Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction Research Articles

Near and Far Transfer Effects of Computerized Progressive Attention Training (CPAT) Versus Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Practice Among Adults With ADHD

Objective: The present study evaluated the near (attention) and far (reading, ADHD symptoms, learning, and quality of life) transfer effects of a Computerized Progressive Attention Training (CPAT) versus Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) practice among adults with ADHD compared to a passive group. Method: Fifty-four adults participated in a non-fully randomized controlled trial. Participants in the intervention groups completed eight 2-hr weekly training sessions. Outcomes were assessed before, immediately after, and 4 months post-intervention, using objective tools: attention tests, eye-tracker, and subjective questionnaires. Results: Both interventions showed near-transfer to various attention functions. The CPAT produced far-transfer effects to reading, ADHD symptoms, and learning while the MBSR improved the self-perceived quality of life. At follow-up, all improvements except for ADHD symptoms were preserved in the CPAT group. The MBSR group showed mixed preservations. Conclusion: Both interventions have beneficial effects, however only the CPAT group exhibited improvements compared to the passive group.

Advances in Mind/Body Therapies: Concept, Data and Delivery

Mind/body therapies, such as yoga, mindfulness, and guided imagery, are often touted in media reports as ways to slow cognitive decline, improve brain health, and ameliorate negative psychological symptoms such as stress and depression. However, the clinical and neurobiological evidence base for these uses in older adults is limited. Moreover, many older adults, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, have difficulty accessing these therapies due to the in-person, group formats in which they are often delivered. A major difficulty in understanding the objective benefits of mind/body therapies for subjective cognitive and psychological symptoms is infrequent measurement during clinical trials using retrospective questionnaires. Thus, increased clinical efficacy research, neurobiological research, and methodological research to identify new ways to deliver and measure the effects of mind/body therapies is urgently needed.In this general session, three presenters will discuss recent advances in mind/body therapies, including new evidence from large-scale trials, and methodological innovations enabling remote therapy delivery and the assessment of behavioral outcomes.First, Dr. Felipe Jain will discuss smartphone delivery of mind/body therapies and new technologies that use passive smartphone sensors to enable continuous measurement of behavior. The development of digital phenotypes of psychological symptoms from these fine-grained behavioral assessments will be discussed. Dr. Jain's presentation will describe a smartphone application which delivers mind/body tools, mentalizing imagery therapy (MIT), and caregiver skills, to older adult family caregivers of persons living with dementia. His talk will elucidate simultaneous capture of usage data and passive smartphone sensor data in a subset of participants in a clinical trial using the application. Statistical methods to derive individual behavioral phenotypes for symptom tracking of psychological stress and sleep will be presented.Second, Dr. Eric Lenze will share clinical and neuroimaging results of a large trial of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) with and without exercise aimed at improving cognitive function and brain health in older adults. His talk will include clinical effects of intervention on episodic memory and executive function, and structural brain markers including hippocampal volume and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex thickness and surface area. Finally, he will focus on sensitive analyses of functional brain connectivity from before to after treatment.Finally, Dr. Helen Lavretsky will discuss the recent trends in the methodology of conducting mind-body efficacy and effectiveness trials. She will also discuss the results of a recently completed trial of Kundalini yoga for prevention of cognitive decline in women with subjective memory complaints and at risk for AD. This will also cover clinical outcomes and the role of neural and peripheral biomarkers of response.The panel discussion will outline future research directions in mind-body therapies for treatment and prevention in older adults, with a focus on diversity and inclusion of underrepresented populations.

Mindfulness-based stress reduction for community-dwelling older adults with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in primary care: a mixed-methods feasibility randomized control trial

BackgroundPrimary care is often the first point of contact when community-dwelling older adults experience subjective cognitive decline (SCD) or mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Living with SCD or MCI can be life-altering, resulting in low mood and increased anxiety, further exacerbating cognitive decline. However, there is scant literature on interventions that interprofessional primary care providers can provide to support those living with SCD or MCI. Practicing mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) in an interprofessional primary care setting may support emotional health and well-being for those with cognitive decline, but it has not been studied in an interprofessional primary care context.ObjectivesThis study’s primary aim was to determine the feasibility of, and perceived benefits to and satisfaction with, a 9-Week MBSR program delivered in a team-based primary care setting. The secondary aim was to examine the acceptability of using technology (computer tablet and App Insight Timer®) for program delivery and home practice.MethodsA convergent mixed-methods, single-blind pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) study design was used. A quantitative strand was used to evaluate the feasibility of the MBSR program. The qualitative strand used a focus group with older adult participants with SCD or MCI. Individual semi-structured interviews with occupational therapists who are qualified-MBSR teachers were conducted to explore the acceptability of using computer tablets for program delivery and home practice.Results27 participants were randomized (14 MBSR; 13 Control) with retention rates of 64.3% (9/14 completed ≥6 sessions), true adherence rates of 50% (7/14 met ≥19.5 hrs of home practice), 21.4% attrition rates, and 100% post-intervention follow-up. No participants who used computer tablets at the beginning of the intervention switched to low technology. Older adult participants found the use of computer tablets in the MBSR course acceptable and appreciated the portability of the tablets.ConclusionsBased on the lower-than-expected rates of recruitment, retention, and adherence, our study, as designed, did not meet the feasibility benchmarks that were set. However, with minor modifications to the design, including changing how participants who drop-out are analyzed, extending recruitment, and adding multiple sites, this intervention would be well suited to further study using a full-scale RCT. However, we found that embedding MBSR in an interprofessional primary care setting was feasible in practice and qualitative data highlighted the satisfaction and perceived benefits based on the intervention. The use of technology was acceptable and portable, as participants utilized their computer tablets consistently until the study’s end. Our study showed that older adults living with SCD or MCI were highly receptive to learning how to use technology, and future group intervention programs in interprofessional primary care settings may also incorporate tablet use.Trial registrationThis study was reviewed and approved by the Research Ethics Board in Toronto, Ontario, Canada (REB# 2017–0056-E); Queen’s University (REB# 6026418) in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, and Clinicaltrials.gov (08/03/2019; NCT03867474).

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction a Viable Option for Treatment of Anxiety

According to this study: Mindfulness-based stress reduction is well tolerated and has comparable effectiveness to a first-line medication for people who have anxiety disorders.At least one study-related adverse event occurred in 78.6% of patients in the escitalopram group and in 15.4% of those in the mindfulness-based stress reduction group.

Effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Training on Anxiety, Depression, and Hopelessness in Menopausal Women: An Experimental Study

The aim of this study is to determine how mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) training affects levels of anxiety, depression, and hopelessness in menopausal women. This experimental study was conducted as a pretest-posttest, control group design in two family health centers. The sample consisted of 100 (50 in the control group, 50 in the experimental group) menopausal women, determined on basis of power analysis. Data were collected using the Descriptive Characteristics Form, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, and the Beck Hopelessness Scale. Whereas women in the experimental group received eight sessions of MBSR training, the women in the control group did not receive any intervention. There was a posttraining decrease in the mean anxiety, depression, and hopelessness scores of the experimental group, compared with the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < .05). We found that MBSR training effectively reduced anxiety, depression, and hopelessness in menopausal women. [ Psychiatr Ann 2023;53(2):83–94.]

Review: Pastels and Pedophiles: Inside the Mind of QAnon, by Mia Bloom and Sophia Moskalenko

This book is an excellent introduction to the origins of the QAnon posts (“drops”), their origin and history, the constituencies who were most influenced by QAnon, why people were attracted to the worldview, and what can be done when family members go down the rabbit hole of QAnon conspiracy theories.Mia Bloom is a political scientist who researches and publishes on various aspects of terrorism studies. Sophia Moskalenko is a psychologist who studies “mass identity, inter-group conflict, and conspiracy theories” (back cover flap). She has published books on how conflict contributes to radicalization and on the attraction of martyrdom. Pastels and Pedophiles is written in the combined voice of the two authors. Due to their different specializations, it is possible to distinguish one author’s writing from the other’s but this does not detract from the cohesion of the book.Chapter 1, “Looney Lies and Conspiracies: Making Sense of QAnon,” introduces the QAnon conspiracy theories, describes the origin of QAnon posts on 28 October 2017, discusses QAnon-supporting candidates for political office in 2020 and the ones elected to Congress, and reports statistics showing the growing percentage of QAnon believers in the United States—from 5 percent in 2019 to 17 percent in February 2021 (3). This chapter explores evidence for who QAnon poster(s) might have been. The authors demonstrate how the QAnon conspiracy theories are modeled on prior antisemitic conspiracy theories, notably the fictitious pamphlet, The Protocols of the Elders of Zion (1902/1903) produced in Russia. The QAnon conspiracy theory that Democrats and their Hollywood elite supporters kidnap and torture children to extract a chemical that they use to keep themselves youthful is a reformulation of the old “blood libel” Christian conspiracy theory against Jews. Democrats are also accused of child sex-trafficking in the QAnon conspiracy theories. The chapter describes QAnon as a collection of conspiracy theories with believers continuing to create new variations.Chapter 2, which examines the 6 January 2021 insurrection, links former President Donald Trump’s supporters’ belief in QAnon conspiracy theories with the attempt to overthrow the outcome of the 2020 presidential election by attacking Congress. The chapter delves into contributing factors for people’s acceptance of QAnon conspiracy theories, including former military personnel suffering from PTSD, troubled family or personal backgrounds, and the monetization of QAnon merchandise. QAnon was marketed to women’s concerns about protecting children in posts in pastel colors. The authors argue that the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent shutdowns and social isolation contributed to more people reading QAnon conspiracy theories online and becoming converted.Chapter 3 looks at the radicalization of QAnon believers. It discusses how QAnon adherents say their conversion is similar to the character Neo in The Matrix (1999), who takes a red pill that awakens him to reality. This chapter also considers the QAnon belief in Trump as a savior, “the ultimate masculine hero who would rescue abused children” (100). In this regard, Bloom and Moskalenko argue that QAnon is “a kind of religion” (98). According to the authors,FolQlore satisfies four important needs for QAnon followers: a need to feel smart (cognitive utility); a need to feel connected (social utility); a need to feel positive emotions (emotional utility); and a need to feel like one’s life has a purpose (personal utility). (104)Chapter 4 explores the movement after the 6 January 2021 assault against the Capitol, when QAnon believers sorted themselves into “the Diehards,” “the Doubters,” and “the Defectors.” Strategies to promote critical thinking and social media literacy among Americans are discussed. The authors assert that online efforts to utilize QAnon to divide Americans have particularly originated from Russia (123–4, 132). Concerning the types of people who attacked the Capitol on 6 January, the chapter cites studies concluding that 68 percent of those individuals had psychopathologies (137). Steven Hassan’s theory of mind control is mentioned briefly (141) but not emphasized. Reflecting Moskalenko’s background in psychology, the authors recommend mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) formulated by Jon Kabat-Zinn as a way that people can cope with their concerns without resorting to conspiracy theories (147–8).Chapter 5, “Qontagion,” traces the spread of QAnon conspiracy theories worldwide and the appeal of QAnon to evangelical Christians. The role of Vladimir Putin utilizing online trolls to spread QAnon conspiracy theories in social media is also considered. The authors conclude that “QAnon’s spread is a well-executed psyop…a speciality of Putin’s KGB training” (169).The final chapter, “FAQs,” answers questions about QAnon, including how best to deal with family members who are QAnon adherents with varying levels of commitment and radicalization.Pastels and Pedophiles is an indispensable study of all aspects of the QAnon conspiracy theories for scholars studying and teaching about the movement.

Systemic Sclerosis Patients Experiencing Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program: The Beneficial Effect on Their Psychological Status and Quality of Life.

Psychological concerns in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) patients represent an important issue and should be addressed through non-pharmacological treatments. Thus, the aim of the present study was to assess the effects of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program on psychological variables and the perspectives and experiences of patients with an SSc diagnosis. Notably, 32 SSc patients were enrolled and assigned to either the intervention (MBSR) group or the waitlist group. Inclusion criteria were (i) age ≥ 18 years, SSc diagnosis according to EULAR/ACR diagnostic criteria and informed consent. Exclusion criteria were previous participation in any Mind-Body Therapy or psychiatric diagnosis. Quantitative and qualitative outcomes were investigated through clinometric questionnaires and individual interviews. MBSR did not significantly impact outcomes such as physical functionality, anxiety, hopelessness, depression, physical health status, perceived stress, mindfulness and mental health status. For the anger evaluation, statistically significant differences are found for both controlling and expressing anger, indicating that the MBSR program had a favorable impact. As for qualitative results, more awareness of daily activities, stress reduction in terms of recognizing the causes and implementing self-strategies to prevent them, adherence to therapy, and recognition of the effect of medication on their bodies were reported. In conclusion, it is important to highlight the absence of negative or side effects of the MBSR program and the positive impact on patients' experience and perspective; thus, we suggest this approach should be taken into account for SSc patients.

Enhanced electroencephalography effective connectivity in frontal low-gamma band correlates of emotional regulation after mindfulness training.

Practicing mindfulness, focusing attention on the internal and external experiences occurring in the present moment with open and nonjudgement stance, can lead to the development of emotional regulation skills. Yet, the effective connectivity of brain regions during mindfulness has been largely unexplored. Studies have shown that mindfulness practice promotes functional connectivity in practitioners, potentially due to improved emotional regulation abilities and increased connectivity in the lateral prefrontal areas. To examine the changes in effective connectivity due to mindfulness training, we analyzed electroencephalogram (EEG) signals taken before and after mindfulness training, focusing on training-related effective connectivity changes in the frontal area. The mindfulness training group participated in an 8-week mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program. The control group did not take part. Regardless of the specific mindfulness practice used, low-gamma band effective connectivity increased globally after the mindfulness training. High-beta band effective connectivity increased globally only during Breathing. Moreover, relatively higher outgoing effective connectivity strength was seen during Resting and Breathing and Body-scan. By analyzing the changes in outgoing and incoming connectivity edges, both F7 and F8 exhibited strong parietal connectivity during Resting and Breathing. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the changes in effective connectivity of the right lateral prefrontal area predicted mindfulness and emotional regulation abilities. These results partially support the theory that the lateral prefrontal areas have top-down modulatory control, as these areas have high outflow effective connectivity, implying that mindfulness training cultivates better emotional regulation.

The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Police Officers' Stress Reduction: a Systematic Review.

The profession of a police officer is associated with high levels of stress, which can have harmful consequences for officers' personal lives, the police organisation, and society. This systematic review aims to synthesise recent literature on the effectiveness of mindfulness-based intervention related to stress reduction (MBIs) in a sample of police officers. The search of relevant articles was applied in four databases (SpringerLink, Web of Science, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), and PubMed), using the following inclusion criteria: (1) study involved police officers; (2) study used (quasi)experimental research design; (3) mindfulness-based stress reduction intervention was applied as the main intervention; and (4) study presented pre- and post-intervention measures and quantitative results of stress. The systematic review of eight articles included in the analysis revealed that MBIs were effective in reducing police officers' stress and other stress-related outcomes (sleep problems, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), negative affect, burnout).

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) in the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A literature review

Background. Previous reviews have concluded that whilst mindfulness-based interventions reduce PTSD symptoms through fear extinction and cognitive restructuring, further research is needed. Objective. The aim of this report is to systematically review existing literature about the association between standardized mindfulness-based interventions and PTSD with the aim of identifying implications for practice and recommendations for future research. Method. The CINAHL Complete, PsycINFO, Medline, and PsycArticles databases were searched, looking for full-text articles from 2018 up to march 2022. Results. There was a significant improvement in PTSD symptoms in MBCT participants, even if some experienced a high increase at baseline. MBSR participants with moderate to severe trauma symptoms showed a greater reduction in symptoms whereas mild trauma symptoms at baseline showed slightly higher symptomatology at the end of treatment. Discussion and conclusion. From the results, MBCT, MBSR, and their variations seem to tackle different domains of the diagnosis. Whilst MBSR is associated with improvements in terms of attentional difficulties, MBCT facilitates the connection between dysfunctional cognitive concepts and avoidant behaviours that maintain the symptomatology. Nevertheless, the active components of MBCT or MBSR that have an impact on symptom reduction are undetermined. Future studies will be enhanced by monitoring the change in underlying mechanisms attached to the practice of mindfulness through outcome measurements, among other considerations.

The HEADS: UP Development Study: Working with Key Stakeholders to Adapt a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Course for People with Anxiety and Depression after Stroke.

Following stroke, rates of mood disorder are and remain high at five years (anxiety 34.4%; depression 23%). Structured mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) courses are effective in a range of health conditions, but stroke survivors find adherence challenging. We aimed to adapt a standard MBSR course specifically for people affected by stroke. We recruited stroke survivors and family members with symptoms of anxiety and/or depression to take part in a co-development study comprising two rounds of MBSR 'taster' sessions, followed by focus groups in which views were sought on the practices sampled. Data were collected in October 2017 and May 2018 and were analysed using framework analysis, informed adaptations to mindfulness materials and delivery. Twenty-eight stroke survivors and seven family members participated. Nineteen (76%) stroke survivors had anxiety; 15 (60%) had depression. Five (71.4%) family members reported anxiety; n = 4 (57.1%) depression. Thirty participants attended the first round of taster sessions and focus groups; twenty (66%) the second and three (10%) were unable to attend either round. Framework analysis informed adaptations to course delivery, practices, and materials, ultimately resulting in a stroke-specific MBSR course, HEADS: UP (Helping Ease Anxiety and Depression after Stroke). HEADS: UP may provide a feasible, appropriate, and meaningful self-management intervention to help alleviate symptoms of mood disorder.

Systematic Review of Psychological Interventions for Quality of Life, Mental Health, and Hair Growth in Alopecia Areata and Scarring Alopecia.

Alopecia is associated with significant psychological burden. There is limited evidence on the use of psychological interventions in conditions of hair loss. This manuscript systematically reviews the current state of literature on psychological treatments for quality of life, mental health, and hair growth in various forms of alopecia. PubMed and Embase were searched with predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Reference lists were also examined for relevant studies. Nine articles met our criteria and are included in this review. Eight of the articles related to alopecia areata and one related to scarring alopecia. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) was found to improve quality of life-related subjective symptoms, relationship impacts, anxiety, phobia, distress, and psychological symptom intensity. Alopecia-specific collocated behavioral health (CLBH) treatment showed a trend for psychosocial improvement in areas such as appearance shame, activity avoidance, negative emotions, and coping. Hypnotherapy was found to improve anxiety and depression, quality of life measures, and alexithymia. There was also some evidence for significant hair growth with hypnosis, but the data are mixed. Psychotherapy combined with immunotherapy led to more hair growth, and supported self-confidence. Finally, coping strategies modulated the subjective burden of alopecia, and were associated with disease improvement. Further research will be necessary to better establish the efficacy and optimal administration of these interventions in alopecia.

The effects of short interventions of focused-attention vs. self-compassion mindfulness meditation on undergraduate students: Evidence from self-report, classroom performance, and ERPs.

Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) training has been shown to improve cognitive processing, wellbeing, and academic performance. However, mindfulness interventions that are integrated into non-mindfulness related courses have not been well-investigated. Further, the unique effects of different aspects of MBSR training are not as well understood. This paper examines the effects that are uniquely associated with focused-attention versus self-compassion mindfulness practices utilizing a multi-method approach. Event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded during an Emotional Flanker task, and self-report measures of wellbeing and measures of classroom performance were collected before and after training. Participants were students in two sections of the same undergraduate course and either completed 10 weeks of focused-attention practice or self-compassion practice that was built into their class sessions. Students in the focused-attention group (mean age = 22.08) had reduced interference effects on their reaction times following the training. Students in the self-compassion group (mean age = 23.91) showed altered processing of conflict on negative trials via the N2 and P3 ERP amplitudes after the training. This group also reported significant improvements in wellbeing and performed significantly better on more class tests compared to the focused-attention group. These data support the effectiveness of incorporating brief, simplified mindfulness practices in any classroom as an intervention to improve attention, wellbeing and classroom performance.

The Experience of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Menopausal Symptoms, Sleep Disturbance, and Body Image among Patients with Breast Cancer-A Qualitative Study.

The objective was to decrease patient menopausal symptoms, sleep disturbance, and body image using a nonpharmacological therapy for cultivating key healthy lifestyle habits in patients with breast cancer. The participants were 26 women with breast cancer who had recently received structured mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) training in a clinical trial. Focus groups and interviews were conducted, during which the participants were asked semistructured, open-ended questions regarding the experiences of MBSR. The participants indicated that MBSR helped them to alleviate hot flashes and night sweats, and improve sleep quality and be more at ease with the external aspect of their body. On the other hand, during MBSR intervention in a group manner, the participants felt more psychological support and an outlet for sharing negative emotional experiences. This study identified the short-term benefits associated with group-based MBSR for women with breast cancer. In addition, our research identified the difficulties of intervention measures and coping methods. The study described the benefits of MBSR for patients with breast cancer. The findings of this study will help nursing staff identify the main coping menopausal symptoms and control negative mental health.

Mindful parenting-A thematic exploration of narratives from Indian mothers.

With the global crisis of COVID-19 continuing, Indian mothers have not received adequate attention with respect to their challenges and mothering experiences. The current study explored mindful parenting practices in a cohort of Indian mothers of children aged 10 years and below that emerged in response to the challenges posed by COVID-19. In-depth virtual interviews were conducted with 31 urban Indian mothers to explore their lived experiences of mothering during the global crisis and their engagements with mindful parenting practices. The data were thematically analyzed. The study identified two overarching themes and nine subthemes. The first theme, pandemic-induced stress, included the sub-themes of increased workload, poor support system, lack of time for self, and emotional and physical distress. The second theme of mindful parenting included the sub-themes of awareness as a mother and around the child, acceptance toward self and the child, empathic understanding of self and the child, active engagement with the child, and emotional regulation. Increased workload on all fronts coupled with poor support and a lack of time for self-contributed to exacerbated emotional and physical stress in mothers. They addressed these concerns posed by their lived experiences by engaging in mindful parenting processes in their mothering practices. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction, and mindfulness-based parenting techniques could be explored as possible interventions for mothers to alleviate their distress while drawing attention to larger structural changes and policy-level interventions addressing social issues such as gender inequality and childcare concerns.

The effect of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program on the level of perceived stress and geriatric depression in older adults: a randomised controlled study.

This study aims to reveal the effect of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program on the perceived stress and geriatric depression levels of older adults. The data of this randomised controlled experimental study were obtained from older adults living in a nursing home in Turkey, between May and November, 2021. The target population consisted of 54 older adults living in the specified nursing home, and the sample consisted of 48 older adults who met the inclusion criteria (n=24 intervention group, n=24 control group). The MBSR program was applied to the older adults in the intervention group. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form, the Perceived Stress Scale, and the Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form. It was revealed that the MBSR program led to a 54.7% decrease in the perceived stress total scores of the participants, and a 49.9% and 49.8% decrease in the sub-dimensions of perceived insufficient self-efficacy and perceived stress/distress, respectively. It was also found that the program reduced geriatric depression scores by 14.1% and created a significant effect (P < 0.05). It can be concluded that the MBSR program is an effective method in reducing the perceived stress and geriatric depression levels of older adults. This effect has been maintained 1 month after the completion of the program.

Designing voice interfaces to support mindfulness-based pain management.

Chronic pain is a critical public health issue affecting approximately 20% of the adult population in the United States. Given the opioid crisis, there has been an urgent focus on non-addictive pain management methods including mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR). Prior work has successfully used MBSR for pain management. However, ensuring longitudinal engagement in MBSR practices remains a serious challenge. In this work, we explore the utility of a voice interface to support MBSR home practice. We interviewed 10 mindfulness program facilitators to understand how such a technology might fit in the context of the MBSR class and identify potential usability issues with our prototype. We then used directed content analysis to identify key themes and sub-themes within the interview data. Our findings show that facilitators supported the use of the voice interface for MBSR, particularly for individuals with limited motor function. Facilitators also highlighted the unique affordances of voice interfaces, including perceived social presence, to support sustained engagement. We demonstrate the acceptability of a voice interface to support home practice for MBSR participants among trained mindfulness facilitators. Based on our findings, we outline design recommendations for technologies aiming to provide longitudinal support for mindfulness-based interventions. Future work should further these efforts toward making non-addictive pain management interventions accessible and efficacious for a wide audience of users.

Can mindfulness-based stress reduction relieve depressive symptoms? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is becoming more and more popular in treating depressive symptoms, but previous studies have come to different conclusions. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of MBSR in alleviating depressive symptoms. A systematic search was conducted across seven electronic databases: Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, the Cochrane Library, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar. Meta-analytic methods were applied by using random-effect models. The quality was assessed with the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Thirty-two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 37 independent effect sizes were eligible for the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis revealed that MBSR showed significant improvements on depressive symptoms compared to the control group, and the intervention effects were more significant for people with major depression disorder. However, neither cultural background nor sample origin had significant effects on the results of intervention. In addition, there was no publication bias in the meta-analysis, and the sensitivity analysis results indicated that the result was reliable. Findings suggests that MBSR can improve depressive symptoms, and future studies should consider the effects of different levels of depression to improve the intervention benefits of MBSR.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Our Time: A Curriculum that is up to the Task.

There is current heightened public consciousness of the intersecting challenges of social and racial injustice, other forms of inequity, and the climate and biodiversity crisis. We examine how these current realities influence how we engage as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Program (MBP) teachers and researchers. Although Kabat-Zinn developed MBSR as a vehicle to enable engagement with both the individual and the collective drivers of distress and flourishing, predominant research and practice trends within the MBP field have prioritised individual wellbeing, and have not been accessible to the full societal demographic. Furthermore, there is increasing recognition that the systemic social inequities that influence access to public services have not been addressed in the MBP field. In response, there is now an increasing trend exploring how MBP participation can influence 'bigger than self' concerns, with research, practice and theory suggesting that the inner personal transformation that mindfulness practice enables, supports individuals to compassionately reconnect to self, other and the natural world in ways that foster prosocial behaviour change, and enables awareness building of personal bias and conditioning. In this paper we present perspectives on ways of both retaining fidelity to the existing MBSR program, and simultaneously embracing anti-oppression teaching methods and content, and an inclusive recognition of the micro, meso and macro causes and conditions that drive distress and flourishing. We are a group of racially diverse MBP teachers and trainers from both sides of the Atlantic, who are engaged in training initiatives with people from Black, Latinex, Indigenous, Asian, and People of Color communities.

Caring for Informal Dementia Caregivers and Their Loved Ones Via the HOMeCARE Exercise and Mindfulness for Health Program (HOMeCARE): A Randomized, Single-Blind, Controlled Trial.

Objective: To investigate the effects of a dyadic intervention of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) for informal dementia caregivers and home-based balance and progressive resistance training (PRT) for their loved ones. Methods: The study was a two arm, randomized, controlled, single-blinded, parallel-group trial. Dyads were randomized to an intervention group: an 8-week MBSR course (daily) and an 8-week PRT and balance training (3 days/week) for their loved ones or a waiting list control group. Results: Nine dyads were randomized [caregivers: median age 75 (40-81) years, loved ones: 77 (73-88) years]. The intervention significantly improved caregiver mindfulness [relative effect size (95% confidence interval) 1.35 (-0.10, 2.81); p = .009] and functional mobility in their loved ones [mean difference (95% confidence interval) 1.53 (-3.09, 6.14)] with no significant effects on caregiver burden [relative effect size (95% confidence interval) 0.22 (-1.09, 1.54); p = .622]. Conclusion: The study appeared feasible in the home environment and future large and longer trials should test the efficacy of a more abbreviated MBSR intervention and to optimize adoption and sustain adherence over time. Trial registry name: HOMeCare: Caring for the Dementia Caregiver and their Loved One via the HOMeCare Exercise and Mindfulness for Health Program Trial URL: https://www.australianclinicaltrials.gov.au/anzctr/trial/ACTRN12617000347369 Registration number: ACTRN12617000347369.