Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire Research Articles

The association between mindfulness, resilience, and academic achievement of pharmacy students in Saudi Arabia

BackgroundLiterature suggests that mindfulness and resilience positively impact academic performance. This study was conducted to assess mindfulness and resilience levels among pharmacy students. The study also aimed to explore the relationship between mindfulness and resilience, as well as their effects on GPA, which serves as an indicator of academic performance.MethodsThe study utilized the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), a validated tool consisting of 39 items across five domains: observing, describing, acting with awareness, non-judging of inner experience, and non-reactivity. Additionally, the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), a validated questionnaire with 6 items using a 5-point Likert scale, was employed to assess resilience.ResultsThe average scores obtained from the mindfulness and resilience scales were 3.00 (SD = 0.36) and 3.00 (SD = 0.65), indicating intermediate levels of resilience and mindfulness, respectively. No statistically significant differences were found in mindfulness scores between male and female students, or between students with and without a previous diagnosis of mental health issues. However, a statistically significant higher level of resilience was observed among students who have never been diagnosed with mental health issues compared to those who reported a previous diagnosis. However, females scored significantly higher in the observing domain of mindfulness compared to males, while males scored significantly higher in the acting with awareness domain. Students who had never been diagnosed with mental health issues scored significantly higher in acting with awareness. A significant positive association was found between resilience and mindfulness scores of the students (r = 0.45, p < 0.001). However, significant positive correlation was found between resilience and describing as well as acting with awareness mindfulness, p < 0.05. Assessing the association between student GPA and mindfulness as well as resilience scores showed a weak association.Discussion and conclusionTailored interventions and programs could be implemented to foster resilience, enhance students’ ability to cope, and equip them with tools to bounce back in the face of adversity. Further research could explore other factors that might influence the strength of the relationships between mindfulness and resilience, and student GPA.

Changes in Trait Mindfulness after a Brief Mindfulness Training Program of Self-Breathing.

Developing and cultivating mindfulness exerts a positive effect on psychological and cognitive performance. Sharpening the skill requires continuous mindfulness-based training (MT), which can be challenging for people leading busy lives. Therefore, the current study examined whether trait mindfulness can be improved by a flexible and brief MT program of self-breathing using a pre-post intervention design. Trait mindfulness was assessed using the Japanese version of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) before the intervention (pre), after 2 weeks (during), and 4 weeks after the intervention started (post). Data were analyzed using the Friedman test followed by the Dunn-Bonferroni correction. The study sample consisted of 22 healthy participants aged from 20 to 60 years with no previous experience with yoga or meditation equivalent to MT. The mean number of days of MT practice was 26.4, and 11 participants had interruptions. The median values of pre-, during-, and post-total FFMQ scores were 115.5, 123, and 129, respectively. Significant differences were observed in the total pre and post (p < 0.001) and during and post (p = 0.002) FFMQ scores, though a medium effect was found (r = 0.30) only between the pre and post scores. Of the five sub-scales of FFMQ, significant differences were observed only between pre and post Observing (p = 0.01), Nonreactivity (p < 0.001), and Describing (p = 0.01), and during and post Nonjudging (p = 0.016), and Nonreactivity (p = 0.025). Our findings suggest that the simple, brief, and flexible self-breathing method employed in this study has a substantial effect on fostering trait mindfulness and, therefore, can be adopted by people with hectic daily schedules.

Effects of kangaroo mother care combined with nurse-assisted mindfulness training for reducing stress among mothers of preterm infants hospitalized in the NICU: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundKangaroo mother care (KMC) can have a positive effect on the mental well-being of a mother. However, there are specific challenges associated with the process that may contribute to increased anxiety for the mother. By integrating nurse-assisted mindfulness training alongside KMC guidance, nurses may effectively alleviate maternal stress to a greater extent.MethodsA single-centre randomized controlled trial was conducted to investigate the effects of KMC combined with nurse-assisted mindfulness training. The study included preterm infants with a gestational age of less than 32 weeks or a birth weight of less than 1500 g and their mothers, who were randomly divided into two groups. The intervention group consisted of mothers who received KMC combined with nurse-assisted mindfulness training for 14 days. The control group comprised mothers who received only KMC for 14 days. Data from both groups were collected and compared for analysis.ResultsForty-seven infants and their mothers were included in the intervention group, whereas 44 pairs were included in the control group. After the intervention, the parental stressor scale scores for the neonatal intensive care unit (PSS: NICU) (3), PSS: NICU (4), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores for the intervention group were lower than those for the control group, whereas the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) (1), FFMQ (4), and FFMQ (5) scores for the intervention group were higher. The degree of change in the PSS: NICU and HADS scores was inversely correlated with the degree of change in the FFMQ score. The breast milk feed rate and weight gain rate were greater in the intervention group than in the control group. No adverse reactions were observed in either group.ConclusionsKangaroo mother care combined with nurse-assisted mindfulness training is an acceptable, feasible, and effective procedure for reducing anxiety in mothers of preterm infants in the NICU, with potential benefits for the short-term prognosis of these infants.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1900023697, registered on June 8, 2019, retrospectively registered.

Psychological mechanisms and neural correlates of trait mindfulness in emotion regulation: Testing a novel approach to the monitor and acceptance theory

BackgroundThe ongoing mental health crisis warrants investigations to understand why trait mindfulness is associated with beneficial mental health outcomes. This study examined attention monitoring and acceptance as psychological mechanisms underlying the relationship between trait mindfulness and emotion regulation and connectivity between the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) and posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) as a potential neural mechanism. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted with 501 adult participants (age range: 17–79, M = 31, SD = 11.3) representing the general population. To assess emotion regulation and trait mindfulness, participants completed the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) and Five Facets Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ). Resting-state functional MRI was acquired in a subsample of 20 participants to explore the role of dlPFC-PCC functional connectivity. ResultsHigher levels of acceptance, as measured using the Non-judging and Non-reactivity subscales of the FFMQ, were significantly associated with fewer overall emotion regulation difficulties and predicted all emotion regulation subscales. In contrast, higher levels of attention monitoring, measured using the Observe subscale, predicted only three DERS subscales and with mixed effects: higher emotional awareness and clarity, but greater difficulties in goal-directed behaviour. The interaction between monitoring and acceptance was not significant, and no correlation was found between these variables and dlPFC-PCC functional connectivity. ConclusionsThese findings challenge previous theories that argue that attention monitoring is crucial for effective emotion regulation. Instead, we conclude that acceptance is the key psychological mechanism, indicating that the traditional focus on attention monitoring in mindfulness training may be less effective than a primary emphasis on acceptance. This study provides a critical review of past research, highlighting issues with operationalising acceptance, and offers recommendations for future studies and practical implications for developing mindfulness interventions.

Virtual reality-guided mindfulness intervention to enhance psychosocial well-being in caregivers of end-stage kidney disease patients: protocol for a mixed-methods pilot randomised controlled trial

IntroductionCaregivers of patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) face significant challenges that contribute to caregiver burden, negatively impacting their psychosocial well-being. Virtual-reality (VR)-guided mindfulness interventions have shown promise in reducing...

Cultural Sensitivity and Mindfulness Among Nursing Students: A Descriptive and Correlational Study

Aim: This study was conducted to determine nursing students’ levels of mindfulness and cultural sensitivity and to reveal the correlation between mindfulness and cultural sensitivity. Material and Methods: Descriptive and correlational research method was used. Data were collected online from nursing students at a state university in Ankara between December 5, 2022, and January 5, 2023. The online survey comprised three sections: student information form, Five-Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire—Short Form, and Intercultural Sensitivity Scale. The questionnaire was sent to the students through email. The final sample consisted of 318 students who agreed to participate in the study and filled out the questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the IBM SPSS v.23 for Windows. Results: The mean total scores for the Five-Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire—Short Form and the Intercultural Sensitivity Scale were 66.41 ± 6.58 and 93.08 ± 7.01, respectively. Additonally, statistical analyses revealed a moderately significant positive correlation between mindfulness and intercultural sensitivity among nursing students. Conclusion: The study findings and the reviewed literature indicate that if nursing faculties and educators wish to develop strategies to promote cultural sensitivity, it would be beneficial to integrate mindfulness training into the nursing curriculum both before and after graduation.

The Effect of Mindfulness Meditation on Nursing Students’ Stress and Anxiety Levels

Nursing students often face significant stress and anxiety, impacting their cognitive function, academic performance, and clinical skills. Effective interventions to support their mental health are needed. This study investigates the effect of an eight-week mindfulness meditation course on stress and anxiety levels of nursing students during clinical placements. Conducted from February to May 2024 at nursing schools in Surakarta, Indonesia, the quasi-experimental study included 35 students who attended weekly 50-minute mindfulness sessions. The Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (Zung-SARS), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were administered at baseline (T0), post-intervention (T1), and four weeks post-intervention (T2). Results showed significant improvements in mindfulness, with FFMQ scores increasing by 11.43 from T0 to T1 (p &lt; 0.001) and by 10.86 from T0 to T2 (p &lt; 0.001). Anxiety and depression levels significantly decreased, with Zung-SARS scores dropping by -6.89 from T0 to T1 (p &lt; 0.001) and -7.08 from T0 to T2 (p &lt; 0.001), and BDI scores decreasing by -5.89 from T0 to T1 (p &lt; 0.001) and -5.86 from T0 to T2 (p &lt; 0.001). The study suggests mindfulness meditation can significantly enhance mental health among nursing students.

Adding to global knowledge by leveraging mindfulness: revisiting the five facet mindfulness questionnaire in IT/ITES industry

Purpose This study aims to revisit the properties of 24-item version of mindfulness scale proposed by Bohlmeijer et al. (2011) in an Indian context to add to the existing global knowledge base on mindfulness. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire was administered to 531 adult employees working in the IT/ITES sector in India. Their responses were analysed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and validity statistics to validate the Indian adaptation of the five-facet mindfulness questionnaire (FFMQ). Findings The findings confirmed that the Indian version of the 24-item short form of the FFMQ (denoted as FFMQ-SF) matches the findings of Bohlmeijer et al. (2011). It can, therefore, provide valuable insights to both employees and management on the benefits of mindfulness in the workplace. Research limitations/implications This paper also presents the limitations of this work along with scholarly and practical implications. It enhances the global understanding of mindfulness, with applications in education, health and well-being, workplaces, social justice, spirituality and personal growth. Originality/value This study justifies and presents a unique instrument for assessing employee mindfulness and is beneficial for both management and employees in navigating the evolving hybrid work environment. It promotes present-moment awareness in a non-judgemental manner, facilitating perspective shifts, improved self-regulation and experiential acceptance. Additionally, the study affirms the five-dimensional structure underlying the mindfulness construct.

The role of emotion regulation through mindfulness in oncological patients: A pilot study

Background Traditional MBSR or MBTC programs do not delve deeply enough into emotional regulation, which is especially relevant in oncological patients. The aim of this study was to analyze the benefits of a mindfulness-based emotion regulation program in adult oncological patients. Method Psycho-oncologists from the AECC developed a mindfulness-based emotion regulation program. The Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), Trait Meta-Mood Scale (TMMS), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were administered before and after the program. A single-group pre-post test design with repeated measures was employed, utilizing the General Linear Model. Results Ninety-seven adult cancer patients completed the pre- and post-program assessments. Statistically significant improvements were observed in all FFMQ subscales, increased clarity of emotional discrimination, mood repair, and statistically significant reductions in anxiety and depressive symptoms. Conclusions Regardless of the phase of the disease, the results of this study suggest that emotional regulation may improve and anxiety and depressive symptomatology decrease after a mindfulness-based emotion regulation program in oncological patients

Cognitive-behavioral treatment for insomnia and mindfulness-based stress reduction in nurses with insomnia: a non-inferiority internet delivered randomized controlled trial.

Insomnia is a highly prevalent sleep disorder frequently comorbid with mental health conditions in nurses. Despite the effectiveness of evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), there is a critical need for alternative approaches. This study investigated whether internet-delivered mindfulness-based stress reduction (IMBSR) for insomnia could be an alternative to internet-delivered CBT-I (ICBT-I). The hypothesis was that the IMBSR would be noninferior to the ICBT-I in reducing the severity of insomnia among nurses with insomnia. Additionally, it was expected that ICBT-I would produce a greater reduction in the severity of insomnia and depression than IMBSR. Among 240 screened nurses, 134 with insomnia were randomly allocated (IMBSR, n =67; ICBT-I, n = 67). The assessment protocol comprised clinical interviews and self-reported outcome measures, including the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the 15-item Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), and the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-I). The retention rate was 55% with 77.6% (n=104) of participants completing the study. At post-intervention, the noninferiority analysis of the ISI score showed that the upper limit of the 95% confidence interval was 4.88 (P=0.46), surpassing the pre-specified noninferiority margin of 4 points. Analysis of covariance revealed that the ICBT-I group had significantly lower ISI (Cohen's d = 1.37) and PHQ-9 (Cohen's d = 0.71) scores than did the IMBSR group. In contrast, the IMBSR group showed a statistically significant increase in the FFMQ-15 score (Cohen's d = 0.67). Within-group differences showed that both the IMBSR and ICBT-I were effective at reducing insomnia severity and depression severity and improving mindfulness. Overall, nurses demonstrated high levels of satisfaction and adherence to both interventions. The IMBSR significantly reduced insomnia severity and depression, but the findings of this study do not provide strong evidence that the IMBSR is at least as effective as the ICBT-I in reducing insomnia symptoms among nurses with insomnia. The ICBT-I was found to be significantly superior to the IMBSR in reducing insomnia severity, making it a recommended treatment option for nurses with insomnia.

Does Mindfulness Mediate the Relationship Between Emotion Regulation and Pro-Environmental Behaviors Differently Based on Gender?

ObjectivesThis study aimed to explore possible gender differences in the relationship between emotion dysregulation, mindfulness, and pro-environmental behaviors. Specifically, it aimed to investigate whether mindfulness mediated the association between emotion dysregulation and pro-environmental behaviors, and if there were any gender differences in this relationship.MethodA sample of 1,406 employees (56.3% males, average age = 44.85) participated in the study. Participants completed the Pro-Environmental Behaviors Scale (PEBS), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale- Short Form (DERS-SF), and Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) to assess pro-environmental behaviors, emotion regulation, and mindfulness, respectively. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, Pearson's correlation analysis, and mediation analysis.ResultsWomen exhibited higher scores on the PEBS total scale (p < 0.001; \U0001d7022 = 0.02), higher scores on the Observe and Describe FFMQ subscales (p < 0.001; \U0001d7022 = 0.01), and lower scores on the Non-react FFMQ subscale (p < 0.001; \U0001d7022 = 0.01), compared to men. No gender differences were found on the DERS-SF total scale (p > 0.05; \U0001d7022 = 0.00). Higher levels of emotion dysregulation were associated with lower pro-environmental behaviors (r = - 0.12; p < 0.05). Mindfulness mediated the relationship between emotion dysregulation and pro-environmental behaviors, specifically through the ability to observe one's own emotions and external stimuli. Gender differences were found based on the Non-react facet of mindfulness, which is negatively associated with pro-environmental behaviors in men (β = - 0.08; p < 0.05) and positively associated with them in women (β = 0.09; p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe findings suggest that emotion dysregulation and mindfulness are associated with pro-environmental behaviors. The ability to observe one's own emotions and external stimuli plays a significant role in promoting sustainable behaviors, while the ability to perceive one's own emotions without feeling overwhelmed or compelled to react to them has different associations with pro-environmental behaviors in men and women. These results provide insights for the development of interventions targeting emotion regulation and mindfulness to encourage pro-environmental behaviors, specifically based on gender.PreregistrationThis study is not preregistered.

Golden steps: A nursing approach for vitality, agility, and rumination in geriatric clients with depressive disorders through mindful walking

BackgroundDepression is a prevalent issue among older adults and can significantly impact their overall quality of life. While traditional treatments may not always be sufficient or suitable for all individuals, the potential of alternative interventions, such as mindful walking, offers a ray of hope. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of mindful walking on rumination, agility, vitality, and mindfulness in geriatric patients with depressive disorders. MethodA prospective quasi-experimental design was employed with a purposive sample of 35 clients in the intervention group and 33 in the control group. This study utilized the Ruminative Responses Scale – Short Form (RRS-SF) and Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) to measure the primary outcome. The Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) and State-Level Version of the Subjective Vitality Scale (SVS) were used to measure the secondary outcomes. ResultsMindful walking significantly affected vitality, mindfulness, and rumination, with effect sizes (ղ2 = 0.168, 0.137, and 0.127), respectively. On the other hand, the intervention had a less significant effect on agility, with an effect size (ղ2 = 0.047). ConclusionThis study revealed that geriatric clients with depressive disorders showed more significant improvements in vitality, followed by improvement in rumination and agility. Integrating mindful walking as a part of care plans for those clients would promote their physical activity and mental well-being.

Change in Mindfulness Profiles After Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Major Depressive Disorder

ObjectivesMindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) reduces recurrence and current depressive symptoms in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). To understand how and for whom MBCT works, a person-centered approach focusing on mindfulness profiles can be useful. Four mindfulness profiles, each associated differently with mental health outcomes, have previously been identified. So far, no studies have examined whether profiles change after MBCT and whether these changes are related to treatment outcome.MethodLatent transition analysis (LTA) was performed on pre- and post-MBCT subscale scores of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) in patients with current or remitted MDD (n=500). LTA allowed the assessment of individual changes in mindfulness profile after MBCT and the relation between profile change and corresponding changes in measures of mental health, including depressive symptoms, overall functional impairment, worry, and self-compassion.ResultsLTA re-established the four profiles previously identified cross-sectionally: “Very low mindfulness” (VLM), “Non-judgmentally aware” (NJA), “Judgmentally observing” (JO), and “High mindfulness” (HM). For 71 out of 168 patients with VLM profiles changed to NJA and for another 30 to HM. For 49 out of the 129 patients with NJA and for 37 out of 141 patients with JO profiles changed to HM. All 61 patients starting with HM kept HM. In general, change was related to greater than average improvement in mental health, while no change in profile was related to less than average improvement in mental health (except for HM).ConclusionsOur findings indicate that changes in mindfulness profile after MBCT was differentially related to clinical change. These results from a person-centered approach offer new avenues to further elucidate the working mechanism of MBCT and improve its outcome.PreregistrationThis study was not preregistered.

Effect of Heartfulness Meditation on Oxidative Stress and Mindfulness in Healthy Participants.

Mental health issues are a major cause of poor life outcomes. Heartfulness (HFN) meditation is recommended for stress management and daily awareness. Although studies have shown that HFN can improve burnout and well-being, the biological mechanism underlying oxidative stress markers in a healthy human is unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine whether HFN meditation benefits mindfulness responses and also to examine the impact of HFN meditation on oxidative stress in healthy individuals. This prospective study involved 60 healthy individuals aged 18-24, divided into experimental and control groups, and implemented an HFN meditation intervention over 12 weeks. Both groups' serum malondialdehyde and serum nitrate levels were examined before and after the intervention. Additionally, psychometric evaluations concerning mindfulness and experiential avoidance were conducted utilizing scales such as the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), Five-Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), and Experiential Avoidance (EA). Following a three-month intervention period, serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the experimental group did not show a significant increase, whereas in the control group, there was a significant increase (p < 0.000). Conversely, serum nitrate levels in the experimental group exhibited a significant increase (p < 0.05). Additionally, psychological stress decreased, as indicated by various questionnaire tools such as MAAS, FFMQ, SCS, and EA, with mindfulness showing an increase. However, a decrease in EA was seen. Heartfulness meditation has a positive impact on both mindfulness and oxidative stress. This suggests that consistent, long-term participation in HFN meditation could enhance mental health and foster overall well-being.

Demographic trends and outcome measures found in randomized controlled trials of wellness interventions among medical trainees: A systematic review.

9014 Background: To our knowledge, there is no systematic review that identifies and characterizes the wellness interventions with high-quality evidence in the form of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) among medical education trainees (medical students, residents, and fellows). Methods: A medical librarian (YL) searched Embase, MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), APA PsycINFO, and Clinicaltrials.gov from the earliest timepoint to March 2022. We included full text/ published studies that were prospective RCTs that included quantifiable measures related to mental health, wellness, or other measures of wellbeing. Medical students, residents, and/or fellows must be included in the intervention that is intended to improve wellbeing. We excluded studies that included only qualitative outcome measures, had no control group, or took place outside the USA. Results: Our search strategy resulted in 3,806 unique articles. 161 articles passed initial screening of titles and abstracts, and 46 studies met eligibility criteria with dates ranging from 1980 to 2022. A total of 8,016 participants were studied with the majority of studies (26) focusing on medical students, a minority of studies (20) focusing on residents, and no studies that included fellows. A minority (10) of studies were multi-institutional with the vast majority (36) being single-institutional. Outcome measures shared among two or more studies include variants of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) (5), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) (5), PHQ-9 (5), Five-Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) (5), State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) (3), step count (3), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) (2), General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) (2), Global Severity Index (GSI) (2), and Brief Symptom Index (BSI) (2). Interventions included in two or more studies center around mindfulness and/or meditation practices (15), cognitive behavioral therapy (CTB) (3), hypnosis (3), activity trackers (2), flexible work hours (2), and massage and/or manipulation (2). Conclusions: We conducted a systematic review to identify evidence-based wellness interventions and in the process potentially inform future research in regards to standardized outcome measures and highlighting the need for interventions targeting fellows, particularly in fields with a majority of physicians reporting burnout such as hematology/oncology.1 1. McKenna J. Medscape Physician Burnout &amp; Depression Report 2024: “We Have Much Work to Do". Medscape. Published 2024. https://www.medscape.com/slideshow/2024-lifestyle-burnout-6016865.

Using a Biofeedback-Based Mindfulness Practice System to Enhance Mindfulness and Alleviate Anxiety in College Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: College students experience intense anxiety, for which biofeedback mindfulness techniques show effectiveness in relief. However, typical biofeedback products often lead to user fatigue and boredom because of a single or fixed feedback and lack of focus on mindfulness enhancement. Materials and Methods: In this research, we developed Mindjourney, a VR-based respiratory feedback mindfulness system, designed to enhance mindfulness and alleviate anxiety through continuous/noncontinuous feedback and nonjudgmental reward/punishment for self-perception and attention management. A randomized controlled trial involved 72 college students, split equally into short-term (n = 34, age: 23.11 ± 1.729) and 4-week long-term (n = 38, age: 24.12 ± 1.408) groups, with equal randomization for intervention and control groups. Pre/postintervention tests were measured by using Trait Anxiety Inventory (TAI) and Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) for long-term groups and Galvanic Skin Response and State Anxiety Inventory (SAI) for short-term groups. Results: Results showed that the long-term intervention group showed a significant increase in mindfulness (P = 0.001 for FFMQ total score). Furthermore, observe and act with awareness subscales showed significant increase after intervention (P = 0.034 for observe, P < 0.001 for act with awareness) compared with the control group. Both intervention groups demonstrated a significant decrease in anxiety levels compared with the control groups (P = 0.049 for SAI, P = 0.01 for TAI). Moreover, participants expressed high interest in this biofeedback mindfulness system and willingness for long-term usage. Conclusion: The proposed biofeedback mindfulness practice system could potentially facilitate mindfulness practice and serve as a convenient tool for anxiety relief in campus college students.

The impact of mindfulness training on alleviating COVID-19 fear among international students in China: A quasi-experimental study

This study investigated the effects of mindfulness training on alleviating fear of the COVID-19 epidemic among international students in China during the academic year 2020. The training group participants (N = 41) and the control group participants (N = 44) were surveyed pre-and post-training with the two English questionnaires: The Five-Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) and the fear of the COVID-19 scale (FCV–19S). The results showed that, regarding the relationship between the two main variables in the study, mindfulness is related negatively to the COVID-19 epidemic. Moreover, compared to the control group, results showed that individuals in the training group demonstrated significant improvements in mindfulness levels and decreased Fear of COVID-19. Thus, findings suggest that a short online mindfulness meditation training may reduce fear of the COVID-19 epidemic.

The Day After: The Longitudinal Effect of COVID-19 Lockdown on Quality of Life of University Students and the Moderator Role of Mindfulness.

Background: The COVID-19 lockdown has been a major stressor for the general population, posing a considerable threat to quality of life (QoL), particularly among university students. Existing research highlights the protective role of dispositional mindfulness (DM) in mitigating stressors; however, its influence on moderating the impact of COVID-19 on QoL remains unknown. We used a longitudinal design to assess the QoL of undergraduate students before and after the COVID-19 lockdown, while also examining the potential moderating effect of DM on this impact. Methods: One hundred eleven Spanish undergraduate students were recruited in 2019, and 103 were followed-up in 2020. Instruments comprised a demographic questionnaire, the World Health Organization Quality of Life BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) inventory to assess QoL, and the Five Facets Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) to assess DM. Results: Analyses revealed statistically significant differences between the two time points in WHOQOL-BREF: Psychological, Social Relationships, and Environmental. Moderation analyses revealed that the impact of COVID-19 on WHOQOL-BREF Psychological scores was moderated by FFMQ-Observe and FFMQ-Non-judging. Conclusions: The COVID-19 lockdown resulted in a reduction of QoL among undergraduate students, yet this impact was moderated by DM. Specifically, present moment attention to experience (observe) and non-judgmental awareness attenuated the impact of COVID-19 on psychological well-being. Future research should focus on evaluating the protective role of preventive interventions designed to increase DM among undergraduate students.

Evidence for differential associations of distinct trait mindfulness facets with acute and chronic stress

Stress and stress-associated disease are considered the health epidemic of the 21st century. Interestingly, despite experiencing similar amounts of stress than those falling ill, some individuals are protected against the “wear and tear of daily life”. Based on the notion that mindfulness training strengthens stress resilience, we explored whether facets of trait mindfulness, prior to training intervention, are linked to acute psychosocial stress reactivity and chronic stress load. To assess different mindfulness facets, over 130 participants completed the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) and the Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory (FMI). For acute stress induction, a standardized psychosocial stress test was conducted. Subjective stress, sympathetic and parasympathetic activity, and levels of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis end hormone cortisol were assessed repeatedly. Additionally, levels of hair cortisol and cortisone as indices of the long-term physiological stress load were collected. We found differential associations of different facets of mindfulness with subjective stress, cortisol, and hair cortisone levels. Specifically, the trait mindfulness facets FMI “Acceptance” and the ability to put one’s inner experience into words (FFMQ “Describing”) were associated with lower acute subjective and cortisol stress reactivity. Contrarily, monitoring-related trait mindfulness facets (FFMQ “Acting with Awareness” and “Observing”) were associated with higher acute cortisol and marginally higher long-term cortisone release. Our results suggest granularity of the mindfulness construct. In accordance with the “Monitor and Acceptance Theory”, especially acceptance-related traits buffered against stress, while monitoring-related traits seemed to be maladaptive in the context of stress. The current results give valuable guidance for the conceptualization of mindfulness-based interventions geared towards stress reduction.

Evaluating the Feasibility of a Guided Culturally Adapted Internet-Delivered Mindfulness Intervention for Indonesian University Students Experiencing Psychological Distress

ObjectivesPsychological distress is common among university students globally. A culturally relevant internet-based mindfulness intervention could be a potential solution for addressing students’ distress in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including Indonesia. However, internet-based mindfulness interventions are new in Indonesia. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and mental health outcomes of a counsellor-guided, culturally adapted, internet-delivered mindfulness intervention for Indonesian university students experiencing psychological distress.MethodThis open pilot trial used a single-arm pre-post-test design. Indonesian university students with elevated distress (n = 40) enrolled in a 4-week counsellor-guided internet-delivered mindfulness intervention. Participants completed the Indonesian adaptation of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21) at screening, baseline, and post-treatment. They also completed the Indonesian version of Kessler’s Psychological Distress Scale (K-10) prior to each lesson, Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) and Indonesian Well-Being Scale (IWBS) at baseline and post-treatment, and questionnaires to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and treatment satisfaction.ResultsResults showed the feasibility and acceptability of our guided culturally adapted Indonesian internet-delivered mindfulness intervention, with good completion rates (70%). We also found large and significant improvements in distress, mindfulness, and well-being (Hedges’ g = 0.85–1.68) from pre- to post-treatment. Participants reported that the program was satisfactory.ConclusionsThis study suggested that a counsellor-guided culturally adapted internet-based mindfulness intervention was feasible, acceptable, and associated with improvements in psychological distress, well-being, and mindfulness among university students in Indonesia. A randomized controlled trial with follow-up is needed to evaluate the intervention’s effectiveness.PreregistrationThis trial was preregistered on the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ACTRN12620000135910).