Mindful Approach Research Articles

Mediators of negative content and voice-related distress in a diverse sample of clinical and non-clinical voice-hearers.

Negative content in hearing voices (i.e., auditory verbal hallucinations) has been associated with adverse clinical outcomes including voice-related distress. Voice appraisals and responding mindfully to voices are theorized to reduce voice-related distress. This study aimed in examine mediators of the negative content voice-related distress relationship in clinical (those who recently received input from mental health services) and non-clinical voice-hearers. One hundred and twenty-one adults (71.9% female; 35.5% mixed or non-white ethnic background) who hear voices were recruited online and completed self-report measures of negative content of voices, voice-related distress, mindfulness of voices, interpretation of loss of control, thought suppression and intrusion. Clinical voice-hearers had significantly higher levels of negative content, voice-related distress and interpretation of loss of control than non-clinical voice-hearers. A mindful approach to voices and interpretation of loss of control mediated the relationship between negative content and voice-related distress across the whole sample. Thought suppression and intrusion did not mediate the relationship. The results support the use of mindfulness-based psychological intervention to reduce voice-related distress. Further development of valid and reliable measures specifically relating to constructs of voice content, voice-related distress and voice suppression will support further research in this area.

Thinking-for-speaking patterns in the L2 classroom: A mindful conceptual engagement approach to teaching motion events

Inspired by sociocultural psychology principles applied to understanding language learning and conceptual development, this participatory action research illustrates a pedagogical intervention to teach motion events as conceptual categories in the Second Language (L2) classroom. The goal is to develop and implement conceptual engagement tasks that promote mindful understanding, application, and internalization of motion events as productive concepts in communicative tasks. This is the basis for a Mindful Conceptual Engagement (MCE) approach to L2 development. We focus on L2 Spanish classroom learners when asking-and-giving-directions. This task is conceptually challenging for First Language (L1) English L2 Spanish learners because it is connected to motion events and how Thinking-for-Speaking (TFS) patterns operate in L2 communication. Twenty-three L2-Spanish students from three different courses participated in the project. A selection of coded data and examples of graphic representations are analyzed. Findings illustrate how to teach motion events conceptually and how MCE promotes conceptual awareness and control of L2 communicative features. We also document the challenges of developing functional conceptual categories of meaning as they only emerge when mindfully applied in conceptual engagement tasks. L2 learners must create their own conceptual representations as learning tools to understand motion events. It is concluded that shifting L1 TFS patterns requires creative and mindful conceptual engagement by L2 learners.

Review of Culturally competent engagement: A mindful approach

Review of Culturally competent engagement: A mindful approach

From Idea Cults to Clinical Chameleons: Moving Physical Therapists' Professional Identity Beyond Interventions.

The components of clinical practice are complex, often ambiguous, and influenced by a wide variety of interrelated contextual factors. As appreciation grows for the impact of individuality, complexity, and uncertainty in health processes, effective translation into widespread clinical practice remains limited. In attempts to bring patients effective solutions, well-meaning physical therapists can get trapped in "idea cults," in which a favored idea is supported and others are disparaged. We recommend that physical therapists develop a practice of self-reflection marked by openness and humility to more successfully adapt to the unique needs, values, and preferences of each person. We highlight 4 ways physical therapists can cultivate a more mindful and adaptable clinical approach that can help recognize and navigate the complexities of everyday clinical practice. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2022;52(4):170-174. doi:10.2519/jospt.2022.10976.

PERCEIVED ACADEMIC SUCCESS OF B. ED STUDENT TEACHERS - A SURVEY

In any academic institution, great attention is given to the academic performance of the learners. Studies have been conducted to review the factors affecting the achievement of the learners. B.Ed. Student teachers get trained by institutions for teaching the students to achieve good grades therefore their perception towards their academic success needs more focus and evidence. Teaching in the classroom can be quite overwhelming and stressful. The way a teacher and student reacts to stressful moments can make a difference. A mindful approach in the classroom by the teachers can change the classroom experience in a much better way. In the current study the researcher has attempted to study the significant differences among the student teachers based on their Gender, Time spent on social media and Type of Institution with respect to Perceived Academic Success. The Perceived Academic Success Scale developed and standardised by the researcher and guide (Ashwathi & Dr. D. Hemalatha Kalaimathi, 2019) was used for data collection. 1180 B.Ed. student teachers voluntarily participated. The findings revealed significant differences in Perceived Academic Success and its dimension Internal factors at .01 level based on the Type of Institution whereas no significant difference was observed based on Gender and Time spent on social media. The findings have been briefly discussed.

Nimble Approach: fast, adapting, calculating and ethically mindful approach to managing colorectal cancer screening programmes during a pandemic

ObjectiveTo describe a conceptual framework that provides understanding of the challenges encountered and the adaptive approaches taken by organised colorectal cancer (CRC) screening programmes during the initial phase of the...

Mothers' psychopathology symptoms and mindful parenting in the postpartum period: The role of parental reflective functioning.

Postpartum psychopathology has an adverse impact on parenting behaviors and, consequently, on the mother-infant relationship. This study aimed to explore whether the relationship between maternal anxiety and depression symptomatology in the postpartum period and the ability of mothers to adopt a mindful parenting approach is indirect and can be explained by parental reflective functioning. Two hundred ninety five Portuguese mothers of infants aged up to 12 months completed self-report measures assessing anxiety/depression symptoms, mindful parenting, and parental reflective functioning. Mothers who reported clinically significant anxious and/or depressive symptomatology levels (21%) showed lower levels of mindful parenting and of certainty about the mental states as well as higher levels of prementalizing modes of mental states than mothers with normal symptomatology levels. An indirect effect of depressive symptomatology on mindful parenting through the two dimensions of parental reflective functioning and a direct effect of anxious symptomatology on mindful parenting were found. The results suggest that parental reflective functioning is an important explanatory mechanism of the relationship between depressive symptomatology and mindful parenting, as well as that anxious symptomatology is directly associated with mindful parenting. This study suggests that reducing anxious and depressive symptoms in the postpartum period can promote reflective and mindful parenting skills.

A Digital Health Approach to Promote Emotional Well-Being in Pregnant Women

The emotional well-being of pregnant women plays a critical role in having healthy pregnancies and positive birth outcomes, particularly in women in underserved communities. The two happy hearts (THH) model is a technology-based emotional wellness intervention characterized by a personalized exercise and mindful breathing approach to promote the health and well-being of partpartum women and their newborns. The purpose of this case study was to provide preliminary data to inform the design of a feasibility study.

Right-Sized Consumption: Should Doughnut Economics Inform the Textile and Apparel Industry?

One of the toughest challenges the textile and apparel industry faces is how to Right-Size Consumption in a way that supports our environment while at the same time sustains profitable businesses. Companies are scrambling to find the right balance that meets this consumer shift while at the same time endures the demands of shareholders in a capitalist marketplace. Right-sized consumption is embedded in important economic, political, and social issues. Major corporations measure their success by stock market performance and constantly strive to sell more and more so that shareholders are happy. On the other hand, consumers are moving away from excessive consumption behavior to a more mindful approach that honors substance and sense of purpose [1]. As this shift occurs, a new economic model needs to be considered that allows businesses to flourish in an environment where sustainability becomes more important than quantity of sales. The purpose of this concept paper is to inspire a discussion on how ITAA scholars can begin to develop an economic model of sustainability where environment, economics, and humans not only co-exist- but thrive.

Yoga-Based Group Intervention for In-patients With Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders-A Qualitative Approach.

Background: Yoga may pose a promising complementary therapy in the multimodal treatment of in-patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD). However, to date, no studies have qualitatively examined in-patients' with SSD experiences of Yoga as well as their perceptions of its limitations and benefits as a treatment component. This qualitative study aimed to explore for the first time the mechanisms and processes of Yoga-based Group Intervention (YoGI) for in-patients with SSD in Germany by asking for their subjective experiences. Findings could serve as a preliminary basis for developing an effective and evidence-based YoGI manual tailored to this patient group.Materials and Methods: In total, 25 semi-structured interviews were conducted directly after YoGI, for which responses were either noted down by hand or audio-recorded. The interview guide was pilot-tested and consisted of 14 questions to explore the personal articulated experiences of participation in YoGI from in-patients with SSD. Positive, negative, depressive, and anxiety symptoms were assessed during a diagnostic interview and through questionnaires. The interview data was transcribed, coded by two independent researchers, and analysed using an inductive thematic approach. The research team collaboratively discussed emerging categories to reduce redundancy and form meaningful themes and subthemes.Results: The analysis revealed seven main themes. YoGI was perceived as feasible and focusing on individual adaptation, captured by the theme inclusivity. Nevertheless, participants encountered challenges; thus, physical limitations need to be considered. While practising together, participants experienced interconnectedness and developed a mindful stance as they accepted their limitations and adapted exercises with self-compassion. Patients described that following the flow of the asanas required physical persistence, which ultimately led many participants to experience confidence and relaxation. YoGI affected symptom representation as heightened awareness led participants to notice impeding as well as improved symptoms.Conclusion: YoGI showed various promising effects on in-patients with SSD. Future research should examine to what extent these effects can be sustained and how the mindful approach during YoGI can be transferred to areas outside the Yoga class. Furthermore, a randomised controlled trial could investigate the effectiveness of a manualised YoGI.

Balancing the scales in China’s smart courts: driving case standardisation through AI

ABSTRACT This paper positions the use of new technologies in China’s smart courts as a continuation of the professionalisation of China’s judiciary. This series of reforms is the backbone of China’s rule of law society reforms, as set out in the 14th five-year plan, and has been adopted as a method to standardise judgements within a court system headed by elite justices, yet underpinned by a legacy of under-qualified judges with significant practical experience. While the smart court systems have demonstrated significant savings in terms of time and costs for litigants, smart courts are no panacea for betterment of rule of law. The quality of judicial big data, potential black box nature and bias of the algorithms used, coupled with the potential for over-reliance or under-reliance on the software, all present significant challenges to the safe and successful deployment of legal tech in China’s smart courts. Reaching the lofty goals set out for its use requires a consistent and mindful approach to the betterment of both the technology itself and the training of those using it, so that pitfalls and faults in its employ can be both ameliorated and flagged by the users themselves: the judges.

O19 A Mindful Parenting Intervention for Obesity Prevention in Early Childhood

BackgroundLimited evidence exists on how the quality of maternal-child interactions influences preschoolers’ eating and physical activity (PA) behaviors and environments and, ultimately, growth. A 6-week, mindful parenting intervention was developed to facilitate positive parent-child interactions during mealtimes and PA. The intervention targeted families with limited resources and was implemented with 33 mothers (35% Hispanic) of preschoolers living in rural, northeast Colorado.ObjectiveTo qualitatively describe parents’ experiences with a mindful parenting intervention, perceived changes to parent-child interactions during mealtimes and PA opportunities, and the feasibility of the intervention.Study Design, Setting, ParticipantsThirty program participants were invited to participate in post-intervention focus groups (n = 4 groups; n = 18 participants) and individual interviews (n = 26) in the Spring of 2020.Measurable Outcome/AnalysisRecordings were transcribed verbatim and uploaded into NVivo v12. Group coding was used to train coders and establish coder consensus. Three trained coders independently analyzed transcripts utilizing a directed content analysis approach to understand how mindful parenting concepts were utilized by caregivers to facilitate positive parent-child interactions.ResultsParents described utilizing key aspects of mindful parenting within the mealtime and PA contexts. They found program content “easy to understand” and implement in their daily routines. Parental focus and presence, and non-judgmental acceptance of child emerged as key themes. For example, parents described employing skills such as asking questions and listening intently to understand their preschooler's point of view. These strategies subsequently resulted in less stressful interactions with their preschooler.ConclusionA mindful parenting approach to promote quality parent-child interactions during mealtimes and PA was feasible and well accepted. Strategies related to mindful parenting were reported to positively influence how parents engaged with and communicated with their preschooler. Parents reported developing a greater understanding of their preschooler and feeling less stressed about mealtime and PA interactions. Limited evidence exists on how the quality of maternal-child interactions influences preschoolers’ eating and physical activity (PA) behaviors and environments and, ultimately, growth. A 6-week, mindful parenting intervention was developed to facilitate positive parent-child interactions during mealtimes and PA. The intervention targeted families with limited resources and was implemented with 33 mothers (35% Hispanic) of preschoolers living in rural, northeast Colorado. To qualitatively describe parents’ experiences with a mindful parenting intervention, perceived changes to parent-child interactions during mealtimes and PA opportunities, and the feasibility of the intervention. Thirty program participants were invited to participate in post-intervention focus groups (n = 4 groups; n = 18 participants) and individual interviews (n = 26) in the Spring of 2020. Recordings were transcribed verbatim and uploaded into NVivo v12. Group coding was used to train coders and establish coder consensus. Three trained coders independently analyzed transcripts utilizing a directed content analysis approach to understand how mindful parenting concepts were utilized by caregivers to facilitate positive parent-child interactions. Parents described utilizing key aspects of mindful parenting within the mealtime and PA contexts. They found program content “easy to understand” and implement in their daily routines. Parental focus and presence, and non-judgmental acceptance of child emerged as key themes. For example, parents described employing skills such as asking questions and listening intently to understand their preschooler's point of view. These strategies subsequently resulted in less stressful interactions with their preschooler. A mindful parenting approach to promote quality parent-child interactions during mealtimes and PA was feasible and well accepted. Strategies related to mindful parenting were reported to positively influence how parents engaged with and communicated with their preschooler. Parents reported developing a greater understanding of their preschooler and feeling less stressed about mealtime and PA interactions.

Educating the mindful design practitioner

Mindfulness applications are increasing exponentially across many disciplines. However, mindfulness theory and practice within design pedagogy is relatively scarce. What are the operational concepts and applications of mindfulness for acquiring design skills and ethical awareness? We explore these questions through a theoretical framework and two university-based studies where design students engaged in various mindfulness activities. Results show that meditation practices (formal mindfulness) and adopting a mindful approach to design tasks (informal mindfulness) can facilitate exploratory and creative thinking, increase sensory and spatial awareness, ‘free up’ one’s inner critic, and expand students’ empathetic horizons. These outcomes suggest mindfulness training is fruitful for the holistic development of students, supporting them to be truly reflective practitioners who creatively attend to the wellbeing of others and themselves.

Empathy and Language in the Clinician Patient Relationship: Improving the Translation of Evidence to Practice

For clinicians, effective communication goes beyond the delivery of scientific information to include an understanding of who the patient is and what they value; treating them with respect; and acknowledging their emotional and social realities. Recognizing our own implicit biases and cultivating a more mindful approach to the impact of language, especially around weight and food, and using verbal and nonverbal approaches to convey empathic concern can improve our relationships with our patients. Patients who feel seen and respected are more likely to follow through with recommendations including dietary change, leading to improved health and quality of life.

Yoga-based group therapy for in-patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders – a qualitative approach

IntroductionYoga may pose a promising complementary therapy in the multimodal treatment of schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD). However, to date, no studies have qualitatively examined the patients’ experience of practising Yoga.ObjectivesThis qualitative study aimed to assess the mechanisms and processes of Yoga-based group therapy (YBGT) for in-patients with SSD by exploring their subjective experiences.Methods Twenty-five semi-structured interviews were conducted with in-patients with SSD after they participated in a YBGT session. Interviews were transcribed, coded by two independent researchers, and analysed using an inductive thematic approach. The research team collaboratively discussed emerging categories to reduce redundancy and form meaningful themes and subthemes.ResultsThe analysis revealed seven main themes. YBGT was perceived as feasible and focusing on individual adaptation, captured by the theme ‘inclusivity’. Nevertheless, participants encountered ‘challenges’; thus, physical limitations need to be considered. While practising together, participants experienced ‘interconnectedness’ and developed a ‘mindful stance’ as they accepted their limitations and adapted exercises with self-compassion. Following the flow of asanas required physical persistence, which ultimately led many participants to experience ‘confidence’ and ‘relaxation’. YBGT affected ‘symptom representation’ as heightened awareness led participants to notice impeding as well as improved symptoms.ConclusionsYBGT seemed to have various promising effects on in-patients with SSD. Future research should examine to what extent these effects can be sustained and how the mindful approach during YBGT can be transferred to areas outside the Yoga class. Furthermore, a randomised-controlled trial could investigate the effectiveness of a manualised YBGT.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Time for a change in how we teach public speaking across the world: Using culturally relevant pedagogy to teach public speaking in Chinese classrooms

Courses Public Speaking, Rhetorical Criticism, Intercultural Communication. Objectives By utilizing a culturally competent Asiacentric approach to public speaking, students will be able to: (1) identify public-speaking techniques that more readily align with culturally relevant paradigms; (2) adopt a mindful approach to public speaking that takes into account multicultural audiences; and (3) deploy speech preparation and development skills that resonate with Chinese audiences.

Neurosurgical post-operative complications with incidental life-saving findings

Neurosurgery is one of the most complex disciplines, requiring skillfulness and ability to try to cure nervous pathologies. Despite the role of this surgery in the inviolability of life, complications are relatively likely. Complications are frustrating and they contribute to produce a wrong but physiologic guilty conscience. However, sometimes they can have a sense over the rationale.In our study, we present two examples of post-operative complications of common neurosurgical pathologies. We compared our experience with the complications reported in literature and analyzed the importance of seeing the patients in their entirety, so encouraging a mindful approach in our medical daily life. Mindfulness could be beneficial for both patients and physicians. A mindful patient would be more relaxed, trusty and more likely to have a better outcome; on the other hand, a mindful surgeon would be more sensitive, right and open-minded and more likely to have that brightened judgment needed in our daily mission. Thanks to this mindful, extensive approach, we could interpret that, sometimes, the following complications in a patient’s surgical history are only a fraction of his life and they could have implications that neither the surgeon, nor the patient could know.

Journaling: A More Mindful Approach to Researching a Mindfulness-Based Intervention in a Junior School

Mindfulness, often defined as present-moment awareness, has in recent years become a topic of multidisciplinary interest. This article addresses methodological issues for researching mindfulness and education. It is argued that there are advantages to coherence between ontological and epistemological positions when designing research studies. The limitations of positivistic methods for researching mindfulness are discussed. We then advocate the qualitative method of journaling as a more holistic means of providing in-depth access to the unique and often underexplored inner life of those experiencing a mindfulness intervention. Drawing upon pupils and teachers’ views at a junior school receiving low-intensity mindfulness training, we show how journaling illuminates both its impact upon individuals alongside implementational issues for the school, in a manner more consistent with mindfulness’ emphasis on such terms as “awareness” and “being.”

Estimating rural–urban disparities in self-rated health in China: Impact of choice of urban definition

Objective: We use the 2014 China Family Panel Studies (CFPS), which includes anchoring vignettes, to provide an up-to-date assessment of rural–urban health disparities as measured by self-rated health (SRH) in China. Our analysis is based on multiple definitions (hukou and the two different residence-based definitions) of rural–urban and migration status; previous research was inconclusive due to the use of different definitions and concerns about status-based differential health expectations (reporting heterogeneity). Results: We find a nonlinear difference between rural and urban Chinese in how they self-assess health status, regardless of the urban definition used. Urban respondents do not always hold a higher standard for self-assessment of health. Instead, their rating styles depend on the level of latent health. After controlling for the reporting heterogeneity, we find on average a slight urban advantage in SRH, but it is most pronounced when using the statistical (density dependent) definition of urban. Contribution: We study rural–urban health disparities based on three different urban definitions and migration status. Although we examine the urban definitions that are specific to China, we demonstrate a mindful approach when multiple definitions exist and caution against any simplistic approach that ignores context-specific urban definition. We also provide clear illustrations of the different types of reporting heterogeneity, as well as a way to visualize the cut-points, thresholds, and latent health estimates.

Flexibility to manage and enhance quality of life among people with motor neurone disease

Objectives To identify influential factors for quality of life (QoL) among individuals with motor neurone disease (MND) and explore how regulatory flexibility and psychological flexibility may contribute towards maintaining and improving QoL. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 26 individuals with MND. Thematic analysis, using both inductive and deductive analyses, was employed to examine subjective QoL in view of previous understanding of QoL. Results Four factors were important for the QoL of participants: perceived illness prognosis, sense of self, concerns for significant others, and life to enjoy. These factors reflected psychological stress caused by MND, the participant’s value system, and their beliefs about life. In optimising QoL, both regulatory flexibility and psychological flexibility were essential to maintain and enhance QoL. Often, regulatory flexibility was perceived among those employing a mindful approach, and psychological flexibility was found to involve savouring positive experiences. Conclusions People with MND reported that seeking ways to both maintain and enhance their QoL is crucial, and that this may be accomplished by increasing flexibility through mindfulness and savouring. (171/200 words) Implications for rehabilitation People with motor neurone disease (MND) seek to maintain quality of life (QoL) following changes caused by the condition, whilst attempting to enhance QoL by maximising their positive experiences. Regulatory flexibility is essential to maintain QoL and it was closely associated with mindful approach so that MND is not perceived as an inevitable threat to QoL. Psychological flexibility was found to enhance QoL and it involves savouring positive experiences, while abandoning fault-finding of the current situation. Positive inter-personal interactions can encourage people with MND to engage with mindfulness and savouring for favourable outcomes in terms of QoL; current support services should orient towards both mindfulness and savouring.