Negative Mental Health Consequences Research Articles

Reframing prolonged negative mental health effects of COVID-19: cognitive restructuring promotes posttraumatic growth

Objective The study aimed to investigate the level of peritraumatic distress in relation to possible traumatic outcomes in university personnel and students across three pandemic waves. Methods Three cross-sectional surveys were conducted to investigate university students and staff (n = 1426). An online survey including the COVID-19 Peritraumatic Distress Index (CPDI), Ways of Coping, Impact of Events Scale (IES), and Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) were administered across three waves. Psychometric properties of the Hungarian version of CPDI were assessed and associations between peri/posttraumatic stress and coping were explored. Cluster analysis based on posttraumatic stress and growth was used to identify subgroups. Results An increasing trend of peritraumatic stress over the waves was found. Regression analyses revealed that two coping styles, cognitive restructuring and problem analysis were negatively and positively associated, respectively, with both peritraumatic and posttraumatic stress. Two-step cluster analysis conducted on PTGI and IES scores yielded three clusters of posttraumatic changes: IES-low/PTGI-low, IES-high/PTGI-low and IES moderate/PTGI-high. Multinomial regression showed that cognitive restructuring and peritraumatic stress were significant predictors of cluster membership. Conclusion Our findings point out that cognitive restructuring may be effective for dealing with longer-term psychological results of traumatic life events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, even in highly exposed groups of the society.

Abortion and Mental Health and Wellbeing: A Contemporary Review of the Literature.

This review discusses the importance of abortion care and access for mental wellbeing for people seeking abortion, abortion providers, and trainees. The recent Dobbs v. Jackson case has jeopardized the physical and mental health of millions. Much of the data regarding mental health impacts of abortion access comes from the Turnaway Study. This study supports that abortion does not cause negative mental health effects and being denied abortion is detrimental to mental health, physical health, and has negative socioeconomic impacts. Other recent studies support that the Dobbs decision continues to disproportionately harm historically marginalized groups. Additionally, there is more anxiety and depression reported in states with abortion restrictions. Many obstetrician gynecologists are moving away from restricted states and report moral distress due to restrictions. Many medical students are choosing not to apply to obstetrics and gynecology residency programs in states with abortion restrictions. Access to abortion care is important for mental and physical health, and socioeconomic well-being for people seeking abortion. Restrictive bans negatively affect people seeking abortion, as well as healthcare providers and trainees.

Supportive-leadership training to improve social connection: A cluster-randomized trial demonstrating efficacy in a high-risk occupational context.

The high, and still rising, rate of loneliness is a threat to public health (Office of the Surgeon General, 2023), with negative mental and physical health consequences (e.g., Holt-Lunstad, 2021). Given that loneliness is a risk factor for poor mental health, efforts to address loneliness are urgently needed. Workplaces can facilitate an employee's social connection through supervisor support training, which can help mitigate loneliness. Among occupational groups, the military is at higher risk for mental health disorders, suicide, and loneliness (Fikretoglu et al., 2022; Naifeh et al., 2019). This study evaluated the efficacy of an evidence-based supportive-leadership training intervention targeting active-duty U.S. Army platoon leaders and targeting both proactive support behaviors that help bolster employee social connection and responsive support behaviors, including destigmatizing mental health. Ninety-nine platoon leaders (69.7% of eligible leaders) completed the 90-min training that consisted of both in-person and computer-based components. Using a cluster-randomized controlled trial design, intervention effects were tested using an intent-to-treat approach and revealed a significant effect, whereby loneliness of service members whose leaders were randomized to the intervention group (N = 118) was significantly reduced compared to loneliness reports for service members in the control group (N = 158). Additionally, service members with higher baseline loneliness were more strongly and positively impacted by the supervisor training, reporting higher levels of supportive behaviors from their leaders at 3 months postbaseline. In sum, these results suggest how workplaces, especially those that are considered high-risk occupations, and their leaders play a critical role in a national strategy to address Americans' well-being. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Climate crisis and psychiatry

The climate crisis is increasingly leading to negative consequences for mental health and is of growing importance for psychiatric and psychotherapeutic care. The effects of the climate crisis on mental health and its significance for psychiatric and psychotherapeutic care are presented. Recommendations for sustainability in psychiatric and psychotherapeutic practice are provided. Anarrative review of the literature was conducted for this article. The climate crisis has direct, indirect and intersectional negative effects on mental health. Sustainable and preventive recommendations for the practice include promoting health literacy, faster access to psychotherapy and online counselling, supporting social networks, promoting employment and reducing poverty, homelessness and social isolation. It is recommended to increase the proportion of outpatient care and to streamline administrative processes. The use of disposable products should be minimized and the application of instrumental diagnostics and materials should be optimized according to guidelines. Digital interventions should be considered more frequently in the clinical practice and sustainable facility management should be improved. Access to green spaces for the general population and patients should be facilitated. Due to the negative impact of the climate crisis on mental health, sustainability should be promoted in psychiatric and psychotherapeutic care.

Acknowledging Loss: A Consultative Approach to Grief Support for Students with Intellectual Disabilities

ABSTRACT Students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are at an elevated risk for exposure to bereavement, persistent negative mental health effects after loss, and layered and traumatic forms of grief. Despite this increased risk, students with IDD are too-frequently overlooked by school-based mental health professionals, leaving educators, community members, and family members without needed support. There are actionable steps that school-based mental health providers can take to adapt existing approaches to grief support and build consultee capacity to intervene with individuals with IDD. This paper reviews terminology surrounding the concept of grief, summarizes biases about IDD that have contributed to care disparities, and offers considerations for including grieving students with IDD in mental health consultation.

Rural Natural Disaster Stress: A Survey of Community Resource Use and Effect

ABSTRACT Objective This study identified rural community experiences and preferences related to available resources and their effects on stress following tornadoes and floods. Methods The Rural Natural Disaster Stress and Recovery survey was distributed from December 2021 to February 2022 in rural disaster-affected communities. Within the analysis sample (N = 159) of self-selected participants representing both agricultural and non-agricultural occupations, 125 responded to the Resource Use and Effect survey component that evaluated the effects of 22 resources on post-disaster stress. Additional qualitative questions provided further data. Results The most frequently used resources post-disaster were found to be talking about the event (98.3%), friends and neighbors (97.6%) and family (97.6%). Using a derived Impact per Use score, groups from the neighboring community and personal faith activities most often reduced stress. Resources that increased stress were identified as FEMA or other government organizations; repairing, replacing, or rebuilding property; and following news or social media. Participants reported help from their community (35.8%) or things they did for themselves (31.2%) most effectively decreased disaster stress. Family, friends, faith, neighbors, and community were top choices to decrease stress in a future disaster. Conclusion Rural residents identified available resources for reducing disaster stress, but some common post-disaster activities were found to increase stress. Rural emergency management should adapt response and recovery plans and activities to leverage readily accessible people, groups, and activities to mitigate negative mental and emotional health effects.

Chronic health conditions and disability are prevalent among community users of a digital mental health service: a scoping survey

Objectives: Digital interventions can offer accessible and scalable treatment for chronic conditions, though often focus separately on physical or mental health. People accessing digital health services may live with multiple conditions or experience overlapping symptoms. This study aimed to describe the breadth and characteristics of chronic health conditions and self-reported disability among routine users of a digital mental health service, and to examine related motivations to engage with digital mental health interventions. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of adults registered with a digital mental health service in the Australian community (THIS WAY UP) was conducted. Participant demography, chronic health conditions, self-reported disability and motivations for accessing digital treatment were collected and analyzed descriptively. Results: 366 participants responded (77% female, mean age 50 ± 15 years). 71.6% of participants (242/338) reported ≥1 chronic health condition and one-third reported multimorbidity (112/338, 33.1%). Chronic pain, musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders were most common. 26.9% of respondents (90/334) reported a disability, most commonly physical disabilities. 95% of those with chronic conditions reported negative mental health effects and 46% reported heightened interest in digital mental health treatments because of their condition. Primary motivations for digital service use were receiving a recommendation from a health professional and service accessibility. Discussion: People who access digital mental health services in routine care report high rates of heterogenous chronic illness and related disability. There is interest in accessible digital treatments to support mental health at scale among people who live with varied chronic conditions and disabilities.

Exposure to climate events and mental health: Risk and protective factors from the California Health Interview Survey

There is increasing awareness of the effects of climate change on mental health, but more work on understanding risk and protective factors is needed. The 2021 California Health Interview Survey included new questions about exposure to extreme weather events and mental health responses. This study aims to identify how individual factors and neighborhood social cohesion are associated with negative mental health effects of exposure to extreme weather events. In this cross-sectional, representative study, we used data from the 2021 California Health Interview Survey to analyze the association between respondent characteristics and self-report of negative mental health effects following exposure to extreme weather events. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used, adjusting for individual-level sociodemographics and measures of neighborhood social cohesion. We found that 53% of the sample reported being affected by climate events (n = 12,955), and of these, 22.8% (n = 2,955) reported a negative impact on their mental health. Respondents who were younger, White, female, college-educated, or living in a rural area were more likely to report adverse mental health effects of climate events for themselves or household members. Individuals who had experienced property damage were much more likely to report negative mental health effects due to climate events [property damage adjusted OR 3.73, 95% CI 2.82–3.76]. This study identifies subgroups that may have higher vulnerability to the mental health effects of climate change events. Future research is needed to develop targeted prevention and outreach interventions to these subgroups to build individual- and community-level resilience.

Attitude and help-seeking behavior towards suicide among medical students in Jammu and Kashmir

IntroductionThe ongoing training process and medical curriculum of the medical profession are crucial for equipping them with necessary knowledge and skills, but it can also be challenging to balance the demands of a busy learning schedule, making this period stressful. This study has been aimed to determining the attitude towards suicide and their help-seeking behavior among medical undergraduates in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).MethodologyAcross medical colleges of the J&K region, an online survey was conducted among 275 medical undergraduates using Attitude Towards Suicide Scale-20 and General Help-Seeking Behavior Questionnaire. An independent sample t-test and one-way ANOVA were carried out for statistical analysis in SPSS 25.0.ResultThe mean age of the participants was 22.05 years, including 116 male and 159 female students. Psychiatry posting was attended by 31.3% (N = 86) students. Students showed greater acceptability over suicide is preventable, and it is a cry for help. For personal and emotional problems, subjects preferred seeking help from informal sources, while for suicidal ideations, they exhibited inclination towards formal sources.ConclusionFindings of the result should be utilized in preventing negative mental health consequences and in planning assistance to them. Medical students within the institution should receive counselling services from the psychiatry department in a non-stigmatizing manner.

Gender Difference in the Impact of Total Energy Intake on the Association between Low Fiber Intake and Mental Health in Middle-Aged and Older Adults.

The effect of dietary fiber intake on mental health is controversial. This study aimed to examine the association of fiber intake with mental health in Korean adults. This cross-sectional study included 11,288 participants aged ≥40 years who participated in the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (2004-2013). Fiber intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire and categorized into sex-specific quintiles. Multiple logistic regression models were used to investigate the association between the lowest quintile of fiber intake and poor mental health. Mental health was assessed using acute stress perception, the Psychosocial Well-Being Index-Short Form, self-rated health, and the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale in Korea. Compared to those with higher fiber intake, having the lowest quintile of fiber intake was associated with higher odds of poor mental health risk, a higher risk of high-stress perception, poor psychosocial distress in males, poor psychosocial distress, and depression in females. Low fiber intake had profound negative mental health effects on males with high total energy intake and females with low total energy intake. In conclusion, there is a gender difference in the impact of total energy intake on the deleterious effect of low fiber intake on mental health.

Differences in social support, emotion invalidation, psychological needs, cognitive emotion regulation in maritally adjusted and maladjusted women in Pakistan: A matched pairs design.

The present study aimed to find out differences of social support, perceived emotion invalidation, psychological needs, and use of adaptive and maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies in maritally adjusted and maladjusted after controlling for age, education, employment status, and depressive symptomatology. The cross-sectional study uses a matched pairs design. The sample was divided into two groups; maritally adjusted and maladjusted women (n = 40 pairs) on basis of scores obtained on revised-dyadic adjustment scale. Forty maritally adjusted women were matched with 40 maritally maladjusted women according to age, education, and employment status. Social support questionnaire, perceived invalidation of emotion scale, basic psychological need satisfaction frustration scale, cognitive emotion regulation questionnaire, and center for epidemiologic studies depression scale were administered. One-way ANCOVA revealed that maritally maladjusted women had lower level of social support [mean difference; -5.65(-9.97, -1.33), p < 0.05, partial η2 = 0.08] and more emotional invalidation [mean difference; 15.36(13.08, 17.65), p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.71] compared to maritally adjusted women after controlling for the effect of depressive symptomatology. Maritally maladjusted women had more need frustration [mean difference; 10.75(7.59, 13.92), p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.38] compared to maritally adjusted women. However, maritally adjusted women had more need satisfaction [mean difference; 13.36(9.67, 17.05), p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.41] compared to maritally maladjusted women. Maritally adjusted women used more adaptive CER strategies (acceptance, refocus on planning and putting into perspective) [mean difference; 4.66(2.36, 6.95), p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.18] compared to maritally maladjusted women whereas, maritally maladjusted women used more maladaptive strategies (self-blame, catastrophizing and blaming others) [mean difference; 4.66(2.77, 6.54), p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.25] compared to maritally adjusted women. Maladjusted women had less social support and more emotional invalidation of emotions and psychological needs frustration. They used more maladaptive strategies to manage their negative emotions in comparison to maritally adjusted women. Identification of these cognitive emotion regulation strategies will help clinicians and counselors to devise psychological intervention targeting the use of adaptive strategies to minimize the negative mental health consequences.

Antitrans Policy Environment and Depression and Anxiety Symptoms in Transgender and Nonbinary Adults

With the increasing legislation restricting health care access for transgender and nonbinary (trans) populations in recent years, there has been limited research on how awareness of and concerns about legislative restrictions and protections influence mental health outcomes. To examine whether awareness of and concerns about the current policy environment regarding trans individuals are associated with depression and anxiety symptoms among trans adults. This study uses cross-sectional data collected between March and April 2023 from the Washington Priority Assessment in Trans Health (PATH) Project, an online study designed by, with, and for trans communities. All participants were trans adults, aged 18 years or older, living in Washington state. Awareness and concerns about the antitrans policy environment. The primary outcomes were depression and anxiety symptoms, assessed via the Patient Health Questionnaire-4. A series of multivariable regression models was used to assess the association between awareness and concerns about the antitrans policy environment and depression and anxiety symptoms. Models were adjusted for covariates, including demographics, social marginalization, and health care experiences. A total of 797 participants (653 women [81.93%]; 455 aged 18-29 years [57.09%]) were included. The majority screened positive for current depression (689 individuals [86.45%]) and anxiety (686 individuals [86.07%]) symptoms. Trans individuals who were concerned or worried about their rights being taken away (vs not) had significantly higher odds of current depression symptoms (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.66; 95% CI, 1.08-2.54), as well as current anxiety symptoms (aOR, 2.67; 95% CI, 1.63-4.36). Those who knew (vs did not know) about state-level protective legislation had significantly lower odds of current depression symptoms (aOR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.28-0.67), as well as current anxiety symptoms (aOR, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.04-0.25). When examining interaction effect estimates, trans individuals who correctly knew about the protective policies and were not worried about having their rights taken away reported the lowest odds of depression and anxiety. The findings of this cross-sectional study are consistent with research elucidating the negative mental health consequences of policies limiting health care access and provide insights into informing policies and interventions that target trans populations' worsened mental health outcomes as a result of antitrans legislation.

Sense of School Belonging as a Mediator of the Relationship between Witnessing Bullying and Internalizing Symptoms.

Bullying is a significant public health concern associated with mental health risks. Negative bullying outcomes extend beyond targets, with students who witness bullying reporting negative associated mental health consequences. Because bullying often occurs within the school setting, understanding the relationship between witnessing bullying and internalizing symptoms within the school environment can help shape school-based bullying prevention. The purpose of this study was to examine sense of school belonging as a mediator of the relationship between witnessing bullying and internalizing symptoms. We conducted two studies with middle school students (N = 130; N = 147) in which we used structural equation modeling (SEM) to test the mediational model. Results from Study 1 and Study 2 supported the mediational model, indicating that one explanation for the relationship between witnessing bullying and internalizing symptoms is that witnessing bullying negatively impacts students' sense of school belonging, which in turn increases internalizing symptoms. Results from this study provide support for the importance of students' perceptions of school climate in the development of internalizing symptoms related to witnessing bullying. Implications for school-based bullying prevention programs are discussed.

Smartphone Addiction and its Relation to Social Phobia in Female University Students

Abstract Background As smartphones become more accessible and more psychologically gratifying, problematic smartphone use has emerged with negative mental health consequences, especially in young adults with poor social skills and self -confidence issues. The current study aims to assess the rate of occurrence of smartphone addiction and to highlight the relationship between smartphone addiction and social phobia and its severity in a sample of female university students. Subjects and Methods This is a cross-sectional study including 540 female students in the first medical school year divided equally among practical and theoretical faculties after excluding students with psychiatric disorders except for those with social phobia using the SCID-I scale. Subjects were assessed with the Social Phobia Inventory and the Smartphone Addiction Scale for severity of both social phobia and smartphone addiction respectively. Results Out of 540 female students, 28.7% have severe smartphone addiction with higher number in students of academic faculties, also, 71.86% of the whole sample have social phobia with 22.78%, 21.85%, 16.3%, and 10.93% reporting mild, moderate, severe, and very severe social phobia scores respectively. The number of students having very severe social phobia scores in the academic group is higher than that in the practical group. Also the study shows a statistically significant relation between smartphone addiction and social phobia. Conclusion There is a high rate of distribution of social phobia in young adult females, which is accompanied with a high rate of occurrence of smartphone addiction, so, there is a need for raising the public awareness regarding hazards of problematic smartphone use especially in students and the for highlighting the importance of screening of different psychiatric disorders, as social phobia in such population.

The association between COVID-19 related income loss and diet quality: The mediating role of distress

The COVID-19 lockdowns saw many individuals lose income, experience distress and increase intake of foods that would typically be considered less ‘healthy’ (more processed and less fresh produce). Establishing whether there are direct and indirect links between these variables would be of benefit in preparing for similar future events but also has implications for the current global financial climate, where many are experiencing relative decreases in income. Adults in two locations (UK and Australia) (N = 917) completed online questionnaires to explore the impact of the first COVID-19 lockdown on their change in income, emotional wellbeing (depression, anxiety, stress, loneliness), resilience and diet quality. A structural equation model revealed that income loss was indirectly associated with diet quality via distress. As such, the greater the loss of income experienced, the more distress reported; distress was then directly associated with a less nutritious diet. This pattern of results existed when data from both countries were combined but also when they were modelled individually. Our findings indicate that where individuals experience a sudden reduction of income there are likely to be negative consequences for both mental and physical health. It is plausible that these findings would extend to other circumstances in which sudden loss of income may be experienced such as reductions in state social care, rising inflation and interest rates and sudden increases to the general cost of living.

Barriers and Facilitators to Co-Creating Interventions with Refugee and Migrant Youth: A Process Evaluation with Implementors

The rise in children experiencing forced displacement and the associated negative mental health effects have led to the proliferation of novel interventions targeting their educational development and mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) needs. To improve the acceptability and effectiveness of these interventions for refugee communities, co-creation is often used. However, there is a need to understand the mechanisms that support the co-creation process. This paper explores the process of co-creation within the REFUGE-ED project: an international consortium identifying, co-creating, and implementing educational and MHPSS interventions for refugee youth. The data are drawn from consortium members and site staff who participated in a range of meetings, focus groups, and interviews which occurred before, during, and after the implementation. A qualitative content analysis grounded in the (updated) Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) was then used to identify barriers to and facilitators of the co-creation process. Although numerous barriers and facilitators were identified only two traversed both categories and every stage of the co-creation process: namely, the quality of interpersonal relationships and the clarity of the implementation plan. We discuss relevance of these two factors to the field of co-creation as a means to adapt health interventions targeting youth refugee populations. Considerations, needs, and recommendations for future co-creation interventions are also outlined.

Factors influencing self-reported facial-protective equipment adherence among home care nurses and personal support workers: A multisite cross-sectional study

Facial-protective equipment (FPE) use increased during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. This study explored factors influencing home care personal support workers' (PSWs) and nurses' self-reported adherence to FPE. A cross-sectional, electronic, survey was distributed to PSWs and nurses (1,108 complete responses) at 3 home care agencies in Ontario, Canada, in May to June 2022. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariable analysis were used to assess individual, environmental, and organizational factors influencing adherence. Among participants (786 PSWs, 322 nurses), 64% reported being adherent to both respiratory and eye FPE (Respiratory: 96%, Eye: 64%). Higher adherence was associated with facility-based work; better knowledge of FPE; prepandemic FPE use; good availability and convenient access; strong organizational support for health and safety; and Caribbean identity. Lower adherence was found for men; nurses with 2-year diplomas; shorter length of employment; communal transportation; and experiencing negative mental health effects from workplace infectious disease exposure. Agencies should prioritize increasing providers' knowledge of FPE, supporting mental well-being, fostering a supportive culture, and ensuring availability of FPE. The influences of gender, ethnicity, and role require further exploration. FPE adherence may be improved by addressing modifiable factors and developing population-specific strategies.

Social media use and emerging mental health issues.

Since its inception, social media has brought about numerous benefits, including higher levels of social connectedness, potential positive interactions, and greater access to information. Nonetheless, the excessive use of social media can lead to negative health outcomes, such as social anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, reduced sleep quality, and higher perceived stress. It has been argued that boredom and loneliness may be mediating factors between social media misuse and negative mental health effects, above all among youth and adolescents. Likewise, exposure to graphic imagery or misinformation on social media may also have deleterious implications for mental health. Taken together, this suggests a need for targeted studies on the relationship between social media and mental health, as well as the development of educational interventions for adolescents to share knowledge about the safe use of such tools. Mental health professionals should be adequately trained in identifying risk factors and treating the negative health outcomes that may result from social media. Specific strategies and guidelines should be adopted by social media companies aligned with international evidence from health agencies and experts in e-mental health.

Perceptions of Detroit vacant lot greening designs related to depressive symptoms and household flooding

This study contributes to empirical evidence about how design and maintenance of vacant lot greening in the form of green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) may benefit vulnerable populations - specifically people living with depressive symptoms or who experience household flooding. Legacy cities like Detroit, Michigan, have high rates of property vacancy with associated community concerns about personal safety and vacant lot maintenance. Past studies have linked both neighborhood vacant land and flooding experience with negative mental health effects. In contrast, greenspace experiences have been linked with mental health benefits. Greenspaces include microscale landscape elements that can operate as cues to care (CTC) or cues to safety (CTS). We examined whether self-reported experiences of depressive symptoms and household flooding would affect perceptions of vacant lot greening characterized by varied CTC and CTS.Using in-home structured interviews, we surveyed 316 Detroit households to measure residents’ perceptions of care and safety of GSI design treatments. Participants viewed 28 × 43 cm colored prints representing 14 alternative treatments on two replicate sites and a control vacant lot. Those reporting depressive symptoms perceived significantly less care and safety across all treatments than others. Those reporting flooding experience did not have significantly different perceptions than others. Further, a model testing a three-way interaction between flooding experience, depressive symptoms, and CTC showed no significant association with perceived care and safety.Most importantly, our findings suggest that people experiencing depressive symptoms do not perceive greenspace experiences in the same way as others. Future research should examine how different microscale landscape elements of greenspace might benefit people with specific mental health conditions differently.

Mindfulness meditation use in Britain during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The objectives of this study were to examine the prevalence and associations of mindfulness meditation use and also its perceived mental health effects during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using repeated cross-sectional data from broad online samples weighted to be representative of the adult population in Britain, we estimated the prevalence of mindfulness meditation use and employed logistic regression models to investigate sociodemographic and political associations of mindfulness meditation use and also its perceived mental health effects during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings suggest that 16 percent of adults in Britain had learnt to practice mindfulness in 2021. In covariate-adjusted regression models, having learnt to practice mindfulness was more common among young and middle-aged adults, residents in London, and respondents who voted for the Liberal Democrats. Among mindfulness meditation users who reported having practiced mindfulness during the COVID-19 pandemic, 60 percent reported that it positively affected their mental health and 24 percent reported that it negatively affected their mental health. Notably, 41 percent of respondents with children under 18 (versus 13 percent of those without minors) reported negative mental health effects. In covariate-adjusted regression models, negative mental health effects from mindfulness practice during the COVID-19 pandemic were not concentrated in any particular groups, except for respondents with children under 18. Mindfulness meditation has become widespread in Britain, but the results in this study suggest that mindfulness meditation use may be concentrated in certain sociodemographic and political groups. The results also suggest that practicing mindfulness during the COVID-19 pandemic had positive mental health effects for a majority of users, but approximately one-quarter of users reported negative mental health effects. It is therefore important for future research to continue monitoring the prevalence of mindfulness meditation use in society and to investigate under what circumstances, for whom, and in what ways mindfulness-based practices may have negative effects on mental health.