Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction Training Research Articles

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.

Exploring the Interpersonal Outcomes of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Training Among Police Employees

Police employees have an essential role in sustaining safety and harmony within communities, and they need to stay well as individuals in order to achieve this. Yet, their stressful work environment does not always afford optimal interpersonal interactions. In collaboration with the Dutch police force, the present project explored the effects of a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) training on the fostering of constructive interpersonal responses as well as individual well-being among employees of the Dutch police. In total, 133 police employees participated in a non-randomized waitlist controlled MBSR intervention. Participants filled out four online questionnaires spread evenly over a period of six months on constructive interpersonal responses and individual well-being. Linear mixed-effects analyses showed increases on various indicators of constructive interpersonal responding and individual well-being from pre-to post-training. These results were largely maintained at two-month follow-up. Interestingly, the positive effects of mindfulness intervention did not generalize across all measures of constructive interpersonal responding. Moreover, more frequent home practice predicted training benefits. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of these findings.

The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Quality of Life, Emotional Distress, and Pain Intensity among Women with Breast Cancer

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction training on improving quality of life, emotional distress, and pain intensity among women with breast cancer. Methods: In this semi-experimental research, a pretest-post-test design with a control group (unequal) was used. Its statistical population included all women with breast cancer in Sirjan city in 2021. Forty women with breast cancer in Sirjan city in 2021 were selected using the convenience sampling method and randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group. At first, a pre-test was taken from both groups. Then, mindfulness-based stress reduction training was implemented for the experimental group, and no intervention was performed for the control group. To collect data, the quality-of-life questionnaire of the World Health Organization and the emotional distress questionnaire were used. The research data were analyzed using covariance analysis. Results: The quality-of-life scores in the experimental group increased from 20.54 in the pre-test phase to 85.97 in the post-test phase and decreased from 48.85 to 39.05 in the control group. The emotional distress score in the experimental group decreased from 100.05 in the pre-test to 51.40 in the post-test stage. In the control group, the emotional distress decreased from 107.1 in the pretest to 103.7 in the post-test stage. Also, in the experimental group, the pain intensity scores decreased from 8.60 in the pre-test to 4.35 in the post-test. In the control group, the pain intensity decreased from 7.20 in the pre-test to 7.80 in the post-test. Conclusion: Stress reduction methods based on mindfulness can be effective in the quality of life, emotional distress, and pain intensity in women with breast cancer. According to the results, it seems necessary for nurses, doctors, and patients to cooperate with psychologists to carry out interventions.

Electroencephalography microstates highlight specific mindfulness traits.

The present study aimed to investigate the spontaneous dynamics of large-scale brain networks underlying mindfulness as a dispositional trait, through resting-state electroencephalography (EEG) microstates analysis. Eighteen participants had attended a standardized mindfulness-based stress reduction training (MBSR), and 18 matched waitlist individuals (CTRL) were recorded at rest while they were passively exposed to auditory stimuli. Participants' mindfulness traits were assessed with the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ). To further explore the relationship between microstate dynamics at rest and mindfulness traits, participants were also asked to rate their experience according to five phenomenal dimensions. After training, MBSR participants showed a highly significant increase in FFMQ score, as well as higher observing and non-reactivity FFMQ sub-scores than CTRL participants. Microstate analysis revealed four classes of microstates (A-D) in global clustering across all subjects. The MBSR group showed lower duration, occurrence and coverage of microstate C than the control group. Moreover, these microstate C parameters were negatively correlated to non-reactivity sub-scores of FFMQ across participants, whereas the microstate A occurrence was negatively correlated to FFMQ total score. Further analysis of participants' self-reports suggested that MBSR participants showed a better sensory-affective integration of auditory interferences. In line with previous studies, our results suggest that temporal dynamics of microstate C underlie specifically the non-reactivity trait of mindfulness. These findings encourage further research into microstates in the evaluation and monitoring of the impact of mindfulness-based interventions on the mental health and well-being of individuals.

Comparing the Effectiveness of Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction Training and Powell’s Cognitive Rehabilitation on Improving the Quality of Life of Stroke Patients

Background: Stroke is a type of neurological disorder that can be attributed to a central vascular cause. Stroke can affect the patient’s performance in daily activities and quality of life (QoL). Research indicates a decrease in the quality of life in stroke patients due to cognitive and emotional damage. Objectives: The present study compared the effect of two group approaches, mindfulness training based on stress reduction and Powell’s cognitive rehabilitation, on improving the quality of life of stroke patients. Methods: This semi-experimental study used a pretest-posttest design with a control group and a follow-up period. The sample consisted of 36 eligible stroke patients selected in a targeted and simple random manner. The patients were divided into two intervention groups and one control group. The tools used were a demographic information questionnaire and a Stroke-specific QoL (SS-QOL) scale. Data were analyzed with SPSS software (version. 26). Chi-square, repeated measures analysis of variance, and Bonferroni statistical tests were applied at a significance level of P 0.05). The mindfulness intervention had a higher effect on quality of life on average. Still, statistically, none of the interventions were effective in improving quality of life (P > 0.05), and there was no significant difference between the effect of mindfulness-based methods and cognitive rehabilitation on improving quality of life (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Mindfulness training increases behavioral responses related to attention as the basis of all cognitive activities. Also, mindfulness exercises improve cognitive skills and, by affecting the cognitive system, increase the capacity and ability of the information processing system and improve the quality of life.

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program with Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Stress and Rumination in Adolescents with Cancer

Objective: Considering the necessity to identify effective interventions to improve stress and rumination in students, the current study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a mindfulness-based stress reduction program with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on stress and rumination in adolescents with cancer. Methods and Materials: The research method was a quasi-experimental pre-test and post-test with a control group design. The research population included all adolescents with cancer at Mahak Hospital in Tehran, from which 40 individuals were selected through purposive sampling and randomly assigned to three groups (1- Mindfulness-based stress reduction training; 2- Transcranial direct current stimulation intervention; 3- A combined method of mindfulness-based stress reduction with transcranial direct current stimulation) and one control group. The instruments for data collection included the Lovibond and Lovibond's (1995) Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale and the Ruminative Response Scale about an interpersonal upset (2008). For data analysis, one-way analysis of covariance, repeated measures analysis of variance, and the least significant difference post-hoc test were used. Findings: The results of the covariance analysis along with the post-hoc tests showed that there is no significant difference between the mindfulness-based stress reduction method and tDCS in reducing stress levels (P>0.05), and only the difference between these methods compared to the control group was significant (P<0.05). In terms of the effectiveness of the interventions under study on stress levels, the combined method was more effective than using each method separately. Regarding the rumination variable, there was no significant difference between the mindfulness-based stress reduction method and the tDCS method in reducing the level of rumination (P>0.05), and only the difference of this mindfulness method compared to the control group was significant (P<0.05). The results of the repeated measures analysis of variance along with the post-hoc tests indicated that there were no significant differences between the post-test and follow-up stages for stress and rumination variables (P>0.05); hence, the results were stable. Conclusion: Based on the results of the current study, counseling and psychology units established in hospitals and oncology clinics need to be more aware of the mental health of adolescents with cancer and should use the combined method of mindfulness-based stress reduction with tDCS to improve stress and rumination in adolescents with cancer.

Adapting Cognitive Remediation Group Therapy Online: Focus Groups with People Aging with HIV.

Cognitive health is a significant concern for people aging with HIV/AIDS. Psychosocial group therapies may help people aging with HIV who experience cognitive challenges cope with their symptoms. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed in-person group therapies need adaptation for technology-mediated delivery. Peer-led focus groups discussed adapting cognitive remediation group therapy (CRGT) as an online intervention. CRGT combines mindfulness-based stress reduction and brain training activities. Purposive sampling recruited people aging with HIV (40+) who self-identified cognitive concerns and resided in one of two Canadian provinces. Thematic content analysis was employed on transcripts by seven independent coders. Ten, 2-hour focus groups were conducted between August and November 2022. Participants (n=45) responded favorably to CRGT's modalities. Alongside support for its continued implementation in-person, participants requested online synchronous and online asynchronous formats. Preferred intervention facilitators were peers and mental health professionals. We also discuss how to adapt psychosocial HIV therapies for technology-mediated delivery.

Effects of smartphone-based music intervention on improving emotional and psychosomatic symptoms of patients with hematological malignancy: A study protocol for a non-inferiority randomized controlled trial

Objectives Smartphone-based music intervention (S-MI) may increase the accessibility and feasibility for benefiting patients. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of S-MI in alleviating emotional and psychosomatic symptoms in patients with hematological malignancies, compared to the smartphone delivered Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Training (S-MBSR). Methods This study will be a non-inferiority randomized controlled trial design. A total of 120 eligible participants with hematological malignancies will be randomly assigned to either the experimental group (S-MI) ( n = 60) or the comparison group (S-MBSR) ( n = 60). Participants will use the Mind Habit app to participate in daily sessions of S-MI or S-MBSR, lasting 5–10 min each, for 2 weeks. The primary outcome, anxiety, and the secondary outcomes, depression, sleep quality, psychological perceived harmony, emotional regulation self-efficacy, as well as the exploratory outcome performance status, will be assessed four times (i.e., pre-test, mid-test, post-test, and follow-up) using validated instruments: the General Anxiety Disorder-7, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Inventory, Balanced Index of Psychological Mindedness, Regulatory Emotional Self-Efficacy Scale and Zubrod/ECOG/WHO. In addition, participants will provide daily self-reports on their mood and psychosomatic symptoms both before and after each day's intervention. Physiological parameters will be collected at pre- and post-test. Compliance will be measured at pre-test and follow-up. Intent-to-Treat and Per Protocol Set analysis will be used for data analysis. Results The primary outcome will focus on evaluating the change of anxiety. Secondary outcomes will examine the changes in depression, sleep quality, psychological perceived harmony, and emotional regulation self-efficacy. The exploratory outcomes will encompass assessments of performance status, self-reported evaluations, physiological parameters, and compliance. Conclusion This study aims to provide empirical evidence supporting the efficacy of S-MI in mitigating emotional and psychosomatic symptoms in patients with hematological malignancies. Trial Registration The trial was registered and identified as ChiCTR2200065896.

ADAPTING COGNITIVE REMEDIATION GROUP THERAPY AS A HYBRID INTERVENTION FOR PEOPLE WITH HIV AND COGNITIVE CONCERNS

Abstract Cognitive impairment is a significant health issue for people aging with HIV/AIDS. With pharmacological treatment lacking, psychosocial group therapies may best help people aging with HIV and cognitive challenges cope with symptoms. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated how in-person group therapies need adaptation for hybrid or online delivery. Peer-led focus groups discussed adapting cognitive remediation group therapy (CRGT) as a hybrid or online intervention. CRGT combines mindfulness-based stress reduction and brain training activities. Purposive sampling recruited people aging with HIV (40+) who self-identified cognitive concerns and resided in two Canadian provinces. Content analysis was employed on transcripts by 7 independent coders. Ten, two-hour focus groups were conducted between August and November 2022. Participant (n=45) demographics included age (M=53.22, SD=7.62) gender (45% women, 42% men, 13% trans/non-binary), sexuality (42% gay, 40% heterosexual, 18% other), ethnicity (45% white, 33% black, 13% Indigenous, 9% mixed-race), and employment (33% employed, 67% retired/disability), and all were retained in care. Overall, participants responded favourably to CRGT’s modalities and preferred a hybrid model blending in-person and online interactions. Preferred intervention facilitators were peers and mental health professionals. Knowledge of HIV’s impacts on cognitive health, including HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder, was very low despite high reports of cognitive concerns (e.g., trouble remembering, impaired attention, difficulty problem-solving). Given the aging of the HIV population in Canada and the United States, increasing support will be required to improve quality of life. This presentation will discuss a hybrid CRGT adaptation, alongside considerations for how COVID-19 has impacted intervention research.

Effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Training on Perceived Stress of Intern Nursing Students: A Randomized Controlled Trail

Effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Training on Perceived Stress of Intern Nursing Students: A Randomized Controlled Trail

Mindfulness and cognitive training interventions that address intersecting cognitive and aging needs of older adults

Summary Mindfulness and cognitive training interventions are promising models to address impacts (e.g., anxiety and stress) of cognitive impairment among older adults. Combining strategies may yield better outcomes than models offered in isolation. However, there are numerous uncertainties about these interventions, potential for combination, and implementation. Social workers are well placed to offer these interventions. Findings From an initial search of 3,538 records, 13 studies were included in the final review. Mindfulness studies focused on stress reduction or cognitive behavioral therapy. Cognitive training studies applied stimulation or activity approaches. Results indicate that the field is still emerging, as most studies were pilot or feasibility trials. A combination of mindfulness-based stress reduction and brain training activities may offer the most promising model for older adults with cognitive impairment, based on outcome assessments and other factors. A common limitation among the reports was detailed on engaging older adults with cognitive challenges in the design and implementation of these interventions. Applications This realist review deepens the understanding of how, why, for whom, and in what circumstances a combination of mindfulness and cognitive training could be most successful for social workers to address intersecting cognitive and aging needs of older adults. Building evidence on combining mindfulness-based stress reduction and brain training activities among older adults with cognitive impairment could yield promising results, and this review identifies implementation considerations. The review also found a need for psychometric scale development on the benefits of brain training activities.

Mindfulness-based stress reduction is linked with an improved Cognitive Reflection Test score.

Initially, dual-process theories suggested that the existence of two different cognitive systems explained why many participants do not find the correct answer in many reasoning tasks. The Cognitive Reflection Test (CRT) is one such task. It contains three questions with incorrect answers (typically associated with intuition and thus system 1 which processes information automatically) and correct answers (typically associated with deliberate thinking and thus system 2 which involves the conscious processing of information). More recent theories suggest system 1 is responsible for both incorrect and correct responses, with system 2 being used to resolve the conflict between these different intuitions. Since mindfulness training improves self-regulation and cognitive flexibility, we believe it could improve CRT scores by reducing the relative weight of initial intuitions by strengthening alternative intuitions, thus increasing the probability of triggering deliberate reasoning. To test this hypothesis, we recruited 36 participants, all registered in the same Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) training. Of those 36 participants, 18 answered the CRT before the training and 18 answered it after 8 weeks of training. Results show that participants who followed MBSR training had better CRT scores than those without training. This is coherent with our hypothesis that mindfulness training could reduce the relative weight of initial intuitions and facilitate deliberate thinking.

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.

Consciously Connected: The Role of Mindfulness for Mobile Phone Connectedness and Stress

ABSTRACT Many mobile phone usage behaviors and cognitions have become habitual, and many people have developed a strong connectedness to their mobile phones and the internet. Yet, habitualized mobile phone connectedness might evoke stress and counter long-term goals. Mindfulness has shown promise in counteracting destructive (mobile phone) habits. Over the course of three preregistered studies, we investigated the interrelations between mindfulness, four dimensions of mobile phone connectedness, and stress. Our results indicate that more mindful individuals check their mobile phones less automatically, perform less multitasking, have a lower mobile phone attachment, and experience less online vigilance. Self-control is an important mediator in these relationships. Further, mindful individuals experience less stress; however, mobile phone behaviors and cognitions do not mediate this relationship. Moreover, mindfulness-based stress reduction training or mediation apps seem to be powerful tools for cultivating mindfulness, as they promoted an increase in mindfulness and a decrease in the investigated dimensions of mobile phone connectedness and stress. Results are discussed regarding implications for research and practice.

Effect of an Online Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Intervention on Postpandemic Era Nurses' Subjective Well-being, Job Burnout, and Psychological Adaptation.

This study explores the effects of an online mindfulness-based stress reduction intervention on postpandemic era nurses' subjective well-being, job burnout, and psychological adaptation. Previous studies on the psychological adaptability of nurses mainly focused on investigation rather than intervention. Ninety nurses were randomly classified into an intervention or control group. The intervention group received weekly online mindfulness-based stress reduction training for 8 weeks. The Subjective Well-being, Job Burnout, and Psychological Use scales were administered pre- and postintervention. Postintervention, nurses' positive emotions and life satisfaction significantly improved. Nurses' psychological adaptation was significantly higher postintervention than preintervention. The total scores for negative emotion, low personal accomplishment, and job burnout were significantly lower postintervention than preintervention. The scores for positive emotion and life satisfaction in the intervention group were significantly higher than those in the control group, and the scores for low personal accomplishment in the intervention group were significantly lower than those in the control group. Online mindfulness-based stress reduction interventions can improve nurses' subjective well-being, reduce job burnout, and improve their level of psychological adaptability. Moreover, it could promote nurses' ability to communicate mindfully with patients and their families. This intervention could help promote the development of mindfulness in the nursing field.

EEG-based investigation of effects of mindfulness meditation training on state and trait by deep learning and traditional machine learning.

This study examines the state and trait effects of short-term mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) training using convolutional neural networks (CNN) based deep learning methods and traditional machine learning methods, including shallow and deep ConvNets as well as support vector machine (SVM) with features extracted from common spatial pattern (CSP) and filter bank CSP (FBCSP). We investigated the electroencephalogram (EEG) measurements of 11 novice MBSR practitioners (6 males, 5 females; mean age 35.7 years; 7 Asians and 4 Caucasians) during resting and meditation at early and late training stages. The classifiers are trained and evaluated using inter-subject, mix-subject, intra-subject, and subject-transfer classification strategies, each according to a specific application scenario. For MBSR state effect recognition, trait effect recognition using meditation EEG, and trait effect recognition using resting EEG, from shallow ConvNet classifier we get mix-subject/intra-subject classification accuracies superior to related previous studies for both novice and expert meditators with a variety of meditation types including yoga, Tibetan, and mindfulness, whereas from FBSCP + SVM classifier we get inter-subject classification accuracies of 68.50, 85.00, and 78.96%, respectively. Deep learning is superior for state effect recognition of novice meditators and slightly inferior but still comparable for both state and trait effects recognition of expert meditators when compared to the literatures. This study supports previous findings that short-term meditation training has EEG-recognizable state and trait effects.

Effect of Online Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction Intervention on Sleep Quality of Breast Cancer Patients

Background: Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can negatively impact the quality of life and lead to symptoms such as insomnia, depression, and anxiety. Internet-delivered interventions may reduce these symptoms in patients with limited access to face-to-face psychological treatments. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effect of online mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) intervention on the sleep quality of women with breast cancer in Birjand City. Methods: In this randomized controlled clinical trial, 62 eligible women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy in Birjand were selected using convenience sampling. They were assigned to two groups, intervention, and control, each consisting of 31 individuals, using random allocation. In addition to standard treatments, the intervention group received online MBSR training consisting of four two-hour sessions over four consecutive weeks. The control group only received standard cancer treatments. The data collection tool included a demographic form and a standard Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Questionnaire completed by individuals before, immediately, and 2 months after the intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS 16 statistical software. The following tests were conducted at a significance level of P < 0.05: Chi-square, Fisher's exact, Independent t, repeated-measures ANOVA, Bonferroni, Mann-Whitney U, and Friedman. Results: The mean sleep quality scores decreased immediately and 2 months after the intervention compared to before in the intervention group, while it increased in the control group (P < 0.001). Also, the independent t-test showed that the mean sleep quality scores decreased in the intervention group from before to immediately after the intervention, as well as from before to 2 months later (P > 0.001). In contrast, the control group patients experienced increased sleep quality scores (P > 0.001). Conclusions: Mindfulness-based stress reduction significantly improved sleep quality in the intervention group, as demonstrated by decreased scores immediately and 2 months after the intervention. On the other hand, the control group experienced an increase in sleep quality scores. These findings highlight the effectiveness of MBSR in enhancing sleep outcomes.

Home treatment as an add-on to family-based treatment for adolescents with anorexia nervosa compared with standard family-based treatment and home-based stress reduction training: study protocol for a randomized clinical trial

BackgroundFamily-based treatment (FBT) is currently the most effective evidence-based treatment approach for adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN). Home treatment (HT) as an add-on to FBT (FBT-HT) has been shown to be acceptable, feasible and effective. The described three-arm randomized clinical trial (RCT) is intended to investigate whether FBT-HT demonstrates higher efficacy compared to standard outpatient FBT with supplemental mindfulness-based stress reduction training (FBT-MBSR).MethodsThis RCT compares FBT-HT to standard outpatient FBT and FBT-MBSR as a credible home-based control group in terms of efficacy and delivery. Adolescents with AN or atypical AN disorder (n = 90) and their parent(s)/caregiver(s) are to be randomly assigned to either FBT, FBT-HT or FBT-MBSR groups. Eating disorder diagnosis and symptomatology are to be assessed by eating disorder professionals using standardized questionnaires and diagnostic instruments (Eating Disorder Examination, Eating Disorder Inventory, Body Mass Index). In addition, parents and caregivers independently provide information on eating behavior, intrafamily communication, stress experience and weight. The therapeutic process of the three treatments is to be measured and assessed among both participants and care providers. The feasibility, acceptability and appropriateness can thus also be evaluated.DiscussionWe hypothesize that FBT-HT will be an acceptable, appropriate and feasible intervention and, importantly, will outperform both established FBT and FBT-MBSR in improving adolescent weight and negative eating habits. Secondary outcome measures include the reduction in the stress experienced by caregivers, as well as the regulation of perceived expressed emotions within the family, while the intrafamily relationships are hypothesized to mediate/moderate the effectiveness of FBT. The proposed study has the potential to enhance the scientific and clinical understanding of the efficacy of FBT for AN, including whether the addition of HT to FBT versus another home-based adjunct intervention improves treatment outcomes. Furthermore, the study aligns with public health priorities to optimize the outcomes of evidence-based treatments and integrate the community setting.Trial registration This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05418075).

Increased neurocardiological interplay after mindfulness meditation: a brain oscillation-based approach.

Brain oscillations facilitate interaction within the brain network and between the brain and heart activities, and the alpha wave, as a prominent brain oscillation, plays a major role in these coherent activities. We hypothesize that mindfully breathing can make the brain and heart activities more coherent in terms of increased connectivity between the electroencephalogram (EEG) and electrocardiogram (ECG) signals. Eleven participants (28-52 years) attended 8 weeks of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) training. EEG and ECG data of two states of mindful breathing and rest, both eye-closed, were recorded before and after the training. EEGLAB was used to analyze the alpha band (8-12 Hz) power, alpha peak frequency (APF), peak power and coherence. FMRIB toolbox was used to extract the ECG data. Heart coherence (HC) and heartbeat evoked potential (HEP) were calculated for further correlation analysis. After 8 weeks of MBSR training, the correlation between APF and HC increased significantly in the middle frontal region and bilateral temporal regions. The correlation between alpha coherence and heart coherence had similar changes, while alpha peak power did not reflect such changes. In contrast, spectrum analysis alone did not show difference before and after MBSR training. The brain works in rhythmic oscillation, and this rhythmic connection becomes more coherent with cardiac activity after 8 weeks of MBSR training. Individual APF is relatively stable and its interplay with cardiac activity may be a more sensitive index than power spectrum by monitoring the brain-heart connection. This preliminary study has important implications for the neuroscientific measurement of meditative practice.

The Impact of Psychological Interventions with Elements of Mindfulness on Burnout and Well-Being in Healthcare Professionals: A Systematic Review.

Healthcare professionals are highly likely to experience various causes of work-related stress, which often leads to burnout. This became even more obvious during the Covid-19 pandemic. This systematic review aimed to analyze articles where psychological interventions with elements of mindfulness (PIM) were used to support healthcare professionals to foster well-being and reduce burnout levels. Compared to other recently published reviews, it is unique, due to its focus on a wide group of healthcare professionals, a broader selection of psychological interventions, and the evaluation of any sustained effects. Systematic searches were carried out in February 2021 with different combinations of Boolean operators within six electronic databases: PubMed, EBSCOhost, MEDLINE, PsycArticles, Cochrane Library, JSTOR and Cobiss. We included articles that had been published in the last ten years (2011 to 2021) and which reported on original research focused on evaluating the influence of PIM on healthcare professionals. MERSQI was used to assess the quality of the included studies. Of 1315 identified studies, 15 were included in this systematic review. Regardless of the specific type, duration and setting (individual vs group) of PIM applied, the results demonstrated a positive impact on well-being and burnout in participating healthcare professionals. The most studied interventions involved MBSR (mindfulness-based stress reduction) and other mindfulness training programmes, in online as well as in-person versions. Given the new reality with the presence of the SARS-Cov-2 virus, it is of the utmost importance to offer feasible, effective interventions for burnout reduction to vulnerable groups of healthcare professionals. By focusing on their needs, several key aspects of burnout and mindfulness could be efficiently improved; this review demonstrates that short, online interventions could be as effective as longer, in-person ones.