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Psychotherapy Research : Journal of the... Sep 2023: Meditation, mindfulness, and acceptance (MMA) methods have gained popularity among psychotherapists and the public. The impact of these strategies as implemented in...
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 (= 162) provided no evidence that including mindfulness meditation improved outcomes beyond other active interventions (s = 0.00-0.12 for effects on general clinical symptoms vs. progressive muscle relaxation and treatment-as-usual, respectively). Two qualitative studies (= 5 therapist-patient dyads in one study, = 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.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Mindfulness; Meditation; Psychotherapy
PubMed: 37155740
DOI: 10.1080/10503307.2023.2209694 -
Journal of Autism and Developmental... May 2022Parenting a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be tremendously challenging. It is important to identify factors associated with parenting stress. This study...
Parenting a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be tremendously challenging. It is important to identify factors associated with parenting stress. This study examined the indirect effect of parental dispositional mindfulness on their anxiety and depressive symptoms and family quality of life (FQOL) through mindful parenting and then parenting stress. Seventy-nine Chinese parents (24.1% fathers) of children with ASD aged 3-13 years completed self-report questionnaires. Results indicated that higher dispositional mindfulness was associated with higher mindful parenting, which was related to lower parenting stress, and further related to lower anxiety and depressive symptoms and higher FQOL. The findings provide valuable insight into the potential pathways through which general mindfulness and mindful parenting may positively impact parental outcomes.
Topics: Autism Spectrum Disorder; Child; China; Humans; Mindfulness; Parenting; Parents; Quality of Life; Stress, Psychological
PubMed: 34050845
DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05011-x -
Frontiers in Public Health 2022In today's fast-paced society, chronic stress has become an increasing problem, as it can lead to psycho-physiological health problems. University students are also...
In today's fast-paced society, chronic stress has become an increasing problem, as it can lead to psycho-physiological health problems. University students are also faced with stress due to the demands of many courses and exams. The positive effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) on stress management and self-regulation have already been studied. We have developed a new mindfulness intervention tailored for students-the Mindfulness-Based Student Training (MBST). In this study, we present longitudinal results of the MBST evaluation. Biosignal analysis methods, including pulse wave variability (PWV), heart rate variability, and respiratory activity, were used to assess participants' state of autonomic regulation during the 12-week intervention and at follow-up. The progress of the intervention group (IGR, = 31) up to 3 months after the end of MBST was compared with that of a control group (CON = 34). In addition, the long-term effect for IGR up to 1 year after intervention was examined. The analysis showed significant positive changes in PWV exclusively for IGR. This positive effect, particularly on vascular function, persists 1 year after the end of MBST. These results suggest a physiologically reduced stress level in MBST participants and a beneficial preventive health care program for University students.
Topics: Humans; Mindfulness; Stress, Physiological; Stress, Psychological; Students
PubMed: 35923955
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.863671 -
Journal of Music Therapy Jun 2021Mindfulness is a natural human capacity to be aware of the present moment, without judgment, rejection, or attachment to it. Cultivating a mindful state has been related...
Mindfulness is a natural human capacity to be aware of the present moment, without judgment, rejection, or attachment to it. Cultivating a mindful state has been related to improvements in mood and stress management. Mindfulness practices may be enhanced with music. The purpose of this study was to replicate a previous study regarding the effectiveness, preference, and usefulness of different auditory stimuli for mindfulness practice. Undergraduate nonmusicians (N = 53) listened to 4 different auditory stimuli of increasing complexity, guiding them in a mindfulness experience. Participants rated their mindfulness experience, provided data on their absorption in music, and ranked auditory stimuli according to preference and usefulness for mindfulness practice. A within-subjects design was used to compare the four conditions, counterbalanced, and randomized across participants. Similar to the original study, Friedman analysis of variances (ANOVAs) and post hoc analyses indicated that participants ranked the Melody and Harmony conditions as most preferred and useful. Different from the original results, the repeated-measures ANOVA of the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale scores did not reveal significant differences among auditory stimuli for mindfulness experience. These results provide support for the use of music in mindfulness experiences with a mildly complex stimulus (script, beat, harmony, and melody). However, partially replicated results indicate the need to investigate the discrepancy between participants' effectiveness ratings and preference/usefulness rankings.
Topics: Acoustic Stimulation; Humans; Mindfulness; Music
PubMed: 33020803
DOI: 10.1093/jmt/thaa018 -
Disability and Rehabilitation Oct 2022Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are effective treatments for stress, anxiety, and depression in PwMS. However, low adherence and high attrition may limit...
PURPOSE
Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are effective treatments for stress, anxiety, and depression in PwMS. However, low adherence and high attrition may limit effectiveness. Qualitative research can provide important insights into MBI acceptability, accessibility, and implementation. This systematic review and meta-aggregation evaluated qualitative research findings on the use of MBIs for PwMS.
METHODS
Systematic searches were undertaken in six major electronic databases. Studies using qualitative or mixed methods were included. Two reviewers screened, data extracted, and critically appraised studies. Meta-aggregation was performed following the Joanna Briggs Institute approach, extracting findings, developing categories, and synthesizing findings.
RESULTS
Six eligible papers, including 136 PwMS were included in meta-aggregation. 136 findings were extracted, grouped into 17 categories, with four synthesized findings: (1) "accessing mindfulness," (2) "a sense of belonging," (3) "experiencing mindfulness," and (4) "making mindfulness more relevant and sustainable for PwMS."
CONCLUSIONS
MBIs for PwMS need to take into consideration disability which can limit accessibility. Online MBIs (synchronous and asynchronous) appear acceptable alternatives to traditional face-to-face courses. However, PwMS benefit from shared (mindful) experiencing and highlight MBI instructors as crucial in helping them understand and practice mindfulness. Involving PwMS in design, delivery, and iterative refinement would make MBIs more relevant to those taking part.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONBoth face-to-face and online Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) appear acceptable to PwMS and, ideally, people should be offered a choice in training modality.PwMS derive benefit from undertaking MBIs with their peers, where a sense of camaraderie and belonging develop through shared (mindful) experiences.Instructors delivering MBIs for PwMS should be knowledgeable about the condition; participants describe how the instructor has a key role in helping them practice mindfulness effectively in the context of unpleasant experiences associated with MS.MBIs tailored for PwMS should include a pre-course orientation session, clearly articulate how mindfulness practices can help with MS, provide well-organized course materials in large font size, and deliver individual mindfulness practices flexibly depending on participant need.
Topics: Humans; Mindfulness; Multiple Sclerosis; Anxiety; Anxiety Disorders; Qualitative Research
PubMed: 34498997
DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2021.1964622 -
Acta Psychologica Oct 2023This study explored the mediation of mindfulness and perceived hope between perceived social support and mental health literacy in university students. Of 568 students... (Review)
Review
This study explored the mediation of mindfulness and perceived hope between perceived social support and mental health literacy in university students. Of 568 students (205 males, 363 females, average age 20.97) from 70 Taiwanese universities, tools like the Perceived Social Support Scale, General Health Questionnaire, Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, and State Hope Scale were used, adapted to Traditional Chinese through back-translation. Confirmatory factor analysis affirmed model validity. Hayes' PROCESS Model 6 analyzed the data. The results showed an indirect effect of social support on mental health literacy via mindfulness and hope (B = 0.091, 95 % CI: 0.0613 to 0.1258). Three mediation paths were: (1) mindfulness (B = 0.035); (2) hope (B = 0.052); and (3) a combined effect (B = 0.003). A direct effect of social support on mental health literacy was significant (B = 0.120). The model explained 33.9 % of the variance in mental health literacy. The research underscores the link between social support, mindfulness, hope, and mental health literacy, identifying mindfulness and hope as mediators. It stresses the mediation impact and suggests strategies to boost mental health literacy in university students. Future research should expand to cross-cultural studies, further examine the evolving dynamics of social support, and incorporate both qualitative and experimental methodologies. The inclusion of factors such as alienation, well-being, and resilience can enrich the theoretical framework.
Topics: Male; Female; Humans; Young Adult; Adult; Health Literacy; Mindfulness; Universities; Students; Social Support
PubMed: 37729828
DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2023.104016 -
Psycho-oncology May 2024The purpose of this study was to review the existing quantitative and qualitative evidence regarding how mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) help cope with... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to review the existing quantitative and qualitative evidence regarding how mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) help cope with cancer-related challenges and increase affected patients' perceived self-efficacy.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was conducted on PubMed, PsycInfo, PubPsych, and CINAHL. Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods studies were included if they (1) evaluated MBIs (2) for patients with cancer or cancer survivors (3) regarding their impact on coping with cancer and perceived self-efficacy. The reports were screened by two independent reviewers and conflicts were resolved by a third reviewer. The review was pre-registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022368765).
RESULTS
Findings from 28 reports of 19 quantitative studies, six qualitative studies, and three mixed-methods studies (total N = 1722) were extracted and integrated. The synthesis of quantitative data showed considerable heterogeneity in outcomes and measurement instruments. Most often reported were significant positive impacts of mindfulness on general coping skills, self-regulation, and perceived efficacy in coping with cancer. Qualitative interviews with patients supported those results. The three meta-themes identified were that MBI (1) provided patients with tools to use in stressful situations, (2) promoted a general change of mindset and (3) created a feeling of social connectedness.
CONCLUSIONS
The reviewed studies suggest that MBI can promote coping and enhance the perceived self-efficacy of patients with cancer. In the future, more research investigating the different aspects of coping and the potentially moderating role of self-efficacy could provide further insights with respect to how coping and self-efficacy related to MBI.
Topics: Humans; Mindfulness; Adaptation, Psychological; Self Efficacy; Neoplasms; Qualitative Research; Cancer Survivors
PubMed: 38777617
DOI: 10.1002/pon.6350 -
JCO Oncology Practice Jul 2021Medical oncology physicians have been identified as one of the main risk groups for the development of burnout. Mindfulness as being aware of the moment nonjudgmentally...
PURPOSE
Medical oncology physicians have been identified as one of the main risk groups for the development of burnout. Mindfulness as being aware of the moment nonjudgmentally seems to be a protective factor against burnout. We aimed to reveal mindfulness levels among medical oncology doctors and the potential impact of mindfulness on burnout syndrome.
METHODS
In this cross-sectional study, the data of 285 medical oncology doctors were analyzed. The Mindful Attention Awareness Scale was used for mindfulness evaluation, and the Maslach Burnout Inventory was used for burnout assessment. After defining mindfulness levels among medical oncology doctors, the relationship between mindfulness and burnout was analyzed by the Pearson correlation and bivariate logistic regression tests.
RESULTS
The mean Mindful Attention Awareness Scale score of participants was 54.52 ± 13.77. Mindfulness was associated with age ( < .001), having a hobby ( = .008), regular exercise ( = .001), professional title ( = .02), and professional experience ( = .02). As the level of mindfulness increased, emotional exhaustion and depersonalization decreased, whereas personal accomplishment increased significantly (all < .001). In the regression analysis, mindfulness was significantly associated with all three subscales of burnout (all < .01).
CONCLUSION
We have demonstrated for the first time on such a large scale that higher levels of mindfulness were related with lower burnout among medical oncology physicians. These findings suggest the potential benefits of mindfulness-based interventions in reducing burnout levels in medical oncologists.
Topics: Burnout, Professional; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Medical Oncology; Mindfulness; Physicians
PubMed: 33835862
DOI: 10.1200/OP.20.01037 -
JMIR MHealth and UHealth Oct 2023Stress-related mental health disorders have steadily increased and contributed to a worldwide disease burden with up to 50% experiencing a stress-related mental health... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Stress-related mental health disorders have steadily increased and contributed to a worldwide disease burden with up to 50% experiencing a stress-related mental health disorder worldwide. Data suggest that only approximately 20%-65% of individuals receive treatment. This gap in receiving treatment may be attributed to barriers such as limited treatment access, negative stigma surrounding mental health treatment, approachability (ie, not having a usual treatment plan or provider), affordability (ie, lack of insurance coverage and high treatment cost), and availability (ie, long waits for appointments) leaving those who need treatment without necessary care. To mitigate the limited access mental health treatment, there has been a rise in the application and study of digital mental health interventions. As such, there is an urgent need and opportunity for effective digital mental health interventions to alleviate stress symptoms, potentially reducing adverse outcomes of stress-related disorders.
OBJECTIVE
This study examined if app-based guided mindfulness could improve subjective levels of stress and influence physiological markers of stress reactivity in a population with elevated symptoms of stress.
METHODS
The study included 163 participants who had moderate to high perceived stress as assessed by the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Participants were randomly allocated to 1 of 5 groups: a digital guided program designed to alleviate stress (Managing Stress), a digital mindfulness fundamentals course (Basics), digitally delivered breathing exercises, an active control intervention (Audiobook), and a Waitlist Control group. The 3 formats of mindfulness interventions (Managing Stress, Basics, and Breathing) all had a total duration of 300 minutes spanning 20-30 days. Primary outcome measures were perceived stress using the PSS-10, self-reported sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and trait mindfulness using the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale. To probe the effects of physiological stress, an acute stress manipulation task was included, specifically the cold pressor task (CPT). Heart rate variability was collected before, during, and after exposure to the CPT and used as a measure of physiological stress.
RESULTS
The results showed that PSS-10 and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores for the Managing Stress (all P<.001) and Basics (all P≤.002) groups were significantly reduced between preintervention and postintervention periods, while no significant differences were reported for the other groups. No significant differences among groups were reported for Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (P=.13). The physiological results revealed that the Managing Stress (P<.001) and Basics (P=.01) groups displayed reduced physiological stress reactivity between the preintervention and postintervention periods on the CPT. There were no significant differences reported for the other groups.
CONCLUSIONS
These results demonstrate efficacy of app-based mindfulness in a population with moderate to high stress on improving self-reported stress, sleep quality, and physiological measures of stress during an acute stress manipulation task.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05832632; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05832632.
Topics: Humans; Mindfulness; Mobile Applications; Mental Health; Stress, Physiological; Appointments and Schedules
PubMed: 37831493
DOI: 10.2196/47371 -
The Spanish Journal of Psychology Nov 2023Drawing on the integrative model of uncertainty tolerance, we aimed to investigate whether uncertainty relates to adaptive performance, at the within-person level. We...
Drawing on the integrative model of uncertainty tolerance, we aimed to investigate whether uncertainty relates to adaptive performance, at the within-person level. We argue that daily uncertainty at work will trigger negative affective reactions that, in turn, will minimize adaptive performance. Moreover, we focus on socio-cognitive mindfulness as a cross-level moderator of the indirect relationship of uncertainty on adaptive performance via negative affect. To capture changes in daily life and test our model, we conducted two diary studies across 5-working days: One with a sample of telecommuters ( = 101*5 = 505), and the other with a sample of non-telecommuters ( = 253*5 = 1,265). Study 1 took place between February and March of 2021 (during the mandatory confinement), and Study 2 occurred between April and May 2021 (out of the mandatory confinement). Both studies were conducted in Portugal. The multilevel results showed that at the day-level of analysis, uncertainty decreased adaptive performance through the enhanced negative affect. Moreover, at the person-level of analysis mindfulness moderated (a) the direct relationship of uncertainty to adaptive performance, and (b) the indirect relationship of uncertainty to adaptive performance via negative affect, in such a way that it became weaker when mindfulness was higher (multilevel-mediated moderation effect). This relation was different between Studies 1 and 2; that is, in Study 1, teleworkers who were high on mindfulness engaged in more adaptive performance when negative affect was high. In Study 2, adaptive performance significantly decreased, when negative affect was higher, even though this effect was weaker for mindful of individuals. The findings show that mindfulness helps to fill in the spaces of the affective uncertainty attenuating its detrimental effects.
Topics: Humans; Affect; Uncertainty; Mindfulness; Adaptation, Psychological; Portugal
PubMed: 38013421
DOI: 10.1017/SJP.2023.28