Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction Group Research Articles

Are Subjective Benefits of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Related to Changes in Cardiac and Cortical Responses to a Stress Task?

Abstract Objectives Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) has been shown to decrease general feelings of distress. It is not known to what extent such beneficial effects are associated with attenuation of physiological responses to challenging psychological situations. The aim of the present study was to examine potential associations between general decreases in subjective distress and changes in acute cardiac and cortical responses during recall of a recent stressful episode between pre- and post-MBSR. Method Fifty-eight MBSR participants (77.6% female, mean age 43.8 years, SD = 13.1) took part in a laboratory examination before and after MBSR. Measurements of the electrocardiogram (ECG) and electroencephalogram (EEG) were performed during the whole protocol including the stress recall task. Results The MBSR group showed overall decreases in general negative affect and an increase in heart rate variability from pre- to post-intervention. Out of six physiological outcomes (heart rate, heart rate variability, theta, alpha, beta, and gamma power at Fz), only a decreased response of gamma power during the stress task was significant. The subjective and physiological changes were unrelated. Conclusions The present results suggest that the favourable effects of MBSR on general stress reduction may not be clearly reflected in cortical electrical wave activity or vagal cardiac response during recall of a recent stressful episode. The few changes found in cardiac and cortical activity may be due to either effects independent of general subjective feelings or independent of the intervention altogether. Preregistration The study is not preregistered.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Autonomic Modulation in Chronic Kidney Disease

Intro: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by chronic overactivation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) that leads to increased blood pressure and cardiovascular disease risk. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an 8-week mindfulness meditation training program that has previously been shown to reduce blood pressure and improve autonomic balance in healthy and some clinical populations; however, MBSR has never previously been tested in CKD and the long-term effects of mindfulness mediation on SNS activity are unknown. Thus, we tested the hypothesis that 8 weeks of MBSR reduces SNS activity and reactivity in CKD patients. Method: In a randomized controlled trial, participants with CKD stages III-IV were randomized to 8 weeks of MBSR (n=17, 64±8 yr, 88% males) or a health education program (HEP, n=12, 63±10 yr, 83% males) that served as the active control intervention. MBSR was comprised of eight 2.5-hour group meetings and a retreat session focused on mindfulness training. HEP was administered in a similar structure and focused on health education. Direct intraneural measures of SNS activity directed to muscle (MSNA) was recorded via microneurography with concomitant beat-to-beat blood pressure and EKG monitoring at rest and during mental stress before and after the 8-week intervention. MSNA reactivity during mental arithmetic-induced stress (3 minutes) was compared between baseline and end of study (EOS) in the MBSR and HEP groups. Results. Baseline characteristics, kidney function, and comorbidities were comparable between groups. There was a significant Group (MBSR vs. HEP) by Time (baseline vs. EOS) interaction in the change in MSNA reactivity to mental stress. The MBSR group had a significant reduction in MSNA reactivity during the 1st, 2nd and 3rd minute of mental arithmetic at EOS (p<0.05 for all), while no change was observed within the HEP group. Resting MSNA and reactivity in blood pressure and heart rate during mental arithmetic remained unchanged in both groups from baseline to EOS. Conclusion. Patients with CKD had an amelioration of sympathetic reactivity during mental stress following 8-weeks of MBSR but not after HEP (control intervention). Our findings demonstrate that mindfulness training is feasible and may have potential beneficial effects on autonomic function in CKD. NIH R01HL135183; NIH R61AT10457; NIH KL2TR002381; VA Merit I01CX001065. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

An online self-study mindfulness-based stress reduction course for people suffering from mental fatigue after an acquired brain injury

ABSTRACT Objective The Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program has shown promising results for people suffering from mental fatigue after an acquired brain injury. The aim was to evaluate the feasibility of a MBSR program performed as an online self-study course for this group of people. Methods Sixty participants who had suffered an acquired brain injury with lasting mental fatigue were randomized to an online MBSR course or to a waitlist control group. They answered self-report questionnaires before start and after the course. Results Sixteen completed the MBSR program. With the repeated ANOVA no significant difference between groups was found, although there was a significant change in time (the repetition factor). The post-hoc paired t-test indicated a significant reduction and a large-to-median effect size in mental fatigue (p = 0.003, d = 0.896), depression (p = 0.038, d = 0.569) and anxiety (p = 0.030, d = 0.598) for the MBSR group. No significant changes were found for the control group. Conclusion An online self-study MBSR program for people suffering from mental fatigue after an acquired brain injury can be a feasible option for those suffering from less severe mental fatigue and emotional symptoms, while others may require a program adapted to their needs.

Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) for fibromyalgia patients: The role of pain cognitions as mechanisms of change

BackgroundFibromyalgia (FM) is a pain condition characterized by physical and psychological difficulties. This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effects of a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) on FM patients and identify the role of two pain cognitions: psychological inflexibility in pain (PIPS) and pain catastrophizing (PCS), as mechanisms of change. Methods95 FM patients (Mean ± SD: 49.18 ± 13.26 years) were randomly assigned to MBSR group therapy (n = 49) or a waitlist (WL) control group (n = 46). An adapted MBSR protocol for FM was employed. A series of measures were taken, covering FM symptoms, depression, perceived stress (PSS), PIPS and PCS. Three measurements were conducted: pre-intervention, post-intervention and 6-months follow up. ResultsCompared to WL controls, the MBSR group showed greater improvements in FM symptoms (F(1,78) = 2.81, p < 0.05), PSS (F(1,78) = 4.38, p < 0.05) and Depression (F(1,78) = 21.12, p < 0.001), with mostly medium effect sizes. Improvements in PSS (F(2,68) = 7.75, p < 0.05) and depression (F(2,68) = 15.68, p < 0.05) remained stable over six months. The effect of MBSR on FM and PSS was mediated by one's reported change in PIPS. The effect of MBSR on depression was mediated by one's reported change in PCS. ConclusionsThese results reveal the significant therapeutic potential of MBSR for FM patients, due to the emphasis on non-judging and acceptance of negative inner states. Furthermore, this research identified two important pain-related cognitions as mechanisms of change, suggesting that MBSR contributes to cognitive change, which enables the reduction of physical and psychological distress. Trial registration numberNCT04304664.

Mental Health and Quality of Life in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients with Mild-to-Moderate Depression: A Retrospective Cohort Study of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Therapy.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients may experience pessimism, and even despair, due to long-term nature of the condition, which increases the risk of depression. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) can relieve depression. This retrospective cohort study aimed to investigate the effects of MBSR on mental health and quality of life in CKD patients with mild-to-moderate depression, so as to provide guidance for clinical nursing programs. The clinical data of 100 CKD patients with mild-to-moderate depression who were treated in Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences from January 2021 to March 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Based on nursing method received, the patients were divided into the conventional group (conventional management) and the MBSR group (MBSR therapy was implemented in addition to conventional management). After matching, there were 35 cases in each group. The scores for the self-rating depression scale (SDS), Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), Five-factor Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) were compared between the two groups. After management, the SDS and PSQI scores of the MBSR group were lower than those of the conventional group, and the CD-RISC, FFMQ and SF-36 scores were higher than those of the conventional group (p < 0.05). MBSR can improve the mental health, sleep quality, and quality of life of CKD patients with mild-to-moderate depression, and improve psychological resilience and mindfulness.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Symptom Management in Older Individuals with HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorder.

The growing number of people aging with HIV represents a group vulnerable to the symptom burdens of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND). Among younger groups, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) has been shown to help people living with HIV manage HIV-related and other life stress, and although there is some theoretical and empirical evidence that it may be effective among those with cognitive deficits, the approach has not been studied in older populations with HAND. Participants (n = 180) 55years or older with HIV and cognitive impairment were randomly assigned to either an 8-week MBSR arm or a waitlist control. We assessed the impact of MBSR compared to a waitlist control on psychological outcomes [stress, anxiety, depression, and quality of life (QOL)] and cognitive metrics (e.g., speed of information processing, working memory, attention, impulsivity) measured at baseline, immediately post intervention (8weeks) and one month later (16weeks). Intent to treat analyses showed significant improvement in the MBSR group compared to control on symptoms of depression from baseline to 8weeks, however, the difference was not sustained at 16weeks. The MBSR group also showed improvement in perceived QOL from baseline to 16weeks compared to the waitlist control group. Cognitive performance did not differ between the two treatment arms. MBSR shows promise as a tool to help alleviate the symptom burden of depression and low QOL in older individuals living with HAND and future work should address methods to better sustain the beneficial impact on depression and QOL.

The effects of a mindfulness-based stress reduction program and deep relaxation exercises on pregnancy-related anxiety levels: A randomized controlled trial.

The present study aimed to examine the effects of a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program and deep relaxation exercises on pregnancy-related anxiety levels. This randomized parallel-group controlled trial was conducted with 95 pregnant women (MBSR: n = 32, deep relaxation exercises: n = 31, control: n = 32) between 1 August and 15 October 2022 with pregnant women who were registered at the pregnancy outpatient clinics of a hospital in the Southeastern Anatolia Region of Türkiye. CONSORT guidelines were followed in our study. The participants in the MBSR group were given an eight-session MBSR program, consisting of two sessions per week for 4 weeks, whereas the participants in the deep relaxation exercises group were asked to do exercises at home with deep relaxation videos four times a week for 4 weeks. The participants in the control group received only routine prenatal care. The mean PRAQ-R2 Fear of Giving Birth subscale scores of the participants in the MBSR and deep relaxation exercises groups after the intervention were lower than that of the participants in the control group. Additionally, the mean total PRAQ-R2, PRAQ-R2 Worries about Bearing a Physically or Mentally Handicapped Child subscale and PRAQ-R2 Concern about One's Own Appearance subscale scores of the participants in the MBSR group were found to be significantly lower than the scores of those in the deep relaxation exercises and control groups (p < 0.001). The MBSR program is an effective method for reducing pregnancy-related anxiety levels. Additionally, deep relaxation exercises are alternative practices for reducing the fear of giving birth among pregnant women. NCT05447000.

Intervention Treatment for Anxiety and Depression-Induced Emotional Disorders in College Students: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction

Abstract The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) on relieving symptoms of emotional disorders caused by anxiety and depression in college students. Fifty college students with generalized anxiety disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale scores &amp;gt;7 and self-rating depression scale (SDS) scores ≥50 were randomly divided into a blank group and an MBSR group. The MBSR group completed an eight-week training program, which included activities such as breath awareness and body scanning. The GAD-7 scale, SDS, Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), and five-facet mindfulness questionnaire (FFMQ) scores were compared between the two groups before and after the experiment. After the experiment, the MBSR group showed a significant improvement in mindfulness levels as it had a FFMQ score of 124.64±10.72 (p &amp;lt; 0.05 compared to the pre-experiment and blank group). The GAD-7 scale score was 5.46±2.98, and the SDS score was 45.32 ± 6.01, indicating that both anxiety and depression symptoms were relieved. The sleep quality improved as the PSQI score decreased to 5.26 ± 1.88 (p &amp;lt; 0.05 compared to the pre-experiment and blank group). MBSR is beneficial in reducing anxiety and depression among college students, improving sleep quality, and has a certain effect on symptoms of emotional disorders. It can be promoted and applied in practice.

Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Executive Functions in Patients with Hypertension: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Hypertension one of the main risk factors of cardiovascular diseases and premature death worldwide. Researches indicate different cognitive activities and executive functions in cardiovascular and hypertension patients compared to non-afflicted people. Objectives: Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) on executive functions in patients with hypertension. Materials &amp; Methods: The present study was a randomized clinical trial based on the pre-test, post-test, follow-up design. The statistical population consisted of all the people with hypertension who referred to Heshmat Heart Hospital in Rasht city, Iran, in 2021. Thirty-four qualified volunteers were included in the study by purposive sampling method and randomly assigned to two groups of MBSR and control. Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (computer version) were the instrument employed in this research; and MBSR sessions were held for 2 months (8 sessions, one 120-minute session each week). The research data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc test. Results: In the pre-test design, there wasn't a difference in the completed categories and perseverative errors, between the MBSR group (2±0.485 and 30.06±6.60) and the control group (2.06±0.659 and 29.88±9.4. In the post-test design, a significant difference in the completed categories and perseverative errors was found between the MBSR group (3.29±0.848 and 20.94±5.71) and the control group (2.18±0.636 and 29.94±8.70); which implies the MBSR group outperformed the control group in Improving executive functions of patients with hypertension. Finally, at the follow-up, all changes were still stable. Conclusions: MBSR was effective on executive functions of patients with hypertension. Therefore, it is suggested that the mentioned intervention be used in medical centres to improve the cognitive activities of patients with hypertension, so that its positive results include the condition of these patients.

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Group Exercises with Emotion-Focused Group Therapy on Authentic Happiness in Critically Ill Inpatients and Recovered COVID-19 Patients

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Group Exercises with Emotion-Focused Group Therapy on Authentic Happiness in Critically Ill Inpatients and Recovered COVID-19 Patients

Challenge or Threat? The Effects of the Standard and a Second-Generation Mindfulness Intervention with Buddhist Practices on Cognitive Appraisals of Stress: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Experiment Performed in Switzerland.

Contemplative approaches rooted in Buddhist traditions have been linked to the attenuation of response to social stress. Anticipatory cognitive appraisals of social situations potentially represent a mechanism explaining the stress-reducing effects of contemplative practices. The cognitive appraisal of threat is associated with an anticipated loss of social self-esteem. In contrast, the cognitive appraisal of challenge involves recognizing the potential for gain or growth in stressful situations and is associated with a more adaptive cardiovascular response. In this secondary analysis of a randomized controlled experiment performed in Switzerland, we evaluated the effects of two contemplative interventions on cognitive appraisals of challenge and threat and associated physiological profiles. The interventions were a standard Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program and a new program (MBSR-B), which included several elements from Buddhist practices. After an eight-week intervention, participants completed the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) and underwent the assessment of primary cognitive appraisals and cardiovascular response to stress. The results demonstrated greater challenge appraisal in the MBSR (n = 20) and MBSR-B (n = 21) groups compared to Control (n = 24), and MBSR-B participants scored higher on the challenge than threat appraisal. At the physiological level, the groups did not differ on changes in cardiac output and total peripheral resistance. Still, an exploratory analysis demonstrated that the MBSR-B group's cardiovascular profile best resembled challenge appraisal. The results suggest that contemplative approaches foster challenge appraisal, contributing to a more adaptive response to stress.

Resting state functional connectivity changes following mindfulness-based stress reduction predict improvements in disease control for patients with asthma

BackgroundThe staggering morbidity associated with chronic inflammatory diseases can be reduced by psychological interventions, including Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). Proposed mechanisms for MBSR’s beneficial effects include changes in salience network function. Salience network perturbations are also associated with chronic inflammation, including airway inflammation in asthma, a chronic inflammatory disease affecting approximately 10% of the population. However, no studies have examined whether MBSR-related improvements in disease control are related to changes in salience network function. MethodsAdults with asthma were randomized to 8 weeks of MBSR or a waitlist control group. Resting state functional connectivity was measured using fMRI before randomization, immediately post-intervention, and 4 months post-intervention. Using key salience network regions as seeds, we calculated group differences in change in functional connectivity over time and examined whether functional connectivity changes were associated with increased mindfulness, improved asthma control, and decreased inflammatory biomarkers. ResultsThe MBSR group showed greater increases in functional connectivity between salience network regions relative to the waitlist group. Improvements in asthma control correlated with increased functional connectivity between the salience network and regions important for attention control and emotion regulation. Improvements in inflammatory biomarkers were related to decreased functional connectivity between the salience network and other networks. ConclusionsIncreased resting salience network coherence and connectivity with networks that subserve attention and emotion regulation may contribute to the benefits of MBSR for patients with asthma. Understanding the neural underpinnings of MBSR-related benefits in patients is a critical step towards optimizing brain-targeted interventions for chronic inflammatory disease management.

Effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Positive Affect, Negative Affect, and Emotional Exhaustion of Employees With Occupational Stress

Background &amp; Aims: An increase in occupational stress can cause physical and psychological disorders as well as mental complications and emotional distress in employees. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) on positive affect, negative affect, and emotional exhaustion of employees with occupational stress. Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental research adopted a pretest-posttest control group design with follow-up. The statistical population included all employees with occupational stress at public organizations in Isfahan (Isfahan Province, Iran) in 2021. The convenience sampling method was employed to select 30 employees, who were randomly assigned to two 15-member groups called the MBSR group and the control group. The members of the MBSR group participated in eight intervention sessions, whereas the members of the control group received no intervention. After the participants completed the positive and negative affect and emotional exhaustion questionnaires in three stages, the repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for data analysis in SPSS 26. Results: The posttest and follow-up results indicated that the MBSR intervention decreased negative affect and exhaustion and increased positive affect in employees with occupational stress (P&lt;0.001). The repeated measures ANOVA results of within-group effects showed that the effects of treatment were persistent (P&lt;0.001). Conclusion: According to the results, MBSR could improve positive affect and mitigate negative affect and emotional exhaustion in employees. Organizations can use MBSR courses to promote the psychological and emotional well-being of their staff.

Promising Subjective and Objective Benefits of Modified Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Training for Chinese Adults with Chronic Pain: A Pilot Randomized Control Study.

Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) has demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing pain-related stress in adults with chronic pain. However, the implementation of MBSR needs modifications across cultures. This pilot study reports the findings of a randomized controlled trial that investigated the effects of a culturally adaptive MBSR program on self-report and neuroimaging outcomes for chronic pain adults in China. Sixty-seven participants were randomly assigned to the treatment group (n = 40) or the treatment-as-usual group (n = 27) group at a ratio of 1.5:1. Participants completed self-report measures of pain severity, pain interference, depression, perceived stress, pain catastrophizing, mindfulness, and resilience at baseline assessment (T1), post-treatment (T2), and 3-month follow-up (T3) assessments. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scanning was also performed at T1 and T3 assessments. For the intention-to-treat sample, the results of the mixed-effect model indicated that Group × Time interaction was significant for pain catastrophizing only (F (2, 130) = 3.51, p = 0.033). Compared with the control group, those in the MBSR group reported greater reductions in pain catastrophizing at T2 (d = - 0.60), though this effect was not maintained at T3 (d = - 0.05). Additionally, the results of completer analyses found significant Group × Time interactions for pain interference (F (2, 88) = 4.40, p = 0.015) and perceived stress (F (2, 88) = 3.13, p = 0.048), but not for other measures. Finally, both groups exhibited decreased regional homogeneity (ReHo) in the frontal lobe, while increased ReHo in the cerebellum anterior lobe was unique to the MBSR group. The present findings suggest that the minor modified MBSR program improves certain pain-related outcomes for Chinese adults with chronic pain. Future studies with larger samples of Chinese chronic pain patients are needed to detect the small-to-moderate benefit of MBSR on fMRI and/or other objective methods.

Effect of the Online Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Anxiety and Depression Status of COVID-19 Patients Treated in Fangcang Hospitals: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

As the focal point of epidemic prevention and control, the mental health of COVID-19 patients cannot be ignored. Online Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) allows for the provision of conveniently accessible, effective and low-cost interventions on a large scale. We aim to evaluate the effectiveness of an online MBSR intervention in alleviating anxiety and depression among asymptomatic/mild patients limited by COVID-19-related restrictions. Fifty-eight patients treated in Sanya Fangcang hospital were randomly allocated to either to the experimental group (n = 29) following daily, for 5 days, an online-based mindfulness intervention or to the control group (n = 29). Patients from both groups underwent online questionnaires including assessment of anxiety and depression status at pre- and post-tests using Self-rating Anxiety Scale and Self-Rating Depression Scale. After the online-based MBSR program, the anxiety and depression scores of the patients in the MBSR group decreased significantly in comparison to the scores of those in the control group (respectively η2 = 0.175, η2 = 0.215, p < 0.001). And the proportion of severe anxiety and depression patients in the MBSR group decreased to 0% which lower than the control group, and the proportion of light anxiety and depression patients was significantly more than that in the control group after the MBSR intervention. The online-based MBSR intervention appears to be an effective way of alleviating anxiety and depression symptoms among COVID-19 patients with associated quarantine in Fangcang hospital. Given the seriousness of mental health threat that could be posed by this ongoing pandemic, our study provides a new idea and method for cost-effective and time-efficient interventions in the future of epidemic prevention and control.

Effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction in patients with acute myocardial infarction after successful primary percutaneous coronary intervention: a retrospective study

ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine the effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI).MethodsA retrospective study was conducted with data collected from AMI patients who underwent successful PPCI. The study included 61 cases that received 8-week MBSR intervention (MBSR group) and 61 cases that received weekly health education (control group) over the same period. Outcome measures, including hemodynamic parameters, psychosocial characteristics [Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS)], health-related quality of life [HRQoL, 7-item Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ-7)], and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), were assessed at baseline (T1), post-intervention (T2), 1 month after the post-intervention (T3) and 3 months after the post-intervention (T4).ResultsCompared to the control group, the MBSR group showed improvements in blood pressure, specifically in systolic blood pressure (SBP) at T4, and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) at T3 and T4, and mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) at T3 and T4. Additionally, the MBSR group had lower scores of anxiety and perceived stress (HADS, PSS) and higher scores of perceived social support (PSSS) after the intervention. Furthermore, the MBSR group had higher scores on the SAQ-7 at all measurement points. The control group had a significantly higher total MACE rate compared to the MBSR group (26.23% vs. 9.84%).ConclusionsThis study provides support for the potential benefits of MBSR as an adjunctive treatment for AMI patients undergoing PPCI.

The Effect of a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program on Premenstrual Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is an important health problem that affects women of childbearing age. Mindfulness, a meditation practice that cultivates the acceptance of events as they occur in the moment without judgment, is a promising strategy to help women cope with PMS. This study aimed to test the efficacy of a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program in decreasing premenstrual symptoms compared with a control group. This study was a prospective, single-masked randomized controlled trial conducted between February and April 2022 with 90 university students. Participants were women between 20 and 30 years of age, scored at least 45 on the Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (PMSS), and were not receiving other treatments for PMS. Participants were randomized into experimental (MBSR) and control groups in a 1:1 allocation. MBSR was provided in 8 weekly sessions lasting 2.5 hours and a 6-hour silence retreat during week 6. Symptoms of PMS were evaluated with the PMSS at baseline and postintervention. Differences between groups were compared postintervention using analysis of covariance to correct for baseline scores. The study was registered at www. gov before the data collection process was initiated (NCT05191108). Of the 90 enrolled participants, 74 participants completed the study and postintervention assessment (37 in each group). Immediately postintervention, the women in the experimental group had significantly lower PMS symptoms than women in the control group (PMSS total score, 96.35 vs 123.02; P < .001). The effect size for the change in premenstrual symptoms was large (partial η2 , 0.510). Specific symptoms measured by the PMSS subscales all showed significant reductions in scores in the MBSR group compared with the control group. A mindfulness stress reduction program was effective in reducing premenstrual symptoms. MBSR programs may be used as a therapy for PMS. Future studies should test MBSR in larger and more diverse groups of women with PMS.

Comparing the Effects of Psychodynamic Group Psychotherapy and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Body Image and Emotional Processing in Patients with Colorectal Cancer

Background: Emotional processing plays an important role in dealing with stress related to chronic diseases. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the effects of psychodynamic group psychotherapy (PGP) and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) on body image and emotional processing in patients with colorectal cancer. Methods: This quasi-experimental research adopted a pre-test/post-test control group design with follow-up. The statistical population included all patients with colorectal cancer visiting Poursina Hakim Health Centers of Isfahan in 2022. The convenience sampling method was employed to select 42 participants who were then assigned to a mindfulness-based stress reduction group (eight 150-minute sessions), a psychodynamic group psychotherapy group (fourteen 120-minute sessions), and a control group as simple random sampling. The control group did not receive psychotherapy intervention during the treatment sessions for the experimental groups and was placed on the waiting list. There were 14 participants in each group. The Multidimensional Body-Self-Relations Questionnaire and Emotional Processing Questionnaire were used for data collection in the pre-test, post-test, and follow-up stages. The repeated measures ANOVA were then used for data analysis in SPSS 26. Results: According to the results, both MBSR and PGP improved body image and emotional processing equally and effectively in patients with colorectal cancer (P &lt; 0.001). The effects of both interventions on body image remained constant among patients over time (P &lt; 0.001). However, only the effect of MBSR on emotional processing remained constant and stable over time. Conclusions: PGP and MBSR are therapeutic methods that may positively affect body image and emotional processing in patients with colorectal cancer. Improving body image and emotional processing may lead to improved mental health and adaptability.

Feasibility of Mindfulness for Burn Survivors and Parents of Children with Burns

Burn survivors, spouses, and parents of children with burns may experience psychological distress for a prolonged period. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an intervention that can improve psychological well-being. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of an MBSR group intervention in a convenience sample. An MBSR group intervention was conducted for burn survivors (n = 8) and parents of children with burns (n = 9), each comprising eight sessions. The participants completed the Beck Depression Inventory-II-NL, PTSS Checklist DSM-5, Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire-Short Form, Self-Compassion Scale-Short form, and evaluation questions at baseline, immediately after, and three months post-intervention. All participants completed the intervention. The intervention was rated very useful (M = 8.8), and the participants were very satisfied (M = 8.8). The highest effect was observed in the parents’ group on mindfulness skills and self-compassion. For both groups, there was an increase in personal goal scores immediately after the intervention. Qualitative data show that the participants in both groups experienced more inner peace, more awareness of thoughts and emotions, and more self-compassion. This exploratory study suggests that a mindfulness intervention is feasible and can be effective in improving mindfulness skills and self-compassion, particularly in parents of children with burns.

Mindfulness-based stress reduction for autistic adults: A feasibility study in an outpatient context.

Autistic adults report high stress levels and difficulties dealing with everyday stressors. Mindfulness-based stress reduction groups aim to help regulate stress responses. We asked 50 autistic adults, without intellectual disability, to participate in a study of mindfulness-based stress reduction. The group program was made accessible through clear group leader communication and good program predictability, as well as reduced exposure to disturbing sensory stimuli. The mindfulness and yoga based exercises from the original mindfulness-based stress reduction program were included. The participants were positive and would even recommend an autistic friend to participate in a mindfulness-based stress reduction group. They reported that mindfulness-based stress reduction could lower symptoms of stress and improved stress coping. We still need to investigate these effects further in larger studies. The findings of this work show that mindfulness-based stress reduction groups can be adapted for autistic adults and that the participants overall were positive to the intervention and the group format.