Effects Of Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction Research Articles

Does a natural environment enhance the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)? Examining the mental health and wellbeing, and nature connectedness benefits

This study investigated whether the impacts of a commonly used wellbeing intervention, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), are enhanced when combined with the benefits of exposure to a natural environment. Participants (n = 99) were randomly assigned to a weekly one-hour MBSR in one of three different environments (i.e. natural outdoor, built outdoor and indoor environments) over a six-week period. Participants’ wellbeing outcomes and nature connectedness were measured at baseline, during the intervention and at one-week and one-month follow up. The results show that the mental health and wellbeing outcomes of MBSR are greater when it carried out in a natural outdoor environment compared with indoor or built environments. Moreover, participants in the natural outdoor environment showed sustained improvements even after one month from completion of the intervention. This study supports the potential value of natural environments as settings for the enhancement of health care delivery and therapeutic interventions.

The Effects of Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction Group Therapy on Anxiety, Depression, Stress, and the Intolerance of Uncertainty in Infertile Women

Objectives: The present study aimed to examine the effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) group therapy on anxiety, depression, stress, and the Intolerance of Uncertainty (IU) in infertile women receiving In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). Methods: This was a randomized clinical trial with a pre-test/post-test and 3-month follow-up design. The study sample included 30 women with infertility who referred to Taleghani Hospital in Tehran City, Iran in 2018. We enrolled 30 individuals in the present study. The study samples were randomly divided into two groups of experimental and control (n=15/group). All study participants completed the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS), and the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (IUS) before and after providing the intervention. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS. Results: The current research results revealed a significant difference between the MBSR and control groups in IU, stress, depression, and anxiety. Furthermore, there were significant differences in all dependent variables between pre-test and post-test scores except for IU in the experimental group. Discussion: The provided MBSR group therapy could reduce the rate of depression, anxiety, and stress in infertile women receiving IVF; however, it presented no significant effect on IU. In other words, IU may be a complex phenomenon, i.e. amenable to treatment and further studies are required to examine its reasons.

The Effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Increasing Emotional Control of Individuals Prone to Self-Injury Without Intention to Suicide

Background: The issue of this study is whether mindfulness-based stress reduction affects the increase in emotional control in individuals who are prone to self-harm without intention to commit suicide? Aims: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of mindfulness based on stress reduction on increasing emotional control in students who are prone to self-harm without intention to commit suicide in Tehran. Method: In this study, a quasi-experimental design with pre-test and post-test with control group was used. The statistical population of this study consisted of all high school students of first grade girls' school (Mehr) in Tehran in the school year of 97-98 who showed self-harm behavior using the intentional self-harm questionnaire Graz (2001), which included 53 people. The sample size was 48 people using Cochran formula which were selected by stratified sampling. But in the end, 40 of them were elected. Data were collected using the Intentional Self-Injury Questionnaire (DSHI) and the Emotional Control Questionnaire (ECQ). Results: Using multivariate covariance method in Spss software between the experimental and control groups in the component of emotional inhibition (p = 0.000) and (F = 68.828), aggression control component (p = 0.000) and There were significant differences (F = 233.658), rumination component (p = 0.000) and (F = 344.261), benign inhibition component (p = 0.000) and (F = 398.348). Conclusion: This means that mindfulness can enhance all components of emotion control in individuals who are prone to self-harm without intention.

The Effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Affective Control Dimensions in Adolescent Girls with Dysfunctional Eating Attitudes

Adolescents often take an inappropriate approach to eating to confront critical stress during puberty, which might, in turn, result in inefficient nutritional attitudes. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) on the dimensions of affective control in adolescent girls with dysfunctional eating attitudes. The population of this experimental study included 200 high school girls in the third educational zone of Isfahan, Iran, of whom 30 were selected by convenience sampling, considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group received the MBSR intervention and were followed up 40 days after the end of the treatment. The data were collected by the Eating Attitude Test and Affective Control Scale and were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results revealed the efficacy of MBSR on affective control in adolescent girls with dysfunctional eating attitudes. It might be concluded that MBSR can be effective in improving the mental health of adolescent girls with dysfunctional eating attitudes. In fact, mindfulness might influence an individual’s emotional and behavioral responses by altering the distorted thought processes that form the basis of the general aspects of well-being, especially mental health.

Effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in People With Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) on depression, quality of life (QoL), and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in people with diabetes. A systematic literature review and meta-analysis was conducted. Eight databases (PubMed, Embase, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature [CINAHL], Cochrane, PsycINFO, and three Chinese databases) were searched for relevant studies from inception to December 2019. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of MBSR and MBCT interventions for people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes were included. Nine studies described in 11 articles were included in the review. Meta-analysis showed a significant effect favoring MBSR and MBCT on depression (standardized mean difference -0.84; 95% confidence interval [CI] -1.16 to -0.51; p < .0001), the mental health composite score of QoL (mean difference [MD] 7.06; 95% CI 5.09 to 9.03; p < .00001), and HbA1c (MD -0.28; 95% CI -0.47 to -0.09; p = .004). However, effects on the physical health composite score of QoL have not been found. MBSR and MBCT are beneficial in improving depression, the mental health composite score of QoL, and HbA1c in people with diabetes. More well-designed trials using longer follow-up measurements are needed. MBSR and MBCT could be considered as effective complementary treatment alternatives for people with diabetes.

A study protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial on mindfulness-based stress reduction: studying effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction and an additional organisational health intervention on mental health and work-related perceptions of teachers in Dutch secondary vocational schools

BackgroundDutch teachers in secondary vocational schools suffer from stress and burnout complaints that can cause considerable problems at work. This paper presents a study design that can be used to evaluate the short-term and long-term effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), a person-focused intervention, both within and outside of the context of an additional organisational health intervention.MethodsThe proposed study comprises a cluster randomised controlled trial that will be conducted in at least three secondary vocational schools, to which teachers will be recruited from three types of courses: Care, Technology, and Economy. The allocation of the intervention programme to the participating schools will be randomised. The teachers from each school will be assigned to intervention group 1 (IG 1), intervention group 2 (IG 2), or the waiting list group (WG). IG 1 will receive MBSR training and IG 2 will receive MBSR training combined with an additional organisational health intervention. WG, that is the control group, will receive MBSR training one year later. The primary outcome variable of the proposed study is mindfulness, which will be measured using the Dutch version of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ-NL). In the conceptual model, the effects of teachers’ mindfulness resulting from the intervention programmes (MBSR training and MBSR training combined with an additional organisational health intervention) will be related to salient (secondary outcome) variables: mental health outcomes (e.g., burnout, work engagement), work performance, work-related perceptions (job demands and job resources), and personal competencies (e.g., occupational self-efficacy). Data will be collected before (T0) and immediately after the MBSR training (T1), and 3 (T2) and 9 months (T3) after the training. The power analysis revealed a required sample size of 66 teachers (22 in each group).DiscussionThe proposed study aims to provide insight into (1) the short-term and long-term effects of MBSR on teachers’ mental health, (2) the possible enhancing effects of the additional organisational health intervention, and (3) the teachers’ experiences with the interventions (working mechanisms, steps in the mindfulness change process). Strengths of this study design are the use of both positive and negative outcomes, the wide range of outcomes, both outcome and process measures, longitudinal data, mixed methods, and an integral approach. Although the proposed study protocol may not address all weaknesses of current studies (e.g., self-selection bias, self-reporting of data, the Hawthorne effect), it is innovative in many ways and can be expected to make important contributions to both the scientific and practical debate on how to beat work-related stress and occupational burnout, and on how to enhance work engagement and work performance.Trial registrationDutch Trial Register (www.trialregister.nl): NL5581. Registered on 6 July 2016.

Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction on Unhealthy Emotions and Sleep Quality of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Recipients

Objective: We attempt to explore the effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction on unhealthy emotion and sleep quality of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients. Methods: we enrolled 92 patients who underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients in the Hematology Department of our hospital from February 2017 to August 2019 and averagely divided them into control group and observation group according to random number table. Patients in the control group received routine nursing care for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients while patients in the observation group were given mindfulness-based stress reduction for mental intervention based on the routine nursing care. We adopted Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to assess the patients’ emotional state and sleep quality before and after intervention. Results: Before intervention, there was no significant difference in the score on SAS, SDS, and PSQI between two groups (P&gt;0.05). After intervention, the scores on SAS, SDS, and PSQI of both groups declined obviously and that of the observation group declined much more than that of the control group. There was a significant difference in the score on SAS, SDS, and PSQI between two groups after intervention (P&lt;0.05). Conclusions: Mindfulness-based stress reduction can relieve unhealthy emotions such as anxiety and depression of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients as well as their mental stress so as to improve their sleep quality.

The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction on Fear of Cancer Recurrence in Colorectal and Breast Cancer Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Strong fear of cancer recurrence is frequently reported among the cancer survivors. Such influential and universal fear is one of the factors that cause considerable emotional distress, anxiety, and decreasing quality of life among such patients. Given the importance of the subject, it is necessary to select psychological interventions in which the efficiency and feasibility have been proved in different trials. The present study aims to determine the efficacy of mindfulness-based stress reduction on fear of cancer recurrence in patients with colorectal and breast cancer. Methods: The current study is a randomized clinical trial with experiment and control groups. We selected 38 patients with breast and colorectal cancer who referred to Shahid Motahari Clinic and Amir Oncology Hospital in Shiraz (96-97), then randomly assigned them to intervention and control groups. They filled out questionnaires in the pre-test and post-test. The data were analyzed by multivariate statistical test with SPSS v. 23 software. Results: Findings show that the post-test mean scores in the fear of cancer inventory have decreased in the intervention group and there was a significant difference between experimental and control groups in the components of fear of cancer inventory as follows: triggers (F=55.289, P<0.0001), severity (F= 75.785, P<0.0001), psychological distress (F=24.078, P<0.0001), dysfunction (F=62/025, P<0.0001), coping strategies (F=15.592, P<0.0001), reassurance (F= 6.235, P<0.017), and except insight (F= 1.396, P<0.245). Conclusion: The results from this study showed that MBSR is an efficacious intervention to reduce fear of cancer recurrence in patients with breast and colorectal cancer.

The Effects of Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) on Fear of Negative Evaluation, Changing Attitude towards Life and Assertiveness in Neglected Adolescents

The Effects of Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) on Fear of Negative Evaluation, Changing Attitude towards Life and Assertiveness in Neglected Adolescents

Does patient expectancy account for the cognitive and clinical benefits of mindfulness training in older adults?

Patient expectations of treatment effects could influence neuropsychological and clinical outcomes in clinical trials of behavioral and lifestyle interventions, which could potentially confound the interpretation of findings. Our aim was to examine whether patient expectancy mediated effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) for improving cognitive function and clinical outcome. The present study uses data from a single-blind, multi-site, randomized controlled trial comparing MBSR to a health education attention control in older adults with anxiety and/or depressive disorders and subjective cognitive concerns. Using the Credibility and Expectations Questionnaire, we measured expectancy and perceived credibility of the interventions assigned to patients. Using mediational analysis, we examined the influence of expectancy and credibility on two key outcomes: memory performance and clinical global improvement. Neither expectancy nor perceived credibility of intervention accounted significantly for MBSR's effectiveness for memory test performance or clinical global improvement. In this clinical trial, expectancy for improvement did not account for the effectiveness of MBSR on memory performance or clinical outcomes in depressed and anxious older adults. We advise that clinical trials of behavioral and lifestyle interventions for brain health in older adults should measure and test the role of expectancy.

The effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction on maternal anxiety and self-efficacy: A randomized controlled trial.

ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to assess the effect of mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR) on anxiety and self‐efficacy in coping with childbirth.Material and MethodsThis randomized controlled trial was conducted on 70 pregnant women in Abyek city of Qazvin province in Iran. The convenient sampling method was recruited. Samples were assigned to control and intervention groups using random blocks. In addition to routine care, individuals in the intervention group received 6 MBSR training sessions. The data gathering questionnaire in this study included mindfulness, Pregnancy‐Related Anxiety Questionnaire, and self‐efficacy in coping with childbirth questionnaire.ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference between the demographic characteristics in the control and intervention groups. The results of the analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures indicated the effect of time on the change in the total score of anxiety in the intervention group (p = .001). There was a significant difference between the two groups (p = .001). Also, the results of ANOVA with repeated measures showed that time had no impact on the score of self‐efficacy in delivery coping (p = 0/1) and that there was no significant difference between the two groups in this respect (p = .6).ConclusionThe result of this study showed that mindfulness reduces anxiety of pregnant mothers, and it is suggested that mindfulness programs be educated for healthcare providers and pregnant mothers to reduce maternal anxiety and improve pregnancy outcomes and delivery.

The Neurophysiological Effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Training on Emotional Regulation

The Neurophysiological Effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Training on Emotional Regulation

Effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Psychological Symptoms and Telomere Length: A Randomized Active-Controlled Trial

Much research has demonstrated the beneficial effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) on psychological and physical health, but it is not known whether MBSR may impact cellular aging in healthy populations. Further, little research has evaluated MBSR against an active control condition, which precludes strong conclusions regarding the unique effects of mindfulness on psychological functioning. The present study examined the effects of MBSR versus music therapy–based stress reduction (MTSR) on trait mindfulness, self-compassion, and several psychological health outcomes, as well as leukocyte telomere length (LTL). One hundred and fifty eight Singaporean Chinese adults were recruited and randomly assigned to an eight-week MBSR or MTSR course. Participants provided blood samples and completed a battery of self-report measures pre- and post-intervention. Analyses showed that participants in the MBSR condition demonstrated significantly greater improvements in depressive symptoms, trait mindfulness, and self-compassion compared to the control condition. Treatment condition did not predict changes in LTL, anxiety, stress, or happiness, though there was a trend for duration of home mindfulness practice to predict increases in LTL. Overall, the study demonstrated MBSR’s unique effects in reducing depressive symptoms. Improvements in trait mindfulness and self-compassion correspond with theorized mechanisms of change underlying mindfulness training. The lack of intervention effect with regards to LTL suggests that a more intensive intervention may be required for mindfulness to exert noticeable impact on aging at the cellular level, or that the effect may only emerge over a longer term.

Mindfulnes-Based Stress Reduction for Older Couples with Metabolic Syndrome: a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

We examined the feasibility and explored the physical, psychological, relational, and biological effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), an 8-week standardized mindfulness program, involving older married couples (60 years or older) with metabolic syndrome (one or both partners had metabolic syndrome). We also explored gender differences. A pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) compared MBSR to a Wait List Control (WLC) arm at baseline, post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up clinic visits. Twenty-two spouses (11 couples) self-reported stress, physical and mental functioning, mindfulness, and relationship satisfaction at each time point. Fasting glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure, weight, and waist circumference were measured. MBSR couples answered questions about partner influences on participation, adherence, and practice at the post-intervention visit. In terms of adherence to MBSR sessions, four of the six couples attended all 10 sessions; one couple attended 7; and one wife attended 6 and her husband attended 5 sessions. In terms of efficacy, there were no significant intervention effects; however, there were significant gender by intervention effects. Pre- to post-intervention, MBSR wives displayed greater increases in physical functioning (β = 1.18, t(36) = 3.17, p = .003) and relationship satisfaction (β = .72, t(36) = 2.81, p = .007) than WLC wives. Effects for husbands were not significant. Qualitatively, participants reported encouragement and increased relationship closeness. Engaging in MBSR as a couple to address symptoms of metabolic syndrome was well-received and feasible. Preliminary effects suggest more benefits for wives than husbands in terms of physical functioning and relational well-being.

Psychological Processes and Symptom Outcomes in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Cancer Survivors: A Pilot Study

Growing evidence supports the efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions for symptoms in cancer survivors. Identifying theory-based psychological processes underlying their effects on symptoms would inform research to enhance their efficacy and cost-effectiveness. We conducted secondary analyses examining the effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) for cancer-related fatigue on mindfulness facets, self-compassion, and psychological inflexibility. We also examined whether changes in these processes were associated with the symptom outcomes of fatigue interference, sleep disturbance, and emotional distress. Thirty-five persistently fatigued cancer survivors (94% female, 77% breast cancer survivors) were randomized to either MBSR for cancer-related fatigue or a waitlist control (WC) condition. Self-report measures were administered at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 1-month follow-up. Then the WC group received MBSR and completed a post-intervention follow-up. Linear mixed modeling analyses of the first three time points showed steady increases over time for certain mindfulness facets (observing, acting with awareness, and nonjudging) and self-compassion in favor of the MBSR group. When analyzing pre- and post-intervention data across study conditions, none of the psychological processes predicted change in fatigue interference. However, increased nonjudging was associated with decreased sleep disturbance (β = -.39, p = .003), and increased acting with awareness was associated with decreased emotional distress (β = -.36, p = .003). Self-compassion did not predict change in symptom outcomes. Results point to specific psychological processes that may be targeted to maximize the efficacy of future MBSR interventions for cancer survivors.

Intervention effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction for psychological health among nurses : A meta-analysis

Intervention effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction for psychological health among nurses : A meta-analysis

Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction on Unhealthy Emotions and Sleep Quality of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Recipients

Objective: We attempt to explore the effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction on unhealthy emotion and sleep quality of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients. Methods: we enrolled 92 patients who underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients in the Hematology Department of our hospital from February 2017 to August 2019 and averagely divided them into control group and observation group according to random number table. Patients in the control group received routine nursing care for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients while patients in the observation group were given mindfulness-based stress reduction for mental intervention based on the routine nursing care. We adopted Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to assess the patients’ emotional state and sleep quality before and after intervention. Results: Before intervention, there was no significant difference in the score on SAS, SDS, and PSQI between two groups (P>0.05). After intervention, the scores on SAS, SDS, and PSQI of both groups declined obviously and that of the observation group declined much more than that of the control group. There was a significant difference in the score on SAS, SDS, and PSQI between two groups after intervention (P<0.05). Conclusions: Mindfulness-based stress reduction can relieve unhealthy emotions such as anxiety and depression of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients as well as their mental stress so as to improve their sleep quality.

Self-compassion in mindfulness-based stress reduction: An examination of prediction and mediation of intervention effects.

The current investigation sought to clarify mechanisms of treatment effects in mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR). Self-compassion and mindful awareness were assessed first as dispositional influences and then as mediators of outcome in unique models. One hundred thirty individuals participating in the 8-week MBSR intervention were recruited (73.08% female, mean age = 46.97, SD = 14.07). Measures of psychosocial well-being (Brief Stress Inventory [BSI], Perceived Stress Scale-10 [PSS]), mindful awareness (Mindful Awareness and Attention Scale [MAAS]), and self-compassion (Self-Compassion Scale [SCS]) were collected at preintervention and postintervention. Regression was conducted to examine the influence of baseline MAAS and SCS on change in PSS and BSI scores. Serial multiple mediator models were conducted separately with pre/postintervention BSI and PSS values as criterion, and preintervention/postintervention MAAS and SCS values as mediators. Higher levels of baseline self-compassion were predictive of greater reductions in PSS scores (β = 0.16). Reductions in BSI scores were serially mediated by change in self-compassion both directly (MBSR → ΔSCS → ΔBSI β = 0.06) and indirectly through mindful awareness (MBSR → ΔMAAS → ΔSCS → ΔBSI β = 0.09). Results provide support for the role of self-compassion as both a predictor of treatment effect and a process through which MBSR operates. Mechanisms underlying MBSR effects appear to be unique to the outcome of interest.

The Effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Therapy on Quality of Life in Women with Multiple Sclerosis, Ahvaz, Iran.

Introduction: Low quality of life is one of the most common symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) which can reduce satisfaction with life, as well as increase death ratio and neuro-mental problems. The present study aimed to determine the effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) therapy on the quality of life in women with Multiple sclerosis in the city of Ahvaz.Methods: Forty eight patients who had referred to neurologists were selected by convenient sampling and were assigned into two groups (MBSR and control) randomly. The participants of the two groups answered the 36-item quality of life questionnaire. The experimental group was under treatment for 8 sessions while the control group did not receive any psychological treatment. Data were analyzed, using SPSSver.13 software by repeated measures analysis of variance.Results: In the MBSR group, the mean subscales of QOL had more significant reduction compare to control group. Also the improvement of all subscales of mental and physical QOL continued after two months later in follow up stage.Conclusion: The findings suggest that MBSR is useful for improving the quality of life in patients with MS.

Effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction combined with music therapy on pain, anxiety, and sleep quality in patients with osteosarcoma.

Objectives:To evaluate the effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) combined with music therapy (MT) on clinical symptoms in patients with osteosarcoma.Methods:Patients diagnosed with osteosarcoma were assessed for eligibility. A total of 101 patients were ultimately randomized into the intervention and control groups. Both groups received routine care. Eight sessions of MBSR and MT psychotherapy were conducted in the intervention group, while the control group received no psychological intervention. Patients were assessed regarding pain, anxiety, and sleep quality at two distinct stages: before and after the intervention.Results:There were no significant differences in sociodemographic and clinical parameters between the intervention and control groups at baseline. The intervention program significantly alleviated psychological and physiological complications in patients with osteosarcoma. Specifically, the study revealed that 8 weeks of the combined MBSR/MT intervention effectively reduced pain and anxiety scores and improved the quality of sleep in patients.Conclusion:MBSR combined with MT significantly alleviated clinical symptoms, and could be considered a new, effective psychotherapeutic intervention for patients with osteosarcoma.