Mindful Attention Research Articles

Contextual similarities in psychological flexibility: the Brazil-Portugal transcultural adaptation of Psy-Flex

Psychological Flexibility is an essential concept in Contextual Behavioural Sciences. The development of instruments is vital for its study, and it is an opportunity to reflect on this concept. Among the measures of this construct, Psy-Flex shows promise due to comprehensiveness in assessing the six facets of psychological flexibility and its pragmatic value. In the present study, we sought to translate Psy-Flex to Portuguese and adapt it transculturally for use in Portugal and Brazil. The translation was done independently by Brazilian and Portuguese researchers, and a consensus procedure was done to identify a synthesis. A total of 873 adults from Portugal and Brazil were involved in this study. The participants completed several questionnaires with ACT-related measures (e.g., cognitive fusion, mindful attention) and instruments measuring conceptually related variables (e.g., positive mental health). The results show good psychometric properties of PsyFlex. The one-factor structure of the original instrument was confirmed in both the Portuguese and Brazilian samples. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed a good fit of the model to the data (CFI = 0.985, RMSEA = 0.055) of both countries. Furthermore, the Psy-Flex showed convergent validity with related measures in a conceptually expected way. As a transcultural instrument, we argue that both the similarities and differences across samples suggest the broad human nature of psychological flexibility while retaining its context sensitivity.

The Role of Mindfulness and Patience on Social Anxiety in Using Social Media in Emerging Adulthood

Individuals in emerging adulthood are prone to experience social anxiety, especially in social media, as they are prone to receive responses, criticism, or judgment from others or themselves when sharing content related to themselves. This study aims to determine the relationship between mindfulness and patience with social anxiety in social media in emerging adulthood. This study used a quantitative approach, namely multivariable correlation with the relationship model of three variables analyzed using regression analysis. 542 participants in emerging adulthood who are active social media users were involved in this study. Data were collected using the Social Anxiety Scales for Social Media Users (SAS-SMU), Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), and the Patience Scale. The results of the study showed that mindfulness and patience had a significant effect on social anxiety in social media. Besides, each independent variable significantly reduces social anxiety in social media. Then, mindfulness plays a stronger role in overcoming social anxiety in social media. The implications of this research show that mindfulness and patience can reduce social anxiety on social media. It is necessary to apply mindfulness in daily life to reduce social anxiety in social media in emerging adulthood.

Effect of mindfulness training in adjunct to conventional physiotherapy on pain, function, and mindfulness attention awareness score in recreational long distance runners with patellofemoral pain syndrome: A randomized controlled trial protocol

Background The Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) poses a significant challenge in sports medicine due to its multifactorial etiology involving both physiological and psychological factors. Though widely used, conventional physiotherapy approaches often yield limited efficacy and high recurrence rates. Mindfulness-based interventions have emerged as promising adjuncts in managing various musculoskeletal conditions, offering potential benefits in pain management, coping strategies, and overall well-being. However, their efficacy in addressing PFPS remains underexplored, particularly in the context of recreational long-distance runners. This study investigates the effects of integrating mindfulness training as an adjunct to conventional physiotherapy on pain intensity, functional outcomes, and mindfulness awareness in recreational long-distance runners with PFPS. Methods Eligible individuals will be assigned randomly to either Group A (Mindfulness Training + Conventional Physiotherapy) or Group B (Conventional Physiotherapy). Outcome measures, such as the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and knee joint position sense using a goniometer will be assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Mindfulness training will encompass a variety of techniques integrated with conventional physiotherapy sessions. Result This study has the potential to offer an enhanced treatment strategy that considers both the physical and psychological aspects of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS), potentially improving outcomes and well-being for recreational long-distance runners. CTRI Registration Number: CTRI/2024/03/064876

Is caregiver burden of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis related to caregivers’ mindfulness, quality of life, and patients’ functional level

Background and objectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the caregiver burden, mindfulness, and quality of life (QoL) of caregivers of ALS patients and the patient’s functional level. MethodsThis study was conducted with 57 ALS patients and their primary caregivers. The data were collected using the Zarit Burden Interview, Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), the Short Form-36 (SF-36), and the ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALS-FRS). ResultsThe mean age of the caregivers was 49.7 ± 12 years; 66 % were female, and 73.7 % were spouses of the patients. Around 65 % of caregivers experienced a moderate to severe caregiver burden. A low and negative correlation was found between the caregiver burden and mindfulness of caregivers of ALS patients. As the mindfulness levels of the caregivers increased, the caregiver burden decreased, and the physical role difficulty score, one of the sub-dimensions of the QoL, increased. Also, caregivers’ QoL decreased as caregiver burden increased (except physical function QoL, p < 0.05). Moreover, there was a positive correlation between the caregiver burden and ALSFRS-R scores (bulbar, motor, respiratory, and total) of the caregivers of ALS patients (p < 0.05). DiscussionImproved technology for managing ALS disease has increased patient life expectancy. However, caregivers may experience a high burden as the patient’s functional level declines. Increasing caregiver mindfulness can help reduce the burden and improve their QoL.

A mindfulness-based intervention improves perceived stress and mindfulness in university nursing students: a quasi-experimental study

University nursing students have been shown to experience psychological stress. A mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) may be a helpful tool for stress management. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a MBI on improving mindfulness and reducing perceived stress in nursing students. A quasi-experimental study was conducted between July 2021 and February 2022. The intervention group participated in an 8-week mindfulness awareness course, which included 50 min of training and practice in mindfulness meditation techniques each week. Over the same 8 weeks, the control group watched a 50-min film each week. The mindful attention awareness scale (MAAS) and perceived stress scale (PSS) were administered before the intervention, intervention completion, and 2 and 6 months after the intervention. Data were analyzed using t test and generalized estimating equation. Overall, that the MBI showed a substantial effect on felt stress in comparison to the control group. When compared to the control group, the MBI showed a substantial impact on trait mindfulness. The MBI was beneficial for nursing students and could be considered a viable approach in nursing education to enhance mental wellbeing. It could be an effective method of relieving stress in a high-stress population.

General psychopathology factor in Chinese adolescents and its correlation with trans-diagnostic protective psycho-social factors

BackgroundComorbidity in mental disorders is prevalent among adolescents, with evidence suggesting a general psychopathology factor (“p” factor) that reflects shared mechanisms across different disorders. However, the association between the “p” factor and protective factors remains understudied. The current study aimed to explore the “p” factor, and its associations with psycho-social functioning, in Chinese adolescents. Methods2052 students, aged 9–17, were recruited from primary and secondary schools in Shanghai, China. Multiple rating scales were used to assess psychological symptoms and psycho-social functioning. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to verify the fit of models involving different psychopathology domains such as externalizing, internalizing, and the “p” factor. Subsequently, structural equation models were used to explore associations between the extracted factors and psycho-social functioning, including emotion regulation, mindful attention awareness, self-esteem, self-efficacy, resilience, and perceived support. ResultsThe bi-factor model demonstrated a good fit, with a “p” factor accounting for 46 % of symptom variation, indicating that the psychological symptoms of Chinese adolescents could be explained by internalizing, externalizing, and the “p” factor. Psychologically, a higher “p” was positively correlated with emotion suppression and negatively correlated with mindful attention awareness, emotion reappraisal, self-esteem, and resilience. Socially, a higher “p” was associated with decreased perceived support. LimitationsOnly common symptoms were included as this study was conducted at school. Furthermore, the cross-sectional design limited our ability to investigate causal relationships. ConclusionsA “p” factor exists among Chinese adolescents. Individuals with higher “p” factor levels were prone to experience lower levels of psycho-social functions.

Exploring the relationship between mindfulness and burnout among preschool teachers: the role of dispositional equanimity and empathy.

The objective of this study is to delve into the underlying mechanisms between mindfulness and burnout among preschool teachers. Employing a cross-sectional research design, this study surveyed 1,980 Chinese preschool teachers using the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), Preschool Teacher Dispositional Equanimity Questionnaire (PTDEQ), Empathy Scale (ME), and Maslach Burnout Inventory for Educators (MBI-ES). The results revealed a significant negative correlation between preschool teachers' mindfulness and burnout. A mediation analysis demonstrated that dispositional equanimity served as a mediator between mindfulness and preschool teacher burnout. Furthermore, a moderation analysis indicated that empathy moderated the influence of dispositional equanimity on preschool teacher burnout. These findings suggest that mindfulness can enable preschool teachers to better cope with workplace challenges with a more peaceful mindset.

Trait Mindfulness and Social Support Predict Lower Perceived Stress Burden in Patients Undergoing Radiation Therapy

Purpose/ObjectivesCancer diagnosis and treatment, including radiation therapy (RT), cause significant patient stress. Mindfulness and social support have been shown to help manage the psychological effects of cancer treatment. The objective of our study was to determine the sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with stress burden in patients undergoing RT. Materials/MethodsPatients undergoing RT for cancer at a single institution were given 3 surveys to complete at the beginning of on-treatment visit. The surveys included the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey (MOS), and Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), which were used to measure stress, social support, and trait mindfulness, respectively. Linear regression analysis was performed to determine associations between perceived stress and age, patient sex, race and ethnicity, treatment intent, disease site, trait mindfulness, and social support. Factors significant on univariable analysis were analyzed with a multivariable analysis. ResultsA total of 93 patients completed 279 surveys during treatment at a tertiary care academic institution from July to September 2019. Median scores for PSS, MOS, and MAAS were 14.6 (range: 0-31, SD: 6.9), 4.2 (range: 0-5, SD: 1.0), and 5.1 (range: 3.1-6.0, SD: 0.8), respectively. On univariable analysis, mindfulness and social support were associated with decreased stress burden, and female sex and palliative intent were associated with increased stress burden. These factors all maintained significance on multivariable analysis. ConclusionThese results suggest measures to improve mindfulness and perceived social support, such as mindfulness meditation and psychoeducational approaches, may lessen the stress burden and improve quality of life for patients undergoing RT. Future studies should analyze the longitudinal impact of individual patient characteristics, including patient sex and treatment intent, to better understand their effects on psychological maladjustment during cancer care

Does Virtual Reality Training Increase Mindfulness in Aboriginal Out-of-Home Care Children?

ObjectivesThis study aimed to address the negative impacts of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on Aboriginal children and young people in out-of-home care (OOHC) using mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) delivered via virtual reality (VR). MBIs can improve emotion regulation and executive functioning, but engagement can be challenging, especially for children with other health conditions and trauma.MethodVirtual reality goggles with a head-mounted display, head tracking, and handheld controls were used. Measures included heart rate variability (HRV), the State Mindfulness Scale, the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, and the Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function 2. The procedure involved a baseline assessment of state mindfulness, a 5-min sitting baseline HRV measurement, VR orientation, exploration of the VR landscape, a mindfulness body scan, a second HRV measurement during the body scan, and completing a post-VR questionnaire.ResultsNo significant improvement in state mindfulness was found as measured by the State Mindfulness Scale. However, a significant improvement with moderate effect size was seen pre-to-post-intervention on the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (p = 0.007, d = − 0.69). We also explored the impact of age, sex, and diagnosis on the intervention and found significant improvements in state mindfulness across subgroups. HRV did not show a significant change pre-to-post-intervention.ConclusionsOur study highlights the potential for MBI-VR to improve mindfulness in Aboriginal children and young people in OOHC who have experienced abuse and trauma. Brief mindfulness sessions were effective at enhancing state mindfulness as measured by the MAAS; the older participants and those with mental health concerns benefitted the most. Further research with more diverse samples is needed to validate the findings and examine potential interactions between demographic and clinical factors.PreregistrationThis study is 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.

Mindful Attention Awareness among UM Digos University College Students: A Comparative Analysis

Mindful attention awareness involves intentionally being attentive to the current moment without bias, allowing focus on the current moment and what is most important to you, rather than concentrating on thoughts and feelings. This study explores whether mindful attention awareness has significant differences in sex, year level, and department. This research is quantitative and employs a descriptive-comparative design. The data interpretation is performed by JAMOVI software, together with Excel. The Shapiro-Wilk test was utilized to assess normality, but it did not confirm a normal distribution for continuous variables, while mean and standard deviation were used to measure variable levels. The findings revealed that respondents had a moderate range in all sub-scales in the area of mindful attention awareness. The results showed that females had a high significance difference in mindfulness attention awareness. The test of difference shows that sex has an unequal variance, while in year level, only first, second, and fourth-year students had a significant difference in mindfulness attention awareness, and the department had no significant difference in mindfulness attention awareness. The study recommends future researchers on exploring the longitudinal effects of mindfulness interventions on academic achievement and student well-being, which could provide valuable evidence for integrating mindfulness into educational practices.

Impact of a mindfulness and self-care intervention on stress, self-compassion, and attentiveness in university healthcare students and faculty

Objective To evaluate impact of a 12-week, online, guided, self-paced intervention of mindfulness and self-care practices on self-compassion, attentiveness, and perceived stress. Participants University healthcare faculty and students. Methods Participants received 7 different mindful and self-care activity options every week for 12 wk. A pre-survey, weekly surveys, and one-month post-survey assessed outcome measures of the Perceived Stress Scale 4, Self-Compassion Scale-SF, Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, health behaviors, and feasibility. Results A total of 232 participants had one or more outcome measures and 68 completed all 14 measures. Students and faculty demonstrated significantly increased mindful attention awareness, days of mindfulness practice, self-compassion, and trended toward more physical activity. They reported significantly lower stress and that mindful practice altered the way they dealt with stress. Days of mindfulness practice were significantly negatively correlated to stress and positively correlated to self-care. Conclusions This intervention demonstrated both effectiveness and feasibility, with most participants choosing shorter meditation, yoga, and self-care options.

Внимательность, академическая компетентность и академическая самоэффективность: перекрестное исследование

&lt;p&gt;This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the relationship between mindfulness and academic competency among International students in China, as well as the potential mediating role of academic self-efficacy in this association. International students in China (n=476) were recruited to complete the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), the Academic Self-efficacy Scale (ASES), and the competence subscale of the Positive Youth Development Inventory (PYDI). The results found that mindfulness correlated positively with academic self-efficacy and academic competency. Furthermore, the results revealed that the mediation model fit the data well; academic self-efficacy partly mediated the association of mindfulness with academic competency. We concluded that this insight contributes to a better understanding of the interplay between mindfulness, academic competency, and the psychological aspects of academic self-efficacy, providing valuable implications for interventions and strategies to promote academic performance among the target population.&lt;/p&gt;

The Effects of Social Anxiety on Subjective Well-Being among Adolescents: The Mediating Roles of Mindfulness and Loneliness

Adolescence is an important period characterized by various transitions and changes. Experiencing social anxiety is a growing phenomenon among adolescents and affects their well-being and mental health. It is necessary to pay attention and understand the factors related to social anxiety to improve the subjective well-being of adolescents. The current study aimed to examine the mediating roles of mindfulness and loneliness in the association between social anxiety and subjective well-being among adolescents. Social Anxiety Scale for Adolescents, Mindful Attention Awareness Scale Adolescent Form, UCLA Loneliness Scale Short Form, Adolescent Subjective Well Being Scale and General Information Form were used to collect data. 543 Turkish adolescents (53.6% female) participated in the study. The age range of the participants was 15 to 18 years, with a mean age of 16.45 years (SD=1.10). The results demonstrated that social anxiety was negatively associated with mindfulness and subjective well-being, and positively associated with loneliness. It has been determined that social anxiety had an indirect effect on subjective well-being through mindfulness and loneliness. Mindfulness mitigated the adverse impacts of social anxiety on subjective well-being whereas loneliness exacerbated this association. These results have shown that adolescents with high levels of social anxiety have lower mindfulness and higher loneliness, which in turn lead to less subjective well-being. The findings of the current study suggest that this situation may be ameliorable with mindfulness-based and loneliness-based interventions.

Healthcare Workers' Anxiety Levels and Mindful Attention Awareness Towards the COVID-19 Pandemic

Aim: Mindful attention awareness and anxiety levels of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic were unknown. In this study, we aimed to measure the behavioral changes of healthcare workers together with their anxiety and mindful attention awareness levels during the pandemic. Methods: A brief mental health examination was conducted on healthcare workers who were actively involved in the COVID-19 pandemic to identify any dysfunctional anxiety issues associated with COVID-19. A survey containing behavioral changes, as well as a coronavirus anxiety scale and mindful attention awareness scale were administered to healthcare workers during the pandemic. Results: A total of 146 healthcare workers, 56.2% of women were included in the study. The coronavirus anxiety scale score values of the participants were a mean of 4±4.4 (Min=0-Max=20), and 13.7% of them had high levels of anxiety. The mean score for the mindful attention awareness scale score was a mean 59.4±13.9 (Min=22-Max=90). Females had higher coronavirus anxiety scale scores (p=0.003), but males had greater mindful attention awareness scale scores (p=0.001). It was determined that the coronavirus anxiety scale total scores averages of healthcare workers whose sleep (p=0.001), out-of-hospital clothing (p=0.006), and eating habits (p=0.017) changed during the pandemic were statistically significantly higher (p&amp;lt;0.05). Healthcare workers with higher coronavirus anxiety scores used more prophylactic drugs and supplements/vitamins after contact with COVID-19 patients. Conclusions: Although the coronavirus anxiety scale score was below average and the mindful attention awareness scale score was above average, healthcare workers' behaviors changed during the pandemic. Coronavirus anxiety and mindful attention awareness scale levels affected the behaviors of healthcare workers. Psychosocial support programs must be provided to healthcare workers during the pandemic.

The mediating effect of dispositional mindfulness on the association between UPPS-P impulsivity traits and gaming disorder among Asia-Pacific young adults

BackgroundLittle evidence is available to verify the mediating effect of dispositional mindfulness on the association between gaming disorder and various impulsivity traits. The present study aimed to investigate the mediating effect of dispositional mindfulness on the association between the five UPPS-P impulsivity traits and the risk of gaming disorder among young adults.MethodsIt was an inter-regional cross-sectional study using online survey in Australia, Japan, The Philippines and China. Impulsivity measured by the UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior Scale–Short version; dispositional mindfulness measured by the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale; and the risk of gaming disorder measured by the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale were collected in the focal regions. Structural equation modeling was performed by SPSS AMOS version 26 to verify the study hypotheses. Bootstrapped 95% confidence interval was reported. Statistical significance was indicated by the p-value below 0.05.ResultsAmong the 1,134 returned questionnaires, about 40% of them aged 18–20 years and 21–23 years, respectively. 53.8% were male. 40.7% had been playing digital and video games for over 10 years. The prevalence of gaming disorder was 4.32%. The model fitness indices reflected that the constructed model had an acceptable model fit (χ2(118) = 558.994, p < 0.001; χ2/df = 4.737; CFI = 0.924; TLI = 0.890; GFI = 0.948; RMSEA = 0.058; SRMR = 0.0487). Dispositional mindfulness fully mediated the effect of positive urgency and negative urgency on the risk of gaming disorder. The effect of lack of premeditation on the risk of gaming disorder was partially mediated by dispositional mindfulness. However, dispositional mindfulness did not mediate the effect of sensation seeking on the risk of gaming disorder.ConclusionsThe varied associations between dispositional mindfulness and the five impulsivity traits hints that improving some impulsive traits may increase dispositional mindfulness and so lower the risk of gaming disorder. Despite further studies are needed to verify the present findings, it sheds light on the need to apply interventions on gamers based on their impulsivity profile. Interventions targeting at emotion regulation and self-control such as mindfulness-based interventions seem to be effective to help gamers with dominant features of urgency and lack of premeditation only. Other interventions shall be considered for gamers with high sensation seeking tendency to enhance the effectiveness of gaming disorder prevention.

Quality of life and its association with predictors in lung transplant recipients: a latent profile analysis.

Improving quality of life (QOL) is one of the main aims of lung transplantation (LTx). There is a need to identify those who have poor quality of life early. However, research addressing inter individual quality of life variability among them is lacking. This study aims to identify group patterns in quality of life among lung transplant recipients and examine the predictors associated with quality of life subgroups. In total, 173 lung transplant recipients were recruited from one hospital in Guangdong Province between September 2022 and August 2023. They were assessed using the Lung Transplant Quality of Life scale (LT-QOL), Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), Life Orientation Test-Revised scale (LOT-R), and Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS). Latent profile analysis was used to identify QOL subtypes, and logistic regression analysis was used to examine the associations between latent profiles and sociodemographic and psychosocial characteristics. Two distinct QOL profiles were identified: "low HRQOL" profile [N = 53 (30.94%)] and "high HRQOL" profile [N = 120 (69.06%)]. Single lung transplant recipients, and patients who reported post-transplant infection, high levels of negative emotion or low levels of mindfulness and optimism were significantly correlated with the low QOL subgroup. Using the domains of the LT-QOL scale, two profiles were identified among the lung transplant recipients. Our findings highlighted that targeted intervention should be developed based on the characteristics of each latent class, and timely attention must be paid to patients who have undergone single lung transplantation, have had a hospital readmission due to infection, exhibit low levels of optimism, low levels of mindfulness or high negative emotions.

Sleep disturbance and internalizing symptoms in adolescents: a moderated mediation model of self-control and mindfulness

ObjectivesDespite accumulating evidence regarding the impact of sleep disturbance on internalizing symptoms among adolescents, the underlying psychological mechanisms remain inadequately explored. This study aimed to investigate a conceptual framework elucidating how sleep disturbance influences internalizing symptoms in adolescents through the mediating role of self-control, with mindfulness as a moderator.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 1876 Chinese adolescents (Mage = 14.88 years, SD = 1.47 years, range = 12–19 years, 44.7% boys) completed the Youth Self-Rating Insomnia Scale (YSIS), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Brief Self-control Scale (BSCS), and Mindful Attention Awareness Scale-Children (MAAS-C) to provide data on sleep-related variables, internalizing symptoms (anxiety and depression), self-control, and mindfulness, respectively. The PROCESS macro for SPSS was applied to perform moderated mediation analysis.ResultsSleep disturbance demonstrated a significant positive correlation with internalizing symptoms in adolescents, including anxiety (β = 0.481, p < 0.001) and depression (β = 0.543, p < 0.001). Self-control served as a mediator between sleep disturbance and two forms of internalizing symptoms. Moreover, mindfulness moderated the pathways from self-control to internalizing symptoms (for anxiety symptoms: β = 0.007, p < 0.001; for depression symptoms: β = 0.006, p < 0.001), and the mediating relationships were weaker for adolescents exhibiting higher levels of mindfulness.ConclusionsOur findings enhance understanding of the impact, pathways, and influencing factors of sleep disturbance on adolescent internalizing symptoms, suggesting the importance of enhancing mindfulness levels in addressing self-control deficits and subsequently reducing internalizing symptoms among adolescents.

Slovenian midwifery students and their self-estimation of mindfulness: A cross-sectional study with modified MAAS.

We investigate the level of mindfulness among midwifery students, as mindfulness can have a major impact on their perception of stress and can increase the quality of their work after graduation. A causal, non-experimental method of a cross-sectional study was used. We collected data using an online questionnaire that included a valid modified Mindful Attention Awareness Scale - MAAS. The sample consisted of Slovenian midwifery students in academic year 2022-2023. Fifty-five Slovenian midwifery students (82% response rate) participated in the study. The average score of all midwifery students on the 5-Likert modified MAAS was 3.2, with the lowest average score among second-year students. Those students who practiced mindfulness techniques in their free time had higher average scores than those who did not. The average MAAS score of our midwifery students was lower than in other foreign studies among nursing students. The study program should promote student mindfulness. This would benefit the graduates also later, when employed, as investing in midwives' well-being improves both their job satisfaction and women's experience of care. The Slovenian curriculum is often perceived as overwhelming by students. This might be the reason for their low mindfulness scores. Further analysis of the curriculum is needed to find solutions on how to integrate mindfulness techniques into the undergraduate curriculum.

To behave or not (un)ethically? The meditative effect of mindfulness on statistics anxiety and academic dishonesty moderated by risk aversion

Despite the growing interest in mindfulness in higher education, the literature on its relation to decision-making under risk (i.e. academic misconduct) and statistics anxiety is scarce. The present research shall fill this gap. Based on the prospect theory, we assessed the mediating effect of mindfulness on the relationship between statistics anxiety and academic dishonesty moderated by risk aversion. Data were collected from 791 undergraduate students in six Israeli academic institutions studying for bachelor’s degrees in social sciences. Questionnaires included the following measures: risk behaviour according to the prospect theory framework, Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, Statistics Anxiety Rating Scale, Academic Misconduct Scale and sociodemographic variables. Correlations among these variables were explored. The data was analysed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The results indicate that the variance in academic dishonesty is explained by students' statistics anxiety with a mediation of Mindfulness moderated by Risk Aversion. Mindfulness negatively affects Academic Dishonesty, while Risk Aversion has a significant positive effect on Mindfulness. Finally, among individuals with high statistics anxiety, Risk Averse individuals show significantly higher Mindfulness than Risk Seekers. We conclude that mindfulness-based interventions might be a constructive tool to reduce risk-taking and promote ethical decision-making among individuals who experience high levels of statistics anxiety. Furthermore, developing mindful skills may help individuals with higher anxiety levels neutralize these unwanted feelings and get along with their learning tasks. Hence, avoid academic unethical behaviours.