Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction Program Research Articles

The Impact of Mindfulness-Based Meditation and Yoga on Stress, Body Image, Self-esteem, and Sexual Adjustment in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Modified Radical Mastectomy

Background Surgical interventions are commonly utilized in the treatment of breast cancer; however, they can elicit adverse effects on women’s perceptions of femininity, leading to stress, negative body image, diminished self-esteem, and challenges in sexual adjustment. Objective This study investigates the efficacy of mindfulness-based meditation and yoga in alleviating stress, enhancing self-esteem, improving body image, and facilitating sexual adjustment among women undergoing modified radical mastectomy. Methods Using a prospective (pretest, posttest, and second-month follow-up), 2-arm (1:1), randomized controlled experimental design, the study involved 39 women (intervention group = 19, control group = 20) undergoing modified radical mastectomy. The intervention group participated in face-to-face mindfulness-based meditation and yoga sessions lasting approximately 90 minutes each over an 8-week period. Results Following the intervention, significant reductions in perceived stress and the significance attributed to breasts in sexuality were observed (P < .05), accompanied by increases in self-esteem and body perception (P < .05). However, no significant differences were observed in sexual adjustment (P > .05). Conclusions Mindfulness-based meditation and yoga interventions demonstrated efficacy in mitigating perceived stress, enhancing self-esteem, and improving body perception among women undergoing modified radical mastectomy. The findings advocate for the integration of mindfulness-based stress reduction programs, particularly during the preoperative phase, to support oncological patients, particularly those with breast cancer. Implications for Practice Psychosocial aspects such as body image, self-esteem, and sexual adjustment following radical mastectomy are frequently overlooked in clinical care. This research highlights the potential benefits of incorporating mindfulness-based yoga and meditation techniques into nursing interventions to alleviate stress and enhance body confidence among women undergoing mastectomy.

Entering through the “Me” Door: A Theory of Self-Reflexive Civic Engagement

ABSTRACT Sociologists have long debated whether practices that prioritize self-fulfillment are compatible with the functioning of a healthy civil society. Many have argued that attachment to individual self-fulfillment undermines traditional community ties and detracts from the formation of associations and active citizenship. However, recent evidence suggests that some inwardly focused self-fulfillment practices might support political engagement and even social activism. This paper uses the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program as a case study to explore this gap in understanding. MBSR leaders believe that their inwardly focused program is also politically significant. Through analyzing interviews with MBSR leaders, I have categorized how MBSR leaders describe possible mechanisms by which self-fulfillment practices could lead to greater civic engagement. MBSR leaders described practices that could help people cultivaterelationships and social capacity through (1) deep listening, (2) non-reactivity, and (3) de-centering the self. Although individuals may initiate a mindfulness course for selfish reasons, MBSR leaders believe that mindfulness practices support the development of what I call a self-reflexive awareness that they believe has the potential to build social capacity from the interior. This case suggests the need for further investigation into the political relevance of mindfulness and other self-reflexive practices.

The Effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Pediatric Oncology Nurses' Stress Level, and Pediatric Oncology Patients' Psychosocial Symptoms and Care Satisfaction: A Prospective Non-Randomized Trial.

Studies investigating the effects of relaxation practices on nurses and patient outcomes are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) on pediatric oncology nurses' stress levels, as well as the psychosocial symptoms and care satisfaction of pediatric oncology patients. A non-randomized prospective study with a pretest-posttest design was conducted, involving 112 children and 8 pediatric oncology nurses between November 2021 and August 2022. The study was conducted in 3 stages. First, the children's nursing care satisfaction and psychosocial symptoms were evaluated during the first 3 months before the MBSR intervention. Second, the nurses participated in the MBSR program for 2 months. Third, the children's nursing care satisfaction and psychosocial symptoms were assessed again 3 months after the MBSR intervention. The results showed that children who received nursing care post-MBSR had lower scores in the Psychosocial, Hopelessness, and Communication Difficulty subscales compared to those who received care pre-MBSR. Additionally, these children had higher scores in Evaluation of Quality of Care from the Children's Point of View, Psychosocial, Physical, and Information subscales. There was a significant reduction in the stress levels of nurses between the pre-MBSR and post-MBSR assessments. MBSR is an effective method for reducing pediatric oncology nurses' perceived stress levels and should be utilized to support both pediatric oncology nurses and patients in enhancing their psychosocial functioning.

The Effect of a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program on Depression and Quality of Life in Cancer Patients

The Effect of a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program on Depression and Quality of Life in Cancer Patients

Learning to be mindful ─ experiences of mindfulness-based stress reduction for young adults with moderate to severe mental disorders

IntroductionMental disorders among young adults are a major health challenge. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) has in previous research shown positive effects on mental health. However, research evaluating MBSR for young adults with mental disorders is insufficient and qualitative research exploring experiences of the programme is scarce. The aim of this study was to explore experiences of MBSR as a supplementary treatment in psychiatric outpatient care among young adults with moderate to severe mental disorders, from a short- and long-term perspective. MethodEleven young adults (aged 18–27 years) who had participated in an MBSR programme were interviewed approximately three months or two years later. The analytic method was Grounded Theory. ResultsThe analysis resulted in a theoretical model including one core category and five categories. The model illustrated a learning process, explaining the participants’ short- and long-term experiences of learning to pay attention to the body, regulate emotions, a change of attitude towards oneself, and still using skills two years after the programme. DiscussionThe MBSR programme was experienced as a learning process which improved the longstanding ability to cope with emotional stress in daily life. Tailoring MBSR to individual needs may further enhance its effectiveness. ConclusionThe experienced short- and long-term health-promotion benefits of an MBSR programme among young adults with mental disorders support its implementation in psychiatric and primary health care. Future research should investigate how to optimise implementation and tailor to individual needs.

The Vedic Foundations of Secular Mindfulness: A Study of Upaniṣad and Yoga Influences

This paper explores the Vedic foundations of secular mindfulness, particularly examining the influences of Advaita Vedānta, Patañjali Yoga, and Haṭha Yoga systems on the development of contemporary mindfulness practices, specifically as popularized by Jon Kabat-Zinn through his Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program. While mindfulness is often recognized for its Buddhist origins, this research highlights the underexplored connections to Vedic contemplative traditions, demonstrating that secular mindfulness may owe a significant debt to these ancient systems. The study delves into key Vedic concepts such as intrinsic wholeness, perpetual availability, and non-duality, and compares them with the philosophical underpinnings of Kabat-Zinn's mindfulness approach. Through an analysis of primary Vedic texts and Kabat-Zinn's own writings, the paper argues that his secularization of mindfulness is not only an innovative adaptation but also deeply influenced by Vedic philosophy, particularly Advaita Vedānta. The findings suggest that secular mindfulness, as practiced today, may be more closely aligned with Vedic traditions than previously acknowledged, offering a new perspective on the historical and philosophical roots of this widely adopted practice.

Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Breast Cancer (MBSR(BC)) a Treatment for Cancer-related Cognitive Impairment (CRCI): A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Introduction: The Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Program for breast cancer survivors (BCS) is designed to enhance cognitive training through formal and informal meditational practices. This randomized clinical trial (RCT) aimed to evaluate if BCS assigned to either the MBSR(BC), Breast Cancer Education Support (BCES), or Usual Care (UC) regimens experienced greater improvements at 6, 12, and 26 weeks on objective and subjective cognitive performance. Methods: BCS (n = 212) randomized to a three-group RCT: MBSR(BC) (n = 91), BCES (n = 90), or UC (n = 31) were assessed on cognitive performance and symptoms at baseline, 6, 12, and 26 weeks. Linear mixed models were fit to evaluate the effects of the MBSR(BC) program, hypothesizing ordered effect improvements: (MBSR[BC] highest, BCES intermediate, UC lowest) along with baseline characteristics evaluated as moderators. Results: Of the BCS (mean age of 57), 73% were White, and non-Hispanic, and 77% received both chemotherapy (CT) and radiation. Cognitive performance improved in all groups. Although there were no statistically significant between-group differences in cognitive outcomes, significant symptom reductions occurred for the MBSR(BC) group (p = 0.003). Within-group effect size analysis at 26 weeks showed substantial improvements in all three groups (effect sizes >0.50) in subjective impairments and quality of life (effect size >0.50) and objective measures of cognitive performance. MBSR(BC) showed the largest within-group effect size in the reduction of fatigue (effect size = 0.81). Effect sizes occurred in the hypothesized direction for 10 of the 18 outcomes. Discussion: Although the MBSR(BC) program did not show significant differences in cognitive performance compared with BCES and UC, all groups improved and reductions in fatigue were beneficial for MBSR(BC). Results suggest that cognitive performance may improve after CT over time considering one's natural history. Furthermore, BCS enrolled in RCTs may be more motivated to improve their health status (NCT02786797).

In-person and online mixed method non-randomised studies exploring feasibility and acceptability of HEADS: UP, an adapted Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction programme for stroke survivors experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression

BackgroundDepression and anxiety are prevalent after stroke and associated with poor outcomes. We previously co-developed a stroke-specific self-management intervention, HEADS: UP (Helping Ease Anxiety and Depression after Stroke). The two studies reported here aimed to test the feasibility and acceptability of the HEADS: UP course and supporting materials, and research processes ahead of a definitive trial.MethodsWe recruited community-dwelling stroke survivors (SS) ≥ 3 months post-stroke, with symptoms of mood disorder (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale ≥ 8). Participants could ‘enrol’ a family member/ ‘other’ to take part with them, if desired. Study 1 tested HEADS: UP delivered in-person, and informed optimisation of research processes and intervention delivery and materials. In a pragmatic response to Covid-related socialising restrictions, HEADS: UP was then adapted for online delivery, tested in Study 2. The primary outcome (both studies) was the feasibility (acceptability, fidelity) of the intervention and of research processes. Quantitative data (including patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) assessing mood and quality of life) and qualitative data were collected pre-/post-intervention. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse quantitative data; a thematic framework approach was used to analyse qualitative data. Both studies received ethical approval prior to commencement.ResultsStudy 1Feasibility: 13 (59.1%) of 22 potentially eligible stroke survivors consented; aged 66 (median, interquartile range (IQR) 14); male (n = 9; 69%); 28 (IQR 34) months post-stroke. Of these, n = 10 (76.9%) completed PROMS pre-intervention; n = 6 (46.2%) post-intervention.Acceptability: Nine (69.2%) of the 13 participants attended ≥ 4 core intervention sessions. Aspects of screening and data collection were found to be burdensome.Study 2Feasibility: SS n = 9 (41%) of 22 potentially eligible stroke survivors consented; aged 58 years (median; IQR 12); male (n = 4; 44.4%); 23 (IQR 34) months post-stroke. Of these, n = 5 (55.6%) completed PROMS pre-intervention; n = 5 (55.6%) post-intervention.Acceptability: Five (55.6%) of the 9 participants attended ≥ 4 core sessions. They found online screening and data collection processes straightforward.

The effects of acupressure, laughter yoga, and a mindfulness-based stress reduction program applied to postmenopausal women for menopause symptoms and quality of life.

This research was conducted to determine the effects of acupressure, laughter yoga, and a mindfulness-based stress reduction program applied to postmenopausal women for menopause symptoms and quality of life. A randomized controlled design was used. The study was conducted with a total of 146 women, including 41 acupressure, 31 laughter yoga, 37 mindfulness-based stress reduction, and 37 control group women. The women in the acupressure group were administered acupressure twice a week, which accounted for 16 sessions in total. Women in the laughter yoga and mindfulness-based stress reduction groups received a total of eight sessions of the related intervention, which was performed once a week. Study data were collected using a participant information form, the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS), and the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Scale (MENQOL). Descriptive statistics, paired-samples t test, χ 2 test, analysis of variance test, and intention to treat analysis were used to analyze the data. Before the intention to treat analysis was performed, the multiple imputation method was employed to deal with missing data. In the study, it was found that there was a decrease in the MRS total score after the intervention in women in all three intervention groups compared to the control group ( P < 0.05). In the laughter yoga group, total MRS scores decreased by 3.16 points ( P < 0.05). In the acupressure group, total MRS scores decreased by 5.46 points ( P < 0.05). In the mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program group, total MRS scores decreased by 4.65 points ( P < 0.05). It was determined that the mean scores of women in the laughter yoga and acupressure groups on all subscales of the MENQOL decreased after the intervention compared to the control group ( P < 0.05). The comparison of the MBSR group and the control group showed that there was a decrease only in the psychosocial domain subdimension of the MENQOL ( P < 0.05). In conclusion, it was determined that laughter yoga, acupressure, and MBSR could be effective in reducing menopause symptoms and improving quality of life, although findings require further testing in a rigorously controlled study and in a study with only a single prespecified outcome.

Mindfulness-based stress reduction for chronic pain: Enhancing psychological well-being without altering attentional biases towards pain faces.

This study examines the effects of a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program on psychological measures and attentional patterns to pain stimuli, using eye-tracking methods, in individuals with chronic pain. Thirty-two participants with chronic pain and no prior mindfulness experience were randomly assigned to an experimental group or a waiting list group. Both groups completed self-report measures of symptoms, well-being, and an attentional disengagement task using emotional faces as stimuli. Assessments were conducted at two points: before and after the intervention for the experimental group, with the waiting list group serving as a control. Before the MBSR program, chronic pain participants exhibited significant attentional biases towards pain-related stimuli during early attentional stages. Following the program, significant improvements were observed in depression, anxiety, stress, pain acceptance, overall well-being, and life satisfaction. However, it had a limited impact on attentional patterns, with only a significant increase in gaze duration across all stimuli. Despite the MBSR program's success in reducing symptoms associated with chronic pain, the lack of broader attentional improvements raises questions about the mechanisms responsible for psychological improvements. This study pioneers the use of eye-tracking to examine how MBSR influences attention in chronic back pain. While the program improved psychological well-being, it did not generally alter attentional patterns, except for an increased ability to maintain attention across stimuli. We discuss whether this attentional change could be associated with the increased acceptance observed in the MBSR program.

The effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction program applied to postmenopausal women on insomnia and quality of life

ABSTRACT This study aimed to determine the effect of the mindfulness-based stress reduction program applied to postmenopausal women on insomnia and quality of life. A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control group design was used. The sample of the study consisted of a total of 151 postmenopausal women, including 73 in the experimental group and 78 in the control group. In the study, the mindfulness-based stress reduction program (MBSR) was applied to the women in the experimental group for eight weeks, and then the women repeated the program individually for another eight weeks. The second measurement data were collected eight weeks after the collection of the first measurement data, and the third measurement data were collected 16 weeks later. The mean score obtained from the second measurement application of the Women’s Health Initiative Insomnia Rating Scale (WHIIRS) was lower in the experimental group than in the control group (p < .05). In addition, the mean scores from the second and third measurement applications of the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQOL) were lower in the experimental group than in the control group (p < .05). The MBSR program reduced postmenopausal women’s insomnia and improved their quality of life. This program can be used safely to treat insomnia and improve the quality of life of postmenopausal women. NCT05202054 (date: 21.01.2022).

Trajectories of mindfulness, flow experience, and stress during an online-based MBSR program: the moderating role of emotional exhaustion.

Despite numerous papers focusing on mindfulness at work, our knowledge about how flow experience and stress as indicators of optimal functioning and wellbeing at work evolve over time during the common mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program remains limited. Drawing from the transactional model of flow and stress, we argue that a build-up of mindfulness over the training duration not only leads to a decrease in stress but also an increase in flow experience. Thereby, we examine the moderating role of emotional exhaustion amplifying the beneficial effects of mindfulness. In a quasi-experimental study, 91 participants completed weekly questionnaires over the course of 8 weeks. Forty six participants in the experimental group took part in the MBSR program, while 45 participants were part of an inactive control group. Mindfulness and flow showed a significant linear increase over time, whereas stress exhibited a linear decrease. Those who participated in the MBSR training reported an increase in mindfulness that positively and negatively predicted the trajectories of flow and stress, respectively. Emotional exhaustion amplified the effects of the trajectory of mindfulness on the trajectories of flow and stress. These findings suggest that mindfulness can not only reduce stress but can also foster the autotelic experience of flow, especially for chronically depleted individuals. However, more research is necessary to replicate these results and address the limitations of the current study, including the quasi-experimental design, the use of self-report measures, as well as the dropout during the study period.

A randomised controlled trial of mindfulness-based stress reduction programme for substance abuse patients in deaddiction centre

A randomised controlled trial of mindfulness-based stress reduction programme for substance abuse patients in deaddiction centre

A single-arm, open-label pilot study of neuroimaging, behavioral, and peripheral inflammatory correlates of mindfulness-based stress reduction in multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease frequently associated with significant fatigue, anxiety, depression, and stress. These symptoms are difficult to treat, and prominently contribute to the decreases in quality of life observed with MS. The underlying mechanisms of these “silent” symptoms are not well understood and include not just the psychological responses to a chronic disease, but also biological contributions from bidirectional psycho-neuro-immune (dys)regulation of systemic inflammatory biology. To address these issues, we conducted a prospective, observational pilot study to investigate the psychological, biological, and neuroarchitecture changes associated with a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program in MS. The overarching hypothesis was that MBSR modulates systemic and central nervous system inflammation via top-down neurocognitive control over forebrain limbic areas responsible for the neurobiological stress response. 23 patients were enrolled in MBSR and assessed pre/post-program with structural 3 T MRI, behavioral measures, hair cortisol, and blood measures of peripheral inflammation, as indexed by the Conserved Transcriptional Response to Adversity (CTRA) profile. MBSR was associated with improvements across a variety of behavioral outcomes, as well as on-study enlargement of the head of the right hippocampus. The CTRA analyses revealed that greater inflammatory gene expression was related to worse patient-reported anxiety, depression, stress, and loneliness, in addition to lower eudaimonic well-being. Hair cortisol did not significantly change from pre- to post-MBSR. These results support the use of MBSR in MS and elucidate inflammatory mechanisms related to key patient-reported outcomes in this population.

The Effect of Mindfulness -Based Stress Reduction Program on Work Stress in Nurses: A Systematic Review

Purpose: This study was conducted to examine the randomized controlled studies investigating the effects of mindfulness-based training programs given to nurses on occupational stress and to systematically evaluate the data obtained from the studies. Methods: In order to determine the effect of mindfulnessbased training programs on occupational stress in nurses, PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, Google Scholar, EBSCO host and Cochrane data bases were searched. The search was in English and was conducted using 3 key words (nurse, mindfulness, occupational stress). As a result of the literature rewiew, 7.382 articles were reached and 5 studies were included in the study. Studies were evaluated using the PRISMA checklist. As a result of the literature review, 5 articles including 380 participants were included in there view. Results: When the content of the 5 studies included in this study is examined, it is noteworthy that after the training, the awareness levels of nurses increased, their job stress levels decreased, their job satisfaction and patient care quality increased. It was determined that MBSR education reduced the depression and anxiety levels of nurses and played an important role in increasing their awareness levels and sleep quality significantly. In addition, with the data obtained, it was found that the mindfulness-based stress eduction program also reduced sleep problems and fatigue levels. Conclusion: The studies examined showed that mindfulness-based stress reduction program greatly decreased occupational stress in nurses. So it can be recommended to use the MBSR program in nursing inservice training.

The Mediterranean Diet in Pregnancy: Implications for Maternal Brain Morphometry in a Secondary Analysis of the IMPACT BCN Randomized Clinical Trial.

A Mediterranean diet has positive effects on the brain in mid-older adults; however, there is scarce information on pregnant individuals. We aimed to evaluate the effect of a structured Mediterranean diet intervention on the cortical structure of the maternal brain during pregnancy. This study was a secondary analysis of the IMPACT BCN, a randomized clinical trial with 1221 high-risk pregnant women randomly allocated into three groups at 19-23 weeks of gestation: Mediterranean diet intervention, a mindfulness-based stress reduction program, or usual care. Maternal brain magnetic resonance imaging was performed during the third trimester of pregnancy in a random subgroup of participants. For this study, data from the Mediterranean diet and usual groups were analyzed. Maternal dietary intake, adherence to the Mediterranean diet and metabolite biomarkers were evaluated using a food frequency questionnaire, a 17-item dietary screener and plasma/urine samples, respectively. The cluster-wise analysis showed that the Mediterranean diet group participants (n = 34) had significantly larger surface areas in the right precuneus (90%CI: <0.0001-0.0004, p < 0.001) and left superior parietal (90%CI: 0.026-0.033, p = 0.03) lobules compared to the usual care group participants (n = 37). A larger right precuneus area was associated with high improvements in adherence to the Mediterranean diet, a high intake of walnuts and high concentrations of urinary hydroxytyrosol. A larger left superior parietal area was associated with a high intake of walnuts and high concentrations of urinary hydroxytyrosol. The promotion of a Mediterranean diet during pregnancy has a significant effect on maternal brain structure.

The effect of conscious mindfulness-based informative approaches on managing symptoms in hemodialysis patients.

The research was conducted to determine the effect of conscious mindfulness based informative approaches applied in hemodialysis patients on reducing stress and managing symptoms. This research was conducted as a real experimental model with a control group. Research population consisted of 160 hemodialysis patients. The sample of the study was determined as 120 hemodialysis patients in total, 60 in the experimental and 60 in the control group, as a result of the power analysis. After the pre-test application, a mindfulness-based stress reduction program was applied to the experimental group. In the analysis of the data collected in the research, percentage, frequency, chi-square analysis, t-test for independent groups, t-test for dependent groups were used by means of SPSS for Windows 22.00 statistical software package. The t-test analyses of the differences between pre-test and post-test scores of hemodialysis patients in the experimental group were found to be significant in favor of the post-tests. It was found out that the conscious mindfulness-based informative approaches decreased the perceived stress and anxiety of the patients in the experimental group, whereas increased their levels of conscious mindfulness and symptom management.

Abstract PO5-11-09: Participants’ experience with an online mindfulness-based stress reduction intervention for anxiety management in breast cancer survivors: A secondary analysis of a randomized trial

Abstract Background Breast cancer (BC) diagnosis and treatment can lead to multiple symptoms with a negative impact on the quality of life of survivors. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) interventions have shown to improve anxiety, depression, and stress in patients with cancer across multiple settings. However, the effectiveness of an online MBSR program has not been studied. Methods This is an explanatory qualitative sub-study of a randomized trial of an online MBSR intervention versus a waitlist control. Participants were Mexican women aged ≥18 years diagnosed with stage 0-III BC 1-5 years prior to inclusion, not currently undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy, with moderate to severe anxiety (baseline GAD-7 score ≥10). The intervention consisted of 8 weekly 2-hour Zoom sessions with body scan meditation and yoga practice led by a certified instructor. Participants received a digital manual with exercises, audio for guided practice, and a video of postures for balance and flexibility. The primary outcome of the trial was anxiety at 2, 5, and 8 months after the intervention. Two focus groups were conducted via Zoom; 21 participants from the intervention arm were selected and invited according to the difference in GAD-7 scores between baseline and 8 months. The first group consisted of 7 participants (median age 53 years, range 39-62) with a decrease in GAD-7 score of ≥4 points (mean -9.1, SD 3.7); the second group consisted of 7 participants (median age 54 years, range 44-64) with a decrease of &amp;lt; 4 points or an increase in GAD-7 score (mean -1.2, SD 1.9). Each focus group was conducted 14 and 9 months after the MBSR intervention, respectively, and had a duration of 110 and 113 minutes, respectively. Audio and video were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analyzed and themes were developed, focusing on participants’ experience with the online intervention and its perceived benefits. Results The weekly sessions and at-home practice functioned as a “personal haven” for participants. At-home deliberate practice and the additional audio and video materials were considered essential for the effectiveness of the intervention. Participants no longer needed to consciously follow step-by-step directions, as the practices had become a part of who they were, even several months after the intervention. Breathing exercises were frequently used by participants on a day- to-day basis. Regarding the mindfulness practice itself, some participants indicated that they noticed positive changes in their character and demeanor, and in their reactions to everyday and BC-related stressors, including situations such as medical consultations and possible news regarding their treatment. In that sense, they mentioned that all they learned is useful for their life in general, and not exclusive to BC survivors. Despite differences in improvement of anxiety by GAD-7 scores between the focus groups, most participants in both groups referred to the intervention as “life-changing”. Most participants in both groups perceived the online format of the intervention as positive: it allowed them to join in from any location and fit the program into their daily routine with less time commitment. Likewise, the privacy of their homes made them feel more comfortable expressing themselves during the weekly sessions. A high level of recognition, appreciation and gratitude towards the instructor was observed. Some participants noted that contact with the instructor and other participants was limited due to the online format, preventing them from forming friendships or a sense of community. Conclusion BC survivors’ opinion of an online MBSR program was largely positive regarding the benefits of the intervention and its delivery format. Moreover, the intervention was successful at facilitating participants’ adoption of mindfulness practice in their daily lives and at improving other aspects of their lives beyond BC. Citation Format: Haydee Cristina Verduzco-Aguirre, Maura Pompa Mansilla, Misael Salazar-Alejo, Javier Gutierrez Ornelas, Fernanda Mesa-Chavez, Ana Ferrigno Guajardo, Cynthia Villarreal-Garza. Participants’ experience with an online mindfulness-based stress reduction intervention for anxiety management in breast cancer survivors: A secondary analysis of a randomized trial [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO5-11-09.

Does Mindfulness Decrease or Increase Egoic Functioning? Diverging Evidence From Different Study Designs

ObjectivesMindfulness meditation has been claimed to decrease aspects of egoic functioning (EF). However, empirical evidence is largely lacking or is suggesting the reverse. Therefore, the aim was to examine the associations between mindfulness, mindfulness interventions, egoic functioning, and emotional well-being using different designs.MethodWe conducted three studies: (i) a cross-sectional study in the general population (n = 796), (ii) an experiment in a student population (n = 84) where we manipulated mindfulness meditation, and (iii) an intervention in self-enrolled individuals from the general population receiving a standard 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program (n = 165).ResultsIn the cross-sectional study, most mindfulness facets showed positive (mainly with self-enhancement) or nonsignificant associations with facets of EF. In the experiment, participants in the mindfulness meditation (vs. control) condition exhibited lower self-enhancement of positive characteristics. In the intervention, some aspects of EF decreased (e.g. demanding control), whereas some increased (e.g. refusal to comply) after MBSR, and these changes correlated meaningfully with changes in self-reported mindfulness and well-being.ConclusionsThe results suggest that aspects of EF are differentially associated with aspects of self-reported mindfulness and differentially respond to a brief mindfulness manipulation and an 8-week MBSR intervention. We formulated two dimensions on which various relevant self-concept constructs may be positioned: competition-based versus compassion-based.PreregistrationThe studies are not preregistered.

Mechanisms of Mindfulness: A Longitudinal Study of a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program

Mechanisms of Mindfulness: A Longitudinal Study of a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program