Mindfulness Intervention Research Articles

The effects of mindfulness-based intervention on social anxiety, mindfulness, intolerance of uncertainty and emotion dysregulation——a serial multiple mediating structural equation model

Abstract To investigate the potentially unique effects of mindfulness practice on social anxiety in college-bound high school seniors and explore the psychological mechanisms by which it works, this study compared the mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) group with the wait-list control (WLC) group. A total of 66 students who had just graduated from high school and were about to enter college were randomly assigned to the MBI group (n = 33) or WLC group (n = 33) and conducted self-reported mindfulness, intolerance of uncertainty, emotion dysregulation, and social anxiety at baseline and post-intervention. Repeated measurement analysis of variance demonstrated that variables varied significantly over group (MBI group and WLC group) × time (pre-test and post-test). Based on structural equation models (SEM), it has been demonstrated the change in the degrees of mindfulness, intolerance of uncertainty, and emotion dysregulation plays a partial mediating role in the process of alleviating the level of social anxiety with mindfulness intervention. MBI can not only directly affect social anxiety, but also indirectly affect the level of social anxiety through three paths. In conclusion, MBI can effectively help high school leavers improve their level of mindfulness, reduce unbearable uncertainty and emotion dysregulation. Moreover, MBI can alleviate social anxiety in high school graduates preparing for university by improving their level of mindfulness and reducing intolerance of uncertainty and emotion dysregulation.

Development and Evaluation of a Mindfulness-Based Mobile Intervention for Perinatal Mental Health: Randomized Controlled Trial.

Perinatal mental health problems, such as anxiety, stress, and depression, warrant particularly close monitoring and intervention, but they are often unaddressed in both obstetric and psychiatric clinics, with limited accessibility and treatment resources. Mobile health interventions may provide an effective and more accessible solution for addressing perinatal mental health. Development and evaluation of a mobile mental health intervention specifically for pregnant women are warranted. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a 4-week, self-administered mobile mindfulness intervention in reducing anxiety, depression, and stress, and improving emotional well-being, maternal-fetal attachment, and mindfulness skills in a general population of pregnant women. Pregnant women were recruited and randomized to an intervention or a wait-list control group. The intervention group participated in a self-administered 4-week smartphone-based mindfulness program. Anxiety, depression, and stress were assessed as primary outcomes at baseline and postintervention. Secondary outcomes were mental health well-being, maternal-fetal attachment, and skills of mindfulness. The usability of the mobile intervention was also evaluated. A total of 133 pregnant women were randomly assigned to the intervention (n=66) or the control group (n=67). The overall dropout rate was 30% (39/133). Anxiety scores of the intervention group significantly decreased from baseline to postintervention (P=.03, Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test), whereas no significant changes were observed in the control group. Depression and stress scores showed no significant changes. Emotional well-being significantly improved in the intervention group (P=.01). Improvements were observed in maternal-fetal attachment, particularly in attributing characteristics to the fetus (P=.003) and in differentiating the self from the fetus (P=.006). Mindfulness awareness also showed significant improvement (P=.008). Significant between-group effects were identified for mindfulness awareness (P=.006) and attributing characteristics to the fetus (P=.002). After applying the false discovery rate corrections, within-group improvements in emotional well-being, maternal-fetal attachment, and mindfulness awareness remained significant, while between-group differences for emotional well-being and differentiation were not significant. A mobile mindfulness program effectively reduced anxiety and improved emotional well-being, maternal-fetal attachment, and mindfulness awareness in the general population of pregnant women. Mobile interventions may offer a cost-effective and feasible method for promoting perinatal mental health. Clinical Research Information Service KCT0007166; https://tinyurl.com/458vfc4r.

The predominant effect of a mindfulness intervention on contingent over explicit self-esteem and the key role of self-compassion

ABSTRACT While psychological interventions typically focus on enhancing overall self-esteem, less attention has been paid to contingent self-esteem – where self-worth depends on external validation. This study examines how Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) differentially affects both types of self-esteem, while investigating the mediating roles of mindfulness and self-compassion. Using a single-group pretest-posttest design with 206 participants, these variables were assessed before and after an eight-week MBSR training. Results revealed that MBSR produced a greater reduction in contingent self-esteem than increase in overall self-esteem, suggesting the intervention’s particular suitability for addressing validation-dependent self-worth. Both mindfulness and self-compassion mediated these effects, with self-compassion showing stronger influence on contingent self-esteem reduction. These findings suggest that MBSR, particularly through its self-compassion component, may offer an effective approach for developing more stable self-worth – especially relevant in today’s digital environment where validation-seeking through social media can significantly impact psychological well-being.

Efficacy of brief behavioral and sleep hygiene education with mindfulness intervention on sleep, social jetlag and mental health in adolescence: a pilot study.

Sleep is often compromised in adolescents, affecting their health and quality of life. This pilot-study was conducted to evaluate if implementing brief-behavioral and sleep-hygiene education with mindfulness intervention may positively affect sleep-health in adolescents. Participants in this community-based non-randomized cohort-study volunteered for intervention (IG)- or control-group (CG). Sleep was recorded during regular school-schedule for 3-school-nights and 2-non-school-nights with an FDA-cleared/EU-Medical Device Regulation(CE-2862) compliant home sleep test, and Questionnaires were utilized to evaluate chronotype, sleepiness, insomnia-, anxiety- and depression-symptoms. The four-week intervention included sleep-hygiene education, mindfulness- and breathing-practices for one-hour, twice weekly. Data was collected during the last-week of February and first two-weeks of March 2023 and repeated after intervention. Fifty-five participants completed the study, IG (86%) and CG (77%). Average age was 17.3-years and prevalence of severe social-jetlag (SJL) 72%. Participants who quit participation (n = 10) after baseline data-collection all females (3-IG/7-CG) in comparison to participants who completed the study were sleepierthan the IG and CG (+ 2.6-p = 0.04; + 3.8-p = 0.001), with more symptoms of insomnia- (+ 3.8-p = 0.002; + 4.7-p < 0.0001), and depression (+ 16.7-p < 0.0001; + 19.6-p < 0.0001), and report being later-chronotypes, (-18.2, p < 0.0001;-13.1, p < 0.0001). On average the IG advanced sleep-onset (32-min; p = 0.030), decreased SJL (37-min; p = 0.011) and increased total sleep time (TST, 29-min; p = 0.088)compared to the CG. Average sleep duration did not differ significantly comparing IG and CG after intervention. Stratifying participants with severe SJL (> 2-h) at baseline; 1) responders (61%) advanced sleep-onset on non-school-nights (96-min) and decreased SJL (103-min; p < 0.001) 2) non-responders (39%) increased sleep-duration on school-nights (36-min) and non-school-nights (63-min) but maintained severe-SJL. Teacher-lead sleep-education and mindfulness program can improve TST and SJL in adolescence.

Assessing the impact of mindfulness programs on attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents: a systematic review

BackgroundAttention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder which poses challenges for the individuals with the disorder and their families. While stimulant medications are effective, a comprehensive approach, including psychosocial and behavioral interventions, is recommended. There is a growing body of research exploring the potential benefits of mindfulness-based interventions for children with ADHD. Our study aims to assess the effectiveness of mindfulness interventions in reducing ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents through a systematic review of relevant studies.MethodsFollowing PRISMA guidelines, our systematic review searched PubMed, Cochrane library, Psycinfo, and Scopus from January 2000 to August 2022. We included studies focusing on mindfulness for pediatric ADHD, comprising various study designs with a minimum 8-week duration. Descriptive statistics summarized results, while risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane RoB and ROBANS tools. The quality of RCTs was further evaluated using the Correlation of Quality Measures tool.ResultsIn the initial search, 450 records were identified, and after removing duplicates, 339 underwent screening. Forty-one studies underwent full text assessment for eligibility, with 11 studies meeting inclusion criteria, including seven RCTs, two Quasi RCTs, and three cohort studies. These studies, conducted in five countries, involved participants aged 7 to 18 years. Six studies showed improvement in hyperactivity/inattentive symptoms, and five studies showed improvement in impulsivity.ConclusionsThis systematic review demonstrates the potential benefits of mindfulness programs on ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents. This study emphasizes the need for high-quality research to explore mindfulness-based interventions for ADHD management in younger populations.PROSPERO registration number: IDCRD42024520800

The Mindful Compassion Program Integrated with Body-Mind-Spirit Empowerment for Reducing Depression in Lung Cancer Patient-Caregiver Dyads.

Objective: This study compared the long-term effects of a mindful compassion program on improving depression in lung cancer patients, both in patient-caregiver dyads and in patient-only groups, and examined the moderating roles of anxiety and quality of life (QOL). Method: Participants consisted of 56 dyads, who were randomly assigned to either the dyadic or patient-only groups. Data collection included various assessments at different time points: baseline (T0), end of intervention (T1), and follow-up at the 5th month (T2), 8th month (T3), and 14th month (T4). Results: Patients in the dyadic group experienced a significant reduction in depressive symptoms. The dyadic intervention was particularly beneficial for younger patients and those with higher baseline QOL symptom distress. Improvements in patients' mindfulness and self-compassion contributed to reduced depression by enhancing general health and lowering anxiety. Additionally, caregivers' self-compassion played a role in reducing patients' depression by improving patients' QOL functioning and decreasing anxiety. Conclusions: Mindfulness and compassion interventions, whether provided dyadically or individually, can be tailored to each patient's specific condition.

A highly effective mindfulness intervention for burnout prevention and resiliency building in nurses

&lt;sec&gt;&lt;title&gt;Objectives&lt;/title&gt;&lt;p&gt;Healthcare workers, most notably nursing professionals, face high levels of recurrent stress that lead to symptoms of burnout and other negative mental health outcomes. This indicates the need for greater individual and organizational health system support, including implementation of effective, evidence-based interventions for burnout reduction in this population. Organizationally supported mindfulness-based interventions can be used to build individual resilience, buffering the detrimental effects of occupational stress and enhance professional well-being. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of an evidence-based mindfulness intervention on perceived stress, burnout, resilience, and work engagement in nursing professionals.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/sec&gt;&lt;sec&gt;&lt;title&gt;Methods&lt;/title&gt;&lt;p&gt;A non-randomized single arm, pre/post design was used for this study. Healthcare workers (&lt;italic&gt;n&lt;/italic&gt; = 631), including Registered Nurses and Advanced Practice Nurses (&lt;italic&gt;n&lt;/italic&gt; = 128), physicians (&lt;italic&gt;n&lt;/italic&gt; = 105), social workers (&lt;italic&gt;n&lt;/italic&gt; = 21), pharmacists (&lt;italic&gt;n&lt;/italic&gt; = 8), chaplains (&lt;italic&gt;n&lt;/italic&gt; = 30), physician and occupational therapists (&lt;italic&gt;n&lt;/italic&gt; = 39), patient care assistants (&lt;italic&gt;n&lt;/italic&gt; = 13), other clinical staff (&lt;italic&gt;n&lt;/italic&gt; = 26), non-clinical staff (&lt;italic&gt;n&lt;/italic&gt; = 229), and 32 others participated in Mindfulness in Motion, an 8-week evidence-based worksite mindfulness intervention. Validated self-report measures assessing burnout (Maslach Burnout Inventory), perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale), resilience (Connor Davidson Resiliency Scale), and work engagement (Utrecht Work Engagement Score) were given pre and post program. Total burnout was determined by scores on the subscales of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment of the Maslach Burnout Inventory: Emotional exhaustion &amp;gt;27 or depersonalization &amp;gt;13 or personal accomplishment &amp;lt;31.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/sec&gt;&lt;sec&gt;&lt;title&gt;Results&lt;/title&gt;&lt;p&gt;Significant reductions in burnout (&lt;italic&gt;p&lt;/italic&gt; &amp;lt; 0.00001), perceived stress (&lt;italic&gt;p&lt;/italic&gt; &amp;lt; 0.00001), with significant increases in resilience (&lt;italic&gt;p&lt;/italic&gt; &amp;lt; 0.00001), and work engagement (&lt;italic&gt;p&lt;/italic&gt; &amp;lt; 0.00001) were observed among Registered and Advanced Practice Nurses comparing pre-post measures. Notably, the number of nursing professionals who no longer qualified as burned out was 10% higher than the other participants.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/sec&gt;&lt;sec&gt;&lt;title&gt;Conclusion&lt;/title&gt;&lt;p&gt;Our results suggest that nursing professionals could greatly benefit from organizationally supported mindfulness-based interventions such as Mindfulness in Motion and may benefit them most compared to other health system employees.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/sec&gt;

Vegetarian and sustainable food consumption behavior: Exploring the relation to explicit and implicit attitudes toward vegetarian foods and dispositional mindfulness.

This study investigates the relation between explicit and implicit attitude measures toward vegetarian and meat-based foods and sustainable, specifically vegetarian food consumption behavior. Moreover, attitude preferences and differences between the nutrition groups of vegetarians/ vegans and omnivores were examined. In addition, the possible relationships between specific facets of dispositional mindfulness and explicit and implicit attitudes and nutrition behavior measures were explored. This is a cross-sectional online study. Two hundred sixty-one participants completed a dispositional mindfulness questionnaire, explicit and implicit nutrition attitude measurements, and nutrition behavior assessments. We found a strong correlation between explicit and implicit attitude measures. Both nutrition groups showed an implicit preference for vegetarian over meat-based foods. However, the group of vegetarians/ vegans explicitly preferred vegetarian foods and vegetarianism in almost all explicit attitude measures. In contrast, the findings in the group of omnivores were rather heterogeneous. Furthermore, the results showed that measures of explicit and implicit attitudes, together with two facets of dispositional mindfulness (Outer Awareness and Insight), predicted the vegetarian choice in the online supermarket scenario, indicating positive relationships, except for Insight. Our findings suggest a correspondence of explicit and implicit attitudes toward vegetarian foods and highlight their role in vegetarian nutrition behavior. In addition, we underscore the potential role of dispositional mindfulness and mindfulness interventions in promoting vegetarian consumption behavior. As there are attitude differences in the nutrition groups, the primary target group for mindfulness interventions should be individuals following an omnivorous diet.

Comparative effectiveness of interventions for the prevention and treatment of perinatal depression: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Several interventions have been investigated addressing perinatal depression; however, interventions have not been compared using both direct and indirect evidence. This study compared the relative effectiveness of all interventions that prevent depression (objective 1) or treat depression symptoms (objective 2) in perinatal women. Eight databases searched from their inception to March 2024. Inclusion criteria were randomised controlled trials in perinatal women participants evaluating any interventions that addressed prevention or treatment of depression. Two random-effects Bayesian network meta-analyses were conducted using studies with perinatal women participants reporting frequency of depression or reporting depression severity. For objective 1 odds ratios (OR) and objective 2 standardised mean differences (SMD) were used. A total of 177 articles were included (n = 76 objective 1, n = 101 objective 2). For objective 1; mindfulness was the highest-ranking intervention (SCURA=88), with significant OR compared to treatment as usual (TAU) (OR=0.21; 0.06, 0.71 95 %CrI). Other interventions with significant OR, compared to TAU included: pharmacological treatments, CBT, physical activities, education, and collaborative care. For objective 2; interpersonal therapy plus massage was the highest-ranking intervention (SCURA=89) with significant SMD compared to TAU (SMD=-1.38; -2.54, -0.21). Other interventions with significant SMD compared to TAU: IPT, alternative therapies, physical activities, mindfulness, CBT, collaborative care, education, and enhanced TAU. Pharmacological treatments were effective compared to sham/placebo. CBT, mindfulness, physical activity, collaborative care, education, and pharmacological interventions were effective in addressing prevention and treatment of perinatal depression symptoms compared to control arms. Healthcare providers may consider offering these interventions to perinatal women.

THE USE OF MINDFULNESS-BASED INTERVENTION FOR LONG-TERM CARE RESIDENTS: A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Abstract Physiological and psychological health is a significant concern among people residing in long term care. Researchers have begun to design and test mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) as a strategy to lessen the burden of these impacts on long-term care residents as well as our already strained healthcare system. The purpose of this review is to synthesize the use of MBIs and their impact on health-related outcomes and quality of life among long term care residents. Six databases: CINAHL, PUBMED, Cochrane, Web of Science, Psychinfo, and Embase were searched to identify original studies leveraging the use of mindfulness to improve health-related outcomes for long term care residents. Multiple keywords were used including mindfulness-based stress reduction, meditation, mindfulness intervention, long-term care, nursing home, residential care, older adult, elderly, and aged. Nine studies meeting the selection criteria were included in this systematic review. Most of the studies have a small to medium sample size. The types of MBIs include mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, silent meditations, mountain meditations, loving-kindness meditations, awareness exercises, breathing exercises, visualization, and guided imagery. The majority of those MBIs demonstrate a significant improvement in alleviating symptoms of stress, depression, anxiety, relocation anxiety, worsening dementia, and other mental health concerns, while one study also showed significant improvement in A1C levels among residents with type 2 diabetes. However, some studies have a high attrition rate. Future research is needed to utilize a more rigorous design with a large sample size and longitudinal studies. Participant engagement should be considered as part of the intervention activities.

EFFECT OF VR-BASED MINDFULNESS INTERVENTION ON FEAR AMONG ADULTS

This study explores the integration of Virtual Reality (VR) and mindfulness techniques to address fear among adults, a novel approach leveraging advancements in immersive technologies. VR-based interventions have shown potential in various therapeutic settings, but their application in mindfulness counseling remains underexplored. The research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of VR-based mindfulness interventions in reducing fear responses among adults. Objectives include examining physiological and emotional changes pre- and post-intervention and exploring participants’ subjective experiences. A pre- and post-experimental design was employed with a sample of 20 college students aged 21–30. Participants underwent a structured VR experience, including exposure to both fear-inducing and calming mindfulness scenarios. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, Likert-scale ratings, and narrative feedback. Paired t-tests and qualitative analysis were used to analyze the data. The study found a statistically significant reduction in fear levels post-intervention, with participants reporting increased relaxation and reduced bodily tension after the mindfulness VR experience. Narrative analysis revealed enhanced emotional stability and a sense of grounding among participants. VR-based mindfulness interventions effectively moderate fear responses and provide grounding through immersive relaxation techniques. The findings highlight the potential of integrating VR into counseling settings to address stress and anxiety. Further studies should explore long-term impacts, scalability across diverse populations, and the integration of complementary technologies such as blockchain for secure data management and enhanced therapeutic outcomes.

Spiritual mindfulness combination with self-regulation on the effect to vital sign and anxiety reduction among pneumonia survivors

Background: Pneumonia has become a scary disease since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. The severity of pneumonia often causes sufferers to experience fear and causes the disease to worsen, resulting in the patient's hemodynamics becoming unstable, this condition need an intervention to make the condition better. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of spiritual mindfulness combined with self-regulation in dealing with anxiety and improving vital signs in pneumonia patients. Methods: A experimental quantitative research using a quasi-experimental with pre and post-test control group design between August - October 2024 in the regional hospitals in Gresik Regency, East Java, Indonesia. Total 62 respondents recruited using consecutive sampling which were then divided into intervention and control groups. Spiritual mindfulness intervention combined with self-regulation was given with a frequency of 2 times a day for 7 full days. Vital signs measured included blood pressure, respiratory rate, pulse and SpO2 which were observed through the researcher's observation sheet and anxiety was measured using the Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SRAS). Data were analyzed using paired t-test and independent t-test, also Wilcoxon signed rank test and Mann Whitney test. Results: Spiritual mindfulness combination with self-regulation has effect to vital sign included blood pressure, respiration rate, pulse, oxygen saturation and anxiety of patient with pneumonia (p=0.000). The measurement showed the best changes or decreases in the intervention group, while the control group did not show much difference. Conclusions: Spiritual mindfulness combination with self-regulation is the effective intervention for vital sign and anxiety in pneumonia patients.

Harmonizing the inner orchestra: the impact of urbanization and evolution of stress, inflammation, diet, and lifestyles in depression.

This review explores the intersection of urbanization, stress, inflammation, diet, lifestyle changes, and digital evolution as key factors influencing depression, emphasizing the necessity for integrative and evolutionary perspectives in mental health and intervention. Epidemiological studies reveal a dramatic increase in common mental disorders, particularly depression, alongside parallel increases in suicide, unemployment, and divorce rates. Evolutionary perspectives suggest that mechanisms once advantageous for survival, such as stress responses and inflammatory processes, may contribute to mental health challenges in modern urban environments. Moreover, the mental health crisis among generation Z underscores the impact of digital evolution, where the shift from play-based to phone-based childhood contributes significantly to rising depression rates. Recent research highlights the significant role of omega-3 fatty acids, circadian rhythm regulation, mindfulness, and anti-inflammatory lifestyle interventions in mitigating depressive symptoms. The interplay between our evolutionary heritage and rapid societal changes has created a "symphony" of factors contributing to depression. Understanding these evolutionary mismatches in stress responses, inflammatory processes, dietary shifts, circadian disruptions, and digitalization provides new insights into the etiology of depression. This holistic approach, conceptualized as "harmonizing the inner orchestra," offers promising avenues for prevention and treatment strategies that address the multifaceted nature of depression in our modern world.

A Kind Mind: Enhancing Socio-Emotional Skills in German Preschool Children Through the Mindfulness-Based Kindness Curriculum.

Objectives: It has been shown that mindfulness-based practices are beneficial for children's cognitive and social-emotional development. In the present study, we investigated the effects of an eight-week mindfulness-based Kindness Curriculum (KC), a specially developed program for 3-6 years old preschoolers, on Executive Functions (EFs) and socio-emotional competencies. From three German kindergartens, 69 preschoolers participated. Thirty-eight children (M age = 5.30, SD = 0.80) were included in the mindfulness training group, and 31 (M age = 5.30, SD = 0.70) were in the wait-list control group. Due to the field character of the study, children were randomly assigned by kindergarten or by forming new groups of existing classes in one kindergarten. Before and after the mindfulness intervention, EFs were measured using Go/No-Go and Flanker tasks. Socio-emotional competencies were examined with an inventory for assessing socio-emotional competencies in three- to six-year-olds. The results showed a significant improvement in some aspects of emotional and social functions for the mindfulness group over the control group when the pretest results were integrated into the analysis. However, the mindfulness group showed no better performance concerning EFs (inhibition) than the control group. This study indicates improvement in some aspects of socio-emotional competencies in preschoolers through a mindfulness program. Further studies with more participants may evaluate if different forms of mindfulness training in preschool settings could enhance different aspects of preschoolers' development.

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.

Mindfulness interventions in older adults for mental health and well-being: A meta-analysis.

Mindfulness interventions are consistently associated with beneficial effects in younger adults. In this meta-analysis, we seek to quantify the effectiveness of mindfulness interventions for the mental health and well-being of older adults. We include 46 studies that implemented a mindfulness intervention (MBSR = 20; MBCT = 9; ad hoc protocol = 17) with older adults (samples with an average age of 60 or older; healthy adults = 20; adults with underlying symptoms = 26), examining a wide range of outcome measures (e.g., stress, quality of life, sleep). Mindfulness interventions in older adults yielded an estimated Hedges' g of 0.25. Moderator analyses revealed three significant effects. Type of intervention mattered, with the effect size for MBSR not significantly different from zero (Hedges' g = 0.12) while the effect sizes for MBCT (Hedges' g = 0.33) and "other" interventions (Hedges' g = 0.36) were. Outcome measure mattered, with significant beneficial effect sizes for mental functioning (Hedges' g = 0.59), depression (Hedges' g = 0.35), sleep (Hedges' g = 0.39), anxiety (Hedges' g = 0.32), "other" (Hedges' g = 0.24), stress (Hedges' g = 0.22) and mindfulness (Hedges' g = 0.23). Finally, whether the outcome was targeted (e.g., measures of depression in a population suffering from major depressive disorder) mattered: variables that measured targeted outcomes yielded stronger effects (Hedges' g = 0.30). Mindfulness interventions with older adults are effective, but modestly so. The extant literature is limited by reliance on modified interventions that have not been evaluated for effectiveness.

Enhancing Equanimity with Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation: A Novel Framework for Mindfulness Interventions.

Mindfulness has gained widespread recognition for its benefits to mental health, cognitive performance, and wellbeing. However, the multifaceted nature of mindfulness, encompassing elements like attentional focus, emotional regulation, and present-moment awareness, complicates its definition and measurement. A key component that may underlie its broad benefits is equanimity - the ability to maintain an open and non-reactive attitude toward all sensory experiences. Empirical research suggests that mindfulness works through a combination of top-down attentional control and bottom-up sensory and emotional processes, and that equanimity's role in regulating those bottom-up processes drives the psychological and physiological benefits, making it a promising target for both theoretical and practical exploration. Given these findings, the development of interventions that specifically augment equanimity could improve the impact of mindfulness practices. Research into non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) suggests that it is a potential tool for altering neural circuits involved in mindfulness. However, most NIBS studies to date have focused on improving cognitive control systems, leaving equanimity relatively unexplored. Preliminary findings from focused ultrasound interventions targeting the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) suggest that NIBS can directly facilitate equanimity by inhibiting self-referential processing in the default mode network (DMN) to promote a more present-centered state of awareness. Future research should prioritize the integration of NIBS with well-defined mindfulness training protocols, focusing on equanimity as a core target. This approach could provide a novel framework for advancing both contemplative neuroscience and clinical applications, offering new insights into the mechanisms of mindfulness and refining NIBS methodologies to support individualized, precision wellness interventions.

Can a Universal Mindfulness Intervention in Schools Reduce ADHD Symptoms among Adolescents? A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial.

Existing studies suggest that mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) can reduce ADHD symptoms when delivered as targeted clinical programs to young people diagnosed with ADHD. However, there is currently a lack of research on whether MBIs are effective in reducing elevated ADHD symptoms when delivered as universal programs to whole classes in schools. This study investigated the effects of a universal nine-week MBI (.b program) on students' elevated ADHD symptoms using an cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) design. The modifying effects of pupils' baseline characteristics (gender, age, and socioeconomic status) and home-practice intensity were examined. A total of 3519 adolescents aged 12 to 15 years from Finnish schools were randomized into an MBI group, a relaxation-based active-control group, and a passive-control group. ADHD symptoms were measured at baseline (T0), at nine weeks (T9), and at 26-weeks (T26, follow-up) using parent-reported assessments. The study found no positive intervention effects on parent-reported ADHD symptoms in the MBI group compared to the control groups. Neither boys nor girls benefited from the MBI. The same was true of different age groups and socioeconomic levels. Moreover, regular home practice during the follow-up period did not strengthen the intervention effects. The results do not support the use of brief, universal MBIs in whole school classes as part of the routine curriculum to reduce elevated ADHD symptoms in adolescents. Further research is essential to identify optimal content and delivery methods for MBIs in schools. Particularly among adolescents with elevated ADHD symptoms, targeted MBIs, adapted to the unique needs of this subgroup, should be examined. Trial Registration: Healthy Learning Mind-a school-based mindfulness and relaxation program: a study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) ISRCTN18642659 retrospectively registered on 13 October 2015. The full trial protocol can be accessed at http://rdcu.be/t57S.

Mindfulness acting with awareness and emotional eating among polycystic ovary syndrome women with infertility: the mediating role of depression.

Emotional eating, characterized by the tendency to increase food intake in response to negative emotional states, is often linked to poor emotion regulation. While mindfulness-based interventions have been studied for their benefits in reducing emotional eating, less is known about how inherent mindfulness traits, relate to emotional regulation particularly among individuals with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a population known for high rates of psychological distress and disordered eating behaviors. This study investigates the associations between different facets of mindfulness, depressive symptoms, and emotional eating among individuals with PCOS and infertility who had not received any formal mindfulness intervention. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 334 individuals. Participants completed the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire-Short Form (FFMQ-SF), the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) to assess depressive symptoms, and the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ) to measure emotional eating. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed to examine the relationships between inherent mindfulness traits (i.e., observation, describing, acting with awareness, non-reactivity, and non-judgment), depressive symptoms, anxiety, and emotional eating. The findings indicated that the trait of acting with awareness may reduce emotional eating through its influence on depressive symptoms, while observational mindfulness was found to be associated with increased emotional eating without prior external mindfulness training. In conclusion, Mindfulness is a multidimensional construct, with its facets contributing differently to emotional regulation and eating behaviors in individuals with PCOS and infertility. Future research should explore these nuances to develop more targeted interventions.

Loneliness in College Students

Introduction: Loneliness among college students is quite prevalent. Students in their early years experience a transition period when entering university. Conditions with a new living environment, a new social environment, adjustments to peer relations, and a new academic atmosphere, support the occurrence of loneliness conditions in students. This study aims to understand loneliness in college student Methods: Literature ReviewResults: College students have a greater risk of experiencing loneliness. The impact of loneliness on students is also quite significant, both physically and psychologically. Loneliness can affect mental conditions of depression, anxiety, suicide, and low self-esteem which will ultimately lead to a decrease in quality of life. The physical effects of loneliness can also result in prolonged feelings of fatigue, limited physical activity, cardiovascular disorders, and unhealthy lifestyles which ultimately also have an impact on decreasing quality of life. Intervention and prevention to overcome loneliness are urgently needed, such as improving social skills, overcoming and adapting maladaptive social cognition, increasing social support, mindfulness interventions, and improving friendships. Conclusions: Prevention programs for loneliness are very important to implement. Such an intervention could help reduce the burden of the disease in students’ future professional lives. Keywords: Loneliness, Well-Being, College Students