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Military Psychology : the Official... Jul 2024Military members face emotion-regulation challenges due to the high-pressure nature of the profession as evidenced by rates of mental health issues within military...
Military members face emotion-regulation challenges due to the high-pressure nature of the profession as evidenced by rates of mental health issues within military populations. Identifying behaviors that are efficient and effective at promoting emotion-regulation and helping military members adopt them is essential. Recently, meditation has been shown to reduce stress, enhance attention control and emotion regulation, along with reducing military-related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms. One way to promote this behavior in a military context is to enable future officers to adopt the behavior. We aimed to examine determinants of meditation intention and behavior among cadets at the United States Military Academy using the Reasoned Action Approach, a behavior framework used to explain and change behavior. By identifying these determinants, military practitioners can tailor meditation interventions to increase the likelihood that cadets will adopt the practice and eventually help soldiers under their command use meditation as well. We conducted a pilot study and a replication study that confirmed Reasoned Action Approach constructs were predictive of behavior and behavioral intention. Of significance was the perceived norm impact on meditation intention, specifically injunctive norms. Implications include the importance of authority figures within cadets' social context providing support for meditation's utility.
Topics: Humans; Meditation; Military Personnel; United States; Male; Female; Adult; Young Adult; Intention; Pilot Projects; Emotional Regulation
PubMed: 38913768
DOI: 10.1080/08995605.2023.2197840 -
Journal of Medical Internet Research Jun 2024Nurse burnout leads to an increase in turnover, which is a serious problem in the health care system. Although there is ample evidence of nurse burnout, interventions...
BACKGROUND
Nurse burnout leads to an increase in turnover, which is a serious problem in the health care system. Although there is ample evidence of nurse burnout, interventions developed in previous studies were general and did not consider specific burnout dimensions and individual characteristics.
OBJECTIVE
The objectives of this study were to develop and optimize the first tailored mobile intervention for nurse burnout, which recommends programs based on artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, and to test its usability, effectiveness, and satisfaction.
METHODS
In this study, an AI-based mobile intervention, Nurse Healing Space, was developed to provide tailored programs for nurse burnout. The 4-week program included mindfulness meditation, laughter therapy, storytelling, reflective writing, and acceptance and commitment therapy. The AI algorithm recommended one of these programs to participants by calculating similarity through a pretest consisting of participants' demographics, research variables, and burnout dimension scores measured with the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory. After completing a 4-week program, burnout, job stress, stress response using the Stress Response Inventory Modified Form, the usability of the app, coping strategy by the coping strategy indicator, and program satisfaction (1: very dissatisfied; 5: very satisfied) were measured. The AI recognized the recommended program as effective if the user's burnout score reduced after the 2-week program and updated the algorithm accordingly. After a pilot test (n=10), AI optimization was performed (n=300). A paired 2-tailed t test, ANOVA, and the Spearman correlation were used to test the effect of the intervention and algorithm optimization.
RESULTS
Nurse Healing Space was implemented as a mobile app equipped with a system that recommended 1 program out of 4 based on similarity between users through AI. The AI algorithm worked well in matching the program recommended to participants who were most similar using valid data. Users were satisfied with the convenience and visual quality but were dissatisfied with the absence of notifications and inability to customize the program. The overall usability score of the app was 3.4 out of 5 points. Nurses' burnout scores decreased significantly after the completion of the first 2-week program (t=7.012; P<.001) and reduced further after the second 2-week program (t=2.811; P=.01). After completing the Nurse Healing Space program, job stress (t=6.765; P<.001) and stress responses (t=5.864; P<.001) decreased significantly. During the second 2-week program, the burnout level reduced in the order of participation (r=-0.138; P=.04). User satisfaction increased for both the first (F=3.493; P=.03) and second programs (F=3.911; P=.02).
CONCLUSIONS
This program effectively reduced burnout, job stress, and stress responses. Nurse managers were able to prevent nurses from resigning and maintain the quality of medical services using this AI-based program to provide tailored interventions for nurse burnout. Thus, this app could improve qualitative health care, increase employee satisfaction, reduce costs, and ultimately improve the efficiency of the health care system.
Topics: Humans; Burnout, Professional; Artificial Intelligence; Female; Adult; Male; Middle Aged; Mobile Applications; Nurses; Adaptation, Psychological
PubMed: 38905631
DOI: 10.2196/54029 -
Effect of Ward Noise Management Combined with Meditation Training on Stroke Rehabilitation Patients.Noise & HealthTo study the value of ward noise management combined with meditation training in stroke rehabilitation patients.
OBJECTIVE
To study the value of ward noise management combined with meditation training in stroke rehabilitation patients.
METHODS
According to the retrospective analysis method, 150 stroke patients hospitalized in the rehabilitation center of a Tangshan Workers' Hospital from July 2020 to December 2023 were selected as study objects. They were divided into three groups, namely the control group (routine rehabilitation care, n = 50), observation group A (meditation training, n = 50), and observation group B (meditation training and ward noise management, n = 50) according to whether they received ward noise management and meditation training. The general demographic data, Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Short Form 36 (SF-36) were collected. Chi-square test and analysis of variance were used to analyse the data.
RESULTS
The baseline data of the patients in each group were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Before treatment, no difference in the FSS, PSQI, SF-36 scores and environmental noise level between the groups (P > 0.05) was observed. After management, the scores of SF-36 in observation group B were higher than those in the control group and observation group A (P < 0.05) except for somatic pain. Other indicators in observation group B were lower than those in the control and observation group A (P < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
Ward noise management and meditation training can effectively reduce patients' fatigue, significantly reducing ambient noise levels, promoting the improvement of life quality, and improving sleep quality.
Topics: Humans; Meditation; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Stroke Rehabilitation; Noise; Fatigue; Adult; Aged; Quality of Life; Sleep Quality
PubMed: 38904809
DOI: 10.4103/nah.nah_128_23 -
Clinical Neurophysiology : Official... Jun 2024This study investigated the efficacy of combining at-home anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the left primary motor cortex (M1) with mindfulness...
OBJECTIVE
This study investigated the efficacy of combining at-home anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the left primary motor cortex (M1) with mindfulness meditation (MM) in fibromyalgia patients trained in mindfulness.
METHODS
Thirty-seven patients were allocated to receive ten daily sessions of MM paired with either anodal or sham tDCS over the primary motor cortex. Primary outcomes were pain intensity and quality of life. Secondary outcomes were psychological impairment, sleep quality, mood, affective pain, mindfulness level, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) measures of cortical excitability. Outcomes were analyzed pre- and post-treatment, with a one-month follow-up.
RESULTS
We found post-tDCS improvement in all clinical outcomes, including mindfulness level, except for positive affect and stress, in both groups without significant difference between active and sham conditions. No significant group*time interaction was found for all clinical and TMS outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings demonstrate no synergistic or add-on efffect of anodal tDCS of the left M1 compared to the proper effect of MM in patients with fibromyalgia.
SIGNIFICANCE
Our findings challenge the potential of combining anodal tDCS of the left M1 and MM in fibromyalgia.
PubMed: 38901112
DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2024.05.018 -
PloS One 2024Weight stigma is highly prevalent. However, existing weight stigma interventions are only modestly effective at reducing anti-fat attitudes. The current research... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Weight stigma is highly prevalent. However, existing weight stigma interventions are only modestly effective at reducing anti-fat attitudes. The current research proposes a novel approach using a loving kindness meditation (LKM). Experiment 1 tests whether random assignment to the LKM intervention reduces explicit and implicit anti-fat bias and increases empathy based on the LKM recipient with higher weight (close other vs. stranger). Experiment 2 tests whether LKM outperforms an empathy intervention or control to increase empathy or reduce stigmatizing behavior. Results revealed that the LKM increased empathic care but did not reduce anti-fat bias compared to control; the LKM intervention, but not the empathy intervention, reported greater empathy compared to control in unadjusted analyses; and participants in the LKM and empathy interventions (vs. control) were more likely to engage in stigmatizing behavior. These findings suggest that the LKM may not be effective at reducing weight stigma despite increasing empathy.
Topics: Humans; Meditation; Male; Empathy; Female; Adult; Social Stigma; Young Adult; Love; Adolescent; Stereotyping
PubMed: 38900806
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302039 -
Rehabilitation Psychology Jun 2024Since the prevalence and cost of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are high in the United States, research on affordable preventative and treatment approaches is needed....
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE
Since the prevalence and cost of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are high in the United States, research on affordable preventative and treatment approaches is needed. While meditation shows promise for heart-health promotion, there is little knowledge about its use among people with CVD and factors that may influence its usage. In response, the purposes of the current research are to (a) shed light on the proportion of people with CVD who practice meditation; and (b) reveal variables that predict the use of meditation among them.
RESEARCH METHOD
A secondary data analysis was conducted using data from the 2017 National Health Interview Survey. A total of 4,197 data entries (respondents with CVD) were included for analysis, and both descriptive and logistic regression analysis results were reported.
RESULTS
Approximately 16% of respondents with CVD practiced meditation. Among them, many used spiritual (82.5%) meditation, followed by mindfulness (29.9%), and mantra (24.9%) meditation. Females (odds ratio [] = 1.69), those advised to increase physical activity ( = 1.34), and email users ( = 1.63) had higher odds; and those able to afford medication ( = 0.70) or mental health care/counseling ( = 0.46) had lower odds to use meditation compared to respective counterparts.
CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS
There is a significant proportion of people with CVD who used meditation practices, especially spiritual meditations. However, more research is needed to reveal the determinants of meditation use among people with CVD to facilitate their heart-health-self-care. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).
PubMed: 38900569
DOI: 10.1037/rep0000566 -
American Journal of Industrial Medicine Jun 2024U.S. construction workers experience high rates of injury that can lead to chronic pain. This pilot study examined nonpharmacological (without medication prescribed by...
BACKGROUND
U.S. construction workers experience high rates of injury that can lead to chronic pain. This pilot study examined nonpharmacological (without medication prescribed by healthcare provider) and pharmacological (e.g., prescription opioids) pain management approaches used by construction workers.
METHODS
A convenience sample of U.S. construction workers was surveyed, in partnership with the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Construction Sector Program. Differences in familiarity and use of nonpharmacological and pharmacological pain management approaches, by demographics, were assessed using logistic regression models. A boosted regression tree model examined the most influential factors related to pharmacological pain management use, and potential reductions in use were counterfactually modeled.
RESULTS
Of 166 (85%) of 195 participants reporting pain/discomfort in the last year, 72% reported using pharmacological pain management approaches, including 19% using opioids. There were significant differences in familiarity with nonpharmacological approaches by gender, education, work experience, and job title. Among 37 factors that predicted using pharmacological and non-pharmacological pain management approaches, training on the risks of opioids, job benefits for unpaid leave and paid disability, and familiarity with music therapy, meditation or mindful breathing, and body scans were among the most important predictors of potentially reducing use of pharmacological approaches. Providing these nonpharmacological approaches to workers could result in an estimated 23% (95% CI: 16%-30%) reduction in pharmacological pain management approaches.
CONCLUSION
This pilot study suggests specific factors related to training, job benefits, and worker familiarity with nonpharmacological pain management approaches influence use of these approaches.
PubMed: 38899539
DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23630 -
International Journal of Yoga 2024Infertility, a widespread medical condition affecting numerous couples globally, persists as a challenge despite advances in assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs),... (Review)
Review
Infertility, a widespread medical condition affecting numerous couples globally, persists as a challenge despite advances in assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs), often burdened by financial, physical, and emotional strains. Complementary and alternative approaches, notably yoga, have garnered attention for potentially enhancing fertility outcomes. Studies reveal yoga's influence on factors contributing to infertility, including reduced oxidative stress (OS) and oxidative DNA damage (ODD). OS, linked to mutagenic base formation, higher malondialdehyde levels, abnormal methylation, and altered gene expression, can impair sperm genome integrity. Yoga's efficacy is evident in lowering OS, positively affecting signal transmission, gene expression, and physiological systems. Furthermore, yoga has a positive impact on addressing the dysregulation of apoptosis, resulting in improved processes such as spermatogenesis, sperm maturation, and motility, while also reducing DNA fragmentation. OS correlates with genome-wide hypomethylation, telomere shortening, and mitochondrial dysfunction, contributing to genome instability. Yoga and meditation significantly reduce OS and ODD, ensuring proper reactive oxygen levels and preserving physiological systems. The review explores potential mechanisms underlying yoga's positive impact on infertility, including enhanced blood flow, reduced inflammation, relaxation response, and modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Furthermore, a comprehensive review of the literature reveals substantial evidence supporting the positive effects of yoga on infertility factors. These include oxidative stress (OS), oxidative DNA damage (ODD), epigenetic changes, hormonal balance, ovarian function, menstrual irregularities, and stress reduction. In summary, yoga emerges as a promising adjunctive therapy for infertility, demonstrating the potential to mitigate key factors influencing reproductive success. Although preliminary evidence indicates the positive effects of yoga on infertility, further clinical research is imperative to define specific benefits, molecular mechanisms associated, optimal protocols, and long-term effects in infertility treatment plans.
PubMed: 38899142
DOI: 10.4103/ijoy.ijoy_211_23 -
International Journal of Yoga 2024Depression has been expected to be the second-leading cause of disability, followed by autism, attention and hyperactivity disorder, and learning disorder. Yoga therapy... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Depression has been expected to be the second-leading cause of disability, followed by autism, attention and hyperactivity disorder, and learning disorder. Yoga therapy has found to be beneficial in managing psychiatric disorders.
AIM
The present study undertakes a scoping review of research on yoga therapy in psychiatric disorders among children and adolescents.
METHODS
Online database was used to identify papers published 2004-2023, from which we selected 11 publications from the United States, Canada, Iran, India, and Australia that used yoga therapy as a primary outcome variable among participants aged 3 years or older.
RESULTS
The papers reviewed were randomized controlled trials. All studies examined yoga therapy, but one study used mindfulness-based therapy and used few techniques of yoga therapy. The studies examined the effect of yoga therapy on early childhood and adolescence on various psychiatric symptoms such as stress, inattention, hyperactivity, anxiety, depression, and many more.
CONCLUSION
While the quality of studies is generally high, research on yoga therapy among children and adolescents with psychiatric disorders would benefit from careful selection of methods and reference standards, suitability for yoga therapy, and prospective cohort studies linking early childhood exposures with yoga therapy outcomes throughout childhood and adolescence.
PubMed: 38899134
DOI: 10.4103/ijoy.ijoy_227_23 -
Frontiers in Psychology 2024Although Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the most often used intervention in forensic treatment, its effectivity is not consistently supported. Interventions...
INTRODUCTION
Although Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the most often used intervention in forensic treatment, its effectivity is not consistently supported. Interventions incorporating knowledge from neuroscience could provide for more successful intervention methods.
METHODS
The current pilot study set out to assess the feasibility and usability of the study protocol of a 4-week neuromeditation training in adult forensic outpatients with impulse control problems. The neuromeditation training, which prompts awareness and control over brain states of restlessness with EEG neurofeedback, was offered in addition to treatment as usual (predominantly CBT).
RESULTS
Eight patients completed the neuromeditation training under guidance of their therapists. Despite some emerging obstacles, overall, the training was rated sufficiently usable and feasible by patients and their therapists.
DISCUSSION
The provided suggestions for improvement can be used to implement the intervention in treatment and set up future trials to study the effectiveness of neuromeditation in offender treatment.
PubMed: 38899124
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1354997