Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction Research Articles

The Effectiveness of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Training on Increasing of Emotional Intelligence, Job Satisfaction and Mental Health of a Petroleum Employees

Background and Aim: One of the major challenges of managers at different levels of the organization is how to create a suitable platform for employees so that they can perform their duties properly with responsibility and a sense of commitment, have the ability to adapt and adapt to the environment and enjoy their work and life. The main goal of this study was to investigate the Effectiveness of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction training on increasing of emotional intelligence, job satisfaction and mental health of a petrochemical employees. Methods: The research method of this study was a quasi-experimental pre-test-post-test type with a control group, and the statistical population of this research was consisted off all employees who referred to the occupational health center of this Petrochemical company in June 2022. Among a statistical sample of 200 male volunteers who referred to this center, those their GHQ-28 score were one standard deviation above the cutoff point, 40 individuals were selected by purposive sampling method and randomly divided them to two experimental and control groups. The experimental group underwent eight sessions of 90-minute mindfulness-based stress reduction training (Kabat Zain, 2003), but the control group did not receive any training. The research instruments were the emotional intelligence questionnaire (Bradbury & Greaves, 2005), the general health questionnaire (Goldberg & Hillier, 1978) and the Minnesota job satisfaction questionnaire (Weiss, Davis, England, and Lafquist, 1977). SPSS-24 was used for statistical analysis of data. Results: The results of multivariate covariance analysis showed that mindfulness-based stress reduction training is effective on emotional intelligence, mental health, and job satisfaction. Also, the results indicated that mindfulness-based stress reduction training was also effective on the subscales of emotional intelligence and mental health. Conclusion: Therefore, it can be concluded that stress reduction training based on mindfulness can be used to increase emotional intelligence, mental health and job satisfaction of employees in industrial companies.

The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Emotion Regulation, Pain Self-Efficacy, and Pain Perception in Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases

The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Emotion Regulation, Pain Self-Efficacy, and Pain Perception in Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases

The Reliability of Rating via Audio-Recording Using the Mindfulness-Based Interventions: Teaching Assessment Criteria.

The Mindfulness-Based Interventions: Teaching Assessment Criteria (MBI:TAC) is an important tool for assessing teacher skill and aspects of the fidelity of mindfulness-based interventions, but prior research on and implementation of the MBI:TAC has used video recordings, which can be difficult to obtain, share for assessments, and which increase privacy concerns for participants. Audio-only recordings might be a useful alternative, but their reliability is unknown. To assess evaluator perception of the rating process and inter-rater reliability of MBI:TAC ratings using audio-only recordings. We prepared audio-only files from video recordings of 21 previously rated Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction teachers. Each audio recording was rated by 3 trained MBI:TAC assessors drawn from a pool of 12 who had previously participated in rating the video recordings. Teachers were rated by evaluators who had not viewed the video recording and did not know the teacher. We then conducted semi-structured interviews with evaluators. On the 6 MBI:TAC domains, the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for audio recordings ranged from .53 to .69 using an average across 3 evaluators. Using a single rating resulted in lower ICCs (.27-.38). Bland-Altman plots showed audio ratings had little consistent bias compared to video recordings and agreed more closely for teachers with higher ratings. Qualitative analysis identified 3 themes: video recordings were particularly helpful when rating less skillful teachers, video recordings tended to provide a more complete picture for rating, and audio rating had some positive features. Inter-rater reliability of the MBI:TAC using audio-only recordings was adequate for many research and clinical purposes, and reliability is improved when using an average across several evaluators. Ratings using audio-only recordings may be more challenging when rating less experienced teachers.

Effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction program on emotion regulation and obsessive-compulsive symptoms of children with obsessive-compulsive disorder

Aim: the purpose of this research was to investigate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction program on emotion regulation and obsessive-compulsive symptoms of children with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Method: In terms of the objective, the current research was of an applied type, and in terms of the research design and method, it was a quasi-experimental design with a pre-test and post-test design with an experimental group and a control group and a three-month follow-up period. Therefore, the statistical population of the study included all children aged 6 to 11 years who were referred to psychotherapy and counseling centers in Tehran's 3rd district in 2022 for having obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Then, 40 people were selected by purposeful sampling and randomly assigned to an experimental group (20 people) and a control group (20 people). Finally, Alexander et al.'s (2012) mindfulness-based stress reduction program was administered to the experimental group. In order to collect data, the research tools of Gross and John (2003) emotion theory questionnaires and Goodman's algebraic obsession scale (1989) were used. In order to statistically analyze the data, frequency distribution tables were used in the descriptive part, and in the inferential part of the data analysis, mixed variance analysis with repeated measurements and Bonferroni's post hoc test and SPSS software version 26 were used. Results: The F value and the significance level of the obtained value were obtained in the variable of symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (F = 12.22 and P = 0.001) and emotion regulation (F = 11.78 and P = 0.001). Therefore, it can be concluded that the independent variable (the effectiveness of the mindfulness-based stress reduction program) significantly changed the dependent variables (obsessive compulsive disorder symptoms and emotion regulation). This means that the changes made in the dependent variables were caused by the implementation of the effectiveness of the mindfulness-based stress reduction program on the members of the experimental group. Moreover, the results of the post-hoc test indicated the stability of the effectiveness of the therapy on the research variables. Conclusion: Based on the available findings, it can be concluded that the stress reduction program based on mindfulness has been effective on emotion regulation and obsessive-compulsive symptoms of children with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Therefore, this program can be used in the treatment of children with obsessive-compulsive disorder

Retracted: Clinical Observation on the Nursing Effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Combined with Solution-Focused Brief Therapy in Uremic Peritoneal Dialysis Patients and Influence on Nutritional Status.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1155/2021/3751585.].

Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Reducing Somatization and Attachment Anxiety: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Reducing Somatization and Attachment Anxiety: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Heart Rate Variability and Perceived Stress in Teacher Training: Facing the Reality Shock With Mindfulness?

The beginning of the career of teachers is a demanding phase. In the combined roles of teacher and trainee, and in the shift from academic to practical learning, trainee teachers have to acquire competencies in teaching as well as coping with stress. In this phase, the phenomenon of "reality shock" is widely observed. A mindfulness training was developed to support teacher trainees during their first year. This intervention study investigated perceived and physiological stress at teachers' career start and the stress reducing effects of the mindfulness training in this phase. In a quasi-experimental design, 19 out of 42 participants from this sample underwent mindfulness-based stress reduction training and a wait-list control group (N = 23) underwent a compact course after post measurements. We measured physiological stress parameters and perceived stress at 3 different time points. Heart rate signals were acquired in ambulatory assessment sequences, including teaching, rest periods, and cognitive tasks. The data were analyzed in linear mixed-effects models. We found high physiological stress in the very beginning of teacher training, which attenuated over time. The mindfulness intervention only led to a greater reduction in heart rate (d = .53 to .74) in situations where the intervention group had shown higher heart rate levels initially, but not in heart rate variability. However, the mindfulness group significantly reduced (d = .63) their perceived stress and maintained (d = .55) this improvement, while the control group maintained a highly elevated perceived stress level throughout. The mindfulness training could reduce subjective stress, which otherwise seems to be a long-lasting aspect of beginning teachers' "reality shock". Indications of a superior reduction of physiological stress in demanding situations were weak, while generally, undue physiological stress seems to be a temporary phenomenon in the initial phase of teacher induction.

A Brief Measure of Fidelity for Mindfulness Programs: Development and Evaluation of the Concise Fidelity for Mindfulness-Based Interventions Tool.

Mindfulness research and clinical programs are widespread, and it is important that mindfulness-based interventions are delivered with fidelity, or as intended, across settings. The MBI:TAC is a comprehensive system for assessing teacher competence, yet it can be complex to implement. A standardized, simple fidelity/engagement tool to address treatment delivery is needed. We describe the development, evaluation, and outcomes of a brief, practical tool for assessing fidelity and engagement in online mindfulness-based programs. The tool contains questions about session elements such as meditation guidance and group discussion, and questions about participant engagement and technology-based barriers to engagement. The fidelity rating tool was developed and tested in OPTIMUM, Optimizing Pain Treatment in Medical settings Using Mindfulness. The OPTIMUM study is a 3-site pragmatic randomized trial of group medical visits and adapted mindfulness-based stress reduction for primary care patients with chronic low back pain, delivered online. Two trained study personnel independently rated 26 recorded OPTIMUM sessions to determine inter-rater reliability of the Concise Fidelity for Mindfulness-Based Interventions (CoFi-MBI) tool. Trained raters also completed the CoFi-MBI for 105 sessions. Raters provided qualitative data via optional open text fields within the tool. Inter-rater agreement was 77-100% for presence of key session components, and 69-88% for Likert ratings of participant engagement and challenges related to technology, with discrepancies only occurring within 2 categories: 'very much' and 'quite a bit'. Key session components occurred as intended in 94-100% of the 105 sessions, and participant engagement was rated as 'very much' or 'quite a bit' in 95% of the sessions. Qualitative analysis of rater comments revealed themes related to engagement challenges and technology failures. The CoFi-MBI provides a practical way to assess basic adherence to online delivery of mindfulness session elements, participant engagement, and extent of technology obstacles. Optional text can guide strategies to improve engagement and reduce technology barriers.

Qualitative Meta-Analysis of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Meditation (MBSR) Experiences

Qualitative Meta-Analysis of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Meditation (MBSR) Experiences

Effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction on depression, anxiety, and stress of women with the early loss of pregnancy in southeast Iran: a randomized control trial

BackgroundThe loss of the fetus may cause mental health problems in women. The present study aimed to determine the effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) on anxiety, depression, and stress in women with early pregnancy loss.Methods This study was performed on 106 women with early pregnancy loss in Shiraz, Iran. The intervention group underwent eight counselling sessions. Pre-test and post-test were performed in both groups with the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS) 21 questionnaire. Data were analyzed by SPSS 23.Results There was a statistically significant difference between the mean scores in the intervention group vs. the control group in terms of anxiety (7.9 ± 1.07 vs. 13.79 ± 5.36, respectively), stress (9.26 ± 1.25 vs.18.13 ± 7.66, respectively), and depression (7.83 ± 1.05 vs.16.26 ± 11.06, respectively) (P < 0.0001).ConclusionsMBSR can be suggested to promote women's mental health.

The Effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Restless Legs Syndrome in Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: There is currently no definitive cure for restless legs syndrome (RLS), and the common treatments are only used to reduce symptoms. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is an intervention that has shown beneficial effects in many mental and physical disorders.Purpose: This study aimed to determine the effect of MBSR on RLS in hemodialysis patients.Methods: This study was a randomized clinical trial involving 60 hemodialysis patients with RLS recruited by convenience sampling each group. Inclusion criteria were patients with RLS diagnosis, age 18-65, Hb&gt;10, no cognitive disorders, ability to read and write, no vision or hearing problems, and history of hemodialysis ≥6 months. The intervention group received eight sessions of the MBSR program, and the control group received routine care in a government dialysis center. International Restless Legs Syndrome Scale and Restless Legs Syndrome Severity Scale were used to measure RLS. Statistical analyses were conducted using independent and pair t-test and ANCOVA.Results: Significant difference was found in the severity the RLS (Mean(SD) score) between the intervention group (12.90(4.58)) and the control group (22.27(4.19)) (95% CI:-11.66 to -7.08, p&lt;0.0001). The effect size between groups was obtained based on Cohen’s d of 2.13.Conclusion: MBSR showed a significant reduction in the severity of RLS in hemodialysis patients. This preliminary study suggests that MBSR can be a promising treatment option in the management of RLS patients.

Effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction training on rumination in patients with breast cancer

BackgroundBreast cancer has been a serious public health dilemma for women worldwide, with not only physical and social impairments but also psychological stress responses such as rumination. Rumination is a constant preoccupation with thoughts. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction training in lowering rumination among women diagnosed with breast cancer.MethodThis randomized controlled trial with a pretest, posttest, control group, and one-month follow-up design included 46 female breast cancer survivors, recruited from the clinics and hematology wards of Bushehr, Iran. The inclusion criterion was that at least three months should have passed since the last chemotherapy/radiotherapy. The participants were randomly assigned to two experimental and control groups. The experimental group received eight sessions of mindfulness-based stress reduction training. A demographic information form and a rumination questionnaire were used for data collection, and the participants completed the questionnaire in the pretest, posttest, and follow-up stages. Chi-square, Mann–Whitney U, and repeated-measures ANOVA were used to analyze the data. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsThere was no significant difference in the rumination scores of the experimental group at three measurement stages. For the control group, the mean rumination scores on the posttest and follow-up were both significantly higher than on the pre-test (P < 0.001). The control group's mean follow-up rumination score was significantly higher than that of the post-test (P = 0.02). A comparison of the two groups adjusted for the baseline showed a significant difference between them in terms of the mean rumination score on the post-test (P = 0.01) and follow-up (P < 0.001).ConclusionThe experimental group was more successful in avoiding increased rumination than the control group, an ability that can be attributed to the effect of mindfulness training. The use of this method is recommended because it is non-invasive, non-pharmacological, free from complications, and can be easily performed by women. However, future studies should consider larger samples and long-term follow-ups.

Mapping, Meeting and Modulating Stress and Emotion: Combining Mindfulness and the Workable Ranges Model

This article examines the practice of combining explorations of regulated and dysregulated states through the Workable Ranges Model (WRM) with the skills and qualities taught in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). MBSR was designed to help participants to self-regulate stress. Didactic teaching about stress reactivity is part of the curriculum and may contribute to positive outcomes. A practice-based embodied methodology utilised mindful inquiry in research methods. Seven graduates of MBSR courses that included the WRM became conceptual encounter research partners. Following a re-presentation of the WRM, data were gathered through a diagrammatic diary exercise, post-meditation inquiry and a group discussion. Reflexive thematic analysis identified an overarching theme that the WRM was a dynamic map for exploring stability and stress. Two non-hierarchical themes articulated interrelated self-reflective activities associated with using the WRM as a map. Mapping involved charting regulated and dysregulated embodied experience. Meeting was the embodied application to mindfulness practice. Modulating states through intentional orienting to and resourcing mindful self-regulation and self-care grew out of the mapping and meeting practices. The WRM provided a form and set of words to name mind-body states, and to develop and apply insights about them. The WRM was used to shape new meanings about the relationship between mindfulness and regulated and dysregulated experience. This is theorised through its connection with embodied metaphors. The combination of the WRM and mindfulness worked to frame and progress mindful self-regulation. The WRM may be a valuable resource for mindfulness teachers to support self-regulation and mental health.

The role of mind body interventions in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome and fibromyalgia.

Irritable bowel syndrome and fibromyalgia share similar pathophysiologic mechanisms including sensitization of peripheral and central pain pathways, autonomic dysfunction and are often co-diagnosed. Co-diagnosed patients experience increased symptom severity, mental health comorbidities, and decreased quality of life. The role of mind-body interventions, which have significant effects on central pain syndromes and autonomic dysregulation, have not been well-described in co-diagnosed patients. The aim of this state-of-the art narrative review is to explore the relationship between irritable bowel syndrome and fibromyalgia, and to evaluate the current evidence and mechanism of action of mind-body therapies in these two conditions. The PubMed database was searched without date restrictions for articles published in English using the following keywords: fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, mind-body interventions, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness based stress reduction, and yoga. Mind-body interventions resulted in improved patient-reported outcomes, and are effective for irritable bowel syndrome and fibromyalgia individually. Specifically, cognitive behavioral therapy and yoga trials showed decreased symptom severity, improved mental health, sleep and quality of life for both conditions individually, while yoga trials demonstrated similar benefits with improvements in both physical outcomes (gastrointestinal symptoms, pain/tenderness scores, insomnia, and physical functioning), mental health outcomes (anxiety, depression, gastrointestinal-specific anxiety, and catastrophizing), and quality of life, possibly due to alterations in autonomic activity. Mind-body interventions especially CBT and yoga improve patient-reported outcomes in both irritable bowel syndrome and fibromyalgia individually. However, limited available data in co-diagnosed patients warrant high quality trials to better tailor programs to patient needs.

Mindfulness-based stress reduction for men on active surveillance for prostate cancer and their spouses: Design and methodology of a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundAlthough active surveillance (AS) is an increasingly adopted treatment paradigm for management of very low risk prostate cancer, many men and their partners face a variety of AS-related psychosocial stressors. Stressors may include anxiety and fear of progression, which may negatively affect short- and long-term psychosocial adjustment and influence early withdrawal from AS in order to seek definitive therapies such as surgery or radiation. Here we describe the protocol for an NCI-funded trial, which seeks to examine the efficacy of mindfulness training compared with a time/attention-matched health promotion control condition in a geographically generalizable sample of men on AS and their spouses. MethodsUsing a randomized, controlled, partially double-blinded study design, this study involves the delivery of 8 weeks of standardized mindfulness training (MBSR; mindfulness-based stress reduction) and patient reported outcomes over a 12-month period (proposed enrollment of 80 men on AS and spouses), compared with a health promotion control (proposed enrollment of 80 men on AS and spouses) that has been matched for time and attention. Baseline (T1) measures (e.g., anxiety, fear of progression, quality of life) are administered just prior to randomization to the two study arms, followed by repeated assessments at 2 months (T2), 6 months (T3) and 12 months (T4). ConclusionThis study has the potential to offer men and their partners on AS with important educational and self−regulatory skills to better cope and adjust with known stressors related to being placed on this protocol.

Immediate effects of short-term meditation on sensorimotor rhythm-based brain-computer interface performance.

Meditation has been shown to enhance a user's ability to control a sensorimotor rhythm (SMR)-based brain-computer interface (BCI). For example, prior work have demonstrated that long-term meditation practices and an 8-week mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) training have positive behavioral and neurophysiological effects on SMR-based BCI. However, the effects of short-term meditation practice on SMR-based BCI control are still unknown. In this study, we investigated the immediate effects of a short, 20-minute meditation on SMR-based BCI control. Thirty-seven subjects performed several runs of one-dimensional cursor control tasks before and after two types of 20-minute interventions: a guided mindfulness meditation exercise and a recording of a narrator reading a journal article. We found that there is no significant change in BCI performance and Electroencephalography (EEG) BCI control signal following either 20-minute intervention. Moreover, the change in BCI performance between the meditation group and the control group was found to be not significant. The present results suggest that a longer period of meditation is needed to improve SMR-based BCI control.

Internet delivered, non-inferiority, two-arm, assessor-blinded intervention comparing mindfulness-based stress reduction and cognitive-behavioral treatment for insomnia: a protocol study for a randomized controlled trial for nursing staff with insomnia

BackgroundInsomnia and poor sleep quality are highly prevalent conditions related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) complications among clinical nurses. Although cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is a first-line treatment, CBT-I suffers from several major drawbacks. This study investigates whether the application of the internet-delivered mindfulness-based stress reduction (iMBSR) intervention will produce effects that are non-inferior to the internet-delivered CBT-I (iCBT-I) intervention in reducing the severity of insomnia in clinical nurses with insomnia at the end of the study.MethodsThis study protocol presents an internet-delivered, parallel-groups, assessor-blinded, two-arm, non-inferiority randomized controlled trial. The primary outcome is sleep quality, assessed by the Insomnia Severity Index. Secondary outcomes include depression, dysfunctional beliefs, five facets of mindfulness, and client satisfaction.ConclusionIt is expected that this study may address several gaps in the literature. The non-inferiority study design is a novel approach to evaluating whether a standardized, complementary treatment (i.e., MBSR) is as practical as a gold standard treatment rather than its potential benefits. This approach may lead to expanded evidence-based practice and improve patient access to effective treatments.Trial registrationTrial registration number: ISRCTN36198096. Registered on 24th May 2022.

Effects of Mindfulness Training and Exercise on Cognitive Function in Older Adults

Episodic memory and executive function are essential aspects of cognitive functioning that decline with aging. This decline may be ameliorable with lifestyle interventions. To determine whether mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), exercise, or a combination of both improve cognitive function in older adults. This 2 × 2 factorial randomized clinical trial was conducted at 2 US sites (Washington University in St Louis and University of California, San Diego). A total of 585 older adults (aged 65-84 y) with subjective cognitive concerns, but not dementia, were randomized (enrollment from November 19, 2015, to January 23, 2019; final follow-up on March 16, 2020). Participants were randomized to undergo the following interventions: MBSR with a target of 60 minutes daily of meditation (n = 150); exercise with aerobic, strength, and functional components with a target of at least 300 minutes weekly (n = 138); combined MBSR and exercise (n = 144); or a health education control group (n = 153). Interventions lasted 18 months and consisted of group-based classes and home practice. The 2 primary outcomes were composites of episodic memory and executive function (standardized to a mean [SD] of 0 [1]; higher composite scores indicate better cognitive performance) from neuropsychological testing; the primary end point was 6 months and the secondary end point was 18 months. There were 5 reported secondary outcomes: hippocampal volume and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex thickness and surface area from structural magnetic resonance imaging and functional cognitive capacity and self-reported cognitive concerns. Among 585 randomized participants (mean age, 71.5 years; 424 [72.5%] women), 568 (97.1%) completed 6 months in the trial and 475 (81.2%) completed 18 months. At 6 months, there was no significant effect of mindfulness training or exercise on episodic memory (MBSR vs no MBSR: 0.44 vs 0.48; mean difference, -0.04 points [95% CI, -0.15 to 0.07]; P = .50; exercise vs no exercise: 0.49 vs 0.42; difference, 0.07 [95% CI, -0.04 to 0.17]; P = .23) or executive function (MBSR vs no MBSR: 0.39 vs 0.31; mean difference, 0.08 points [95% CI, -0.02 to 0.19]; P = .12; exercise vs no exercise: 0.39 vs 0.32; difference, 0.07 [95% CI, -0.03 to 0.18]; P = .17) and there were no intervention effects at the secondary end point of 18 months. There was no significant interaction between mindfulness training and exercise (P = .93 for memory and P = .29 for executive function) at 6 months. Of the 5 prespecified secondary outcomes, none showed a significant improvement with either intervention compared with those not receiving the intervention. Among older adults with subjective cognitive concerns, mindfulness training, exercise, or both did not result in significant differences in improvement in episodic memory or executive function at 6 months. The findings do not support the use of these interventions for improving cognition in older adults with subjective cognitive concerns. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02665481.

The Dark Side of Mindfulness

Purpose: The aim of our paper is to analyze the role of mindfulness in organizational socialization, particularly how these techniques are mobilized by corporations to reshape employees’ subjectivities.&#x0D; Design/Methodology/Approach: Mindfulness is a process of awareness to moment-to-moment experience, allowing subjects to deal with emotions, sensations and thoughts in a non-judgmental way (Kabat–Zinn, 1991). Mindfulness has been characterized as the new opiate of the masses (Dawson and Turnbull, 2006) and the flagship technology of the self of neoliberal capitalism (Zizek, 2005), adjusting individuals “to the very conditions that cause their problems” (Purser, 2019, p.5). Over the past decade, several mindfulness interventions, such as MBSR (Mindfulness-based-stress reduction), have been implemented in corporate settings, aiming to improve employees’ resilience, flexibility, well-being and self-control. Recognizing that neoliberal selfhood requires individuals to rely on self-regulation devices to enhance their health and happiness, mindfulness interventions are emblematic examples of organizational socialization, as workers should undergo a set of performances to control, manage and regulate their affective states, thus increasing their productivity. By the “dark side of mindfulness”, we refer to the ways in which these practices are promoted, disseminated and applied to reconfigure workers’ subjectivities, leading to new articulations of neoliberal governmentalities coupling technologies of the self, affect and efficiency. Mindfulness becomes a disciplinary tool of self-control that aims at maximizing productivity through the moment-to-moment management of affect. Our paper draws on a qualitative methodology, including the thematic analysis of 44 papers published in the Harvard Business Review, and the examination of a specific mindfulness program carried out by the big tech corporation Amazon, which generated controversy.&#x0D; Findings: Our empirical findings are organized around four main themes: corporate mindfulness as an expansion of neoliberal selfhood; mindfulness and the ability to turn inner work into a driver of productivity; corporate mindfulness as an epiphenomenon of late capitalism; mindfulness as a technofix.&#x0D; Research Limitations: Our paper relies on a relatively limited data set, and by extending our research into a wider range of journals it would have been possible to identify alternative themes. Moreover, our theoretical framework (stemming from the neoliberal critique) may overshadow relevant phenomenological and embodied aspects.&#x0D; Theoretical and practical implications: This paper contributes to scholarship within Social Studies of Mindfulness and Organization Studies, unpacking the contemporary articulations of mindfulness, neoliberalism, affect and governmentality.

Mindfulness is associated with improved psychological well-being but no change in stress biomarkers in breast cancer survivors with depression: a single group clinical pilot study

BackgroundThe aim of this clinical single group pilot study was to assess mental well-being, psychological symptoms, and a set of stress biomarkers among breast cancer survivors with high depressive symptoms undergoing the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program.MethodsParticipants included 23 curatively treated breast cancer survivors from the Helsinki University Central Hospital with clinically significant symptoms of depression (Beck Depression Inventory > 13, and assessed by a psychiatrist), at 1-year post-operative follow-up. Mental wellbeing and psychological symptoms were assessed with self-reported questionnaires (Resilience Scale, Self-Compassion Scale, Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, World Health Organization Quality of Life-questionnaire, Perceived Stress Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Insomnia Severity Index); in addition, stress response was assessed with biomarkers (cortisol, adrenocorticotropine, and high-sensitivity-CRP from blood; 24 h-cortisol from urine). All measures were addressed at baseline, mid-program (4 weeks after baseline) and at the completion of the 8-week MBSR program. Engagement to the independent mindfulness home practice was collected with a diary.ResultsFrom baseline to the completion of the 8-week MBSR program, we observed significant increases in resilience (d = 0.60, p = 0.005), and quality of life (d = 0.92, p = 0.002), and significant reductions in symptoms of depression (d = − 1.17, p < 0.0001), anxiety (d = − 0.87, p < 0.0001), insomnia (d = − 0.58, p = 0.006), and marginally significant reduction in perceived stress (d = − 0.40, p = 0.09). We found no changes in self-compassion or mindfulness skills, nor in the stress biomarkers during or at the completion of the program. There was no association between the engagement time to the independent mindfulness practice and any of the outcomes.ConclusionsAttending the MBSR program was associated with increased wellbeing and reduced psychological symptoms in breast cancer survivors with clinically significant symptoms of depression. However, these favorably experienced changes did not transfer to the level of stress biomarkers during the 8-week program. Lack of association between the engagement in the mindfulness home practice and change in outcomes suggests that in the studied range of practice time, other qualities of MBSR despite the amount of independent practice may have a more important role for the improved wellbeing.Trial registration ISRCTN12326308 at 16/02/2021, retrospectively registered.