Mindfulness-based Group Intervention Research Articles

Mindfulness-based group intervention for adolescents with type 1 diabetes: initial findings from a pilot and feasibility randomized controlled trial.

To evaluate feasibility/acceptability of a virtual, group mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) adapted for pediatric type 1 diabetes (T1D). This two-way controlled trial randomized adolescents 1:1 to MBI (n = 20) or health education (HE; n = 22) groups lasting 6-7 weeks. Eligibility included 12-17 years, T1D ≥ 1 year, and elevated scores on PROMIS depression or anxiety measures. Recruitment, retention, and session attendance were tracked to measure feasibility. Acceptability was measured via youth-reported post-session surveys. Adolescents completed depression, anxiety, and diabetes-specific surveys at baseline, immediately post-program, and 3 months post-program completion. HbA1c values approximating these timeframes were obtained from chart review. 55% of screened participants were eligible to participate, and 100% of eligible youth enrolled. There was 93% study retention and 96% session attendance rates. Survey data were 100% complete at baseline, and 93% complete at post-program and 3-month follow-ups; 83% and 78% of MBI participants rated sessions as at least somewhat enjoyable and helpful, respectively, and 91% and 82% of HE participants rated sessions as at least somewhat enjoyable and helpful, respectively. Mean scores showed declines in depression, anxiety, disordered eating, diabetes distress, and HbA1c in both groups across time, with trends toward potential greater reductions in depression and HbA1c in MBI. This pilot provides preliminary evidence that virtual MBI and HE groups adapted for adolescents with T1D are feasible to deliver and acceptable, with potential improvement in psychosocial, behavioral, and diabetes-specific outcomes. Whether MBI is more effective for targeting negative affect and glycemic control in the context of adolescent T1D requires testing in a full-scale efficacy trial.

An acceptance and commitment therapy and mindfulness group intervention for the psychological and physical well-being of adults with body mass indexes in the overweight or obese range: the Mind&Life randomized controlled trial

This trial aimed to assess the effect of an acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and mindfulness-based intervention on the various psychological and physical issues associated with obesity. A parallel group randomized controlled trial was conducted with 142 adults with body mass indexes in the overweight or obesity range seeking treatment. Participants were assigned either to the ACT and mindfulness-based group intervention (Mind&Life intervention) plus treatment as usual (TAU) or the TAU-only condition. Individuals receiving the Mind&Life intervention with TAU showed more adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and greater decrease in external eating, weight, and visceral fat both at posttreatment and at 6-month follow-up. Moreover, they displayed a greater reduction in total protein and animal protein intake and GPT enzymes level. By 6-month follow-up, the Mind&Life group experienced a lower impact of weight on quality of life than TAU participants. However, Mind&Life intervention completers showed greater restrained eating levels at follow-up. Overall, this study suggests that an ACT and mindfulness-based group intervention could produce improvements in the impact of weight on quality of life, some eating behaviors, dietary habits, and weight and body composition parameters of people facing weight-related challenges.

Online Mindfulness-Based Group Intervention for Young Chinese Children: Effectiveness of the OKmind Program in Attention and Emotion Regulation

Online Mindfulness-Based Group Intervention for Young Chinese Children: Effectiveness of the OKmind Program in Attention and Emotion Regulation

Online mindfulness program (COndiVIDere) for people with multiple sclerosis in the time of COVID-19: a pilot longitudinal study

Purpose This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a mindfulness-based group intervention (The COndiVIDere program) delivered online to people with MS (PwMS) in the time of COVID-19. Materials and methods This is a single-arm longitudinal study with a nested qualitative study. The COndiVIDere program is composed of five weekly sessions (1-h each) plus three booster monthly sessions. Data were collected immediately before the beginning of the program, after the five weekly sessions, and at 3- and 6-month follow-ups. Results Fifty PwMS participated in the program. Participants improved in anxiety, stress, loneliness and mindfulness (“non-judgmental inner experience” component). Improvements on most outcomes occurred at post-intervention and reached the statistically significant threshold at 3-month follow-up. Mindfulness improvements keep increasing at each time point. Qualitative data confirmed the COndiVIDere program feasibility and the positive psychological impacts on participants. Mindfulness, compassion and the group setting were considered the most important active elements. Conclusions Study findings support COndiVIDere feasibility and effectiveness with PwMS and its broad applicability in this population.

Virtually-Delivered Emotion Focused Mindfulness Therapy (EFMT) Group vs. Wait-List Control for Late-Life Anxiety: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BackgroundThe worldwide annual prevalence of anxiety in older adults is estimated to be between 6% and 10%. Emotion Focused Mindfulness Therapy (EFMT) is a mindfulness-based group intervention that has been demonstrated to reduce symptoms of anxiety in community dwelling adults. No study has yet assessed EFMT for older adults with late-life anxiety. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of video-delivered group EFMT for older adults living in community settings, a novel and potentially scalable intervention. MethodsThis was a feasibility randomized controlled trial (RCT) of 48 older adults (≥55 years old), recruited through primary care, community organizations and snowball methods. Participants were randomized to group EFMT delivered by Zoom vs. a wait-list control. Data were collected at baseline (T1), 9 weeks following baseline (T2, primary study endpoint) and 17 weeks following baseline (T3). Random allocation was conducted immediately after each group of 12 participants had been enrolled into the trial, with groups beginning on a rolling basis each time a block of 12 participants had been enrolled. The main efficacy outcome examined changes over time to anxiety. ResultsRecruitment was successfully completed in 32 weeks. Enrollment was calculated at 62.3% (48 of 77 people screened). Retention (80.0%) and adherence (100.0% for intervention group participants) were excellent. The EFMT group had significant improvements in anxiety at T2 compared to the wait-list control group (-3.47 [4.12] vs.-1.22 [3.25] points, p = 0.05). ConclusionsVirtually-delivered EFMT appears to be a feasible, acceptable, and efficacious group treatment to improve late-life anxiety.

Actual status of early intervention services in Germany

AbstractWe will give an overview of the status of early intervention services for psychosis in Germany. We recently established a website which provides people in Germany with the nearest early detection an intervention service available (https://www.psycho-check.com). However, the overall implementation rate of early detction in Germany is quite heterogenous. We will also present recent research and ongoing projects from Germany including the first evaluation of specialized inpatient services for early psychosis, first evaluations of Individual placement and support and a mindfulness based group intervention in people with early psychosis as well as a newly desigend youth mental health service called soulspace (www.soulspace-berlin.de).Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Stress, coping and the acceptability of mindfulness skills among pregnant and parenting women living with HIV in the United States: A focus group study.

Pregnant and parenting women living with HIV (WLWH) face high levels of psychological stress and mental illness but lack tailored and acceptable psychosocial treatments. The research team sought to inform the adaptation of a mindfulness intervention for pregnant and parenting WLWH through focus groups exploring psychosocial treatment needs and mindfulness intervention preferences. The research team conducted focus groups with pregnant and parenting WLWH (n=16) and case managers (n=6) recruited from a community-based enhanced case management program. The research team utilised an iterative inductive approach to coding of the transcripts from these focus groups. Five themes emerged: stressors, signs of stress, coping, lack of access and acceptability of care, and motivation and trust in care engagement. These focus groups revealed a desire for a group intervention that could decrease isolation while protecting against involuntary disclosure of HIV status. Participants expressed openness to mindfulness skills for coping with stress. The focus group participants' preference for a non-stigmatising group intervention supports the potential of a mindfulness-based group intervention to reduce stress and improve the mental health of pregnant and parenting women living with HIV.

Feasibility and efficacy of an acceptance and mindfulness-based group intervention for young people with early psychosis (Feel-Good group).

BackgroundOver the last decade, researchers have sought for alternative interventions that have better treatment effects than Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) when treating psychotic symptoms. Mindfulness-based interventions have been a proposed alternative to CBT, yet research regarding its feasibility, acceptance and effectiveness is lacking when treating individuals with early psychosis in inpatient settings.ObjectiveBefore conducting a large-scale randomized-controlled trial (RCT), this pilot study evaluated the feasibility and the potential efficacy of a mindfulness-based inpatient group intervention that targets emotion regulation in patients with early psychosis, and thus indirectly improving psychotic symptoms.MethodsA pre–post study was performed. Thirty-six patients with early psychosis treated at the specialized inpatient treatment “Frühinterventions- und Therapiezentrum; FRITZ” (early intervention and therapy center) received eight group therapy sessions. Assessments were performed at baseline, after 8 weeks post treatment and at follow-up after 16 weeks.ResultsRates of patients who participated in the study suggests that a mindfulness-based group therapy is highly accepted and feasible for patients with early psychosis being treated in an inpatient ward. Friedman analyses revealed significant changes in the primary outcomes of emotional goal attainment (Goal 1: W = 0.79; Goal 2: W = 0.71) and psychotic symptoms (PANSS-T: W = 0.74). Significant, albeit small, effect sizes were found in patients’ self-perception of emotion regulation skills (ERSQ: W = 0.23).DiscussionWe found favorable findings regarding the feasibility and acceptance of the Feel-Good mindfulness-based intervention. Results of the study provide a basis for an estimation of an adequate sample size for a fully powered RCT that needs to be conducted to test whether Feel-Good is effective in the inpatient treatment of psychotic symptoms for individuals with early psychosis.Clinical trial registration[https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04592042], identifier [NCT04592042].

Descriptive analysis of adherence to mindfulness-based group therapies: online versus face-to-face interventions

IntroductionThe use of technological supports in psychotherapeutic interventions has been widespread in recent years. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the increase has been greater. The feasibility of online group interventions has been proved in previous studies. Research comparing dropout rates in group interventions with clinical population that include mindfulness training is infrequent.ObjectivesTo compare the difference in dropout rates between online and face-to-face mindfulness-based group interventions.MethodsThis study was carried out in a Mental Health Unit in Colmenar Viejo (Madrid, Spain). One hundred thirty-five adult patients with anxiety disorders were included in group interventions (74 face-to-face; 61 online). The group treatments were Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and a Mindfulness-based Emotional Regulation intervention, during 8 weeks, guided by two Clinical Psychology residents. A descriptive analysis of dropout rates (participants attending 3 or fewer sessions out of the total number of participants starting the intervention) was performed.ResultsOf the 135 patients included, 8 did not participate in the interventions (5 face-to-face; 3 online), which represents a 5.93% rejection rate; 6.76% for the face-to-face intervention and 4.92% for the online intervention. Of the remaining sample (127 participants), a total dropout rate of 12.6% was obtained, with 8.69% in the face-to-face intervention versus 17.24% online.ConclusionsA higher dropout rate was obtained in online interventions compared to face-to-face, with an increase of almost double. Research on specific factors that may interfere with treatment adherence to online group interventions is needed.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Evaluating a mindfulness-based group intervention for adults with intellectual disabilities

PurposeThere is growing evidence examining mindfulness-based interventions (MI) for people with intellectual disabilities (IDs). As discussed in this paper, MI may be particularly suited for people with ID given high rates of difficulties in identifying and regulating emotions and as this approach may rely less on cognitive ability compared to other therapies. This study aims to assess the acceptability and preliminary effectiveness of a six-session MI group [the Coping Well Group (CWG)] delivered within routine clinical practice.Design/methodology/approachSix separate cohorts (n = 25) of adults with ID attended CWG. Quantitative data were collected from service users, including a pre- and post-quality of life (QoL) measure and qualitative data from group facilitators.FindingsRoughly one-half (53%) of service users invited to the group attended at least one session, with low levels of dropout observed among group attendees. A significant improvement in QoL was reported demonstrating a small effect (d = 0.46, p = 0.022) after attending the group. Most service users (72%) were referred to the CWG for help managing difficult emotions. One-half (44%) of attendees required individual therapy after attending the group. Limitations of the evaluation and potential future research are discussed.Originality/valueThe current evaluation contributes a practice-based service evaluation of an MI group for people with ID and mental health difficulties to the currently limited evidence base. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first studies to investigate the impact of group psychological interventions collecting data across cohorts and assessing QoL, a more general measure of well-being than has been used previously.

Effectiveness of a Mindfulness-Based Group Intervention for Chinese University Students with Sleep Problems.

The increasing prevalence of sleep disorders among university students should be taken seriously. Group counseling involving a mindfulness-based strategy may help prevent students from developing insomnia and subsequent mental health disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the ameliorating effects of a mindfulness-based group intervention on sleep problems and emotional symptoms in university students in China. Twenty-one university students (16 females, 22.71 ± 4.28 years) who were not on medication were recruited and assigned to the intervention group based on the criterion of high levels of sleep problems. Additionally, twenty-four university students (19 females, 24.50 ± 0.93 years) were included as a nonrandomized control group. Individuals in the intervention group participated in a two-hour group intervention once a week for eight sessions. All participants completed self-reported questionnaire baseline tests, postintervention tests, and one-month follow-ups on mindfulness, sleep quality, anxiety and depressive symptoms. Repeated-measures ANOVA was performed. The results revealed significant intervention effects, with significant differences observed between the two groups in mindfulness and sleep quality. However, there was no significant effect of the intervention on anxiety and depressive symptoms. This study contributes to a better understanding of the effectiveness of mindfulness-based intervention in addressing sleep problems in university students.

Understanding and restoring dopaminergic function in fibromyalgia patients using a mindfulness-based psychological intervention: a [18F]-DOPA PET study. Study protocol for the FIBRODOPA study\u2014a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundFibromyalgia (FM) is a very prevalent and debilitating chronic pain disorder that is difficult to treat. Mindfulness-based techniques are regarded as a very promising approach for the treatment of chronic pain and in particular FM. The Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE) intervention, a mindfulness-based group intervention, has shown beneficial effects in opioid-treated chronic pain patients, including reduced pain severity, functional interference, and opioid dosing, by restoring neurophysiological and behavioral responses to reward. The first evidence for a hypodopaminergic state and impaired reward processing in FM has been reported. However, little is known about its impact on dopamine (DA) function and in particular with regard to DA responses to monetary reward in FM. The aim of the present study protocol is to evaluate if MORE is able to restore the DA function in FM patients, in particular with regard to the DA responses to reward, and to reduce pain and mood complaints in FM.MethodsThe present study is a multi-center interventional RCT with 3 time points: before the intervention, after completion of the intervention, and 3 months after completion of the intervention. Sixty-four FM patients will be randomly assigned to either the MORE intervention (N = 32) or a non-intervention control group (N = 32). Additionally, a comparison group of healthy women (N = 20) for PET measures will be enrolled and another group of healthy women (N = 15) will do the ambulatory assessments only. The MORE intervention consists of eight 2-h-long group sessions administered weekly over a period of 8 weeks. Before and after the intervention, FM participants will undergo [18F] DOPA positron emission tomography (PET) and functional MR imaging while performing a reward task. The primary outcome will be endogeneous DA changes measured with [18F] DOPA PET at baseline, after the intervention (after 8 weeks for the non-intervention control group), and at 3 months’ follow-up. Secondary outcomes will be (1) clinical pain measures and FM symptoms using standardized clinical scales; (2) functional brain changes; (3) measures of negative and positive affect, stress, and reward experience in daily life using the ambulatory assessment method (AA); and (4) biological measures of stress including cortisol and alpha-amylase.DiscussionIf the findings of this study confirm the effectiveness of MORE in restoring DA function, reducing pain, and improving mood symptoms, MORE can be judged to be a promising means to improve the quality of life in FM patients. The findings of this trial may inform health care providers about the potential use of the MORE intervention as a possible non-pharmacological intervention for FM.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.govNCT 04451564. Registered on 3 July 2020. The trial was prospectively registered.

Becoming Fathers: A Mixed-methods Study of the Feasibility and Acceptability of a Mindfulness-Based Group Intervention for Perinatal Fathers

Becoming Fathers: A Mixed-methods Study of the Feasibility and Acceptability of a Mindfulness-Based Group Intervention for Perinatal Fathers

Developing and Adapting a Mindfulness-Based Group Intervention for Racially and Economically Marginalized Patients in the Bronx

Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs; e.g., MBSR, MBCT, ACT) have been widely used and disseminated for treatment of myriad physical and psychological problems. However, most MBIs have primarily been used with middle-or upper-class White populations, with some instances where they have been adapted for use with diverse populations (e.g., Burnett-Zeigler et al., 2016; Roth & Robbins, 2004). However, even when adapted, most MBIs have not explicitly addressed unique factors faced by the target population, such as racial discrimination, unemployment, lack of financial means, and other stressors. We developed and used an iterative approach to refine a MBI group based on MBSR and MBCT, for a racially and ethnically diverse population in the Bronx, considered by the U.S. census to be the most diverse in the country. Based on a trauma-informed care and centering people of color approach, we developed a longer than usual (16 weeks) mindfulness-based group, where core skills were broken down into smaller chunks to facilitate easier incorporation into daily life. We also used a longer duration and 1-hour weekly meeting time keeping in mind needs of the individuals, who often had limited time to participate due to work limitations and other comorbid physical conditions. While acknowledging that the individuals this group was catering to had experienced multiple traumatic events, we sought to also highlight and further develop the resilience and courage people in the Bronx community bring to the table. We review two clinically rich case vignettes, and also discuss recommendations for working with racially and economically marginalized people, and include a call to action for health care providers and organizations to engage in activism.

Study Protocol: A Six-Session Mindfulness-Based Training to Support Weight Management in Hispanics Post Bariatric Surgery – Lessons Learned From a Pilot Study

ObjectivesObjective: To evaluate the recruitment, retention, and acceptability of a mindfulness-based group intervention to support weight management in Hispanics after bariatric surgery. Background: Mindfulness-based approaches may support improvement of problematic eating behaviors post- bariatric surgery. Such approaches have been explored with promising results in Non-Hispanic; however their impact on bariatric clients of Hispanic origin has not been investigated. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility of a six-session mindfulness-based training for bariatric clients of Hispanic origin. MethodsThis was an intervention-one group pre/post-test pilot study. Participants were Hispanics (≥ 21 years), who had surgery 12–36 months prior to baseline. Recruitment was over a one-month period, through flyers available in a dietetics practice and through snowball sampling. Interested individuals were screened via telephone. Group training was delivered over six consecutive weeks, participants were asked to complete four questionnaires including: Perceived Stress Questionnaire, Acceptance and Committed Action-II Questionnaire, Intuitive Eating Scale-2, and Short-Form Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire at baseline, week six, and ten. A group exit interview was conducted on week six. Incentives and refreshments were provided at each meeting, training was free of charge. ResultsFor recruitment in the first cohort, 60 people screened, 55 (92%) were eligible and 7 (13%) consented, meeting the recruitment objective of 7–10 participants. Out of the eligible, 42 (76%) were willing but not able at this time. There was 100% participation in all sessions and assessment visits which exceeded the adherence criteria of attendance at 4/6 sessions. Three participants were recruited from flyers, four from snowball sampling. ConclusionsThis pilot study was feasible; Hispanics were willing to participate, retention and adherence was at a maximum. Multiple sources for recruitment could increase the efficacy of the recruitment. Funding SourcesNone.

Attentional functioning after two online mindfulness-based group interventions: Acceptance and commitment therapy and a mindfulness-based emotional regulation intervention in anxiety disorders. Preliminary results

Introduction The relationship between attentional functioning and mindfulness is an intensive field of study, mainly in face-to-face interventions. However, no neuropsychological study addressed the effect of online mindfulness-based interventions on this cognitive function.ObjectivesTo assess changes on attentional functioning after two online mindfulness-based group interventions in adult patients with anxiety disorders.MethodsThis study was carried out in a Mental Health Unit in Spain (Colmenar Viejo, Madrid). Thirteen adult patients (age mean = 51.69 years, ranging from 33 to 69 years, S.D. = 11.56) with anxiety disorders completed the interventions. The group treatments were Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and a Mindfulness-based Emotional Regulation intervention, during 8 weeks, guided by two Clinical Psychology residents. Both interventions were carried out online. The dependent variables were the scores on the TMT-A (seconds), Digit span forward and Longest digit span forward (WAIS-IV). A comparison of paired-means was conducted. Statistical significance was set at p < .05.ResultsThe normality assumption was met except for Longest digit span forward. The paired t-test showed statistically significant change between pre-treatment and post-treatment on TMT-A [t(12)= 3.81; p = 0.002; Cohen’s d = 1.056; statistical power observed = 94.0%], but not on Digit span forward (p = .45). Wilcoxon signed ranks test showed no statistically significant change on Longest digit span forward (p = .56).ConclusionsThese results show a large improvement on visual attention and speed of visuomotor tracking, but not on auditive attention, after both online mindfulness-based group interventions.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

TMT-B after two online mindfulness-based group interventions: Acceptance and commitment therapy and a mindfulness-based emotional regulation intervention in anxiety disorders. Preliminary results

IntroductionThere are no studies which address the relationship between mindfulness and cognitive flexibility in interventions carried out online. This is the first study to examine the effect of two online mindfulness-based interventions on this cognitive function.ObjectivesTo assess changes on cognitive flexibility after two online mindfulness-based group interventions in adult patients with anxiety disorders.MethodsThis study was carried out in a Mental Health Unit in Spain (Colmenar Viejo, Madrid). Thirteen adult patients (age mean = 51.69 years, ranging from 33 to 69 years, S.D. = 11.56) with anxiety disorders completed the interventions. The group treatments were Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and a Mindfulness-based Emotional Regulation intervention, during 8 weeks, guided by two Clinical Psychology residents. Both interventions were carried out online. The dependent variable was the score on the TMT-B (seconds). A comparison of paired-means was conducted. Statistical significance was set at p < .05.ResultsThe normality assumption was met. Statistical power observed = 70.0%. The paired t-test showed statistically significant change between pre-treatment and post-treatment (p = 0.019; Cohen’s d = 0.75), indicating improvement on cognitive flexibility.ConclusionsThese results show a statistically significant and medium/large effect-size change in cognitive flexibility after the two online interventions based on mindfulness. A larger sample size is required to confirm these results. Moreover, other studies need to examine the reliable change on this neuropsychological outcome.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Feasibility and acceptability of an online mindfulness-based group intervention for adults with tic disorders

BackgroundPreliminary research suggests that a mindfulness-based treatment approach may be beneficial for adults with tic disorders. In the present study, we report on the feasibility, acceptability, safety, and symptomatic effect of a novel online mindfulness-based group intervention for adults with Tourette syndrome or persistent tic disorder. Data from this study will directly inform the conduct of a funded randomized controlled trial comparing the efficacy of this intervention to another active psychological intervention.MethodsOne cohort of adults with Tourette syndrome participated in an 8-week online mindfulness-based group intervention. Measures of feasibility, acceptability, and safety were administered throughout and at posttreatment. Self-reported measures of mindfulness and clinician-rated measures of tic severity and impairment were administered at baseline and posttreatment.ResultsData on refusal, dropout rate, attendance, participant satisfaction, and safety suggest that this is a feasible and acceptable intervention. However, participant adherence to home practice was lower than anticipated. Mindfulness, tic severity, and tic-related impairment only modestly improved from baseline to posttreatment. Qualitative analysis of participant feedback revealed aspects of the intervention that were most helpful and also areas for improvement.ConclusionsData suggest that although this is a feasible and acceptable intervention, it should be modified to enhance participant adherence, more successfully engage the target mechanism, and optimize outcomes.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov registration #NCT03525626. Registered on 24 April 2018

A Brief Online Mindfulness-Based Group Intervention for Psychological Distress Among Chinese Residents During COVID-19: a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

ObjectivesThe coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic has increased psychological distress among the general population. The objective of this study is to evaluate a mindfulness-based intervention for psychological distress among Chinese residents during COVID-19.MethodsThis study used a switching replications design to test the feasibility and efficacy of a brief online mindfulness-based intervention for Chinese residents’ psychological distress. Fifty-one residents in the Hubei province were randomly allocated to two groups (experimental group and waitlist control group) with three waves of measurement at time 1, time 2, and time 3 for changes in mindfulness and psychological distress.ResultsIn addition to significant within-group improvements over time for both groups, OLS linear regression with full information likelihood estimation revealed statistically significant between-group treatment effects across outcome domains, including mindfulness awareness, b = 2.84, p < 0.001, g = 6.92, psychological distress, b = −21.33, p < 0.001, g = 6.62, somatic symptoms, b = −6.22, p < 0.001, g = 4.42, depressive symptoms, b = −7.16, p < 0.001, g = 5.07, and anxiety symptoms, b = −8.09, p < 0.001, g = 6.84.ConclusionsResults suggest that a brief online mindfulness-based intervention can be a feasible and promising intervention for improving mindfulness and decreasing psychological distress among Chinese residents staying at home during the COVID-19 outbreak. The study used a small convenience sample which led to a concern of external generalizability and with limited evaluation of long-term change.

Preliminary Development of a Mindfulness-Based Group Therapy to Expand Couples' Sexual Intimacy after Prostate Cancer: A Mixed Methods Approach.

IntroductionSexual health and intimacy are consistently reported among the top unmet supportive care needs of prostate cancer (PC) survivors. With an aging population and advances in PC detection and treatment, the need for better PC sexual health interventions is acute.AimExamine the feasibility of a mindfulness-based therapy group aimed at improving sexual intimacy for couples following PC treatments.MethodsA 4-session mindfulness-based group intervention was developed for PC survivors (mean age 65.6 yrs) and their partners (mean age 61.4 yrs). A mixed-methods approach was adopted to account for small sample sizes (N = 14 couples). Findings will guide future treatment refinement via participants’ lived experiences.Main Outcome MeasuresQuantitative outcomes assessed pretreatment, immediately after treatment, and 6 months later included relationship adjustment, sexual satisfaction, sexual function, depression, anxiety, and mindfulness. Qualitative outcomes used Grounded Theory Approach following posttreatment exit interviews.ResultsEffect sizes 6 months posttreatment indicated moderate improvements in overall sexual satisfaction and large increases in mindfulness in PC survivors, small decreases in sexual intimacy reported by partners, and small increases in anxiety in PC survivors and partners. Qualitative outcomes revealed 6 themes: (i) PC treatments must view PC as a couple’s disease; (ii) PC treatments must consider the impact of illness on individuals and the couple; (iii) Mindfulness was a valued treatment modality; (iv) Individual factors contribute to outcomes, and therefore, must be considered; (v) Multiple perceived mechanisms for change exist; (vi) Group format is a therapeutic element of the process.ConclusionAn acceptance-based approach to sexual intimacy needs among PC survivors and their partners is feasible. While this small-scale preliminary study suggests that mindfulness may address some currently unmet needs among this population, randomized clinical trials are needed.JA Bossio, CS Higano, LA Brotto. Preliminary Development of a Mindfulness-Based Group Therapy to Expand Couples’ Sexual Intimacy after Prostate Cancer: A Mixed Methods Approach. Sex Med 2021;9:100310.