Mindfulness Meditation Practice Research Articles

Mindfulness meditation among South African psychologists: a pathway to ‘being’ amid existential suffering in contemporary South Africa

Mindfulness is currently regarded as a life skill as well as part of an approach to life that can generate beneficial intrapersonal and relational outcomes. Given the centrality of intrapersonal and relational outcomes in psychotherapeutic encounters, it seems logical that the practice of mindfulness by psychologists would be relevant to explore, especially in contemporary South African contexts where high levels of trauma, interpersonal distress, and resultant existential and intrapsychic struggles prevail. The study seeks to address an identified gap in existing research concerning the experienced relevance of long-term mindfulness meditative practice for counselling psychology and therapeutic practice generally, particularly in the South African context. Located within an interpretivist paradigm and interpretative phenomenological analysis, this study explored the mindfulness and mindfulness meditation practices of 11 South African counselling psychologists and the ways in which these practices informed their being in both personal and psychotherapeutic settings. Each participant was invited to participate in a semi-structured interview and reflexive journalling task as part of the research process. The findings centralise the being capacities afforded to psychologists through a mindfulness practice and identify how the related elements of non-judgement, nonattachment, and (re)connection enable enhanced relational encounters with clients. The findings contribute to the limited literature related to the value of psychologists’ mindfulness practices in relation to the way in which they manage their own responses to clients, as well as the potential for mindfulness practices to help clients manage presenting trauma responses.

The effect of a short mindfulness meditation practice on positive mental health: Self-transcendence as a mediating process

In two randomized controlled trials, we tested the effect of two attentional mindfulness meditation practices on positive mental health. We hypothesized that attentional meditation would increase various positive emotions (gratitude, interest, hope, pride, elevation, and awe) via three processes induced by mindfulness (body awareness, meta-awareness, and self-transcendence) and that positive self-transcendent emotions would in turn increase positive mental health (well-being and inner peace). This hypothesis was tested in two randomized online experiments. Participants were assigned to either a body scan meditation, a breath meditation, or a condition in which they listened to a story (active control). Various positive emotions, mindfulness-induced processes, and well-being/inner peace were assessed with self-reports. Experiment 1 (n = 166) revealed that practicing a 21-min body scan or breath meditation significantly increased positive emotions (in particular, elevation, gratitude, and pride) and that self-transcendence significantly mediated that effect. Experiment 2 (n = 127) replicated these findings in regard to positive emotions with a shorter, 11-min practice and revealed that two self-transcendent positive emotions (elevation and gratitude), but not pride—a more self-centered positive emotion—significantly mediated the effect of attentional meditation practice on well-being and inner peace. The implications of these results are discussed.

Mindful Meditation: A Potential Effective Therapeutic in Clinical Practice

Mindful meditation, a practice that entails directing one’s attention to the current moment without forming judgments, has been acknowledged as a potentially efficacious therapeutic intervention in clinical settings. Evidence indicates that mindfulness-based interventions can effectively assist individuals in coping with a range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and stress. Through the cultivation of enhanced self-awareness and emotional control via mindfulness practices, individuals have the potential to experience a decrease in symptoms, an increase in well-being, and an overall improvement in their quality of life. Furthermore, practicing mindfulness meditation can result in alterations in the structure and functioning of the brain, which are linked to improved cognitive capacities and emotional regulation. Integrating mindful meditation into clinical practice can offer patients valuable strategies for dealing with difficult situations and enhancing their long-term mental well-being and resilient ability.

Connecting Mindfulness Practice to Generative Semiotic Activity—Self-Other Referent in Umwelt and Semiosphere

In this comment paper on von Fircks (2023a), I would like to focus on four issues and offer some reflections on them: first, what is happening in the process of a new I arising through mindfulness meditation practice? I would like to supplement the dialogue between Buber and Rogers in 1957 on the dynamism of I and Me, which is the basis of Mead's theory of self formation, in which I and Me separate, discover and meet a new self. The second, is that meditation, which at first glance appears to be an internal meditation practice and a personal activity, leads to a semiotic mediated social process. The Tao and early Buddhist ideas that form the background to the experiential process of mindfulness meditation will be reviewed, and the significance of people experiencing the interdependence of non-human nature and the environment through the practice will be discussed. Third, connecting this to the idea of Umwelt (Uexküll) and the semiosphere (Lotman), an attempt is made to extend the otherness as a collating body of self formation to Umwelt. Fourth, mindfulness meditation focuses attention on the breath. In relation to Mead's focus on the environment under the skin, i.e. corporeality, I will supplement the psychological meaning of cultivating the body's sense of interoception through the sensing of repetitive movements of tension and relaxation. Through the above, what kind of semiotic mediating function does mindfulness meditation have in relation to the construction of the new I, and how does it lead to the creation of social meaning? We would like to discuss these points.Clinical Trial RegistrationThe article does not contain any studies with clinical trial. This, clinical Trial registration is not applicable.

Beyond breathing exercises: rethinking mindfulness through a Buddhist lens to combat unethical decision-making in organizations

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore the intersection of mindfulness practices and ethical decision-making within organisational leadership. Drawing from ancient Buddhist principles and contemporary neuroscience, this study aims to illuminate how mindfulness can enhance cognitive and emotional regulation, thereby fostering ethical behaviour and improved decision-making among leaders and employees. By examining the theoretical and practical implications of mindfulness in the context of organisational behaviour, this research seeks to contribute to the development of more compassionate, ethical and effective leadership practices, ultimately promoting a more mindful and sustainable business environment. Design/methodology/approach This concept paper explores the integration of mindfulness meditation practices with decision-making, particularly its influence on ethical choices, through a comparative study of modern techniques and the ancient teachings of the Tripitaka. Using a methodology that spans literature review in organisational behaviour and leadership, alongside in-depth analysis of the Tripitaka and contributions from scholars like Bhikkhu Bodhi, the paper examines the potential of mindfulness in enhancing ethical decision-making. It incorporates a range of sources, including peer-reviewed journals and seminal books across various disciplines, to underscore the transformative potential of mindfulness in addressing contemporary challenges and guiding leadership practices. Findings This discussion explores how mindfulness, rooted in ancient Buddhist philosophy and aligned with modern neuroscience, can significantly enhance managerial decision-making by fostering a balance between cognitive and emotional factors. It delves into the transformative potential of mindfulness in refining thought processes, promoting ethical decision-making and mitigating cognitive biases. By bridging traditional wisdom with contemporary scientific insights, the analysis underscores mindfulness as an active, dynamic process crucial for personal growth and effective leadership in complex environments. Research limitations/implications One limitation of this research is its reliance on theoretical frameworks and literature reviews, which may not capture the full range of practical challenges in implementing mindfulness practices within organisations. Additionally, the diversity in mindfulness methodologies and the subjective nature of mindfulness experiences may affect the generalisability of the findings. Future research should include empirical studies to validate the proposed benefits of mindfulness in organisational settings and explore the most effective strategies for integrating mindfulness practices into leadership and decision-making processes. This would help in understanding how mindfulness can be tailored to suit different organisational cultures and individual preferences. Practical implications The practical implications of applying mindfulness in organisational settings include enhanced decision-making abilities, improved leadership effectiveness and increased employee well-being. Mindfulness training can equip leaders and employees with the skills to manage stress, navigate complex ethical decisions and maintain focus amidst distractions, leading to more thoughtful and responsible business practices. Organisations might see a reduction in conflict, enhanced creativity and better teamwork, contributing to a more harmonious and productive workplace. Implementing mindfulness programmes could also support talent retention and attraction by promoting a workplace culture that values mental health and ethical behaviour. Social implications The social implications of integrating mindfulness into organisational decision-making and leadership, as suggested by the document, include promoting ethical behaviour, enhancing emotional regulation and improving team dynamics. Mindfulness practices can lead to more informed and conscious decision-making, reducing cognitive biases and fostering a culture of ethical awareness within organisations. This shift towards mindful leadership could potentially transform organisational cultures, encouraging greater compassion, ethical responsibility and collective well-being, thereby contributing positively to broader societal values and norms. Originality/value The originality and value of this research lie in its novel integration of mindfulness concepts derived from ancient Buddhist teachings with contemporary neuroscience and organisational behaviour studies. By exploring the deep-rooted philosophical underpinnings of mindfulness and their applicability to modern ethical decision-making and leadership practices, this work offers a unique perspective that bridges historical wisdom with current scientific understanding. It provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the transformative potential of mindfulness in organisational settings, highlighting its capacity to foster ethical leadership, enhance decision-making processes and contribute to a more mindful, compassionate and sustainable business environment.

Sleep hygiene measures combined with mindfulness meditation in the management of sleep bruxism in children: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

Sleep hygiene measures and meditation may reduce stress and improve sleep quality, but their effect on the occurrence of sleep bruxism in children has not yet been investigated. To explore the effects of sleep hygiene measures combined with mindfulness meditation (relaxation audio) in the management of probable sleep bruxism (SB) in children. This clinical trial (no. NCT04501237) randomized 36 children with 3-8 years of age. Probable SB detection was performed according to the criteria established by the International Consensus on The Assessment of Bruxism-2018. Intervention group was instructed to practice sleep hygiene measures and mindfulness meditation (i.e., the use of a digital app to broadcast audio relaxation) each night before bedtime for 5 weeks; control group did not receive guidance for therapies. Parents completed a bruxism diary for 5 weeks, and the outcome was the number of SB episodes-day reported in the week (ranging from 0 to 7) in each period. A multilevel mixed-effects Poisson regression model was performed. A total of 32 children (mean age: 6.1 years) completed the study. The children who received the therapies related to sleep hygiene measures and mindfulness meditation had a reduction in the SB incidence rate ratio (IRR)of 46% (IRR = 0.54 [Confidence Interval 95%, 0.45-0.65]) during a 5-week observation period. The sensitivity analyses did not show relevant changes in the measure of the effect. Sleep hygiene measures combined with mindfulness meditation reduced the SB in children.

Frequent Lucid Dreaming Is Associated with Meditation Practice Styles, Meta-Awareness, and Trait Mindfulness.

Lucid dreaming involves becoming aware that one's current experience is a dream, which has similarities with the notion of mindfulness-becoming aware of moment-to-moment changes in experience. Additionally, meta-awareness, the ability to explicitly notice the current content of one's own mental state, has also been proposed to play an important role both in lucid dreaming and mindfulness meditation practices. However, research has shown conflicting strengths of associations between mindfulness, meditation, and lucid dreaming frequency, and the link between lucid dreaming and meta-awareness has not yet been empirically studied. This study evaluated the associations between lucid dreaming frequency and different meditation practice styles, mindfulness traits, and individual differences in meta-awareness through an online survey (n = 635). The results suggest that daily frequent meditators experience more lucid dreams than non-frequent meditators. However, weekly frequent meditators did not have a higher lucid dreaming frequency. A positive association was observed between open monitoring styles of meditation and lucid dreaming. The findings also indicate that meta-awareness is higher for meditators and weekly lucid dreamers. Furthermore, frequent lucid dreaming was commonly associated with a non-reactive stance and experiencing transcendence. Overall, the findings suggest a positive relationship between specific meditation practices and lucid dreaming as well as the importance of meta-awareness as a cognitive process linking meditation, mindfulness, and lucid dreaming.

Exploring the Role of Mindfulness Meditation in Facilitating English Learning and Optimizing Classroom Teaching

Mindfulness meditation is a technique for regulating attention and emotions, which can help individuals enhance self-awareness and reduce stress. This paper aims at review the positive effects of mindfulness meditation on English learners and teachers, including improving English learning abilities and enhancing motivation, confidence, and enjoyment in English learning. Through systematic literature searches and screening methods from databases such as CNKI, Wan fang, Pub Med, and Web of Science, relevant papers on mindfulness meditation and English learning from the past decade were selected. Their research purposes, methods, innovations, and conclusions were analyzed. This paper specifically explores the literature review on the impact of mindfulness meditation on English learning, summarizing both the theory and practice of mindfulness meditation, and proposing future research directions and suggestions. Mindfulness meditation has a positive impact on English learning and classroom teaching, but its specific effects are influenced by various factors such as the type, duration, and frequency of mindfulness meditation. More empirical research is needed to validate its effects on English learning and to explore the optimal integration methods.

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

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

The effects of a mindfulness meditation program on enhancing musical perception of time: A pilot study

Mindfulness meditation practices have garnered a lot of popularity in recent years. Various psychological benefits of mindfulness meditation have been documented in a myriad of literature. In this pilot study, we evaluated the effectiveness of a short-term mindfulness training program on time-based musical perceptions of pre-service music teachers. Here, time-based perception entails the accurate perception of pattern, meter, and tempo. A one-group pretest–posttest design was implemented as a model. Pre-service music teachers ( n = 8) completed the rhythm, rhythm-to-melody, and tempo subscales of the modular-PROMS before and after undergoing an 8-week-long mindfulness training program. Whereas significant enhancements of rhythm and rhythm-to-melody perceptions were observed, a similar kind of enhancement was not detected with respect to tempo perception.

Experience of Mindfulness Meditations Based on Stress Reduction among Undergraduate Nursing Students, Chitwan, Nepal.

Undergraduate nursing students are frequently vulnerable to stress during their education with a high rate of attrition. Mindfulness Mediations based on Stress Reductions have been found to promote psychological well-being and mental health among nursing students. Therefore, the objective of the study was to explore the experiences of Mindfulness among undergraduate nursing students. Qualitative Hermeneutic Phenomenology research design was adopted. Data were collected from under graduate nursing students from Chitwan Medical College, Institute of Medicine who had been practicing Mindfulness Meditation for 6 weeks. The duration of data collection was January to June 2022. Data were collected after obtaining ethical approval from Nepal Health Research Council. Focused Group Discussions were conducted to collect data by the researcher using the Focused Group Discussion guide in Nepali language. A total of three Focused Group Discussions was carried out among 12 participants in each Focused Group Discussion with a total of 36 participants. Data were analyzed by thematic analysis technique based on Giorgi's qualitative data analysis technique. Five developed themes were stress managed well in daily life and during examination time, present moment awareness and positivity, self-realization of inner peace and more self-acceptance, and feeling of developed future role for advocating mindfulness meditations. Mindfulness-based mediations have been found effective strategies among undergraduate nursing for the management of stress during daily living and during examinations, development of self-realization, increase inner peace, self-acceptance and developed skills for future role for advocating mindfulness meditations.

Mindfulness and Yoga

More recently, counselors have been interested in mindfulness meditation and yoga practices. Although these practices may seem unconventional or alternative in some cultures, they actually fall under the umbrella of behavior therapy. Given the emphasis on skill building in behavior therapy, minfulness and yoga fit the the goal of reducingin distressing symptoms. To better understand these practices within the behavior therapy lens, this article reviews research concerning these interventions. Before synthesizing current trends in mindfulness meditation and yoga practices across contexts, we summarize the foundations and history of behavior therapy. Yoga, or physical activity, seems to be a great complement to Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) therapy, as well as Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). Mindfulness-based approaches are effective in reducing depressive symptoms, anxiety, dysphoria, burnout, and rumination. Furthermore, these interventions support the social and emotional skills associated with self-regulation. Of course, the therapy chosen depends on the client’s goals and the therapist’s training experience. If the client wants these outcomes and is open to mediation and yoga, a counselor trained in these modalities should not hesitate to implement this facet of behavior therapy. Implications for helping clients increase wellbeing through skill building are offerred.

Mindfulness and Religiosity: Four Propositions to Advance a More Integrative Pedagogical Approach

AbstractIn this commentary article, we critically discuss the need for greater understanding of intercultural and interreligious competence when teaching and applying the practice of mindfulness and contemplative meditation. We start by considering the predominant religious and belief systems that exist worldwide, how each system utilises meditation, and how this meditative practice can be linked to the experience of mindfulness. We then consider how mindfulness can be discussed when taught, through the cultivation of intercultural and interreligious competence. To create a clearer direction in the teaching of mindfulness within the context of interreligious competence, we present four propositions or considerations. We have also put forward a model that suggests mindfulness is a means to achieving greater understanding of self and, thus, more than a clinical tool for ameliorating observable malaise. Moreover, we assert that mindfulness and contemplative meditation practices lie on a continuum that provides the opportunity for self-realisation and optimal states of wellbeing. Our aim is to extend previous discussions on intercultural and interreligious competence as this relates to the practice of meditation. In addition, we continue the philosophical and pedagogical debate to enable teachers and students to optimise the full potential of meditation. In doing so, we create an expansive dialogue to enable teachers and students to engage in a richer and more accepting learning landscape.

Mindfulness meditation styles differently modulate source-level MEG microstate dynamics and complexity.

The investigation of mindfulness meditation practice, classically divided into focused attention meditation (FAM), and open monitoring meditation (OMM) styles, has seen a long tradition of theoretical, affective, neurophysiological and clinical studies. In particular, the high temporal resolution of magnetoencephalography (MEG) or electroencephalography (EEG) has been exploited to fill the gap between the personal experience of meditation practice and its neural correlates. Mounting evidence, in fact, shows that human brain activity is highly dynamic, transiting between different brain states (microstates). In this study, we aimed at exploring MEG microstates at source-level during FAM, OMM and in the resting state, as well as the complexity and criticality of dynamic transitions between microstates. Ten right-handed Theravada Buddhist monks with a meditative expertise of minimum 2,265 h participated in the experiment. MEG data were acquired during a randomized block design task (6 min FAM, 6 min OMM, with each meditative block preceded and followed by 3 min resting state). Source reconstruction was performed using eLORETA on individual cortical space, and then parcellated according to the Human Connect Project atlas. Microstate analysis was then applied to parcel level signals in order to derive microstate topographies and indices. In addition, from microstate sequences, the Hurst exponent and the Lempel-Ziv complexity (LZC) were computed. Our results show that the coverage and occurrence of specific microstates are modulated either by being in a meditative state or by performing a specific meditation style. Hurst exponent values in both meditation conditions are reduced with respect to the value observed during rest, LZC shows significant differences between OMM, FAM, and REST, with a progressive increase from REST to FAM to OMM. Importantly, we report changes in brain criticality indices during meditation and between meditation styles, in line with a state-like effect of meditation on cognitive performance. In line with previous reports, we suggest that the change in cognitive state experienced in meditation is paralleled by a shift with respect to critical points in brain dynamics.

TOTAL SELF‐TRANSFORMATION USING MINDFULNESS

AbstractThe author is a longtime corporate leader with extensive experience running executive development programs. He writes about the effective use of mindfulness for personal and professional development, including demystifying the term itself. He wants readers to “understand, explore, practice, get into the habit of and own the full extent of the amazing power of the dual approach of mindfulness meditation and of living mindfully.” He explains a “simple, practical, and powerful framework. It blends ancient Indian and Buddhist wisdom with current findings of neuroscience and my work in leadership development with corporate America. My dual approach has two key components. First, practicing 10 minutes of deep breathing every day to settle the mind, immediately followed by mindfulness meditation for 20 minutes, for a total of 30 minutes.” Noting that most of us take our minds for granted, he claims that “practicing mindfulness meditation every day is the equivalent to physical exercise, in terms of keeping the mind calm and functioning at its very peak. Living mindfully in the moment by observing our thoughts and feelings on an ongoing basis creates constant awareness. This awareness becomes sharper over time and is a prerequisite for personal change.”

Longitudinal increases in mindfulness practice quality are associated with changes in psychological outcomes and not vice versa - a brief report.

With research on mindfulness increasing exponentially, it is important to clarify factors that may influence the success of this approach. We examined the construct of mindfulness meditation practice quality using longitudinal data drawn from a randomized controlled trial testing low-dose mindfulness practices with novice mindfulness practitioners from the general population (N = 48). Results suggest that increases in mindfulness practice quality over time are associated with improvements in psychological outcomes (anxiety, stress, and mindfulness), but not vice versa. Findings join previous research supporting the notion that mindfulness practice quality is an important element of mindfulness training in higher-dose programs as well as low-dose and self-help mindfulness programs and practices. Therefore, this research contributes to finding further support of the importance of mindfulness practice quality as a cause of improvement in psychological distress. This needs to be explored further in future research.

A prevention program for binge drinking among students based on mindfulness and implementation intention (ALCOMEDIIT): a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe emergence of new problematic alcohol consumption practices among young people requires new dynamics in prevention strategies. In this context, the ADUC project (Alcohol and Drugs at the University of Caen) aims to develop a better understanding of alcohol consumption, and in particular the practice of binge drinking (BD) in students, in order to develop relevant and adapted prevention tools. The ALCOMEDIIT study (Rin Normandie and IRESP funding; Agreement 20II31-00 - ADUC part 3) is a randomized controlled trial that focuses on the specific determinant of impulsivity. The main objective of this experiment is to assess a program for the prevention of BD practices based on motivational interviewing (MI) associated with implementation intention (II) and mindfulness meditation (MBM) in a student environment.MethodsThis study will include 170 healthy subjects who will be students at the university, alcohol users, with a BD score > 1 in the month preceding the inclusion but not presenting any specific disorder. The trial will be proposed by e-mail and students who meet the inclusion criteria will join either a control group which will benefit from a MI or an experimental group which will additionally benefit from an initiation to MBM with II (initial visit T0). In order to measure the effectiveness of the prevention program in terms of BD decrease, a follow-up at 1 month (T1) as well as a follow-up at 6 months (T6; exploratory) will be proposed to all participants. The total duration of this research protocol is 21 months.DiscussionThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the interest of associating mindfulness meditation practices and implementation of self-regulation strategies to optimize their use, with a motivational interview in an innovative prevention program aiming at reducing alcohol use and BD practice in the student population.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05565989, September 30, 2022.https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05565989Protocol version 2.0 (September 2022)No. ID-RCB : 2022-A00983-40

Mindfulness, social evaluation anxiety, and self-regulation: exploring their association on impulsive behavior among athletes.

Athletes, due to frequent physical interactions in competitive sports, are prone to impulsive behavior. Impulsive behavior is a prevalent psychological factor in sports, often leading to performance-affecting errors. This cross-sectional survey investigated the relationship between mindfulness and athletes' impulsive behavior. We sampled 403 athletes from youth training centers, universities, sports academies, and clubs in China using convenience and snowball sampling. Using AMOS v23, we analyzed the data with a structural equation model. Our structural equation model confirmed that mindfulness and self-regulation inversely correlate with impulsive behavior, while social evaluation anxiety positively correlates with impulsive behavior. Furthermore, self-regulation and social evaluation anxiety serve as intermediaries in the link between mindfulness and impulsive behavior. This research suggests introducing mindfulness meditation practices in competitive settings to improve athletes' social evaluation anxiety and enhance their self-regulation abilities, thereby boosting their psychological health and curbing impulsive behavior.

Mindful police leadership: Opening essential new pathways to 21st-century police leadership and culture

Canadian police managers are facing a series of daunting new challenges that will require significant personal resources to address. Growing research suggests mindfulness training, meditation, and other related contemplative practices appear to benefit leaders in other professions; however, little is known about how these practices may, or may not, be helpful for police leaders. This article contributes to this understanding by sharing results from an exploratory qualitative study that asked senior police leaders who self-identified as regular meditators to discuss how their practices might influence their leadership. Guided by a reflective thematic analysis approach and utilizing NVivo Qualitative Data Analysis Software, data from semi-structured interviews and focus groups with 11 Commissioned Officers from a large Canadian police service were analyzed for themes. Broadly organized by influence on job performance, relationships, and well-being, eight distinct themes were developed: enhanced calmness and self-control; better clarity and decision making; improved focus and efficiency; enhanced presence with others; improved conflict resolution practices; greater compassion and empathy; reduced harmful stress; and enhanced resilience and work/life integration. These results begin to extend the literature on mindful leadership from other workplace contexts into the realm of police leadership and suggest that meditation and mindfulness are beneficial practices that may open new and essential pathways towards 21st century police leadership and culture.

Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Postpartum Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

We aimed to investigate the intervention effect of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in patients with postpartum depression. The method of computer and manual keyword retrieval was used to search PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library. Literature included in the study was assessed for quality and meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. Twelve articles were finally included in the study and the meta-analysis showed that 6 articles used the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) to compare MBIs with conventional therapy, and the statistical heterogeneity between the combined results was low (P=0.18, I2=32%). The level of depression in postpartum depression patients was lower in the MBIs group than in the conventional group [MD=3.13, 95%CI (2.57, 3.70), P<0.00001]. Based on the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the comparison between MBIs and conventional therapy had low statistical heterogeneity between the combined results (P=0.56, I2=0%). The level of depression in patients with postpartum depression who received MBIs was significantly lower than in the conventional care group [MD=5.89, 95%CI (4.88, 6.91), P<0.00001]. Subgroup analysis showed that the best intervention duration for MBIs for postpartum depression was within 4 weeks (SMD=-1.785), each session ≦60 minutes (SMD=-1.435), and participants had to complete the best three times per week (SMD=-2.185). MBIs can alleviate depression in women, thereby facilitating their adjustment to new life. It is recommended to practice mindfulness meditation for 30 minutes per day.