Mindful Awareness Research Articles

Development and Evaluation of a Mindfulness-Based Mobile Intervention for Perinatal Mental Health: Randomized Controlled Trial.

Perinatal mental health problems, such as anxiety, stress, and depression, warrant particularly close monitoring and intervention, but they are often unaddressed in both obstetric and psychiatric clinics, with limited accessibility and treatment resources. Mobile health interventions may provide an effective and more accessible solution for addressing perinatal mental health. Development and evaluation of a mobile mental health intervention specifically for pregnant women are warranted. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a 4-week, self-administered mobile mindfulness intervention in reducing anxiety, depression, and stress, and improving emotional well-being, maternal-fetal attachment, and mindfulness skills in a general population of pregnant women. Pregnant women were recruited and randomized to an intervention or a wait-list control group. The intervention group participated in a self-administered 4-week smartphone-based mindfulness program. Anxiety, depression, and stress were assessed as primary outcomes at baseline and postintervention. Secondary outcomes were mental health well-being, maternal-fetal attachment, and skills of mindfulness. The usability of the mobile intervention was also evaluated. A total of 133 pregnant women were randomly assigned to the intervention (n=66) or the control group (n=67). The overall dropout rate was 30% (39/133). Anxiety scores of the intervention group significantly decreased from baseline to postintervention (P=.03, Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test), whereas no significant changes were observed in the control group. Depression and stress scores showed no significant changes. Emotional well-being significantly improved in the intervention group (P=.01). Improvements were observed in maternal-fetal attachment, particularly in attributing characteristics to the fetus (P=.003) and in differentiating the self from the fetus (P=.006). Mindfulness awareness also showed significant improvement (P=.008). Significant between-group effects were identified for mindfulness awareness (P=.006) and attributing characteristics to the fetus (P=.002). After applying the false discovery rate corrections, within-group improvements in emotional well-being, maternal-fetal attachment, and mindfulness awareness remained significant, while between-group differences for emotional well-being and differentiation were not significant. A mobile mindfulness program effectively reduced anxiety and improved emotional well-being, maternal-fetal attachment, and mindfulness awareness in the general population of pregnant women. Mobile interventions may offer a cost-effective and feasible method for promoting perinatal mental health. Clinical Research Information Service KCT0007166; https://tinyurl.com/458vfc4r.

Mindful Awareness Practices (MAPs) in Adolescents With ADHD and Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome (CDS): A Pilot Open Trial

Objective: Very few studies have investigated intervention approaches that may be efficacious for youth with ADHD and co-occurring cognitive disengagement syndrome (CDS) symptoms. This study examined the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a mindfulness-based intervention for adolescents with ADHD and co-occurring CDS symptoms. Methods: Fourteen adolescents ages 13 to 17 years (35.71% female; 64.29% White, 7.14% Black, 28.57% Multiracial) with ADHD and elevated CDS symptoms completed the 8-week group-based Mindful Awareness Practices (MAPs) program developed for individuals with ADHD. We collected measures of CDS, ADHD, mind-wandering, mindfulness, and other difficulties and functioning at baseline, 1-month post-intervention, and 3-month post-intervention to examine preliminary efficacy. We measured participant session attendance, session engagement, at-home practice adherence, and satisfaction of adolescents and caregivers at 1-month post-intervention to examine feasibility and acceptability. We also collected qualitative feedback from adolescents and caregivers at 1-month post-intervention. Results: The intervention was overall feasible to administer, and caregivers and adolescents reported satisfaction with the intervention despite some difficulties with attendance and engagement. We observed improvements to both caregiver- and adolescent-reported CDS symptoms and ADHD-inattentive symptoms from pre-intervention to post-intervention time points, though findings across 1- and 3-month follow-up differed based on informant. We also observed improvements to some indices of adolescent-reported mind-wandering, mindfulness, brooding rumination, and academic functioning. For caregiver report, the only other noted improvement was for executive functioning. No improvements were reported by teachers. Conclusions: Findings support the initial feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of MAPs for adolescents with ADHD and co-occurring CDS symptoms on a range of outcomes. Larger trials with a randomized design are warranted to further examine mindfulness-based interventions for adolescents with ADHD and co-occurring CDS symptoms.

GERIATRIC SCHOLARS: INNOVATIVE SUPPORT FOR CAREGIVERS OF VETERANS WITH DEMENTIA

Abstract As the general population ages, the number of Veterans living with dementia continues to grow. Veterans often rely on informal caregivers to manage their daily needs and ensure their health and safety. Caregivers may experience high levels of chronic stress, overwhelm, and fatigue as a result of their caregiving. Chronic stress may negatively affect the mental, physical, and emotional health of the caregiver, and consequently, the care recipient may also experience poor health outcomes. As such, it may be vitally important to promote self-care and stress-reduction among caregivers. Programs designed to support caregivers such as respite care may be difficult to access due to nationwide staffing shortages, and this is especially true in rural areas. In order to test whether an intervention designed specifically to assist caregivers with reducing stress would be effective, in June 2020, a Geriatric Scholars Program called the Rural Interdisciplinary Team Training (RITT) created an innovative expansion to their team trainings in rural areas. A palliative care certified social worker was appointed by RITT to function as the Dementia Care Coordinator (DCC) and offer virtual supportive counseling sessions and a virtual monthly support group for caregivers of Veterans with dementia. The DCC utilized the VHA’s Whole Health Approach which emphasizes mindful awareness of various domains of self-care. Responses from a survey completed by 24 participating caregivers suggested that caregivers appreciated the focus on stress-reduction and self-care, valued both the individual and group support, and that participation led to reduction in stress among participants.

Biomarkers of burnout and their relationship with psychological characteristics in healthcare practitioners

Background — The goal of this study was to investigate how biomarkers can be indicators of burnout in healthcare workers and what is the relationship between these biomarkers and psychological characteristics. Material and Methods — A total of 96 doctors and nurses from different clinics in Irkutsk were surveyed. The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), Ware et al. 12-item Short-Form of the Medical Outcomes Study (SF-12), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Ways of Coping questionnaire, Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) and Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) were employed. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), melatonin, serotonin, dopamine and cortisol were used as biomarkers. Results — We established that doctors and nurses diagnosed with high-level burnout had higher concentrations of DHEA-S and cortisol in their saliva. Salivary cortisol and DHEA-S were associated with levels of depressive symptoms. Relationships were found between various biomarkers (melatonin, DHEA-S) and factors that prevent the development of stress. Such productive coping strategies as Planful Problem-Solving or components of mindfulness capable of reducing stress severity were negatively associated with the circadian rhythm regulator (melatonin) and DHEA-S. Presumably, psychological regulation can reduce objective stress rather than subjectively experienced stress alone. Conclusion — Doctors and nurses with high burnout levels have high concentrations of DHEA-S and cortisol. Accordingly, these biomarkers can be considered as indicators of burnout. In addition, coping strategies and mindfulness components were identified that are associated with stress biomarkers and, presumably, can help reduce not only subjectively experienced stress, but also objective stress.

Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Reducing Anxiety Among Women With Breast Cancer.

After receiving a diagnosis of breast cancer, patients may experience negative physical, mental, and psychological symptoms. When excessive and uncontrollable, anxiety can become a pathological disorder. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are psychological approaches that incorporate practices individuals can use to promote awareness, nonjudgmental acceptance, and present-moment focus. We conducted this study to evaluate the effect of MBIs for reducing anxiety among women who had undergone surgical interventions for removal of breast cancer. We used a quasi-experimental design and a convenience sample of 30 women. We used three tools for data collection: a structured questionnaire that collected sociodemographic data and assessed the participants' knowledge about breast cancer, the Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory, which is a self-reported Likert scale designed to assess core characteristics of mindfulness, and the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale that measures the severity of an individual's anxiety. The results of our study showed that the majority (n = 24; 79.6%) of women who participated in our training program developed high levels of awareness about mindfulness. We found a highly statistically significant difference in the participants' levels of awareness of mindfulness between the pre- and postprogram evaluations (χ²[29, 30] = 56.143, p < .001), and a highly statistically significant difference in the participants' anxiety levels between the pre- and postprogram evaluations (χ²[29, 30] = 24.178, p < .001). We concluded that implementing a mindfulness training program significantly reduced the participants' level of anxiety. We recommend including MBIs in the treatment protocol for women with breast cancer as a method for reducing anxiety.

The Road to Self-Leadership: Teachers’ Mindful Awareness, Engaging Leadership, Commitment, Work Engagement, and Need Satisfaction

The purpose of the study is to examine which of the following var-iables: mindful awareness, engaging leadership, and commitment of women teachers significantly influence work engagement and basic needs satisfaction. The study employed the descriptive-correlational research design and N=273 was purposively selected teachers enrolled in the Graduate School of Meycauayan College, Bulacan, Philippines. Mean, weighted mean, Pearson r, and multi-ple linear regression are the statistical tools used in analyzing and interpreting the data. Findings reveal a significant relationship between mindfulness awareness, engaging leadership, and com-mitment to work engagement and basic needs satisfaction of fe-male teachers, The study was able to determine that commitment predicts the teachers' work engagement and basic needs satisfac-tion. Implications for professional development that boost self-leadership and mindfulness training programs are integrated into teachers’ wellness policies to ensure their work engagement and satisfy their basic needs.

Translation and validation of the Arabic version of Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) among the Lebanese population.

This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the MAAS (A-MAAS) among Lebanese adults, determine its reliability and validity, and explore its associated factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted from August to December 2023. A sample of 483 Lebanese adults, aged between 18 and 60 years, from all the Lebanese governorates completed a questionnaire consisting of three sections: socio-demographic characteristics, health-related questions, and the Arabic versions of the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (A-MAAS) and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). Our findings revealed that the A-MAAS exhibited strong internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.932). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) confirmed the one-dimensional structure accuracy of the scale, and the significant correlations with PANAS scales supported its convergent validity. Test-retest results displayed strong reliability (ICC = 0.983). The study revealed significant associations, indicating that worse memory performance, smoking, and negative emotions were linked to lower A-MAAS scores, suggesting lower levels of mindfulness. Our study contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting the utility of the MAAS in assessing mindfulness and attention. Continued research efforts will be crucial for advancing our understanding and application of mindfulness assessment tools in diverse populations and clinical settings.

Key Components of Trauma-Informed Yoga Nidra.

Trauma exposure is universal to the human condition, with many affected individuals experiencing either posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or subthreshold manifestations. Both scenarios can become functionally debilitating and collectively lay a heavy burden on individuals and society. Yoga nidra is one adjunctive treatment of growing interest, holding potential for its ability to alleviate symptoms of trauma, including hypervigilance, sleep disturbances, and disembodiment. However, yoga nidra practices can have re-traumatizing side-effects if not delivered conscientiously. For instance, adverse reactions such as overwhelming flashbacks, emotional distress, and extended dissociation have been reported as a result of yoga nidra practice. To prevent harm and maximize yoga nidra's therapeutic potential, 10 key components of trauma-informed yoga nidra practice are presented: (1) safe(r) and comfortable environment; (2) personal autonomy, healthy boundaries, and consent; (3) skillful mindful awareness; (4) appropriate length and preparation; (5) adequate settling and externalization; (6) sleep permission; (7) self-chosen intention; (8) flexible rotation of consciousness and breath awareness; (9) embodied pairs of opposites; and (10) conscientious visualizations. These measures protect those living with trauma and have extended benefits for nonclinical populations as well. That said, some of these components may be adapted based on context, especially in settings where direct feedback is readily available and can be prioritized. Ultimately, thoughtful decisions must be made with the intention of optimizing the safety of and benefit to the practitioners under the facilitator's care.

Yoga for Psychophysiological Wellbeing during Menstrual Phases in Eumenorrheic Females.

Hormonal shifts during the menstrual cycle (MC) cause autonomic imbalances and psycho-physiological distress in eumenorrheic females. This present study reveals that yoga proactively improves the overall psychophysiological health and wellness in eumenorrheic female college students during different phases of MC. Healthy eumenorrheic female college students (Mage= 20.11 ± 5.39 years, n = 82) were randomized to a control and yoga group (n = 41). A well-conceptualized yoga module (CYM) for 5 days/week for 3 months (1h daily in the morning) was practiced by the yoga group volunteers. Intra and intergroup comparisons were performed for the estimation of mindfulness awareness scale (MAAS), menstrual distress questionnaire (MDQ), cardiometabolic risk factors, heart rate variability (HRV), and endurance fitness during the luteal (LP) and follicular (FP) phases. Psychophysiological discomforts before CYM practice were mostly observed during LP compared to FP due to significant changes in mindfulness, pain, concentration, autonomic reactivity, negative affect, double product (DoP), rate pressure product (RPP), and HRV values. CYM practice influenced HRV parameters for an increase in parasympathetic activity and a decrease in sympathetic balance for better cardiac-autonomic functioning, with significant improvement in maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) and physical work capacity (PWC170). Accordingly, MAAS and MDQ scores also improved significantly after yogic practice. The intra-group and inter-group significant improvements in psychophysiological parameters through CYM practice are relevant in eumenorrheic females to perform effectively throughout their MC period, by improving MC distress and sympathovagal (LF/HF) balance.

The effects of the Hand in Hand: Empowering Teachers(HAND: ET) programme on teacher burnout in Slovenia. Do experience and baseline emotional competencies matter?

As burnout affects teachers’ health and well-being, as well as their teaching understanding interventions beneficial for prevention is crucial. In this study, we explored possible predictors of the decrease in the dimensions of burnout (emotional exhaustion, physical fatigue, cognitive weariness) after the HAND: ET intervention. We used following predictors: teachers’ experience (professional experience and previous experience of activities supporting emotional competencies) and baseline emotional competencies (self-awareness (operationalised as mindfulness), and self-management (operationalised as emotional self-efficacy)). We used data gathered from the Shirom−Melamed Burnout Questionnaire, the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, the Emotional Self-Efficacy Scale, and a set of demographic questions in a Slovene sample of in-service teachers (N = 185). Teachers’ experiences were not significant predictors of a decrease in any of the dimension of burnout, while baseline emotional competencies, were significant predictors of emotional exhaustion. The findings support the universal nature of the HAND: ET intervention as well as the importance of continuous support for teachers’ emotional competencies.

How does dispositional mindfulness foster prosocial behavior? A cross-cultural study of empathy's mediating role and cultural moderation.

Despite growing recognition of dispositional mindfulness (DM) in psychological research, its cross-cultural mechanisms in promoting prosocial behavior remain unclear, particularly regarding the mediating role of different empathy dimensions. This study investigated how DM influences prosocial behavior across cultural contexts, examining both the mediating effects of different empathy dimensions and the moderating role of cultural background in Chinese and Indonesian samples. Participants included 683 university students (357 Chinese, 326 Indonesian) who completed the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI), and Self-Report Altruism Scale Distinguished by the Recipient (SRAS-DR). Mediation and moderation analyses were conducted using PROCESS macro. Chinese participants demonstrated higher DM levels than Indonesian participants. In the Chinese sample, both perspective taking (PT) and empathic concern (EC) mediated DM's effects on prosocial behavior toward family (PBF), friends (PBFr), and strangers (PBS). However, in the Indonesian sample, PT and EC only mediated effects on PBFr. Cultural background significantly moderated DM's indirect effect on PBS through PT, with stronger effects in the Chinese sample. Fantasy and personal distress showed no significant mediating effects in either cultural context. This study reveals that DM enhances prosocial behavior through selective influence on different empathy dimensions, with cultural background moderating specific pathways. These findings extend our understanding of mindfulness's cross-cultural mechanisms and provide practical implications for culturally-adapted mindfulness interventions.

The Potential of Dance as a Tool for Enhancing Mindfulness

The present study aimed to explore mindfulness in various dance practices. Specifically, it examined: i) levels of mindfulness, and ii) differences in mindfulness among recreational practitioners of tango, modern/contemporary, and Greek traditional dance. The research was conducted with adult participants from dance schools, studios, and clubs in the Attica Region of Greece, who engaged in tango, modern/contemporary, and Greek traditional dance classes recreationally during their leisure time. A total of 229 dancers (189 women and 40 men), aged 17 to 60, completed the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale by Mantzios, Wilson and Giannou (2015), which consists of fifteen items. Responses were provided on a six-point Likert scale, and the scale's reliability was successfully tested. According to the first hypothesis, high mindfulness scores among dancers indicated a positive relationship between mindfulness and dance, with the Greek traditional dance group displaying the highest levels of mindfulness. Regarding the second hypothesis, statistically significant differences emerged across the dance practices. Practitioners of tango and Greek traditional dance exhibited higher levels of mindfulness than the modern/contemporary dance group. These findings suggest that participation in social dance forms may enhance participants' awareness and focus on the present moment. This study aims to broaden the ways dance movement can be practiced and taught in dance schools, studios, and clubs.

Examining interrelations among trajectories of mindful awareness, acceptance, and values-consistent actions in acceptance-based behavioral therapy for generalized anxiety disorder

ABSTRACT The goal of this study was to understand how mindful awareness, acceptance, and values-consistent action change across acceptance-based behavioral therapy (ABBT) for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and determine their effect on symptoms. We examined weekly data from 31 individuals who received ABBT as part of a randomized control trial for individuals with GAD (Hayes-Skelton, Roemer, & Orsillo, 2013). Participants answered questions weekly about three components of ABBT, including the percentages of time they spent over their past week: 1) aware of the present moment, 2) accepting of their internal experiences, and 3) engaging in values. GAD symptoms were examined using two self-report measures (DASS-21 Stress subscale and PSWQ) and two clinician-rated interview measures (CSR and SIGH-A) at pre- and post-treatment. 1 Mindful awareness, acceptance, and values-consistent action increased linearly across ABBT. All three change trajectories were positively correlated (Z’s 2.99 to 8.74, p’s < .001). Mindful awareness, acceptance, and values-consistent action across treatment predicted decreases in GAD symptoms above and beyond baseline for most outcome measures (Z’s −1.95 to −3.03, p’s < .05), with the exception that mindfulness did not predict DASS-stress (Z = −1.39, p = .17). These findings are consistent with the structure and model of ABBT.

Facets of mindfulness are associated with inflammation biomarkers in a sample of sexual minority men with HIV

ABSTRACT Sexual minority men (SMM) are disproportionately impacted by HIV and thus, HIV related-health complications. HIV has been linked to earlier onset of multi-morbid chronic diseases and declines in physical and cognitive functioning attributable to chronic HIV immune activation and resulting inflammation. Inflammation has been targeted with mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs); however, hypothesized negative associations between mindfulness and inflammation need to be confirmed in SMM with HIV. This is a secondary data analysis of baseline data from a randomized clinical trial (RCT) of SMM living with HIV with biologically confirmed recent methamphetamine use (ARTEMIS). Mindfulness was assessed with the Five Factor Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ). Inflammation was assessed via cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Separate adjusted (for age, viral load, CD4 count, and methamphetamine use) regression models evaluated associations between four facets of mindfulness (description, awareness, non-judgement, and non-reactivity) with IL-6 and TNF-α. The average age of the participants was 43.86 (SD = 8.95). Both description (b = .54, se = .24) and awareness (b = .50, se=.23) were positively associated with IL-6. All other associations between mindfulness and inflammation were non-significant in adjusted models. There was also some evidence to suggest that engagement in care moderated associations between description and non-reactivity with IL-6 (ΔR 2 = .03, F = 3.64), such that description and non-reactivity were each positively associated with inflammation among those who attended <100% of primary care appointments (b = 1.04, se=.34 and b = 1.23, se=.39, respectively), but was not associated with inflammation among those who attended 100% of appointments (b =.16, se=.32 and b=-.17, se=.40, respectively). There was also a significant interaction between 12-step program attendance and awareness with IL-6 (ΔR2= .03, F = 4.26), such that awareness was positively associated with inflammation among those who attended 12-step programming (b = 1.25, se = .41), but not associated with inflammation among those who did not (b = .22, se = .28). Further research is needed to understand how and under what circumstances mindfulness is associated with pro- versus anti-inflammatory processes.Trial Registration: NCT01926184.

The role of mindfulness and cognitive fusion in predicting self-compassion among patients with schizophrenia: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe exact connection between mindfulness, psychological flexibility, and severity of symptoms within schizophrenia spectrum disorders is mostly undefined and requires additional exploration. This study aimed to determine whether mindfulness, cognitive fusion, and symptom severity predict self-compassion among patients with schizophrenia.MethodsA cross-sectional descriptive research design was undertaken within the psychiatric in-patient department of Mansoura University Hospitals, situated in El-Mansoura, the administrative centre of Dakahlia governorate in the Delta area, Egypt. A total of 100 patients with schizophrenia participated in the study. Data were collected from October 2023 to January 2024 by using various tools: A socio-demographic questionnaire and clinical data sheet, the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), The Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire (CFQ), and The Self-Compassion Scale – Short Form (SCS-SF).ResultsThe findings show that mindfulness significantly impacts self-compassion among patients with schizophrenia. The results show that mindfulness significantly and positively impacts self-compassion, and cognitive fusion significantly and negatively impacts self-compassion. However, symptom severity did not significantly impact self-compassion (B = -0.02, t = -0.56, p = 0.57).ConclusionThe study concluded that people with schizophrenia need to be aware of their inner experience of negative feelings and thoughts at the moment and accept them. Thus, ACT, mindfulness-based, and compassion-based interventions may improve patients’ cognitive fusion, mindfulness, psychological flexibility, and self-compassion.

Immediate Effects of Mindful Awareness in Body-Oriented Therapy as an Adjunct to Medication for Opioid Use Disorder

The need for improve medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) treatment outcomes can be limited by co-occurring polysubstance use, mental health, and chronic pain conditions. Interoceptive training may facilitate well-being and support medication treatment for MOUD.ObjectivesWhile effective, medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) treatment outcomes can be limited by co-occurring polysubstance use, mental health, and chronic pain conditions. Interoceptive training may facilitate well-being and support medication treatment for MOUD. This study examined the pre-post effects of the mindfulness-based intervention Mindful Awareness in Body-oriented Therapy (MABT) as an adjunct to MOUD. MABT teaches interoceptive awareness skills to promote self-care and emotion regulation.MethodParticipants stabilized on medication for opioid use disorder (OUD) (n = 303) from six community clinics in Northwestern United States were recruited and randomly assigned to MABT plus MOUD or MOUD only. In a mixed-methods study, we used an intent-to-treat approach (analyzing participants based on their assigned group, regardless of adherence) to examine the proportion of days abstinent from non-prescribed opioids, and other substance use (primary outcomes) at baseline and 3 months post-intervention. Secondary outcomes included symptoms of mental health distress, emotional regulation difficulties, pain and physical symptom indicators, interoceptive awareness, and mindfulness skills. Participant experience of MABT was collected through post-intervention surveys. Changes in outcomes were assessed using linear mixed models; content analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data.ResultsLevels of overall substance use were low and did not differ between groups. Significant improvements in PTSD symptoms, interoceptive awareness, pain severity, pain activity interference, and physical symptom frequency were found for those who received MABT compared to MOUD only.ConclusionsIn this stable MOUD population, substance use outcomes were not improved; however, MABT demonstrated significant positive changes across multiple health outcomes critical for improving MOUD treatment.PreregistrationClinicalTrials.gov identifer: NCT04082637.

Can HRV Biofeedback Training Improve the Mental Resilience of Icelandic Police Officers?

High heart rate variability (HRV) is increasingly recognized as an indicator of a healthy regulatory system, reflecting the dynamic balance between sympathetic (SNS) and parasympathetic (PSNS) nervous system activity. According to the neurovisceral integration model, this balance is managed by the central autonomic network (CAN), comprised of specific brain regions involved in emotional, attentional, and autonomic regulation. HRV thus reflects the performance of the cognitive, affective, and autonomic regulation system. Numerous studies support the relationship between HRV and the CAN, including research on HRV biofeedback training (HRVBF). Studies on the effectiveness of HRVBF for professions such as police officers have shown improvements in self-regulation, decision-making, and performance. However, few studies have specifically explored HRVBF's influence on HRV metrics in police officers, highlighting a need for further research. This study addresses this gap by randomly assigning 27 Icelandic police officers to intervention or wait-list control groups. The intervention group underwent a five-week HRVBF program, including group and individual training sessions. Results showed significant increases in HRV metrics for the intervention group, indicating improved autonomic function and stress resilience. Mental resilience increased significantly as measured by subjective measures of attentional control, mindful awareness, and reduced fatigue. These findings support the efficacy of HRVBF in enhancing HRV and mental resilience for police officers, suggesting its applicability and potential for integration into existing training programs.

High-precision neurofeedback-guided meditation training optimises real-world self-guided meditation practice for well-being.

Meditation can benefit well-being and mental health, but novices often struggle to effectively recognize and disengage from mental processes during meditation due to limited awareness, potentially diminishing meditation's benefits. We investigated whether personalised high-precision neurofeedback (NF) can improve disengagement from mental activity during meditation and enhance meditation's outcomes. In a single-blind, controlled, longitudinal paradigm, 40 novice meditators underwent two consecutive days of meditation training with intermittent visual feedback from either their own (N=20) or a matched participant's (N=20; control group) posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) activity measured using 7 Tesla functional magnetic resonance imaging. During training, the experimental group showed stronger functional decoupling of PCC from dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, indicating better control over disengagement from mental processes during meditation. This led to greater improvements in emotional well-being and mindful awareness of mental processes during a week of real-world self-guided meditation. We provide compelling evidence supporting the utility of high-precision NF-guided meditation training to optimise real-world meditation practice for well-being.

Mindful Awareness and Perceived Stress in Nursing Students

Mindful Awareness and Perceived Stress in Nursing Students

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

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