Mindfulness Abilities Research Articles

Mindfulness, rumination, and coping skills in young women with Eating Disorders: A comparative study with healthy controls.

Eating Disorders (ED) have been associated with dysfunctional coping strategies, such as rumination. Promoting alternative ways of experiencing mental events, based on a mindfulness approach, might be the clue for learning more effective coping and regulatory strategies among young women with ED. This study examined the comparison between patients with ED diagnosis and healthy subjects in mindfulness, rumination and effective coping. In addition, we analyzed the independent association of those with the presence of ED. The study sample was formed by two groups of young women ranged 13–21 years: Twenty-five with an ED diagnosis and 25 healthy subjects. They were assessed by using the Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory (FMI) and the Responses Styles Questionnaire (RSQ). Our findings show that ED patients have significantly lesser average scores in mindfulness and effective coping than the healthy sample (p < .05). Also, our data concludes that mindfulness and effective coping independently predict the presence or absence of ED in young women. The study results suggest that training mindfulness abilities may contribute to making effective coping strategies more likely to occur in ED patients, which is incompatible with some eating-related symptoms. Further studies are needed, trough prospective and experimental designs, to evaluate clinical outcomes of mindfulness training among young women with ED.

Intervensi Berbasis Mindfulness untuk Menurunkan Stres pada Orang Tua

The purpose of this research is to reduce parents’ stress by increasing their mindfulness ability using Mindfulness intervention. Participants in this study consisted of 15 mothers with stress from mild to severe. The design use in this study is quasi experimental design with untreated control group with pretest and postest. The program consists of 8 session intervention. The instruments used in this research are DASS Scale and KIMS scale. Quantitaive analysis was conducted through statistical test using Mann-Whitney and also qualitative analysist. The result of this study showed that intervention with mindfulness was effective to reduce stress in parents (U=0,000; p&lt;0,001).

Mindfulness training enhances flow state and mental health among baseball players in Taiwan.

ObjectiveTo examine the effect of mindfulness-based training on performance and mental health among a group of elite athletes.MethodsThis study aimed to evaluate the effect of mindful sport performance enhancement (MSPE) on mental health, flow state, and competitive state anxiety using a 4-week workshop. We recruited an amateur baseball team (N=21) in Taiwan, and collected information by self-reported questionnaires administered before, immediately after, and at a 4-week follow-up. The primary outcome was to evaluate sports performance by flow state and competitive state anxiety, which included self-confidence, somatic anxiety, and cognitive anxiety. The secondary outcome was to explore whether MSPE intervention can improve anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, and eating disorders.ResultAfter the workshop and follow-up 1 month later, we found improvements in flow state (P=0.001; P=0.045), cognitive anxiety in competitive anxiety (P=0.056; P=0.008), global eating disorder (P=0.009; P<0.001), marked shape concern (P=0.005; P<0.001), and weight concern (P=0.007; P<0.001). Scores of sleep disturbance (P=0.047) showed significant improvement at follow-up. We also found significant association between flow state and mindfulness ability (P<0.001).ConclusionThis is the first mindfulness intervention to enhance athletes’ performance in Taiwan, and also the first application of MSPE for team sports. Our study results suggested that mindfulness ability is associated with flow state, and that MSPE is a promising training program for strengthening flow state and mental health.

Relationship between mindfulness level, resilience and clinical practice behavior of nursing internship

Objective To study the level of mindfulness,mental toughness and clinical practice of nursing internship, to analyze the relationship between the level of mindfulness and mental toughness and clinical practice, to further improve the level and ability of nursing internship in clinical practice. Methods A total of 298 nursing internship in our hospital from January 2014 to December 2016 were included in the study. The level of mindfulness, resilience and clinical practice ability of all nursing internship were examined. The level of mindfulness, resilience and clinical practice ability of nursing students were analyzed. The relationship between mindfulness level, resilience and clinical practice ability of nursing students in our hospital were observed. Results The score of male nursing internshipin observation and description dimensions were 3.36±0.45, 3.52±0.43, significantly higher than female nursing internship 3.02±0.41, 3.19±0.38, the difference was statistically significant (t=6.815, 7.028, P<0.05). The scores of male nursing internship in individual ability, social ability, planning style, social resources and family cohesion dimensions were 4.82±0.36, 5.09±0.46, 4.06±0.42, 4.73±0.35, 5.04±0.39, which were higher than those of female nursing students 4.51±0.34, 4.89±0.42, 3.91±0.38, 4.58± 0.31, 4.88±0.32, the difference was statistically significant (t=3.268-6.847, P<0.05). Male nursing internship in the use of theoretical knowledge, communication and clinical skills scores were 3.35±0.38, 3.76±0.45, 3.59±0.46, lower than that of female nursing internship 3.56±0.39, 3.54±0.42, 3.42±0.41, the difference was statistically significant (t=4.678, 2.851, 2.243, P<0.05). The level of mindfulness and the level of resilience of the male and female nursing internship were positively correlated with the ability of clinical practice (r=0.823-0.884, P<0.05). Conclusions The level of mindfulness and mental toughness is the influencing factors of nursing internship in clinical practice ability, through the cultivation of the level of mindfulness and mental toughness for clinical nursing internship, we can effectively improve the clinical practice ability of nursing students,improve the level of nursing and ensure medical safety. Key words: Clinical nursing research; Nursing internship; Mindfulness level; Resilience; Relationship

Resilience, self-compassion, mindfulness and emotional well-being of doctors

The present study was conducted to explore the relationship between resilience self-compassion, mindfulness and emotional well-being of doctors working in critical and non-critical care units of patients. It was hypothesized that there is likely to be positive relationship between resilience, self-compassion, mindfulness and emotional wellbeing of doctors and resilience, self-compassion and mindfulness are likely to be positive predictors of emotional well-being of doctors working in critical care and non critical care units of patients. Further it was also hypothesized that there are likely to be gender differences in resilience, self-compassion, mindfulness and emotional well-being of doctors. Data was collected from doctors (n = 100) with age range of 25 to 55 (M = 28.27, SD = 5.88) using convenient sampling technique. The Brief Resilience Scale (Smith et al., 2008); Self-compassion Scale (Neff, 2003); Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (Brown and Ryan, 2003); and Scale of Positive and Negative Experiences (SPANE, Diener et al., 2009) were used to collect data. The results of correlation analysis showed that there was positive and significant correlation between resilience, self-compassion, mindfulness and emotional well-being of both groups of doctors. Regression analysis revealed that self-compassion was only significant predictor of emotional well-being. Moreover, significant gender differences were found on emotional well-being. Nevertheless, resilience, self-compassion and mindfulness abilities are alike in male and female doctors.

Preparing College understudies Complete Qualities by English Class lectures

Output Hypothesis and College English Curriculum Requirements, brings English discourse exercises into the class, and affirms its capability on the understudies’ English application capacities and its advancing an incentive by 2-year tests. What's more, it breaks down the current issues in the address substance, oral expression, stance and flexibility, and so on. At last, it reaches an inference that understudies’ complete qualities can likewise be prepared by English class lectures, for example, English capability, social mindfulness, mental quality, theory and development abilities, and stylish judgment and so forth.

Recreational Diving Practice for Stress Management: An Exploratory Trial.

Background: Within the components of Scuba diving there are similarities with meditation and mindfulness techniques by training divers to be in a state of open monitoring associated with slow and ample breathing. Perceived stress is known to be diminished during meditation practice. This study evaluates the benefits of scuba diving on perceived stress and mindful functioning.Method: A recreational diving group (RDG; n = 37) was compared with a multisport control group (MCG; n = 30) on perceived stress, mood, well-being and mindfulness by answering auto-questionnaires before and after a 1-week long UCPA course. For the diving group, stability of the effects was evaluated 1 month later using similar auto-questionnaires.Results: Perceived stress did not decrease after the course for the MCG [ The divers showed a significant reduction on the perceived stress score (p < 0.05) with a sustainable effect (p = 0.01)]. An improvement in mood scale was observed in both groups. This was associated to an increase in mindfulness abilities.Conclusions: The practice of a recreational sport improves the mood of subjects reporting the thymic benefits of a physical activity performed during a vacation period. The health benefits of recreational diving appear to be greater than the practice of other sports in reducing stress and improving well-being.

발표불안 경향성이 있는 대학생에 대한 노출절차를 포함한 마음챙김에 기초한 인지치료(MBCT)의 치료효과와치료과정변인의 변화

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) with add-on exposure procedure among university students with speech anxiety, as well as to examine how their mindfulness levels and emotion regulation ability changes during the therapy process. Thirteen students with speech anxiety without high depression participated in this research, and they were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (7 students) or the wait-list control group (6 students). The pre-test, post-test, and a follow-up test(a month later) were administered. The results showed that the speech anxiety score was reduced more in the experimental group compared with the control group, and the effect was maintained a month later. The mindfulness levels of the experimental group was enhanced more than that of control group. Observation ability and sub-factor of mindfulness was significantly enhanced in the experimental group. As for emotion regulation ability, the experimental group did not improved more compared to the control group, but post-test score was significantly increased more than the pre-test score in the experimental group only. This result was due to the reduction of impulsive control difficulties and inaccessibility to emotional regulation strategies, the sub-factors of emotion regulation difficulties. The results of analyzing the individual cases of the experimental group showed that all participants improved significantly in their mindfulness levels and emotion regulation ability. Almost all participants showed a significant improvement of mindfulness leves after the 7th or 8th session. An improvement of emotion regulation ability was faster than that of the mindfulness level. That is, three participants improved after the 5th session, but there was remarkable variability. This study has significance in finding the effects of MBCT with an add-on exposure procedure against speech anxiety and in exploring the changes of patterns with respect to the mindfulness level and emotion regulation ability during the therapy process.

Mindfulness and Emotional Distress: the Mediating Role of Psychological well-Being

The present cross-sectional study aimed to clarify the relationships among specific facets of dispositional mindfulness, psychological well-being, and emotional distress. To understand the relationships among these variables is crucial in order to expand the knowledge of the processes underlying mindfulness effects and to develop effective interventions. The participants (119 Italian males and females; mean age = 29 years) completed self-report questionnaires assessing mindfulness (i.e., observing, describing, acting with awareness, non-judging of inner experience, non-reactivity to inner experience), emotional distress, and psychological well-being. Path analysis revealed that each facet of mindfulness played a unique role in influencing emotional suffering. In line with our prediction, no significant correlation emerged between the observing facet and either psychological well-being or emotional distress. Both the capacity to describe inner events and to act with awareness had an indirect effect on emotional distress, which was fully mediated by the perception of psychological well-being. On the other hand, the capacity for non-reacting to emotions and thoughts directly influenced emotional distress. Interestingly, non-judging inner events showed both a direct and indirect effect on the outcome variable. These findings confirmed the significant role of psychological well-being in mediating the relationship between some facets of mindfulness and emotional distress. Moreover, different mindfulness abilities play specific roles in reducing emotional distress, so mindfulness should be considered as a multidimensional construct.

The association between sensory processing styles and mindfulness

IntroductionMindfulness is associated with psychological wellbeing and quality of life. The focus on body awareness in definitions of mindfulness suggests that an individual’s sensory processing pattern may influence mindfulness abilities. Therefore, this study seeks to examine the relationship between sensory processing styles and multiple aspects of mindfulness including components of attention, awareness, and acceptance in healthy adults.Method151 participants, aged 18 to 60 (mean 25.24 ± 8.8), completed the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile, mindful attention and awareness scale, and cognitive and affective mindfulness scale.FindingsAspects of mindfulness associated with attention and awareness were significantly negatively related to sensory processing patterns associated with passive behavioral strategies (low registration and sensory sensitivity).ConclusionIndividuals whose sensory processing patterns are characterized by poor awareness experience more mind wandering and distraction in daily life. Occupational therapists should consider mindfulness techniques when treating individuals with sensory processing disorders. In addition, information about sensory processing styles should be incorporated into relaxation and mindfulness-based interventions.

Mindful attention to breath regulates emotions via increased amygdala–prefrontal cortex connectivity

Mindfulness practice is beneficial for emotion regulation; however, the neural mechanisms underlying this effect are poorly understood. The current study focuses on effects of attention-to-breath (ATB) as a basic mindfulness practice on aversive emotions at behavioral and brain levels. A key finding across different emotion regulation strategies is the modulation of amygdala and prefrontal activity. It is unclear how ATB relevant brain areas in the prefrontal cortex integrate with amygdala activation during emotional stimulation. We proposed that, during emotional stimulation, ATB down-regulates activation in the amygdala and increases its integration with prefrontal regions. To address this hypothesis, 26 healthy controls were trained in mindfulness-based attention-to-breath meditation for two weeks and then stimulated with aversive pictures during both attention-to-breath and passive viewing while undergoing fMRI. Data were controlled for breathing frequency. Results indicate that (1) ATB was effective in regulating aversive emotions. (2) Left dorso-medial prefrontal cortex was associated with ATB in general. (3) A fronto-parietal network was additionally recruited during emotional stimulation. (4) ATB down regulated amygdala activation and increased amygdala–prefrontal integration, with such increased integration being associated with mindfulness ability. Results suggest amygdala–dorsal prefrontal cortex integration as a potential neural pathway of emotion regulation by mindfulness practice.

The role of mindfulness in lifetime history of depression: A study in Portuguese pregnant women

IntroductionDespite the empirical support for the effects of mindfulness based interventions for recurrent depression (Velden et al., 2015), the literature on the relation between Mindfulness and Lifetime History of Depression/LTHD are scarce.ObjectiveTo compare Mindfulness levels between women with vs. without LTHD and to analyze if mindfulness dimensions are significant predictors of LTHD.MethodsOne hundred and twenty-seven pregnant women (mean age: 32.56 ± 4.785 years) in their second trimester of pregnancy (17.34 ± 4.790 weeks of gestation) completed: Facets of Mindfulness Questionnaire-10 (FMQ10; Azevedo et at. 2015) assessing the dimensions non-judgement of inner experience/NJ, ACt with awareness/AA and observe and describe/OD; a new self-report questionnaire developed to evaluate the presence of LTHD, with several “Yes/No” questions, based on DSM-5 criteria for depression.ResultsNinety-seven (23.0%) women had LTHD. Bisserial Spearmen correlations between LTHD and FMQ scores were significant, negative and moderate (&gt; .30, P &lt; .01); only OD did not significantly correlated with LTHD. Independent sample T-test revealed that women with vs. without LTHD had significantly higher levels of total FMQ-10, NJ and AA (all P &lt; .001). Logistic regression analysis showed that the model containing FMQ-10 explained 12.7–18.8% of the LTHD variance and correctly classified 77.9%; the OR was of 1.19 (95% CI .801–.886; Wald = 44.504; P &lt; .001). The model composed by NJ and AA explained 15.5–23% and correctly classified 76.5%. NJ OR was of 1.23 (CI .734–.884; Wald = 20.806; P &lt; .001) and AA OR was of 1.41 (CI .708–.903; Wald = 13.004; P &lt; .001).ConclusionsOur research discloses that less mindfulness abilities enhances the probability of having lifetime history of depression.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Efectos y Particularidades del Uso del Mindfulness en el Trastorno Límite de la Personalidad

Distintos estudios muestran que los sujetos con trastorno límite de la personalidad (TLP) presentan –respecto a controles sanos– una menor capacidad de mindfulness, entendida como la habilidad para prestar atención al momento presente de forma no-evaluativa y no-reactiva. Parecería ser que estos déficits en la capacidad de mindfulness se relacionan con algunas de las características del trastorno como la disregulación emocional, la impulsividad o las dificultades en el área interpersonal, y que, el hecho de haber sufrido abuso sexual en la infancia también contribuiría a una menor capacidad de mindfulness. Estudios en los que se han evaluado los efectos del entrenamiento en mindfulness en pacientes con TLP sugieren que éste se relaciona con mejorías en algunos parámetros atencionales (i.e., capacidad de inhibir respuestas) y de impulsividad (i.e., habilidad para tolerar recompensas, percepción temporal). Además, la práctica de mindfulness se asocia con un aumento de la capacidad de descentramiento, describir, no-juzgar y no reaccionar, y con una disminución de la sintomatología límite. En conjunto, la literatura actual sugiere que el mindfulness es eficaz para el tratamiento del TLP, y que intervenciones de este tipo deberían hacer especial énfasis en trabajar aspectos actitudinales del mindfulness, como la capacidad de no-juzgar.

Evaluations of self-referential thoughts and their association with components of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Limited research has been carried out with respect to relationships among how individuals relate to thoughts and levels of cognitive fusion, experiential avoidance, psychological distress and mindfulness. Recent third-wave cognitive behavioral therapies such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) use techniques that focus less on changing the content of thoughts, and place more emphasis on changing the client's relationship to thoughts. For this reason, it is important to consider initial relations between the client's thoughts and the factors that ACT focuses on. The current study investigated associations among several ACT-consistent factors and how they relate to evaluations of positive and negative self-relevant thoughts. Seventy-nine participants completed ACT-consistent psychological measures and thought evaluation measures. The results indicated that ACT-consistent variables were associated with thought relations (i.e., believability, discomfort and willingness) rather than evaluations of content (i.e., negativity). Positive associations were observed among greater levels of psychological distress and psychological inflexibility (i.e., greater experiential avoidance and cognitive fusion). Mediation analysis identified believability of negative thoughts as a partially mediating factor in the predictive ability of mindfulness, experiential avoidance and cognitive fusion on psychological distress, with stronger negative thought believability positively associated with greater levels of psychological distress. The results are discussed in terms of the clinical implications of the relations observed.

Mindfulness and Body Awareness in Depersonalization Disorder

Anomalous bodily experiences and automaton-like feelings constitute some of the core symptoms of depersonalization disorder (DP), features which may be considered antithetical to mindfulness. We thus investigated traits in a random sample of 22 stable patients with DP using the 14-item Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory (FMI) and predicted an overall negative correlation to their symptomatology as measured by the Cambridge Depersonalization Scale (CDS). We also conducted a regression analysis in order to elucidate the contribution of depression and anxiety measures on the above-mentioned correlation. Overall, the FMI and CDS were strongly negatively correlated (Pearson’s r = −.64, p < .001) as predicted, driven particularly by FMI items 1–4 and 7. The correlation withstood adjustment for depression and anxiety symptoms using regression analysis (R 2 adj = 33 %; F (1, 19) = 10.83, p < .005). In sum, our results suggest a possible impairment of mindfulness abilities in DP. Future research should explore the links between DP and psychopathology and seek to devise therapeutic interventions for DP based on mindfulness.

Mindfulness skills are associated with female orgasm?

Mindfulness was studied in relation to sexual distress and the ability to achieve orgasm. The initial hypotheses were that mindfulness abilities would predict women's level of sexual distress and that orgasmic women would possess greater mindfulness skills. In total, 251 women (176 orgasmic women and 75 anorgasmic women) responded to several questionnaires online: the Female Sexual Distress Scale – Revised (FSDS-R), the Five-Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), and the Sexual Five-Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ-S). According to our results, mindfulness during dyadic sexual activities (FFMQ-S) explained 54% of the variability in sexual distress (FSDS-R). Overall, orgasmic women reported more mindfulness than anorgasmic women, both in daily life (FFMQ) and significantly more during dyadic sexual activities (FFMQ-S). In conclusion, our results support the evaluation of women's level of mindfulness during dyadic sexual activities and the integration of mindfulness training in future sex therapy treatments.

Shoulda’ Put a Ring on It: Investigating Adult Attachment, Relationship Status, Anxiety, Mindfulness, and Resilience in Romantic Relationships

This study aimed to investigate the predictive ability of relationship status, anxiety, mindfulness, and resilience in relation to the two orthogonal dimensions of adult attachment: attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance. 156 participants completed measures assessing relationship status, adult attachment, anxiety, mindfulness and resilience. The results showed that resilience and the relationship status of single significantly predicted attachment anxiety, whereas anxiety and being either single or divorced significantly predicted attachment avoidance. A significant mediating role of resilience in the prediction of attachment anxiety from being single was also observed. The main implications of this study provided preliminary support for the significant predictive value of resilience in attachment anxiety.

EPA-0629 – Investigating mindfulness facets in dermatology patients: a cross-sectional study

Introduction Research data indicate that many dermatological conditions may be related to stress and emotion dysregulation. Increased attention has recently been given also to mindfulness , the ability of attending present experiences in both a non-evaluative and accepting way. In fact, dispositional mindfulness and mindfulness-based interventions have found to influence rates of skin clearance in patients with psoriasis, while reducing pain, and improving the quality of life (QoL). Aims The main aim of the current study was to test differences in the mindfulness ability of individuals affected by psoriasis vs. in absence of any chronic skin condition. Additionally, we also aimed at investigating the link between mindfulness and QoL. Methods Participants were 42 patients with psoriasis and 42 healthy controls. All completed the Five Facets Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ;a self-report measuring five aspects of mindfulness, i.e., Observe, Describe, Act with Awareness, Nonjudge, and Nonreact), and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI;a self-report assessing the impact of dermatological diseases on the QoL) . The two groups were fairly well balanced in terms of gender and age (all p>.05). Results When compared to the healthy controls, the patients with psoriasis overall showed lower mindfulness scores, although most of the results were only marginally significant. The strongest difference was observed for the Nonjudge mindfulness facet, t (82)=1.97, p =.05, d =.43. No correlation between DLQI and FFMQ was observed. Conclusions This study provides further support for the link between psoriasis and mindfulness, but fails to demonstrate an association between mindfulness and QoL. Accordingly, psoriasis treatment might benefit from a multidisciplinary approach that includes, but is not limited to mindfulness techniques.

Exploratory randomised controlled trial of a mindfulness and implementation intention intervention to target physical activity and BMI

This study explored the effects of mindfulness and implementation intentions in increasing physical activity and reducing BMI. Twelve males and 48 females who were attempting to get fit were randomised to one of three comparison groups. Two of these groups acted as intervention groups. The first employed strategies to encourage both mindfulness and implementation intentions and the second targeted implementation intentions only. The remaining group acted as a ‘no strategy’ control. Participants in the intervention groups received two 5–20 min training sessions (1 week apart). Participants in the mindfulness group were also asked to practice mindfulness strategies for 5 min every day. The primary outcome was level of physical activity and secondary outcomes were BMI and body composition. To examine potential mediators and moderators participants also completed measures of personality, attentional control, mindfulness and self-regulatory ability. Measures were taken at baseline, 1 month and 6 months. A series of 3 (group) × 2 (time) mixed ANOVAs were used to examine the effects of the interventions on physical activity, BMI and body composition. Results showed no significant interactions between group and time between baseline and 6 months suggesting that neither intervention strategies were effective at promoting change during these periods. The findings highlight the difficulty of bringing about sustained change using very brief intervention strategies.

Trait Emotional Intelligence and Borderline Personality Disorder

This study explores the relationship between Trait emotional intelligence (TEI), severity of symptoms associated with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), difficulties in emotion regulation (ER), and mindfulness ability. Postal questionnaires were employed to compare these measures for those with a diagnosis of BPD and a non-clinical sample. Across the entire sample, low TEI was associated with greater BPD symptom distress, greater difficulties in ER, and decreased mindfulness ability. TEI was lower in those with a diagnosis of BPD, and TEI scores predicted BPD diagnosis with 95% accuracy. Although conclusions are tentative, TEI may offer a useful assessment and outcome measure in treatments for BPD. Future studies with a less heterogeneous and larger BPD sample are needed to explore further the links between TEI, ER, Mindfulness and BPD.