Mindfulness Questionnaire Research Articles

A Network Analysis of Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Facets of Mindfulness

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health concern impacting a large proportion of the population. There is a growing interest in mindfulness-based treatments for PTSD. However, some individuals with PTSD do not respond to treatment. Identifying factors that may provide a more precise treatment approach has the potential to enhance response. Network analysis is a data-driven methodology that has been used to suggest specific targets for treatment. To date, there has not been a network analysis examining the interrelation between PTSD symptoms and trait mindfulness. The current study is an exploratory analysis of N = 214 adults from a non-clinical sample who endorsed a Criterion A traumatic event and completed the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 and the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire. Both undirected and directed networks were generated to identify links between PTSD symptom clusters and the facets of mindfulness. Both networks highlighted the connection between the PTSD symptom cluster Alterations in Arousal and Reactivity and the Awareness facet of mindfulness; and the PTSD symptom cluster Negative Alterations in Cognitions and Mood with the Non-judging facet of mindfulness. Taken together, these findings provide further evidence that greater mindfulness is generally associated with lower PTSD symptoms. Importantly, the findings highlight Non-judgement and Awareness as facets that might warrant further investigation in the context of mindfulness-based treatment efforts for PTSD.

Interindividual differences in mindfulness are linked to sleep-electroencephalographic characteristics.

Mindfulness describes the ability to focus on the presence, including one's thoughts and feelings. Trait mindfulness-a person's inherent tendency to be mindful-has been connected to increased subjective sleep quality, but evidence from objective EEG-based sleep measures is lacking. Here, we investigate whether objective EEG-based sleep parameters explain interindividual differences in trait mindfulness. Whole-night polysomnographic data were gathered from 52 healthy adults (27 females; agemean = 21.5 [SE = 0.28]) in their homes using a portable high-density EEG device. Trait mindfulness was assessed using the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire short form (FFMQ-SF). Trait mindfulness was positively correlated at trend level with the percentage of rapid eye movement (REM), but not N1, N2, or slow wave sleep. Additionally, those exhibiting less REM beta/gamma power and NREM beta power displayed higher trait mindfulness and vice versa. Lastly, we replicated findings connecting higher trait mindfulness to better subjective sleep quality. REM sleep is pivotal for emotional processing. Decreased REM high-frequency activity was suggested to reflect adrenergic reduction that defuses affective experiences. Increased NREM high-frequency activity is a marker for cognitive hyperarousal in insomnia. We speculate that differences in trait mindfulness might be explained by differences in REM- and NREM-sleep functions that promote ideal emotional regulation and prevent hyperarousal.

A longitudinal study on the association between trait mindfulness and maternal bonding across the perinatal period

ABSTRACT Aims/background The mother-to-infant is important for healthy child development. The current study focused on the association between maternal trait mindfulness and the course of maternal bonding from pregnancy to one year postpartum. Design/Methods Women participating in a prospective perinatal cohort study (n = 1003) completed online questionnaires on maternal bonding (Pre- and Post-natal Bonding Scale) at 28 weeks of pregnancy, and at 8 weeks, 6 months and 12 months postpartum. At 20 weeks of pregnancy, women completed the Three Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire – Short Form. Multilevel analyses were used to analyse 1) changes in maternal bonding over time and 2) the relationship of these changes with different facets of trait mindfulness measured once during pregnancy. Demographics, obstetrics, and depressive symptoms were controlled for. Results Results showed that maternal bonding first increased from pregnancy to 8 weeks postpartum and then remained relatively stable throughout the first-year postpartum. On average, women with high scores on acting with awareness and non-judging also scored higher on maternal bonding, but demonstrated a smaller increase in maternal bonding scores over time when compared to women with medium and low scores on these mindfulness facets. Furthermore, non-reacting was also positively associated with the level of maternal bonding but was not related to the course of bonding over time. The main effects of non-reacting and non-judging were not significant after adjusting for covariates. Depressive symptoms and a high educational level were negatively associated with bonding. Conclusion Mindfulness-based interventions may be helpful in supporting expectant mothers who are at risk for suboptimal bonding.

The feasibility of an adapted virtual mindfulness intervention for Special Olympics athletes and their caregivers.

Virtual mindfulness may be helpful for individuals with intellectual disabilities in the context of COVID-related disruptions of in-person programming, such as Special Olympics (SO). This study examined the feasibility of a virtual mindfulness intervention for SO athletes and their caregivers. SO athletes (n = 44) and their caregivers (n = 29) participated in a 6-week adapted virtual mindfulness intervention. Athletes completed mindfulness and well-being questionnaires prior to, immediately following, and 3-months post-intervention. Caregivers completed questionnaires assessing their own stress, mindfulness, and well-being, as well as athlete mental health. Exit interviews were conducted immediately following the intervention. The intervention was feasible in terms of demand, implementation, acceptability, and limited testing efficacy. There were significant improvements in athlete well-being and mental health, and caregiver stress and mindfulness post-intervention. Adapted virtual mindfulness groups may be an effective intervention in improving the well-being of adults with intellectual disabilities and their caregivers.

Effects of brief mindfulness meditation training on attention and dispositional mindfulness in young adult males

This study examined the impact of brief mindfulness meditation (BMM) training on attention function and dispositional mindfulness in young males. 126 male participants aged 18–26 from the security industry were recruited, with 66 participants (M = 22.84, SD = 2.41) undergoing 4-week mindfulness meditation training and 60 participants (M = 23.07, SD = 2.29) in the active control group. The intervention was integrated into the participants' schedules. Measures included Five Facets Mindfulness Questionnaires (FFMQ), concentration and assignment attention tasks, Attention Network Test (ANT), and saliva cortisol concentration. Findings indicate that brief mindfulness meditation training led to significant improvements in participants' FFMQ scores), with marginally significant enhancements in the executive control network. However, it had no discernible effect on alertness and orientation networks. Additionally, brief mindfulness meditation training enhanced attention allocation to light stimulation and prolonged individual attention. Surprisingly, there was no observed decrease in saliva cortisol concentration among meditation training participants. However, this study did not find a decrease in saliva cortisol concentration in the brief mindfulness meditation group. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential of a 4-week brief mindfulness meditation training program to enhance dispositional mindfulness and specific aspects of attention function in young men, offering practical insights into the benefits of mindfulness meditation practices for this demographic.

The Day After: The Longitudinal Effect of COVID-19 Lockdown on Quality of Life of University Students and the Moderator Role of Mindfulness.

Background: The COVID-19 lockdown has been a major stressor for the general population, posing a considerable threat to quality of life (QoL), particularly among university students. Existing research highlights the protective role of dispositional mindfulness (DM) in mitigating stressors; however, its influence on moderating the impact of COVID-19 on QoL remains unknown. We used a longitudinal design to assess the QoL of undergraduate students before and after the COVID-19 lockdown, while also examining the potential moderating effect of DM on this impact. Methods: One hundred eleven Spanish undergraduate students were recruited in 2019, and 103 were followed-up in 2020. Instruments comprised a demographic questionnaire, the World Health Organization Quality of Life BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) inventory to assess QoL, and the Five Facets Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) to assess DM. Results: Analyses revealed statistically significant differences between the two time points in WHOQOL-BREF: Psychological, Social Relationships, and Environmental. Moderation analyses revealed that the impact of COVID-19 on WHOQOL-BREF Psychological scores was moderated by FFMQ-Observe and FFMQ-Non-judging. Conclusions: The COVID-19 lockdown resulted in a reduction of QoL among undergraduate students, yet this impact was moderated by DM. Specifically, present moment attention to experience (observe) and non-judgmental awareness attenuated the impact of COVID-19 on psychological well-being. Future research should focus on evaluating the protective role of preventive interventions designed to increase DM among undergraduate students.

Evidence for differential associations of distinct trait mindfulness facets with acute and chronic stress

Stress and stress-associated disease are considered the health epidemic of the 21st century. Interestingly, despite experiencing similar amounts of stress than those falling ill, some individuals are protected against the “wear and tear of daily life”. Based on the notion that mindfulness training strengthens stress resilience, we explored whether facets of trait mindfulness, prior to training intervention, are linked to acute psychosocial stress reactivity and chronic stress load. To assess different mindfulness facets, over 130 participants completed the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) and the Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory (FMI). For acute stress induction, a standardized psychosocial stress test was conducted. Subjective stress, sympathetic and parasympathetic activity, and levels of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis end hormone cortisol were assessed repeatedly. Additionally, levels of hair cortisol and cortisone as indices of the long-term physiological stress load were collected. We found differential associations of different facets of mindfulness with subjective stress, cortisol, and hair cortisone levels. Specifically, the trait mindfulness facets FMI “Acceptance” and the ability to put one’s inner experience into words (FFMQ “Describing”) were associated with lower acute subjective and cortisol stress reactivity. Contrarily, monitoring-related trait mindfulness facets (FFMQ “Acting with Awareness” and “Observing”) were associated with higher acute cortisol and marginally higher long-term cortisone release. Our results suggest granularity of the mindfulness construct. In accordance with the “Monitor and Acceptance Theory”, especially acceptance-related traits buffered against stress, while monitoring-related traits seemed to be maladaptive in the context of stress. The current results give valuable guidance for the conceptualization of mindfulness-based interventions geared towards stress reduction.

Evaluating the Feasibility of a Guided Culturally Adapted Internet-Delivered Mindfulness Intervention for Indonesian University Students Experiencing Psychological Distress

ObjectivesPsychological distress is common among university students globally. A culturally relevant internet-based mindfulness intervention could be a potential solution for addressing students’ distress in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including Indonesia. However, internet-based mindfulness interventions are new in Indonesia. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and mental health outcomes of a counsellor-guided, culturally adapted, internet-delivered mindfulness intervention for Indonesian university students experiencing psychological distress.MethodThis open pilot trial used a single-arm pre-post-test design. Indonesian university students with elevated distress (n = 40) enrolled in a 4-week counsellor-guided internet-delivered mindfulness intervention. Participants completed the Indonesian adaptation of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21) at screening, baseline, and post-treatment. They also completed the Indonesian version of Kessler’s Psychological Distress Scale (K-10) prior to each lesson, Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) and Indonesian Well-Being Scale (IWBS) at baseline and post-treatment, and questionnaires to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and treatment satisfaction.ResultsResults showed the feasibility and acceptability of our guided culturally adapted Indonesian internet-delivered mindfulness intervention, with good completion rates (70%). We also found large and significant improvements in distress, mindfulness, and well-being (Hedges’ g = 0.85–1.68) from pre- to post-treatment. Participants reported that the program was satisfactory.ConclusionsThis study suggested that a counsellor-guided culturally adapted internet-based mindfulness intervention was feasible, acceptable, and associated with improvements in psychological distress, well-being, and mindfulness among university students in Indonesia. A randomized controlled trial with follow-up is needed to evaluate the intervention’s effectiveness.PreregistrationThis trial was preregistered on the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ACTRN12620000135910).

The impact of mindfulness training on the attention to facial expressions among undergraduates

AbstractThe improvements in attention by mindfulness training have been proved. However, the effects of mindfulness training on attention to emotional stimuli were mixed. We employed a randomized, controlled design to investigate the effects of mindfulness training on attention to emotional expressions, and investigated whether baseline levels of dispositional mindfulness and emotional intelligence would moderate the intervention effects. Forty participants received 8‐week mindfulness training, and another forty participants attended two lectures about mindfulness. All participants completed the visual search task, the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, and the Emotional Intelligence Scale at both pre‐training and post‐training. The results showed that the improvements in search efficiencies were larger in the mindfulness group than those in the control group for sad and angry faces, but not for happy faces. In addition, baseline emotional intelligence but not dispositional mindfulness played a significant moderating role in the relationship between mindfulness training and emotional attention to sadness and anger. The search efficiencies of negative emotions (i.e., anger and sadness) but not positive emotions (i.e., happiness) were significantly improved by mindfulness training. Individuals with a high level of baseline emotional intelligence showed significant improvement in search efficiencies relative to those with a low level of emotional intelligence.

Investigating trait mindfulness in women with a history of unwanted sexual contact

Unwanted sexual contact (USC) is common in women, and may contribute to sexual dysfunction via avoidance coping techniques. Mindfulness-based treatments, which directly challenge avoidance, have been shown to be effective in treating sexual dysfunction, however, it is not yet clear whether there are differences in trait mindfulness between women with and without a history of USC. We used data from four previous studies and compared trait mindfulness on the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) in women with and without a history of USC. There were no significant differences between the USC and no-USC groups on total FFMQ score, nor on most individual domain scores; however, significant group differences were found on observe and acting with awareness subscales. We speculate on the possible meaning of the USC group having higher observe scores and lower acting with awareness scores compared to the no-USC group.

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

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

The Relationship Between Trait Mindfulness and Depression in Elementary Pre-Service Teachers: The Sequential Mediating Role of Flow Experience and Learning Engagement.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between trait mindfulness, flow experience, learning engagement, and depression among elementary pre-service teachers. We employed the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, Flow Experience Scale, Learning Engagement Scale, and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale to assess 614 elementary pre-service teachers. Trait mindfulness in elementary pre-service teachers negatively predicts depression. Trait mindfulness indirectly impacts depression through flow experience and learning engagement. Furthermore, flow experience and learning engagement serve as mediating factors in the relationship between trait mindfulness and depression among elementary pre-service teachers. Flow experience and learning engagement play a mediating role in the relationship between trait mindfulness and depression among elementary pre-service teachers. This study enriches our understanding of depression cognitive theory, emphasizing the positive influence of internal resources on depression prevention. Additionally, it provides a deeper explanation of the mechanism through which trait mindfulness affects depression, offering valuable insights for future depression intervention programs.

Unveiling the mirage of mindfulness profiles through mindfulness-based stress reduction

ObjectivesThe Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) stands out as a standard of mindfulness assessment in scientific literature, although scientific understanding of its properties is still in development. Among them, the FFMQ seems to present latent profiles with specific patterns in its facets. However, no study has explored the behavior of mindfulness profiles across mindfulness-based interventions. This study explores how Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) impacts mindfulness profiles. MethodsAn overall sample of 624 participants were measured pre and post-MBSR in mindfulness, decentering, self-compassion, psychopathological symptoms, well-being, and positive and negative emotional states. ResultsMBSR altered the structure of latent profiles, shifting from 3 profiles to 2 profiles: A High Mindfulness minority profile and a General Mindfulness majority profile. These profiles could be interpreted as a single dispositional mindfulness continuum. The Judgmentally Observing and Non-Judgmentally Aware profiles were more present in the High Mindfulness profile post-MBSR. All profiles tended to display increased decentering, self-compassion, well-being, and positive states, while decreased negative states and psychological symptoms. Thus, MBSR seemed to “arrange” latent profiles in a continuum of overall mindfulness. ConclusionsMBSR seems to dissipate heterogeneities in the FFMQ, allocating its measurements to a more homogeneous continuum of mindfulness. Implications and recommendations for future studies are discussed.

Mindfulness possibilities in the treatment of chronic headaches

IntroductionHeadache is a very common health problem worldwide and in our country due to the increasing environmental damage and daily stress. The proportion of patients with headache in general practice is 4-5%, in neurology up to 30%. Chronic headache as a persistent stressor exhausts the body through central sensitisation, which can lead to the consolidation of maladaptive coping strategies such as avoidance, feelings of loss of control, catastrophising pain. This can lead to a deterioration in quality of life and depression also. The effectiveness of pharmacotherapy in coping with chronic pain is limited, so attention should be paid to modifying maladaptive pain behaviour, as recommended by the NICE guidelines. The international literature shows that mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) has been shown to be effective in the management of chronic headache, primarily in improving quality of life, increasing self-efficacy and reducing pain catastrophisation and depression (Hunt et al., 2022).ObjectivesOur first objective was to introduce mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in Hungary to patients suffering from chronic headache. Secondly, we wanted to measure the impact of the method on quality of life, coping with pain and depression.MethodsN=28 patients, suffering from chronic headaches (tension headache and migraine) participated in the study at the Department of Clinical Psychology, Semmelweis University (BNO: G430, G431, G442). Selection criteria were: referral from a neurologist, age 18-65. The intervention was an 8-session mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for pain (Day, 2017) led by an MBCT teacher and a clinical psychology resident. Before the intervention, all patients had an individual first interview and filled in the questonnaires. Measures: Beck Depression Questionnaire, Pain Catastrophizing Scale, Comprehensive Headache-related Quality of life Questionnaire, Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire.ResultsAfter the intervention, there was a significant reduction in the negative impact of pain on quality of life (p&lt;0.05, Cohen’s d=0.6), pain catastrophization (p&lt;0.01, Cohen’s d=0.74), and depression (p&lt;0.001, Cohen’s d=0.84). In addition, several sub-factors of mindfulness increased, including non-reactivity and being non-judgemental (p&lt;0.05, Cohen’s d=0.57), as well as adaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies (p&lt;0.05, Cohen’s d=0.49).ConclusionsWe can conclude, that in line with international findings, MBCT has been shown to be effective in reducing the negative impact of depressive symptoms, pain catastrophisation and headache on quality of life, and in helping people to cope with pain more adaptively, primarily through the acquisition of mindfulness skills.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Perfectionism, self-efficacy and mindfulness as predictors of test anxiety among university students

IntroductionTest anxiety includes subjective experience of intense physiological, cognitive and/or behavioral symptoms during test-taking situations such as pacing, headaches, excessive feelings of fear, anger, troubles concentrating, sudden forgetfulness and negative self-talk. Especially students who are striving for flawlessness, have overly critical self-evaluations and beliefs that other expect perfection are sensitive to experiencing these feelings. On the contrary, individuals who believe in their ability, are present in the moment and are open to experiences tend to be more resilient to stressors and anxiety symptoms.Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate perfectionism, self-efficacy, and mindfulness as predictors of test-anxiety among undergraduate and postgraduate students of different study fields.Methods525 undergraduate and postgraduate students from the fields of Natural, Medical Sciences and Engineering, Social Sciences, Humanities and Art, and Economics, Business and Administration Studies participated in the study. A sociodemographic form, the Test Anxiety Inventory (TAI), 15-Item Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ-15), Scale of General Self-efficacy (GSES) and Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale-Brief (FMPS-Brief ) were used. Descriptive statistics were used to show the sociodemographics of our sample, while correlational analyses were performed to asses the associations between the variables. To further validate the findings, multiple linear regression analyses were performed.ResultsHigher perfectionistic evaluative concerns and lower self-efficacy showed associations with test-anxiety and were proven as predictors among undergraduate and postgraduate students. In addition, being younger and female in postgraduates, and having perfectionistic strivings and being Mindful-Observe in undergraduate students proved to be significant predictors of test-anxiety.ConclusionsThe found associations of perfectionism and self-efficacy, as well as its predictor roles further validate the information we have in literature, but widen the sample to postgraduate students and various study fields which help us generalize the findings more. What adds the most value in theoretical and practical aspects is the findings associated with mindfulness. Mindfulness techniques are very popular intervention methods for anxiety related symptoms, and the positive relationship of Mindful-Observe with test anxiety opens new viewpoints to mindfulness-based interventions. Particularly focusing on Mindful-Observe while treating test-anxiety may yield better outcomes in alleviation of symptoms.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

The Influence of Mindfulness On Students Psychological Well-Being

The purpose of this research is to find out whether there is an effect of Mindfulness on a person's psychological well-being. The research was conducted on students of UIN Raden Fatah Palembang. This research method is quantitative type of regression. Respondents resulting from the survey amounted to 55 respondents. Data collection techniques were carried out by online surveys via Google Forms, using 2 scales namely FFMQ-15: 15 items Five-Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire and Psychological well being scale. The data analysis method for testing the hypothesis uses a simple linear regression method with significant data results of 0.025 &lt;0.05, which means that there is an influence of mindfulness on one's psychological well-being.

Perceived Stress, Mindfulness, and Clinical Concussion Outcomes in Adults with a Concussion History

ABSTRACT Introduction Higher perceived stress negatively impacts concussion recovery, but there are limited data examining connections between perceived stress and concussion. Additionally, higher mindfulness is associated with lower perceived stress, but there is limited research on how mindfulness impacts concussion outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the associations among perceived stress, mindfulness, and clinical concussion outcomes. Methods This was a cross-sectional, observational study in 80 young adults with a concussion history. Participants completed a single study visit measuring the following: 1) demographics, concussion history, and current mindfulness practice; 2) perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale); 3) mindfulness (Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire); and 4) clinical concussion outcomes/symptoms (Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire), balance performance (Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) and center of mass), autonomic nervous system function (heart rate variability), vestibular/ocular function (vestibular ocular motor screening), and exertion tolerance (step test). Separate multivariable linear regression models were used to determine the associations among 1) perceived stress and clinical concussion outcomes and 2) mindfulness and clinical concussion outcomes. Next, a perceived stress and mindfulness interaction term was included to test the potential moderation effect of mindfulness on clinical concussion outcomes. Results Higher perceived stress was significantly associated with higher concussion symptom severity (P &lt; 0.001) and higher number of concussion symptoms reported as worse than before injury (P &lt; 0.001). Higher mindfulness was associated with lower concussion symptom severity (P &lt; 0.001), and fewer concussion symptoms reported as worse than before injury (P = 0.002). There were no clinically significant models where the interaction effect was also significant, but the BESS parameter estimate did show statistical significance in the interaction model. Conclusions Our results provide a novel understanding of the association among perceived stress, mindfulness, and clinical concussion outcomes. These data are necessary to inform mechanistic concussion rehabilitation interventions.

The relationship between mindfulness and suboptimal health status: a chain/serial mediation model.

Suboptimal health status (SHS) represents a third state between health and disease and often progresses into chronic conditions, negatively impacting an individual's well-being. Studies have shown that mindfulness has a beneficial effect on various SHS symptoms. This study aims to explore the influence of mindfulness on SHS and its underlying mechanisms, with a particular focus on examining the mediating roles of stress and social support. A total of 173 healthy Chinese college or graduate students, with an average age of 21.85 years, participated in this study. Measurements were taken using the Five Factor Mindfulness Questionnaire, the Sub-Health Measurement Scale, the Perceived Stress Scale, and a self-constructed scale that included demographic information. The PROCESS plugin for SPSS was used to assess mediating effects. Significant correlations were found among SHS, social support, mindfulness, and perceived stress (|r| = 0.38-0.85, p < 0.01). Specifically, mindfulness showed a significant positive correlation with SHS and social support (r = 0.38-0.77), while perceived stress was significantly negatively correlated with mindfulness, social support, and SHS (|r| = 0.45-0.85). Perceived social support was positively associated with SHS (r = 0.65). Furthermore, social support and perceived stress partially mediated the influence of mindfulness on SHS. Additionally, a sequential mediation effect of perceived social support and stress in the relationship between mindfulness and SHS was supported. The cultivation of trait mindfulness may be advantageous for individuals' sub-health. Perceived social support and perceived stress are important underlying mechanisms contributing to this effect.

Acceptance of chronic pain in veterans with PTSD based on post-traumatic growth and pain catastrophizing: The mediating role of mindfulness

ObjectiveAcceptance of chronic pain is one factor affecting veterans' quality of life. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine the mediating role of mindfulness in the relationship between chronic pain acceptance of veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, post-traumatic growth, and pain catastrophizing. MethodsIn this descriptive research, 250 veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, who were admitted and treated at the Isar Psychiatric Hospital in Ardabil, Iran in 2022, were selected and investigated as a targeted sample. To collect data, the chronic pain acceptance questionnaire (McCracken et al., 2004), the post-traumatic growth questionnaire (Tedeschi and Kallon, 1996), the pain catastrophizing questionnaire (Sullivan et al., 1995), and the mindfulness questionnaire (Brown and Ryan, 2003) were taken advantage of. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. ResultsThe results confirmed the causal relationship between post-traumatic growth, pain catastrophizing, mindfulness, and acceptance of chronic pain in veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder based on various fit indices. Posttraumatic growth, pain catastrophizing, and mindfulness had a direct effect on the acceptance of chronic pain in veterans with PTSD. Also, post-traumatic growth and pain catastrophizing through mindfulness indirectly affected the acceptance of chronic pain in veterans with traumatic stress disorder (P < 0.05). ConclusionIt is suggested to hold educational workshops to reduce the catastrophizing effect of pain and increase post-injury growth, and mindfulness and inform veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder about the effects of accepting chronic pain on their quality of life.

Brain changes following mindfulness: Reduced caudate volume is associated with decreased positive urgency.

Mindfulness training has been shown to improve psychological health and general well-being. However, it is unclear which brain and personality systems may be affected by this practice for improving adaptive behavior and quality of life. The present study explores the effects of a 5-week mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) at the neuroanatomical level and its relationship with dispositional mindfulness and impulsivity. Sixty-six risky drivers were quasi-randomly assigned to a mindfulness training group (MT) or a control group (N). Participants underwent magnetic resonance imaging and completed the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) and the UPPS-P impulsivity scale twice, at baseline and after receiving the MBI. We observed that MBI changes dispositional mindfulness in the non-reactivity and observing facets. Further, we observed that the magnitude of change in impulsivity was associated with the change in dispositional mindfulness. Whole-brain voxel-wise analysis revealed that the volume of the right caudate nucleus of the MT group (n=27) showed a reduction compared to that of the control group (n=33), which increased in terms of the pre-post measurement (MT=-1.76mm3; N=6.31mm3). We also observed that reduced caudate nucleus volume correlated with decreased positive urgency in the MT group. Taken together, our results show that MBI improves the skills of observing and non-reactivity to inner experience, while producing changes in the structure of the caudate nucleus. These structural changes are associated with a reduction in impulsivity levels, decreasing the tendency to act rashly in situations that generate positive emotions and thus facilitating more adaptive behavior.