Mindfulness Research Articles

Effect of Yoga on Cognitive Enhancement in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract Globally, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a growing health concern, currently affecting over 537 million adults and projected to rise significantly in the coming decades. In India alone, approximately 101 million individuals are impacted. Beyond the well-documented complications such as retinopathy, kidney disease, and cardiovascular issues, recent studies highlight a concerning association between T2DM and cognitive decline, with prevalence rates of cognitive impairment ranging from 21.8% to 45%. This decline, if unrecognized, can complicate diabetes self-management, leading to poor glycemic control, and increased health risks. This review synthesizes existing literature on the cognitive health of individuals with T2DM and examines the potential of yoga as a therapeutic intervention. Yoga, an ancient mind–body practice, incorporates physical postures, breath control, and meditation, which have been shown to enhance cognitive function by reducing stress, promoting brain plasticity, and improving glucose regulation. The study discusses specific yoga practices that may benefit cognitive health in T2DM patients and suggests their integration into clinical diabetes care. The findings advocate for holistic approaches, such as yoga, to foster cognitive resilience and enhance overall well-being in individuals managing T2DM. Cognitive impairment in T2DM: Cognitive decline among T2DM patients is a growing concern, with studies indicating a wide range of impairment rates. Factors contributing to this decline include chronic hyperglycemia, vascular damage, and neuroinflammation. Recognizing cognitive impairment in this population is vital for timely intervention, yet routine cognitive screening remains rare in diabetes care settings. The role of yoga: Yoga offers a promising, integrative approach to enhancing cognitive health among T2DM patients. This review suggests that yoga can reduce stress and anxiety, which are known to adversely affect cognitive function. Specific practices, such as mindfulness meditation, asanas, and pranayama, have demonstrated benefits in improving attention, memory, and overall cognitive performance. Furthermore, yoga’s influence on physical health such as improved glycemic control also indirectly supports cognitive function.

Coping strategies in pregnancy and perinatal period in times of COVID-19

The present study explored the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of pregnant and postpartum women in Quito, Ecuador. A cross-sectional observational study that evaluated the level of perceived stress, the impact on quality of life, and the relationship of these variables with mindfulness practice and sleep habits was conducted with a sample of 447 pregnant women and/or mothers of children under 2 years of age residing in the city of Quito. The results indicated that the regular practice of mindfulness and the maintenance of adequate sleep habits were significantly associated with a lower negative impact of COVID-19 on the psychological well-being of the participants. These findings suggest that promoting these practices could be an effective strategy to mitigate the adverse effects of stressful events such as a pandemic on women's mental health during pregnancy and puerperium.

Mindful Leadership Practices of Headmasters and The Relationship with Teachers' Digital Competence in Primary Schools in Hulu Langat District

Mindful Leadership Practices of Headmasters and The Relationship with Teachers' Digital Competence in Primary Schools in Hulu Langat District

Commentary With Study Protocol: Implementation and Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE) as an Adjunct to Methadone Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder (IMPOWR-MORE).

Traditional methadone treatment (MT) for opioid use disorder (OUD) fails to systematically address the physical pain, emotion dysregulation, and reward processing deficits that co-occur with OUD, and novel interventions that address these issues are needed to improve MT outcomes. Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE) remediates the hedonic dysregulation in brain reward systems that is associated with OUD. Our pilot and phase 2 randomized controlled trials of MORE were the first to demonstrate MORE's feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy as delivered in MT clinics; MORE significantly reduced drug use (eg, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, cocaine, marijuana, opioids, and other drugs), craving, depression, anxiety, and pain among people with OUD. However, uptake of novel, efficacious interventions like MORE may be slow in MT because time and resources are often limited. Therefore, to best address potential implementation issues and to optimize future MORE implementation and dissemination, in this study, we will utilize a Type 2, Hybrid Implementation-Effectiveness study design. We will not only evaluate MORE's effectiveness but also assess barriers and facilitators to integrating MORE into MT. MT clinicians will receive training in (1) a higher intensity MORE implementation strategy consisting of training in the full MORE treatment manual or (2) a minimal intensity implementation strategy consisting of a simple, scripted mindfulness practice (SMP) extracted from the MORE treatment manual with minimal training. We aim to: (1) using a Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework, examine barriers and facilitators to implementation of MORE and SMP in MT, and evaluate strategies for optimizing training, fidelity, and engagement, (2) optimize existing MORE and SMP training and implementation toolkits, including adaptable resources that can accelerate the translation of evidence into practice, and (3) compared to usual MT, evaluate the relative effectiveness of MORE plus MT or SMP plus MT (N = 450).

DO MINDFULNESS ACTIVITIES IMPROVE HANDGRIP STRENGTH AMONG OLDER ADULTS: A PROPENSITY SCORE MATCHING APPROACH

Abstract The integration of mindfulness practices into the daily routine of the elderly population has been proven to enhance their overall well-being and vitality. There is limited evidence regarding the association between mindfulness activity and physical strength among community-dwelling older adults. Since hand grip strength is an important measure for evaluating the health and well-being of older adults, we explored the association between yoga/mindfulness practices and handgrip strength among older Indians using nationally representative data (N=27,707; mean age: 68.6 [SD:7.3]). Handgrip strength was assessed using a handheld Smedley Hand Dynamometer and mindfulness activities were self-reported. Key findings showed that for the matched sample (ATT), handgrip strength increased by 0.55 points for those who were involved in mindfulness activities compared to older adults who were not involved in mindfulness activities. The results of the Average Treatment Effect on the Untreated (ATU) showed that among individuals who were not involved in mindfulness activities, if they were involved in mindfulness activities, their handgrip strength was likely to increase by 1.16 points. The findings of the current study highlight the importance of integrating mindfulness techniques, including yoga, into public health programs aimed at ageing populations. By tailoring personalized programs that improve both mental and physical health, older adults can maintain an active lifestyle, thereby reducing healthcare costs and enhancing societal well-being.

Unveiling the Impact of Psychological Contract Breach: The Moderating Role of Mindfulness in Job Performance, Burnout, and Turnover Intention

This study explores the influence of psychological contract breach on key behavioral outcomes—turnover intention, job performance, and burnout—among Indonesian nurses, while considering mindfulness as a moderating factor. Given the increasing application of mindfulness in enhancing mental and psychological well-being as therapy, its specific effects on workplace behavior among nurses remain underexplored. To fill this gap, the study surveyed 165 nurses across Indonesia using a non-probability purposive sampling method. The analysis revealed was conducted using SmartPLS version 4.0, which included preliminary assessments of reliability and validity, followed by hypothesis testing through structural equation modelling. The results demonstrated that PCB negatively influenced both turnover intention and burnout, consistent with previous research. However, contrary to expectations, PCB positively impacted job performance. Mindfulness did not significantly moderate the relationships between PCB and job performance, turnover intention, or burnout. These findings suggest that while PCB detrimentally affects turnover intention and burnout, it may also lead to increased job performance, possibly as a compensatory response. The limited moderating effect of mindfulness highlights the need for more comprehensive strategies to address the adverse outcomes of PCB. These findings underscore the complex relationships between psychological contract breaches and employee behavior, emphasizing the necessity for healthcare institutions to address psychological contract issues and promote mindfulness practices to improve job performance and reduce burnout and turnover intention.

Stress-reducing strategies and interventions for gynecology & obstetrics residents: a narrative review

As a result of the high levels of stress and burnout in obstetrics and gynecology residents and its negative impact on their personal and professional functioning, and ultimately on the quality of patient care, attention to the health and well-being of this group of medical students has increased. Numerous strategies have been used to help reduce or cope with stress. This study aimed at identifying effective educational strategies to reduce stress in obstetrics and gynecology residents. For this narrative review, we searched ScienceDirect, Emerald, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases for relevant information sources published from 2013 through 2022. This study retrieved 15 stress reduction strategies for obstetrics and gynecology residents from 9 articles that met the inclusion criteria. We established that strategies such as stress management training, resilience training, emotional intelligence training, mindfulness practices, team bonding sessions, feedback and reflection sessions, and access to confidential and free psychotherapy and mentoring programs were effective in improving the well-being of residents in this medical field.

Optimalisasi Pendidikan Islam dalam Meningkatkan Kesejahteraan Mental Serta Mengurangi Burnout di Kalangan Pelajar

Islamic education has an important role to play in improving mental well-being and reducing burnout among students. Burnout, which is characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and decreased personal achievement, is often caused by academic pressure and lack of social support. This research uses the literature study method to collect and analyze information related to optimizing Islamic education in the context of mental well-being and reducing burnout among students. Islamic education emphasizes spiritual and moral values, such as empathy, patience, gratitude and tawakkal, which can help students manage stress and build positive social relationships. With a holistic approach that integrates mental health programs into the school culture, such as mindfulness practices and peer support, Islamic education can create a supportive learning environment. In addition, the concepts of destiny, qadha and qadar in Islam provide a deep understanding of life and the challenges faced. This research used the literature study method to analyze related information, and found that the integration of Islamic values in the education curriculum can prevent burnout and improve students' mental health. Social support from parents, teachers and the community also contributes to mental wellbeing, resulting in a resilient generation that contributes positively to society.

Religious and Secular Understanding of the Concept of Mindfulness – A Comparative Study

Purpose: The purpose of this research article is to compare, characterize, investigate, and examine how mindfulness is viewed and practised in various religious contexts (such as in Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity) as well as in secular contexts (such as in the clinical psychological fields and in the psycho-therapeutic interventions). This is to find key concepts, practices, and various interpretations of mindfulness in both religious and secular settings. Design/Methodology/Approach: In this Comparative study, though we can use mixed methods to have a more holistic understanding of various conceptions of mindfulness used in religious as well as secular contexts, however, here the researcher focuses only on qualitative data by analyzing religious texts on mindfulness and the literature related to it from the scholarly sources. Hence, the data collection methods used here are data collected from secondary sample sources like academic journals, books, and other reliable sources, to explore the meaning and cultural contexts associated with mindfulness practices within the religious traditions and secular fields. Finding/Result: After analysing the concept of mindfulness in this comparative study, it is found that there exists a difference between the religious and secular understanding of mindfulness. Though the differences are not major ones, we can find some changes in the definition, goals, practices cultural context, faith etc. Originality/Value: This comparative study offers a nuanced understanding of how mindfulness practices can be interpreted, applied, and appreciated across different disciplines. Thus, it explores the significance of mindfulness both in religious and secular contexts. This will enable us to check the practicality of mindfulness and to show how effective a tool it is to reduce stress and other related problems. Paper Type: Comparative Study Article.

The moderating role of mindfulness in the relationship between loneliness and depressive symptoms

Loneliness has been recognized as a pressing global health threat. Research shows that loneliness is associated with depressive symptoms, but less is known about what factors might influence this relationship. This study tested the hypothesis that mindfulness would buffer the association between loneliness and depressive symptoms. A total of 220 Chinese adults completed validated measures of loneliness, mindfulness, and depressive symptoms. Hierarchical multiple regression and moderator analyses were conducted. Mindfulness was significantly associated with depressive symptoms (β = -.485, p < .001) after controlling for demographic variables and loneliness. Furthermore, mindfulness was a statistically significant moderator. Loneliness was more strongly associated with depressive symptoms when the levels of mindfulness were low. Mindfulness buffered the association between loneliness and depressive symptoms. Encouraging mindfulness practices might offer community-wide benefits from a public health perspective. While some studies showed that mindfulness could reduce loneliness, future studies should further evaluate whether mindfulness-based programs could also prevent the mental health consequences of loneliness.

Cultivating Well-being, Community Cohesion, and Sense of Purpose through African Contemplative Practices

Exploring Southern African contemplative traditions addresses an important gap in the fields of contemplative science and healing modalities. In contrast to meditation practices drawn from Eastern wisdom traditions, practices embedded in African spirituality are sound- and movement-based and conducted in community settings. During a research retreat in South Africa, attended by traditional healers, creative arts therapists and performers, mindfulness and neuroscience researchers, and a Buddhist monk, indigenous rituals were performed by experienced facilitators and analyzed through group reflection sessions. Phenomenological data were recorded and coded. Participants identified how the synchronized movements, vocalization, and multisensory listening enabled experiences of self-transcendence, connection, and social cohesion, eliciting emotions of peacefulness, harmony, and joy. Using thematic analysis, four recurring threads emerged: sacred sense of purpose, nervous system self-regulation and co-regulation, enhancement of pro-social qualities, and community cohesion. These findings are presented to support international dialog and illuminate relationships among Eastern, Western, and African wisdom traditions. The global decline in mental health provides increased relevance, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of perpetuated historical injustices that have rendered individuals and communities isolated and disconnected. This article proposes that embodied rituals and arts-based therapies, alongside mindfulness practices, could provide effective ways to enhance personal well-being and build community cohesion.

Does Mindfulness Reduce Stress Levels and Enhance the Subjective Well-being of Teachers? – Insights from an Experiment

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to elucidate and bring out the efficacy of the Mindfulness Interventional Programme (MIP) in lowering the stress of the Teachers and thereby enhancing and ensuring a healthy mindset and Subjective well-being. Design/Methodology/Approach: The researcher made use of the following three tools: Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 Items (Lovibond and Lovibond, 1995), The Subjective Well-being Inventory (Sell and Nagpal, 1992) and the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (Baer, Button, Krietemeyer, Sauer &amp; Williams 2008). This experimental study was conducted among the teachers in Siddhartha Public School Pallimon at Kollam, Kerala. The deductive Approach method was adopted in the experimental study. Finding/Result: The study’s primary goal was to understand the sources of stress and how they impact teachers' subjective well-being. A group of 70 teachers was selected as a sample for this study using a random sampling method. The survey focused on the various factors that brought different challenges in the lives of the teachers and assessed how the effects of mindfulness would reduce their stress levels and enhance their subjective well-being. It is observed that those who practice mindfulness easily overcome various challenges than those who don't. Mindfulness reduced stress levels and ensured subjective well-being. Originality/Value: Analyzing the demographic details of selected teachers, we try to find out the important factors that affect their Subjective well-being. It is found that the proper awareness of the challenges received from mindfulness helped them to tackle the issues efficiently to lead a balanced and satisfied life. As a result, the teachers’ stress levels are reduced and consequently, their subjective well-being is improved. Paper Type: An Experimental Study

The Role of Stress Reduction and Mindfulness Meditation in Glaucoma Management: A Review

Glaucoma is a progressive optic neuropathy that is increasing in prevalence worldwide and can lead to devastating vision loss and even blindness if left untreated. Current medical and surgical approaches to glaucoma treatment all aim to lower intraocular pressure (IOP), which is a well-known risk factor for glaucoma development and progression. Although the exact pathogenesis of glaucoma is not yet fully elucidated, multiple studies suggest that mental stress and elevated cortisol levels may contribute to IOP elevation and glaucomatous progression. In recent decades, various randomized-controlled trials have also demonstrated a significant reduction of IOP in patients practicing stress-reduction techniques, including mindfulness meditation and yoga. In this review, we discuss the relationship between mental stress and glaucoma and review the supporting literature to highlight the potential role of mindfulness meditation as an adjunctive strategy to reduce stress and thereby lower IOP in glaucoma patients.

Self-Leadership and Innovative Behavior Among Entrepreneurship Educators: The Mediating Role of Mindfulness

Entrepreneurship educators play a critical role in fostering innovation and creativity within higher education institutions. This study explores the relationship between self-leadership and innovative behavior among entrepreneurship educators, with mindfulness serving as a mediating factor. Self-leadership, characterized by self-regulation, intrinsic motivation, and goal-setting, is essential for entrepreneurship educators to effectively guide students and promote an innovative learning environment. Simultaneously, innovative behavior involves generating, promoting, and realizing new ideas that can enhance educational practices. Recent studies suggest that mindfulness, defined as a heightened awareness and attention to the present moment, can enhance individuals' self-leadership capabilities and foster a conducive environment for innovation. This research adopts a quantitative approach, surveying entrepreneurship educators from various higher learning institutions in Malaysia. A structural equation modeling (SEM) method is employed to examine the direct relationship between self-leadership and innovative behavior and the mediating role of mindfulness. Preliminary findings suggest that self-leadership positively influences innovative behavior, with mindfulness significantly mediating this relationship. The implications of this research are critical for higher education policymakers and educators seeking to enhance innovative pedagogical practices in entrepreneurship education. By integrating self-leadership development and mindfulness practices, institutions can better equip educators with the skills and mindset necessary to drive innovation in their teaching methods. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on self-leadership and mindfulness, offering new insights into how these constructs can jointly enhance innovative behavior among entrepreneurship educators.

THE IMPACTS OF POSITIVE EMOTIONS ON ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING AT THANH DONG UNIVERSITY

This action research, grounded in Fredrickson and Cohn's (2008) Broaden-and-Build Theory of positive emotions (PE), investigates the impacts of PE on English Language Learning (ELL) in a language learning context, particularly the relationship between PE, foreign language enjoyment (FLE), and language proficiency. It employs a mixed-methods approach, integrating interventions involving mindfulness practices, collaborative learning strategies, and the integration of gamified elements. The study utilizes various data sources, including a Foreign Language Enjoyment (FLE) questionnaire adapted from Dewaele and MacIntyre (2014), reflective emotion journals, and language proficiency tests. Findings reveal that fostering PE, such as creativity, social interaction, and supportive teaching, contributes significantly to foreign language enjoyment. Moreover, the correlation between FLE and language proficiency underscores the potential benefits of interventions aimed at cultivating PE. This research advocates for pedagogical approaches that prioritize the promotion of PE within the language learning context, ultimately enhancing both enjoyment and proficiency.

Mindfulness Smartphone Application Implementation to Impact Stress and Burnout in Adult Healthcare Professionals.

Many healthcare professionals are experiencing increased stress and burnout, worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to negative individual and organizational outcomes such as mental illness, maladaptive coping, job dissatisfaction, poor patient care, and higher turnover costs. Mindfulness practice is a promising evidence-based approach to impact stress and burnout. This quality improvement pilot project evaluated the impact of a free mindfulness smartphone application on stress and burnout levels in certified or licensed adult healthcare professionals over 6 weeks. Using a quasi-experimental pre- and post-intervention design, the project assessed the Mindfulness Coach application's (app) impact on stress and burnout using the Perceived Stress Scale and the Mini Z 2.0 survey. The results indicated that using the app significantly reduced perceived stress but did not impact burnout symptoms.

Effectiveness of Digital-Based Interventions on Physical and Psychological Outcomes Among Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Evolving digital technology has paved the way for endless potentiality. Leveraging on digital technology for healthcare purposes can target cancer patients, thus improving physical and psychological symptoms. Nevertheless, there is limited consolidated evidence on the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) and mobile applications. This review aimed to synthesize evidence concerning the effectiveness of VR and mobile-based interventions on physical (pain, fatigue, and sleep) and psychological (anxiety and depression) outcomes among cancer patients. A comprehensive literature search was conducted on ten electronic databases, ongoing trials, and grey literature, reported between 2013 to 2023. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining VR and mobile-based interventions on the physical or psychological outcomes among people with cancer were included. Two independent reviewers screened records for eligibility, appraised methodological quality, and extracted data from included studies. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool was used for data appraisal, and a modified Cochrane data extraction form was used for data extraction. Meta-analysis and subgroup analysis were used to analyze data. In total, 43 studies were included. VR relaxation videos and game-based activities were efficacious in improving cancer-related pain. Mobile applications with educational content, symptom monitoring, relaxation videos, teleconsultation, and regular reminders contributed to positive effects on all outcomes. Mindfulness practice appeared to improve sleep quality, anxiety, and depression. Intervention effects sustained at least 6 months for all outcomes, except sleep. VR and mobile-based interventions had the potential to improve pain, fatigue, sleep, anxiety, and depression at post-intervention. Future RCTs are required to further test both digital interventions on specific types of cancer on multiple research settings. VR and mobile-based interventions can be offered in clinical settings to help cancer manage their pain, fatigue, sleep, anxiety, and depression. VR relaxation videos, game-based activities, teleconferences, mindfulness, education, and system reminders can be included.

Measuring Insight: A Comprehensive Look at Its Core Elements

The present article discusses the concept of insight in terms of the scales in the literature that measure or assess insight. A search of Google Scholar and PubMed using the terms 'insight scale', 'insight questionnaire', 'insight survey', 'insight checklist', 'insight inventory' and ‘insight + major psychiatric diagnostic categories’ identified 44 scales that assess 6 different insight themes: 1) psychological insight, 2) cognitive insight, 3) clinical insight, 4) therapeutic insight 5) social insight, 6) Buddhist insight. Psychological insight is the state of awareness and understanding of one's own feelings, thoughts, beliefs, behaviours, personality, traits and whatever belongs to the self and the self's relationship with the environment. Cognitive insight assesses how inclined and intentional the person is to reflect on the cognitions he/she holds and at the same time how firmly he/she holds to his/her beliefs and cognitions and how much he/she believes in their accuracy. Clinical insight assesses awareness of the illness, importance of the symptoms and awareness of the cost of the illness. Psychotherapeutic insight is a type of insight that can be related to the patient's therapeutic rapport, in which the patient's awareness of himself or herself and the relationship he or she establishes with his or her environment during the sessions. While social insight brings the construct of insight a social context, Buddhist insight is an introspection or insight which is the aim of Buddhist or mindfulness practice. In conclusion, insight has a complex and unique construct which causes confusion while identify it comprehensively. Although there is an abundance of work on insight in the literature, there is still some way to go to elucidate this concept.

Interpersonal Mindfulness, Social Support, and Subjective Well-Being: A Moderated Mediation Model of Self-Esteem

Adolescents' subjective well-being is critical in holistic development, but its determinants must be fully identified. This research investigates the direct and indirect effects of interpersonal mindfulness and social support on adolescent subjective well-being, emphasizing the mediating role of self-esteem. Using a correlational design, purposive sampling was taken from 111 class XI students at the Indonesian Education University Laboratory High School. The validated instruments used include the subjective well-being inventory for high school students, the interpersonal mindfulness scale-short, the student social support scale, and the Rosenberg self-esteem scale. Using JASP path analysis indicates that interpersonal mindfulness and social support do not significantly affect subjective well-being. However, self-esteem shows a substantial direct influence and is a significant mediator between interpersonal mindfulness, social support, and subjective well-being. These findings emphasize the importance of self-esteem in improving adolescents' subjective well-being. Implications of the study include the development of integrative interventions that include mindfulness practices, emphasizing increasing self-esteem and strengthening social support. Education and training programs designed to increase self-esteem, optimize social support, and reduce the negative impact of social media can significantly improve teenagers' subjective well-being. Further research is needed to elaborate on this paradigm's cultural and digital factors.

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Interventions to Enhance Academic Buoyancy: A Meta-Analytic Study

This study explores the effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral interventions in developing academic buoyancy among students, defined as their capacity to overcome daily academic challenges such as stress, time pressure, and minor failures. Using a meta-analytic approach, the research synthesizes findings from 15 independent studies involving 4,509 participants across diverse educational contexts, including the United States, Canada, Iran, and the United Kingdom. The random effects model revealed a significant positive correlation between mindfulness interventions and academic buoyancy, with a high effect size. The findings underscore the potential of mindfulness integrated with cognitive behavioral therapy to enhance students' resilience by reducing stress and improving executive functions such as emotional regulation, attention, and decision-making. Despite its demonstrated effectiveness, heterogeneity in study designs, intervention durations, and measurement tools suggests the need for further research to refine and standardize these interventions. This study provides evidence-based insights for educators and counselors aiming to integrate mindfulness practices into academic settings, contributing to the broader discourse on mental health and educational resilience.