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Experimental Gerontology Jun 2024This study aims to explore the efficacy of Relaxation Response Meditation Training (RRMT) on elderly individuals with different levels of vividness of visual imagery.
Vividness of visual imagery is associated with the effect of relaxation response meditation training in elderly people with nonorganic insomnia: A randomized, double-blind, multi-center clinical trial.
BACKGROUND
This study aims to explore the efficacy of Relaxation Response Meditation Training (RRMT) on elderly individuals with different levels of vividness of visual imagery.
METHODS
In this randomized controlled, double-blind, multi-center clinical trial, we recruited a total of 136 elderly individuals who were over 60 years with nonorganic sleep disorders to participate in a 4-week RRMT intervention from October 2020 to October 2022. The intervention occurred twice a week, totaling eight times. These individuals were divided into high and low groups based on the vividness of visual imagery, and then randomly assigned to either the control or intervention groups, as follows: low-visualizers intervention group (LI group); low-visualizers control group (LC group); high-visualizers intervention group (HI group); high-visualizers control group (HC group). Their social and psychological parameters were assessed before and after the intervention by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Revised Piper's fatigue scale (RPFS), General well-being scale (GWB), and Satisfaction rating. The alpha waves of patients were also collected through electroencephalogram to assess their level of relaxation.
RESULTS
Compared to the LI group, the HI group had a greater reduction rate in the PSQI score [25.2 % (18.8 % to 31.7 %), P < 0∙001], shorter sleep latency (P = 0.001), lower frequency of sleep medication (P < 0.001), lower PSQI scores (P < 0.001), and higher GWB scores (P < 0.001). There were significant differences in all indicators in the HI group vs. HC group and in the LI group vs. LC group. In the first five relaxation training sessions, there was no statistically significant difference in the proportion of α waves between the LI group and the LC group; however, from the sixth session onward, we observed a statistically significant difference (t = 2.86, P = 0.019),while The HI group and HC group showing significant differences in the first relaxation training session (t = 4.464, P < 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference in subjective satisfaction between the intervention group and the control group (x = 49.605, P < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
In this study, we found that most elderly people benefitted from RRMT regardless of their vividness of visual imagery. However, low-visualizers experienced slower and less effective results, so these patients may benefit more from alternative approaches.
PubMed: 38879094
DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2024.112486 -
International Journal of Medical... May 2024This research aims to test the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the mobile Agnew Relationship Measure (mARM-C).
OBJECT
This research aims to test the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the mobile Agnew Relationship Measure (mARM-C).
METHODS
574 college students who had recently used meditation applications were included. 102 of them were chosen for retesting two weeks later. Standards for evaluation included the Digital Working Alliance Inventory (DWAI), Trust of Counseling Scale (TCS), and Client Satisfaction Questionnaire-8 (CSQ-8). The formal questionnaire was created after further modifications based on item analysis and exploratory factor analysis (EFA).
RESULTS
Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) revealed that the five-component model fit the data well. The mARM-C has intense item discrimination, and each item is substantially and positively linked with the total score of each dimension and the total score of the measure. The mARM-C had fair to excellent internal consistency, split-half, and test-retest reliability. The convergent and criterion-related validity was acceptable.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that the Chinese version of the mARM-C has good validity and reliability. It is an effective self-report measure of the DTA.
PubMed: 38878406
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2024.105482 -
Integrative Psychological & Behavioral... Jun 2024Building on Fircks (2023), who aims at integrating the theoretical and historical roots of mindfulness into psychology through a bridge between Taoism, relying on the...
Building on Fircks (2023), who aims at integrating the theoretical and historical roots of mindfulness into psychology through a bridge between Taoism, relying on the polarity of life and wu wei (the principle of not-forcing) and Mead's Social Psychology, this commentary seeks to further explore how mindfulness, meditation and self-transcendence plays a role in the personal needs hierarchy of the human organism. This is done in the framework of Abraham Maslow's theory of human motivation and his hierarchy of needs, where a model that introduces a new layer in the hierarchy of needs, the need for self-transcendence, is presented. This model containing the new hierarchy of self-transcendence is based on Maslow's own notion of peak-experiences, as well as related to William James' notion of mystical experiences. Fircks' (2023) autoethnographic meditative experience is conceptualized as a peak-experience and analyzed to show how human beings strive to experience this state of being.
PubMed: 38877223
DOI: 10.1007/s12124-024-09848-6 -
La Revue de Medecine Interne Jun 2024Functional somatic disorders (FSD) are common conditions that result in a significant deterioration of the quality of life. Their origin is multifactorial and poorly... (Review)
Review
Functional somatic disorders (FSD) are common conditions that result in a significant deterioration of the quality of life. Their origin is multifactorial and poorly understood, and their management is often inadequately defined. Medications typically show limited effectiveness, while mind-body approaches play a central role, guided by three key principles: establishing an empathetic, respectful, and sincere doctor-patient relationship; promoting regular and gradual physical activity; and implementing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Special attention must be devoted to establishing a trustworthy relationship between the physician and the patient. Recognizing the reality and severity of symptoms and providing a positive diagnosis as well as an explanatory model to account for them rationally are fundamental aspects of patient management. Cognitive and behavioral maintenance factors should be investigated and constitute therapeutic targets. Cognitive factors include focused attention on body functioning and catastrophizing. Patients frequently display avoidance behaviors, particularly in relation to physical exertion, and it is crucial to motivate them to reintroduce gradual physical activity customized to their abilities. This approach has demonstrated efficacy in improving fatigue, pain, and the physical and mental quality of life for patients with FSD. Among psychotherapeutic approaches, the benefit of CBT is well-established. The combination of gradual physical activity and CBT appears to be complementary. Other mind-body approaches such as mindfulness meditation might help although their level of evidence is weaker. Given the prevalence of FSD in the general population, it seems necessary for all physicians to be trained in managing this condition.
PubMed: 38876948
DOI: 10.1016/j.revmed.2024.05.025 -
Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative... Jun 2024
PubMed: 38876947
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaim.2024.100965 -
How we teach mindfulness matters: Adolescent development and the importance of informal mindfulness.Journal of School Psychology Aug 2024Given high levels of adolescent stress and educational institutions' key role in supporting students' mental health, mindfulness instruction is increasingly being... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Given high levels of adolescent stress and educational institutions' key role in supporting students' mental health, mindfulness instruction is increasingly being implemented in schools. However, there is growing evidence adolescents find traditionally taught formal mindfulness (e.g., structured regular practice like meditation) challenging. Indeed, school-based studies report high levels of student non-compliance and lack of engagement with formal mindfulness strategies. Thus, informal mindfulness practices (e.g., unstructured brief moments integrated within daily routine) may be more accessible and developmentally appropriate for adolescents. Using a randomized experimental school-based design, this study sought to parse out the acceptability and effectiveness of formal and informal mindfulness for adolescents over time. Adolescents (n = 142; 73.9% female) were randomly assigned to a 4-week formal mindfulness, informal mindfulness, or comparison group and assessed on mental health, well-being, and educational outcomes. The informal mindfulness group (a) was more likely to report intending to frequently use the strategies (p = .025, Cramer's V = .262) and (b) reported increased dispositional mindfulness (i.e., general tendency to be mindful) from baseline to follow-up (p = .049, η = .034) which in turn mediated benefits on depression (indirect effect = -.15, 95% CI [-.31, -.03]), anxiety (indirect effect = -.21, 95% CI [-.36, -.06]), general stress (indirect effect = -.16, 95% CI [-.32, -.04]), school-related stress (indirect effect = -.15, 95% CI [-.28, -.05]), negative affect (indirect effect = -.17, 95% CI [-.35, -.04]), and attentional control (indirect effect = .07, 95% CI [.01, .13]). Thus, brief informal mindfulness strategies may be easier for students to use on a regular basis than formal mindfulness. Overall, these findings highlight the importance of going beyond a one-size-fits-all approach by offering accessible and engaging school-based mindfulness instruction to students. Recommendations for school psychologists seeking to teach mindfulness to adolescents are discussed, including the need to directly teach how to integrate informal mindfulness strategies in students' lives.
Topics: Humans; Mindfulness; Female; Adolescent; Male; Adolescent Development; Students; Schools; Mental Health; Stress, Psychological
PubMed: 38876551
DOI: 10.1016/j.jsp.2024.101323 -
Journal of Evaluation in Clinical... Jun 2024Autogenic training (AT) is a structured meditative-style practice, consisting of a sequence of simple mental exercises intended to induce a relaxed state in patients....
BACKGROUND
Autogenic training (AT) is a structured meditative-style practice, consisting of a sequence of simple mental exercises intended to induce a relaxed state in patients. There is some emerging evidence to suggest that AT can be effective in treating certain chronic conditions, however, further evidence is required. A service evaluation of AT services at the Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine was conducted to evaluate the impact of AT on patients with chronic conditions.
METHODS
The service evaluation consisted of the completion of validated quantitative outcome measures pre and posttreatment to explore the impact of AT. AT patients were asked to complete the Measure Yourself Medical Outcomes Profile (MYMOP) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) at their first hospital appointment (baseline) and then again 8 weeks later following completion of their AT sessions. Pre- and posttreatment scores for each outcome measure were analysed in SPSS using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.
RESULTS
One hundred ninety-nine patients completed both initial and follow-up MYMOP forms and were included in the evaluation. The most common presenting complaints for MYMOP symptom 1 were prolonged anxiety/stress and depression (n = 70, 35.2%), chronic pain and migraine headache (n = 44, 22.1%), chronic insomnia and sleep problems (n = 42, 21.1%) and, long-term exhaustion and fatigue (n = 18, 9%). The change in median score pre- and posttreatment for all MYMOP categories (symptoms, activity and well-being) were statistically highly significant p < 0.001. Anxiety, stress, depression, pain and insomnia were the symptoms that had the largest statistically significant difference between the median score pre- and posttreatment. Fifty-five patients completed the PSS questionnaire at two time points (pre- and posttreatment). It showed a highly statistically significant change in PSS median score in patients experiencing stress (p < 0.001).
DISCUSSION
The findings of the evaluation indicate that 8 weeks of AT appears to be effective in improving symptoms of concern to patients and enhancing patients' overall well-being. In particular, AT was found to be beneficial for patients with symptoms of anxiety, stress, depression, pain and insomnia.
PubMed: 38873764
DOI: 10.1111/jep.14014 -
Frontiers in Psychology 2024Theory U is a process-driven, learning, progress-directed, transformative, and relational approach to social change. This approach is predicated on the idea that... (Review)
Review
Theory U is a process-driven, learning, progress-directed, transformative, and relational approach to social change. This approach is predicated on the idea that spirituality may be used to create communal consciousness through change management. Dealing with spiritual hurdles, practicing meditation, improving sensing, staying in flow, and conceiving are just a few of the special skills needed for success on the U-journey. Spiritual intelligence also includes adaptive problem solving and goal achievement approaches. Theory-U holds that sources other than the outmoded paradigms that gave rise to complex problems are where answers to them must come from. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how individuals exposed to workplace spirituality can make better use of their spiritual intelligence. By using spiritual intelligence, people can attain the kind of awareness and engagement required for collective awareness, and this makes sense when we examine awareness awakening processes from the perspective of the U-journey.
PubMed: 38873505
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1359562 -
PloS One 2024The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of MediYoga as a group treatment to conventional treatment provided by a physiotherapist for people with perceived... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of MediYoga as a group treatment to conventional treatment provided by a physiotherapist for people with perceived stress-related symptoms.
DESIGN
Randomized controlled trial.
SETTINGS
Primary care rehabilitation, Gothenburg Sweden.
SUBJECTS
Fifty-five patients with stress-related symptoms were invited to participate. Nine patients declined, and a total of 46 patients aged 26-70 years (mean 47), 44 women and two men were randomized, 23 to the MediYoga group and 23 to the physiotherapy treatment as usual group.
INTERVENTIONS
The MediYoga group performed MediYoga for one hour a week during an 8-week period. The control group received physiotherapy treatment as usual.
MAIN MEASURES
Data were mainly collected by self-reported questionnaires. For primary outcome the Swedish version of the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was used. Secondary outcomes were the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D) and EuroQol-Visual Analog Scale (EQ-VAS). Thoracic excursion was the only physical measurement. Mixed effect model was used for analyse.
RESULTS
For the primary outcome PSS, there was a close to statistically significant group effect over time advantaging MediYoga over physiotherapy (P = 0.06). For secondary outcomes, the group effect over time was statistically significant in HADS anxiety (P = 0.01) and EQ-VAS (P = 0.03). There was a group trend over time advantaging MediYoga in HADS depression (P = 0.08).
CONCLUSION
Despite a large dropout in both groups, MediYoga can be recommended as a treatment option for people suffering from stress-related symptoms.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
Registered in: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02907138.
Topics: Humans; Middle Aged; Female; Male; Adult; Aged; Physical Therapy Modalities; Stress, Psychological; Primary Health Care; Sweden; Treatment Outcome; Surveys and Questionnaires; Meditation; Anxiety
PubMed: 38870156
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300756 -
PCN Reports : Psychiatry and Clinical... Mar 2024Olfactory reference disorder (ORD) is a mental illness in which individuals overestimate their sense of smell and worry about the negative impact of odors. Little is...
BACKGROUND
Olfactory reference disorder (ORD) is a mental illness in which individuals overestimate their sense of smell and worry about the negative impact of odors. Little is known about its successful treatment. A new cognitive behavioral model was developed based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for obsessive-compulsive disorder. Using this model, this study reports a successful treatment process of a 53-year-old female with ORD.
CASE PRESENTATION
The patient's initial diagnosis was schizophrenia, and improvements were observed, such as the disappearance of persecutory delusions, through medication therapy. During this treatment process, it became clear that the patient's preoccupation with her own offensive body odor was not a hallucination or delusion caused by schizophrenia but rather a symptom of ORD. Within a limited 4-week hospitalization period, high-intensity CBT was provided by a clinical psychologist and a psychiatrist. Multiple CBT techniques were employed, including case formulation to identify her beliefs, reviewing safety-seeking behaviors, attention shift training, behavioral experiments, public opinion polls, mindfulness meditation, and exposure and response prevention.
CONCLUSION
Following a seven-sessions intensive intervention over 3 weeks, her symptoms of ORD, anxiety, and depression reduced. High-frequency CBT practices could be beneficial in treatment of patients with severe ORD, addressing severe ORD cases, facilitating rapid improvement in both ORD symptoms and functioning.
PubMed: 38868464
DOI: 10.1002/pcn5.179