compared with attention/education and waitlist control groups.
Topics: Humans; Mindfulness; Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders
PubMed: 31029188
DOI: 10.1016/j.jsmc.2019.01.004 -
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 -
BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies Jul 2023The present editorial synopsises the benefits and challenges in meditative and non-meditative mindfulness practices and explores shorter and more creative approaches in...
The present editorial synopsises the benefits and challenges in meditative and non-meditative mindfulness practices and explores shorter and more creative approaches in mind-body interventions, emphasizing inclusivity and evidence-based practices. This collection, launched in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, aims to bring together research on a variety of mindful practices, to discuss their role in supporting wellbeing.
Topics: Mindfulness; Meditation; Complementary Therapies; Evidence-Based Practice
PubMed: 37454103
DOI: 10.1186/s12906-023-04069-7 -
Critical Care Nursing Clinics of North... Jun 2019In the move to increase effectiveness in valued-based organizational cultures, mindfulness leaders are charged to create environments that foster curiosity and... (Review)
Review
In the move to increase effectiveness in valued-based organizational cultures, mindfulness leaders are charged to create environments that foster curiosity and creativity in uncertain times. Mindfulness increases situational awareness and improved communication enhances a culture of safety and better patient outcomes. Mindfulness leadership matters, providing effective ways to communicate and collaborate with others. Results matter, increasing the ability to sustain improvement through increased awareness, and enhancing healthy work environments and joy in the workplace. This article provides useful tools, strategies, and tips for mindful leaders and facilitates greater impact on improved patient and employee outcomes.
Topics: Awareness; Creativity; Humans; Leadership; Mindfulness; Organizational Culture; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Quality Indicators, Health Care
PubMed: 31047090
DOI: 10.1016/j.cnc.2019.02.003