Levels Of Mindfulness Research Articles

Rumination and "hot" executive function of middle school students during the COVID-19 pandemic: A moderated mediation model of depression and mindfulness.

The outbreak of COVID-19 had a widely negative effect on adolescents' academics, stress, and mental health. At a critical period of cortical development, adolescents' cognition levels are highly developed, while the ability of emotion control is not developed at the same pace. Faced with negative emotions such as stress and social loneliness caused by COVID-19, adolescents' "hot" executive function encounters severer emotional regulation challenges than ever before. The present study established a moderated mediation model to investigate the impact of rumination on "hot" execution function among Chinese middle school students during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the specific role of depression and mindfulness in the association. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 650 students recruited from a province in central China. The participants completed questionnaires and experiment between July 2021 and August 2021. Rumination Responses Scales, Self-rating Depression Scale, and Mindful Attention Awareness Scale were used to measure the level of rumination, depression, and mindfulness. The reaction time and accuracy of the emotional conflict experiment were recorded to reflect the "hot" executive function. The results of the moderated mediation model indicated that rumination of middle school students significantly and positively predicted depression in adolescents (β = 0.26, p < 0.001). Meanwhile, the indirect effect of depression on the relationship between rumination and "hot" executive function was significant; depression partially mediated this relationship (word-face congruent condition: β = -0.09, p < 0.01; word-face incongruent condition: β = -0.07, p < 0.05). Furthermore, mindfulness buffered the association between rumination and depression, according to moderated mediation analysis (β = -0.11, p < 0.001). For adolescents with low levels of mindfulness, the relationship was substantially stronger. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, middle school students' rumination would lead to depression, which can negatively impact their "hot" executive function. Besides, mindfulness could resist the adverse effect of rumination on depression. The educators should pay more attention to students' mental health, provide targeted strategies that boost mindfulness to promote their cognitive flexibility, and thus protect the normal development of their executive function during crisis events.

The effect of employee mindfulness in the new media industry on innovative behavior: The chain mediating role of positive emotion and work engagement.

Mindfulness has long been concerned and emphasized by scholars in the field of psychology, but there is still a lack of research on mindfulness in management in China. In this study, a questionnaire survey was conducted among 483 employees in the new media industry in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hangzhou, China. After modeling and analysis, it was found that employee mindfulness has a positive influence on innovative behavior. Employee mindfulness and innovative behavior are mediated by positive emotions. Employee mindfulness and innovative behavior are mediated by work engagement. Employee mindfulness and innovative behavior are mediated by a chain of positive emotions and work engagement. Enterprise managers should improve the level of mindfulness of employees in the new media industry through mindfulness training and courses for mindfulness training, create an organizational environment that can arouse positive emotions and improve the positive emotions of employees, pay attention to arousing the enthusiasm of the staff, and promote the innovative behavior of staff while enhancing work engagement.

Effects of Yoga Intervention on Functional Movement Patterns and Mindfulness in Collegiate Athletes: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

High-quality movement patterns and high levels of mindfulness are thought to be beneficial in preventing sports injuries. Yoga is recommended in the field of athlete rehabilitation. This study investigated the effects of yoga intervention on functional movement patterns and mindfulness in collegiate athletes. It is a quasi-experimental study with a pre/post-test control design. The participants were divided into a yoga group and a control group. A Functional Movement Screen and the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale were used to assess participants' basic movement patterns and mindfulness before and after 12 weeks of yoga intervention (two classes per week, 90 min per class). The results show that the yoga group's FMS scores improved more compared to the control group [F(1,78) = 29.08, p &lt; 0.001, ŋp2 = 0.27], and that the scores for the deep squat (ŋp2 = 0.4), shoulder mobility (ŋp2 = 0.17), and trunk stability pushup (ŋp2 = 0.36) improved substantially. The dysfunctional score ratio for deep squats (χ2 = 18.57, p &lt; 0.001), shoulder mobility (χ2 = 26.90, p &lt; 0.001), trunk stability pushup (χ2 = 17.07, p &lt; 0.001), and rotatory stability (χ2= 38.29, p &lt;0.001) decreased significantly compared with the control group, but there was no significant improvement in asymmetric movement patterns (χ2 = 0.75, p = 0.39). The mindfulness scores in the yoga group significantly exceeded those of the control group [F(1,78) = 13.56, p &lt; 0.001, ŋp2 = 0.15]. These results suggest that yoga intervention can improve functional movement patterns and mindfulness levels, but further evidence is needed to determine whether yoga could positively influence sports injuries.

Yoga as Serious Leisure Activity: Socio-Demographic Differences in Mindfulness Levels Among Yoga Retreat Participants

Yoga retreats are an emerging component of international well-being tourism. This form of tourism focuses on groups with specific demographic characteristics and interests, highlights natural destinations of high tourism value, and supports the development of personal well-being through such practices as mindfulness. This study investigated the demographic characteristics of 203 Greek yoga retreat tourists in relation to their mindfulness levels. The study also investigated the effect of different yoga practices in asana, meditation, and philosophy courses on the formation of mindfulness. The 'Mindful Attention Awareness' scale (Mantzios, Wilson &amp; Giannou, 2015), consisting of 15 items, was used to evaluate mindfulness and psychographics were successfully tested. The results show statistically significant differences in mindfulness between subgroups of participants of different marital status, financial profile, age, and number of years practicing yoga meditation and philosophy. The study concludes that yoga is a serious leisure activity with high personal and work life involvement. The findings enrich data regarding yoga retreats in Greece and establish the profile of yoga retreat participants according to mindfulness, asana, meditation, and philosophical practice participation. Tourism providers can give prominence to the concept of mindfulness as a dominant theme in the wellness tourism industry and, as a consequence, develop and improve the quality of yoga retreat services.&#x0D; &#x0D; Received: 30 August 2022 / Accepted: 13 October 2022 / Published: 5 November 2022

Explaining Parenting Stress among Adoptive Parents: The Contribution of Mindfulness, Psychological Flexibility, and Self-Compassion.

Although parenting stress has been identified as one of the most important and highly acceptable targets for postadoption psychological intervention, knowledge regarding the modifiable factors that contribute to explaining this outcome among adoptive parents remains scarce. This study aimed to explore whether and to what extent adoptive parents' mindfulness, psychological flexibility, and self-compassion contribute to explaining parenting stress and to analyze whether this contribution varies according to children's age, time passed since the adoptive placement, and the parents' gender. Cross-sectional data from 302 Portuguese adoptive parents with children between 1 and 17 years old were collected online through self-response questionnaires. Controlling for a wide range of child-, adoption-, and parent-related variables, lower levels of mindfulness, psychological flexibility, and self-compassion were associated with higher levels of parenting stress. These associations were not moderated by children's age, time passed since the adoptive placement, or the parents' gender. The final regression model explained 50% of the variance in parenting stress. These results allow us to reflect on new guidelines for both preventive and remedial interventions with adoptive parents, given the apparent added value of promoting these psychological resources.

Dysfunctional Cortical Gradient Topography in Treatment-Resistant Major Depressive Disorder

BackgroundTreatment-resistant depression (TRD) refers to patients with major depressive disorder who do not remit after 2 or more antidepressant trials. TRD is common and highly debilitating, but its neurobiological basis remains poorly understood. Recent neuroimaging studies have revealed cortical connectivity gradients that dissociate primary sensorimotor areas from higher-order associative cortices. This fundamental topography determines cortical information flow and is affected by psychiatric disorders. We examined how TRD impacts gradient-based hierarchical cortical organization. MethodsIn this secondary study, we analyzed resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data from a mindfulness-based intervention enrolling 56 patients with TRD and 28 healthy control subjects. Using gradient extraction tools, baseline measures of cortical gradient dispersion within and between functional brain networks were derived, compared across groups, and associated with graph theoretical measures of network topology. In patients, correlation analyses were used to associate measures of cortical gradient dispersion with clinical measures of anxiety, depression, and mindfulness at baseline and following the intervention. ResultsCortical gradient dispersion was reduced within major intrinsic brain networks in patients with TRD. Reduced cortical gradient dispersion correlated with increased network degree assessed through graph theory–based measures of network topology. Lower dispersion among default mode, control, and limbic network nodes related to baseline levels of trait anxiety, depression, and mindfulness. Patients’ baseline limbic network dispersion predicted trait anxiety scores 24 weeks after the intervention. ConclusionsOur findings provide preliminary support for widespread alterations in cortical gradient architecture in TRD, implicating a significant role for transmodal and limbic networks in mediating depression, anxiety, and lower mindfulness in patients with TRD.

Okul Öncesi Öğretmenlerinin Bilişsel Esneklikleri, Bilinçli Farkındalıkları ve Öz Yeterlikleri Arasındaki İlişkiler

The aim of this study is to examine the relationships between preschool teachers' cognitive flexibility levels, mindfulness levels, self-efficacy perceptions, and to determine whether cognitive flexibility and mindfulness of preschool teachers predict self-efficacy of preschool teachers. The study, which is a correlational survey, consists of 230 preschool teachers working in the spring term of the 2020-2021 academic year. Cognitive Flexibility Inventory, Conscious Awareness Scale, Preschool Teachers' Self-Efficacy Beliefs Scale, and Personal Information Form were used as data collection tools. In the analysis of the data, Independent Samples t test, one-way ANOVA, Scheffe, Pearson’s Correlation and Regression Analysis were conducted. Regarding the research, it was found that cognitive flexibility, mindfulness, and self-efficacy of preschool teachers were positively and significantly related to each other. In addition, it was noted that self-efficacy perception levels mostly decreased as the duration of experience decreased. In parallel, it was found that the self-efficacy of teachers over the age of 30 was higher than that of teachers aged 30 and younger. Additionally, it was concluded that cognitive flexibility and mindfulness of preschool teachers significantly predicted their self-efficacy perceptions. In line with the findings, various suggestions were presented for educators and researchers.

How virtual reality moderates daily negative mood spillover among hotel frontline employees: A within-person field experiment

This study explores how virtual reality (VR) interventions mitigate daily negative mood spillover among hotel frontline employees through a daily dairy study. A within-subject field experiment was conducted to collect data from 87 hotel employees over ten consecutive workdays (846 daily responses). The multilevel analysis supports daily negative mood spillover by revealing positive relationships between negative moods before work and midday negative moods, and between midday negative moods and turnover intentions. Exposure to virtual natural scenes alleviates these daily positive relationships. Employees with high (vs. low) levels of trait mindfulness are less likely to be influenced by their negative moods before work when exposed to the VR intervention. This study advances our knowledge by integrating spillover theory, stress recovery theory, and mindfulness through a multilevel framework of employees’ daily emotional fluctuations moderated by VR interventions. The study findings provide hotel professionals with meaningful information regarding workplace stress management.

Investigation of the Relationship between Mindfulness Awareness, Anxiety, Dental Anxiety, and Oral Hygiene Status in Population

Objectives: Attention and awareness are essential features of human nature. Mindfulness can be defined as increased attention and awareness of the experience that exists in the present moment. Dental anxiety is a state of intense restlessness that develops due to fear and delusions due to dental examination and treatment. Periodontitis, periodontal plaque, and bleeding are known as major periodontal diseases. There are many different reasons for the development of these diseases, including the education level of the person, his knowledge of health and oral health, the state of physician and hospital concerns, and awareness. Our study, it was aimed to investigate whether the level of mindfulness and dental anxiety status of individuals influences periodontal health by using different scales. Materials and Methods: In our study, 100 systemic and psychologically healthy patients, aged 25-35, at least high school graduates, who applied to Atatürk University Faculty of Dentistry for dental examination and treatment were included. First of all, the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), Spielberger’s State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-1, STAI-2), Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS), and Dental Fear Survey (DFS) tests were applied to the patients. Then, a periodontal examination of the patients was performed and plaque indices and bleeding indices were determined. Results: No correlation was found between the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) and periodontal bleeding, and plaque index.

The Relationship between Perfectionism and Social Anxiety: A Moderated Mediation Model.

Social anxiety is one of the mental health problems associated with perfectionism. The present study investigated the possible mediation of perceived stress in the relationship between perfectionism and social anxiety, and whether this mediation depends on the level of trait mindfulness. A total of 425 college students (female: 82.9%; mean age: M = 19.90 ± 1.06 years old) completed the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (MPS), the Chinese Perceived Stress Scale (CPSS), the Interaction Anxiousness Scale (IAS), and the Five-Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ). After controlling for age and gender, the moderated mediation analysis suggested that perfectionism significantly and positively predicted social anxiety and that perceived stress mediated the link between perfectionism and social anxiety. In addition, the indirect effect of perfectionism on social anxiety was moderated by trait mindfulness. Specifically, the indirect effect was weaker among the individuals with a high level of mindfulness compared to those with a low level of mindfulness. The findings of this study suggest that trait mindfulness significantly moderates the indirect effect of perfectionism on social anxiety via perceived stress.

Investigation of conscious awareness and problem solving skills in terms of demographic and psychological variables

The aim of the study is to examine relationships between mindfulness and problem solving skills and the effects of some independent variables in terms of cognitive psychological approach.&#x0D; The relational screening method is used in the research. A Personal Investigation Questionnaire, the Turkish versions of “The Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS)” and “The Problem Solving Inventory (PSI)” have been used as data collection tools. The sample research population determined by disproportionate element sampling and consisted of 125 third and fourth grade students in the faculty of education. The demographic and psychological information questionnaire, “The Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS)” and “The Problem Solving Inventory (PSI)”, T-test analysis, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and pearson moment correlation analysis were performed for data analysis&#x0D; No significant relationship has been found between mindfulness and problem solving skills of participants. There was also no significant effect seen on mindfulness and problem solving skills indicated from students studying in the technical or social studying departments in the faculty.&#x0D; Mindfulness levels of participants with traumatized and psychological complaints were lower. Furthermore, of the participants mindfulness levels matches their life philosophies were high.&#x0D; Participants with persistent discomfort are to see themselves more inadequate in problem solving skills. Participants who have received or are receiving a psychotherapy process find themselves more competent in problem solving. It was found that as the individual contribution to their education plans decreased, they perceive themselves as inadequate in problem solving skills. Participants who seek help to solve their problems, find themselves more effective in problem solving.&#x0D; As the result, there are significant relationships between some personal variables, mindfulness and problem solving skills. There could not find a linear relationship between mindfulness and problem solving skills.&#x0D; Özet&#x0D; Bu araştırmanın amacı bilişsel psikoloji yaklaşımı açısından bilinçli farkındalık ve problem çözme becerisi arasındaki ilişkiyi ve bazı bağımsız değişkenlerin etkisini incelemektir.&#x0D; Araştırmada ilişkisel tarama yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Örneklem kitlesi, oransız eleman örnekleme yoluyla belirlenmiş eğitim fakültesi 125 üçüncü ve dördüncü sınıf öğrencisini kapsamaktadır. Kullanılan veri toplama araçları, “Kişisel Değerlendirme Anketi”, “Bilinçli Farkındalık Ölçeği (BİFÖ)” ve “Problem Çözme Envanteri (PÇE)”dir. Veri analizleri için, t testi analizi, tek yönlü varyans analizi (ANOVA) ve pearson moment korelasyon analizi yapılmıştır.&#x0D; Bulgular bakımından, bilinçli farkındalık ve problem çözme becerisi arasında ilişki bulunmamıştır. Demografik özellikler ile sayısal veya sözel bölüm okuyor olmanın bilinçli farkındalık ve problem çözme üzerinde etkisi bulunmamıştır.&#x0D; Travma geçiren veya psikolojik yakınması olan katılımcıların bilinçli farkındalık seviyeleri daha düşük çıkmıştır. Yaşam felsefeleri ile yaşamları uyuşan katılımcıların bilinçli farkındalık seviyeleri ise yüksek çıkmıştır.&#x0D; Devamlı rahatsızlığı olan katılımcılar, problem çözme becerisinde kendilerini daha yetersiz görmektedirler. Psikoterapi süreci almış veya alıyor olan katılımcılar, problem çözmede kendilerini daha yeterli görmektedirler. Katılımcıların kendi eğitim planlarına katkıları azaldıkça problem çözme becerisinde kendilerini daha yetersiz gördükleri bulunmuştur. Kendisinden problem çözmesi için yardım istenen katılımcılar problem çözmede kendilerini daha yeterli görmektedirler.&#x0D; Sonuç olarak bazı değişkenler ile bilinçli farkındalık ve problem çözme becerisi arasında anlamlı ilişkiler bulunmuştur. Bilinçli farkındalık ile problem çözme becerileri arasında ise doğrudan ilişkiye rastlanmamıştır.

A latent class analysis of nonrelative foster caregivers' trait mindfulness and individual and relationship outcomes.

Despite the joys related to fostering, foster caregivers also report challenges that consequently may influence placement stability. A healthy couple relationship is a characteristic of a high-quality, two-parent foster home. Further, foster caregivers who experience less parenting stress and possess greater well-being (e.g., lower depressive symptoms, higher levels of self-care) are better equipped to manage the challenges of fostering. Trait mindfulness has been associated with a greater capacity to manage parenting stress and cultivate greater well-being. The present descriptive study employs latent class analysis to examine the trait mindfulness of heterosexual foster caregiver couples (N = 235), potential covariates of trait mindfulness, and couple and individual outcomes. Four groups of foster caregiver couples emerged where both partners reported either high or low levels of trait mindfulness and where one partner reported high mindfulness and the other reported low mindfulness. Foster caregiver couples where both partners were younger, non-White, and those where the woman was employed outside of the home reported lower levels of mindfulness for one or both partners. Further, individuals in couples where both partners were highly mindful reported better couple relationship outcomes and self-care and fewer depressive symptoms. Implications for future research and practice are shared. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Extra-role service under pressure in the hospitality industry: The role of mindfulness

Extra-role service is currently the keystone that supports hotels' ability to compete. At the same time, extra-role service depends on the discretionary behavior of some employees who perform their duties in a context of stress. Our study investigates the effect of a stressor such as performance pressure on extra-role service, using employee engagement as a mediator and mindfulness level as a moderating variable. Through structural equation modeling, we analyze data from 300 frontline hospitality employees. The results show a negative effect of increases in performance pressure on employees extra-role service behavior through their engagement. We therefore suggest that performance pressure can turn into a threatening stressor in hospitality work environment. We also confirm that the employee's mindfulness level moderates this relationship, compensating for nearly the entire negative effect of this specific stressor on employee engagement. Managers will find key insights that help them to stimulate high-quality service in hospitality organizations.

스마트폰 중독과 마음챙김 및 충동성과의 관련성

Objectives: To comparatively analyze mindfulness between young adults with smartphone addiction and healthy smartphone users and to explore whether mindfulness could affect smartphone addiction and whether impulsivity could mediate their association. Methods: Forty young adults with smartphone addiction (17 male, 23 female; mean age: 26.8±6.7 years) and 44 healthy smartphone users (21 male, 23 female; mean age: 27.8±5.1 years) were included in this study. Mindfulness was evaluated through the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale and the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire-Short Form (FFMQ-SF). Subjects were also evaluated for impulsivity via the self-reported Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS). Relationships of smartphone addiction with mindfulness and impulsivity were analyzed using linear regression through mediation. Results: Subjects with smartphone addiction had a lower level of mindfulness and but higher impulsivity than healthy users. The awareness subscale of FFMQ-SF had a significant effect on smartphone addiction scale. The attentional impulsiveness subscale of BIS showed a significant mediating effect. Conclusion: Smartphone addicts showed a low level of mindfulness. In particular, low awareness had a significant effect on smartphone addiction through mediation of high attentional impulsiveness. This finding suggests that mindfulness-based interventions might enhance executive control over their excessive smartphone use.

Effect of physical exercise on sleep quality of college students: Chain intermediary effect of mindfulness and ruminative thinking.

The Physical Exercise Rating Scale, Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), Ruminative Thinking Scale (RRS), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) are used to conduct the questionnaire among a sample of 1,006 college students (average age = 19.95 years, SD = 1.86 years) to figure out whether there is any correlation between physical exercise and sleep quality in college students as well as how the mechanism of mindfulness and ruminative thinking plays a role in them. For data analysis, the Harman single-factor test was used; for the common method deviation test, Pearson’s correlation analysis, and the mediating effect tested by using the bootstrap method were carried out. Results: (1) Overall, 34% (PSQI ≥ 8) of college students’ sleep quality is poor. (2) The PSQI is positively correlated with ruminative thinking, while both are negatively correlated with the level of physical exercise and mindfulness; the level of physical exercise is positively correlated with the level of mindfulness. (3) Physical exercise can significantly negatively predict sleep quality (β = −0.08, P < 0.05), significantly positively predict mindfulness (β = 0.12, P < 0.001), and significantly negatively predict ruminative thinking (β = −0.07, P < 0.05). When participate in physical exercise, mindfulness, and ruminative thinking enter the regression equation at the same time, only mindfulness and ruminative thinking can predict sleep quality(β = −0.15, P < 0.001) significantly negatively predicted sleep quality and ruminative thinking (β = 0.22, P < 0.001) significantly positively predicted sleep quality, while physical exercise (β = −0.04, P > 0.05) had no significant predictive effect on sleep quality. (4) After controlling for age and gender, physical exercise appears to have an impact on sleep quality of college students through the independent intermediary role of mindfulness and ruminative thinking and the chain intermediary role of mindfulness and ruminative thinking, with a total mediating effect value of −0.007. This study reveals the relationship between physical exercise and sleep quality, as well as its mechanism, thus guiding college students to actively participate in physical exercise. It also provides corresponding suggestions to improve sleep quality as well as physical and mental health in college students.

Socio-cognitive mindfulness predicts memory complaint and cognitive performance of older adults with different years of education

Background Even though the effect of education on cognitive performance has been widely reported, the relationship between socio-cognitive mindfulness, cognitive performance, and memory complaint among the elderly with heterogeneous educational levels has not yet been investigated. Aim This study aimed to analyze the potential relationship between cognitive performance, memory complaint, and socio-cognitive mindfulness in a sample of healthy older adults with different years of education. Methods In this quantitative, cross-sectional, observational, and analytical study, participants (n = 68) were assessed with a sociodemographic questionnaire, cognitive performance test (ACE-III), levels of socio-cognitive mindfulness (LSM-21), and memory complaint (Memory Complaint Scale). Descriptive statistics, as well as Pearson’s correlation, and linear regression analysis were performed, and significance was assumed if p < .05. Results Years of education correlated with cognitive performance and socio-cognitive mindfulness, but not with memory complaint. Socio-cognitive mindfulness had a positive correlation with cognitive performance and a negative correlation with memory complaint. Also, socio-cognitive mindfulness predicted cognitive performance and memory complaint both in bivariate analysis and when controlling for years of education. Conclusion Our findings suggested that older adults with higher levels of socio-cognitive mindfulness showed better cognitive performance and less memory complaint.

Factors influencing mindfulness among Jordanian nurses: A cross-sectional study.

The current study aimed to examine if work-related factors, psychological variables and selected demographics predict mindfulness among Jordanian nurses. Mindfulness has been associated with various work-related variables. Studies examining mindfulness antecedents in nurses are scarce. A cross-sectional study was conducted to collect data from 173 nurses currently employed in three major referral hospitals. A demographic questionnaire and instruments to collect data about nursing mindfulness, depression, stress, work-family conflict, and family-work conflict were used. The bivariate analysis showed that all study variables combinations were significant except for the correlation between income and mindfulness. The best fit model showed that only four variables significantly contributed to the model: depression, stress, family-work conflict, and educational level. These variables explained 57% of the variance in mindfulness in our sample. Depression, stress, family-work conflict and educational levels contributed to mindfulness levels in Jordanian nurses. Nurse managers should be aware of the factors that may affect their employees' mindfulness levels and target these factors through the application of evidence-based interventions to improve nurses' levels of mindfulness, which in turn will mitigate the negative impact of lower levels of mindfulness.

The Style of Coping with Stress, the Health-Related Locus of Control, and the Level of Mindfulness of Patients with Chronic Somatic Diseases in Comparison to Healthy People.

Background: Psychological factors may be involved in both the development and treatment of somatic diseases. Our study aimed to evaluate the style of coping with stress, health-related locus of control, and level of mindfulness of adult patients with the most common chronic somatic diseases compared with healthy subjects. Methods: 502 chronically ill people were examined (M = 49.27; SD = 14.25), including 288 women and 214 men. The control group consisted of 117 healthy people (M = 45.66; SD = 17.86). The diagnostic survey involved using the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS), Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC), and Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS). Results: Differences between the clinical and control groups were demonstrated for MHLC: Internal (p < 0.001), Powerful Others (p < 0.05), and Chance (p < 0.001); CISS: Task (p < 0.001) and Avoidance (p < 0.05); and MAAS (p < 0.01). Conclusion: People with chronic somatic diseases, compared to healthy people, have a stronger external and weaker internal health-related locus of control, lower level of task and avoidance style for coping with stress, and lower level of mindfulness.

Biomarker Response to Mindfulness Intervention in Veterans Diagnosed with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder.

This study evaluates the effects of treatment with mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) compared to the active control, present-centered group therapy (PCGT), on morning plasma cortisol, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and C-reactive protein (CRP) in veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In a post hoc exploratory analysis, we pooled biomarkers and clinical outcomes of mindfulness, PTSD, and depression from two randomized controlled trials comparing MBSR (n = 104) to PCGT (n = 106) in U.S. military veterans diagnosed with PTSD. Linear mixed-effects modeling was used to evaluate associations between changes in biomarkers and clinical outcomes from baseline to 9-week primary endpoint and 16-week follow-up endpoint. Cortisol levels were inversely related to self-reported PTSD symptoms at baseline (p = 0.02). Cortisol increased from baseline to 9-week endpoint for both groups, but significantly less so in the MBSR group compared to PCGT group (mean difference 1.69 ± 0.8 SE; p = 0.035). Changes in IL-6 and CRP did not differ between groups at either baseline or week 9. From baseline to week 9, increased mindfulness was significantly associated with increased cortisol (p = 0.02) and decreased PTSD and depression severity (p < 0.01). Increased IL-6 and CRP were significantly associated with decreased PTSD severity (p < 0.05), but not depression. Pooled analysis corroborated earlier findings that MBSR is significantly better than PCGT in improving clinical outcomes. Increased mindfulness was strongly associated with improved symptoms. Increased mindfulness is associated with a recalibration of cortisol levels which may be indicative of therapeutic response, especially in patients with lower baseline cortisol. Furthermore, mindfulness-based practices improve symptoms of PTSD and depression in a significant correlation with self-reported levels of mindfulness. NCT01532999 and NCT01548742.

Mindful language learning: The effects of college students’ mindfulness on short-term vocabulary retention

Educators are increasingly implementing holistic approaches into the foreign language classroom, with one popular method being mindfulness. Mindfulness has been associated with better grades and well-being in higher education. However, no study has yet explored the language-specific relationship between mindfulness and second language acquisition (SLA). This study investigated the relationship between the mindfulness level of 269 Japanese undergraduates and their ability to learn new L3 words in German. The study further examined the extent to which different domains of mindfulness were related to the ability to learn new vocabulary, as well as the relationship between mindfulness and the different vocabulary test parts (receptive, productive, grammatical gender). Correlation and multiple regression analyses revealed that higher mindfulness was associated with better vocabulary retention. In particular, the mindfulness dimension “Acting with Awareness” was key for all connections. Notably, the L1 and L3 parts showed a different relationship with different mindfulness dimensions: “Non-judging” was crucial for the productive part and “Observing” was decisive for the receptive part. These findings indicate that mindfulness not only improves general academic performance, but also has a direct relationship with SLA. Finally, this suggests that mindfulness training for students may be a novel approach to facilitate vocabulary learning.