Present-moment Experience Research Articles

Does it matter how meditation feels? An experience sampling study.

Meditation apps are the most widely used mental health apps. The precise mechanisms underlying their effects remain unclear. In particular, the degree to which affect experienced during meditation is associated with outcomes has not been established. We used the meditation app arm of a recently completed randomized controlled trial comparing a self-guided meditation app (Healthy Minds Program) to a waitlist control. Predominantly distressed public school employees (n = 243, 80.9% with clinically elevated depression and/or anxiety) reported positive and negative affect during meditation practice. Data were analyzed using two-level multivariate latent growth curve models (observations nested within participants) that simultaneously attended to both positive and negative affect. We examined whether positive and negative affect during meditation changed over time and whether these changes were associated with changes in psychological distress (parent trial's preregistered primary outcome) at posttest or 3-month follow-up. On average, participants reported decreased negative affect but no change in positive affect during meditation over time. Increased positive affect and decreased negative affect during meditation were associated with improvements in distress at posttest and follow-up. Change in positive affect was a stronger predictor of distress at follow-up than change in negative affect. Despite notions embedded within mainstream mindfulness meditation training that deemphasize the importance of the affective experience of practice (i.e., nonjudgmental awareness of present moment experience, regardless of valence), results indicate that these experiences contain signals associated with outcomes. Monitoring affect during meditation may be worthwhile to guide intervention delivery (i.e., measurement-based care, precision medicine). (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Dynamic Functional Connectivity Correlates of Trait Mindfulness in Early Adolescence

BackgroundTrait mindfulness—the tendency to attend to present-moment experiences without judgment—is negatively correlated with adolescent anxiety and depression. Understanding the neural mechanisms that underlie trait mindfulness may inform the neural basis of psychiatric disorders. However, few studies have identified brain connectivity states that are correlated with trait mindfulness in adolescence, and they have not assessed the reliability of such states. MethodsTo address this gap in knowledge, we rigorously assessed the reliability of brain states across 2 functional magnetic resonance imaging scans from 106 adolescents ages 12 to 15 (50% female). We performed both static and dynamic functional connectivity analyses and evaluated the test-retest reliability of how much time adolescents spent in each state. For the reliable states, we assessed associations with self-reported trait mindfulness. ResultsHigher trait mindfulness correlated with lower anxiety and depression symptoms. Static functional connectivity (intraclass correlation coefficients 0.31–0.53) was unrelated to trait mindfulness. Among the dynamic brains states that we identified, most were unreliable within individuals across scans. However, one state, a hyperconnected state of elevated positive connectivity between networks, showed good reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.65). We found that the amount of time that adolescents spent in this hyperconnected state positively correlated with trait mindfulness. ConclusionsBy applying dynamic functional connectivity analysis on over 100 resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging scans, we identified a highly reliable brain state that correlated with trait mindfulness. This brain state may reflect a state of mindfulness, or awareness and arousal more generally, which may be more pronounced in people who are higher in trait mindfulness.

Dynamic functional connectivity correlates of trait mindfulness in early adolescence.

Trait mindfulness, the tendency to attend to present-moment experiences without judgement, is negatively correlated with adolescent anxiety and depression. Understanding the neural mechanisms underlying trait mindfulness may inform the neural basis of psychiatric disorders. However, few studies have identified brain connectivity states that correlate with trait mindfulness in adolescence, nor have they assessed the reliability of such states. To address this gap in knowledge, we rigorously assessed the reliability of brain states across 2 functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scan from 106 adolescents aged 12 to 15 (50% female). We performed both static and dynamic functional connectivity analyses and evaluated the test-retest reliability of how much time adolescents spent in each state. For the reliable states, we assessed associations with self-reported trait mindfulness. Higher trait mindfulness correlated with lower anxiety and depression symptoms. Static functional connectivity (ICCs from 0.31-0.53) was unrelated to trait mindfulness. Among the dynamic brains states we identified, most were unreliable within individuals across scans. However, one state, an hyperconnected state of elevated positive connectivity between networks, showed good reliability (ICC=0.65). We found that the amount of time that adolescents spent in this hyperconnected state positively correlated with trait mindfulness. By applying dynamic functional connectivity analysis on over 100 resting-state fMRI scans, we identified a highly reliable brain state that correlated with trait mindfulness. The brain state may reflect a state of mindfulness, or awareness and arousal more generally, which may be more pronounced in those who are higher in trait mindfulness.

Virtual reality-guided mindfulness for chronic pain in cancer survivors: protocol for the virtual mind study-a single-group feasibility trial.

Chronic cancer-related pain (CRP) can have a significant negative impact on quality of life. Mindfulness is hypothesized to mitigate chronic CRP by regulating both physical and emotional resistance to pain. In recent years, there has been interest in the use of virtual reality (VR) to deliver mindfulness meditation. VR provides an immersive and engaging environment, which may enhance one's focused attention to present-moment experiences, potentially making mindfulness less effortful and more efficacious for individuals with chronic pain. There has been little research in this area for people with a history of cancer. The aim of this mixed methods study is to evaluate the feasibility of a VR-guided mindfulness (VRGM) intervention offered to adult cancer survivors with chronic CRP. This mixed methods feasibility study will employ a single-arm, pretest-posttest design with semistructured interviews. In total, 15 cancer survivors will be enrolled in a 6-week home-based intervention that consists of 10-15 min of daily VRGM practice. The primary outcome is feasibility as assessed by accrual rates, retention in the study, intervention adherence, questionnaire completion, and side effect rates. Participants will be assessed on psychosocial outcome measures (i.e., pain, sleep, depressive and anxiety symptoms, fatigue, quality of life, and mindfulness) before and after the intervention, and 6 weeks post intervention (follow-up). Changes in pain will be described in relation to levels of immersion and presence in the virtual environment, trait mindfulness, and amount of VRGM practice. Qualitative information will provide subjective detail on participants' experience with VRGM to complement quantitative data. This study has been approved by the Health Research Ethics Board of Alberta Cancer Committee (HREBA.CC-20-0411). This novel intervention provides a potential alternative treatment to pharmacological pain management. Results from this study may inform future larger VGRM trials for chronic CRP to help reduce suffering in people with cancer. Study findings will be disseminated through open access publications, traditional conference presentations, professional cancer organizations, and social media platforms.

Correlates of Smoking, Work Stress, and Mindful Awareness among Private Hospital Workers in Istanbul

Background: The recent increase in workload and stress experienced by healthcare workers (HCW) is a significant global concern. Mindfulness enables one to be aware of emotions, thoughts, and present moment experiences. Objectives: The primary objective of this research is to investigate the correlates between smoking, occupational stress, and mindful awareness levels, among HCWs within the private healthcare sector. This study was conducted at a tertiary-level university-affiliated hospital in Istanbul between January – February 2023. 208 HCW participated, yielding a response rate of 20%. The participants were requested to complete a 61-item questionnaire consisting of demographics, General Work Stress Scale(GWS), Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) and Test to Assess the Psychological Dependence on Smoking (TAPDS). Results: Smokers had significantly higher levels of mean GWS scores than nonsmokers. The mean MAAS scores of smokers were the lowest in the group with the highest scores of psychological dependence; it was highest in the group with the lowest scores. A negative correlation was found between general work stress and mindful awareness levels and between psychological dependence on smoking and mindfulness levels. HCWs aged 45 and older had significantly lower general stress than others. Conclusion: This study showed that the general work stress levels of smoker HCWs were higher than those of nonsmokers. Mindful awareness level was the lowest in the group, with the highest scores in psychological dependence on smoking. There was a negative correlation between psychological dependence on smoking and both work stress and mindful awareness levels. This study demonstrated that high work stress and low mindful awareness levels are not only related to each other but also to high psychological dependence on smoking.

Leveraging Mindfulness to Reduce Stress and Improve Quality of Life Among Pharmacy Students

ObjectiveMethods to improve stress and well-being for health profession trainees are limited. Mindfulness, elevating awareness to the present moment experience with compassion, has been shown to demonstrate effectiveness to enhance well-being. This research leverages techniques from mindfulness to develop and evaluate a credit-bearing longitudinal mindfulness elective, designed to teach mindfulness to improve stress and quality of life (QoL). MethodsA mindfulness elective was created for pharmacy students. A longitudinal, case-control, survey-based design was used to compare stress and QoL between mindfulness participants and nonparticipant controls. Stress was assessed by the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and QoL by the SF-12 v2 Health-Related QoL Scale (SF-12 v2 QoL). ResultsFour weeks after course completion, the average PSS score was lower among participants compared to controls (18.58 SD 5.85 vs 20.79 SD 6.31, Cohen’s d = 0.36). The Mental Health Component score of SF-12 v2 QoL was higher among participants versus controls (41.94 SD 8.58 vs 36.93 SD 9.59, Cohen’s d = 0.55). The Physical Health Component score of SF-12 v2 QoL was lower among participants than the control group (46.13 SD 5.48 vs 48.62 SD 6.53, Cohen’s d = 0.41). ConclusionThe results indicate small to moderate effect sizes associated with participation in a mindfulness elective, reducing stress and improving mental QoL among pharmacy students. The structure and potential benefits of the course can be extrapolated to other institutions. By offering course credit for mindfulness practice, health profession schools can support student wellness.

Mindfullness-Based Interventions for Anxiety and Depression

IntroductionMindfulness refers to a process that leads to a mental state characterized by non-judgmental awareness of the present moment experience, including one´s sensations, thoughts, bodily states, consciousness, and the environment, while encouraging openness, curiosity, and acceptance.ObjectivesThe purpose of this paper is to review the ways in which cognitive and behavioural treatments for depression and anxiety have been advanced by the application of mindfulness practices.MethodsBrief non-systematic literature on the topic.ResultsMindfulness has spread rapidly in Western psychology research and practice, in large because of the success of standardized mindfulness-based interventions, consequently research on mindfulness based interventions (MBIs) has increased exponentially in the past decade. The most common include Mindfullness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), which incorporate the essence of Eastern mindfulness practices into the Western cognitive-behavioral practice. MBIs have showed efficacy in reducing the severity of anxiety and depressive symptoms in a broad range of treatment seeking individuals. MBIs have also been showed to perform with not so different results to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).ConclusionsMBIs have been showed to be important co-adjuvants to pharmacological treatment and psychotherapy of depression and anxiety. To prove this point without doubts and create adequate guidelines that include these forms of treatment more research needs to be done on the matter.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Usredotočena svjesnost i mentalno zdravlje: posredujuća uloga kognitivne emocionalne regulacije

The beneficial effect of mindfulness (M) or non-judgemental awareness and the acceptance of present-moment experience on mental health and well-being has been well confirmed by previous research. However, the mechanisms by which M exerts this beneficial influence have not been sufficiently explored. The aim of the present study was to examine the interrelationships between M, cognitive emotion regulation (CER) strategies and negative affective states (depression, anxiety, and stress). In addition, we examined the potential mediating role of CER strategies in the relationship between M and negative affective states. The study, which was conducted online, included 365 subjects of a wider age range (between 19 and 68 years). The Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale were applied. The results mainly support the partial mediation model, according to which higher levels of M, in addition to directly reducing depression, anxiety and stress symptoms, also indirectly decrease the symptoms of these negative affective states, through usage of CER strategies. The results of the study indicate the possible important role of interventions focused on developing US and adaptive strategies

Mindfulness or relaxation: What is more effective for work stress? Literature review

Objective. Work demands for productivity and flexibility are on the rise. In the last 20 years, hourly productivity has increased by 20 % (OECD, 2020). One of the adverse consequences of increased work demands is work stress (Quick & Henderson, 2016). There has been a growing need for organizations to reduce work stress, which is why stress management interventions (SMI) are quickly gaining popularity (Kröll et al., 2017). The aim of this paper is to introduce mindfulness and relaxation as approaches used in stress management interventions (SMI) in the work environment. Mindfulness is an ability we can cultivate with training and consists of two basic skills – monitoring of present-moment experience (based on attention and awareness) and attitude of acceptance and openness towards own experience. Accepting attitude has an essential role in stress management. Relaxation causes stress reduction in two ways: by promoting beneficial physiological processes (improved breathing rate, heart rate) and by focusing on pleasant, relaxing sensations. The paper characterizes these approaches, discussing their efficacy, specificities, differences, and circumstances that support their effectiveness. Method. The efficacy of the investigated approaches was evaluated through the most up-to-date meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials. Papers were searched through the Scopus database. Results. The results of the meta-analyses of mindfulness SMI agreed on satisfactory efficacy, showing a medium effect size. The findings of meta-analyses of relaxation SMI also demonstrated a medium effect size and suggested yoga-based interventions might be most effective. More importantly, both approaches are characterised by certain advantages and disadvantages. The advantages of the mindfulness approach include proven effectiveness in stress reduction and also other benefits in the work environment, such as improved creativity and problem-solving skills. However, practising mindfulness requires a lot of discipline, time and high commitment. The relaxation approach seems to offer stress reduction but no other benefits. Relaxation is also easier to learn and practice. Therefore, the mindfulness approach and the relaxation approach may be more appropriate for different groups of workers. For workers preferring straightforward instructions, easy-to-understand concepts, and less time-consuming interventions, relaxation is probably a more suitable alternative (Kaspereen, 2012). Highly motivated workers, willing to undergo more time consuming and harder-to-understand training, may benefit more from mindfulness interventions. Mindfulness interventions may also be more appropriate for workers whose jobs involve a lot of planning and mental work and who may suffer from rumination of negative thoughts (Jain et al., 2007). Therefore, if organisations plan to reduce workers’ stress, it is essential to identify workers’ preferences and carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each approach. Discussion. Mindfulness and relaxation SMI can both be considered as options for reducing stress in the workplace in certain circumstances. The key is to identify the preferences of the workers in question and ensure that the chosen intervention is implemented well and thoroughly. The article offers a new perspective on the topic of dealing with stress in the workplace. This information is beneficial not only for researchers but also for psychologists/managers seeking solutions for their organisations. The study is limited by the fact that mindfulness and relaxation SMI in the workplace are not researched to the same extent. Future researchers should consider an experimental comparison of quality yoga and mindfulnessinterventions, in different work settings.

Do You Mind? Examining the Impact of Psychoeducation Specificity on Perceptions of Mindfulness-Based Programs.

Objective: Mindfulness-based programs (MBPs) cultivate the capacity for mindfulness, defined as nonjudgmental acceptance and awareness of present-moment experience. Mindfulness has been associated with a host of benefits for users, such as improved indices of mental well-being. We examined public perceptions of acceptability (i.e., how appropriate the treatment is for a given problem) and credibility (i.e., how logical and convincing a treatment seems) of MBPs as a form of mental health intervention. The main objective of this study was to examine whether higher specificity of psychoeducational content improved perceptions of the acceptability and credibility of MBPs. Methods: Participants (n = 188; female% = 39.4) were recruited online and randomly assigned to one of two conditions. In one condition, participants received balanced and evidence-based psychoeducation specific to MBPs for mental health. In the other condition, participants received general information about psychological treatments for mental health. Acceptability and credibility perceptions were measured by questionnaires across time (pre-and post-psychoeducation) and across specificity conditions (specific vs. general psychoeducation). Results: Participants randomized to the general, but not the specific, psychoeducation-endorsed higher scores of acceptability of MBPs post-psychoeducation. Further, participants endorsed higher scores of MBP credibility post-psychoeducation, regardless of the specificity of psychoeducation provided. Conclusions: Perceptions of the acceptability of MBPs were improved following exposure to general psychoeducation, and perceptions of the credibility of MBPs were improved following psychoeducation, regardless of specificity. Examining public perceptions of MBPs is important for informing strategies to support access to and use of MBPs.

Mindfulness buffers the deleterious effects of workaholism for work-family conflict

RationaleWorkaholism logically corresponds to the experience of work-family conflict (WFC) which is associated with a wide variety of negative employee outcomes. Finding ways to mitigate the occurrence of workaholism and/or lessen its deleterious effects on the work-family interface is practically important. Mindfulness research may hold some promise in this regard. ObjectiveWe explore the potential that mindfulness - through its association with accuracy and salience of present moment experience and disengagement from automatic thoughts and debilitating behavior - may buffer the effects of workaholic tendencies on the experience of WFC. MethodsWe use a two-study design (total n = 1022) to examine the role of dispositional mindfulness and mindfulness practice on the workaholism-WFC relationship. ResultsResults suggest that (1) trait mindfulness buffers the workaholism-WFC relationship (Study 1; n = 307), and that (2) mindfulness practice and mindfulness training similarly buffer this relationship (Study 2; n = 715). ConclusionMindfulness effectively serves as a buffer in the relationship between workaholism and WFC.

MINDFULNESS AS A BOOSTER FOR WORKPLACE WELLBEING: ITS SIGNIFICANCE AND EFFECTS

The demanding and stressful nature of the workplace environment have become detrimental to the physical and mental health of the workers, especially in the present scenario. Work overload,deadlines, sudden and rapid changes in the workplace all have negatively contributed towards the wellbeing of the workers. This has led to an increase in various illnesses, both physically and mentally and has also impacted the organization leading to conflicts, employee turnover, unionism and many more such issues. As such, different efforts are undertaken to improve occupational wellbeing. One such intervention involves being Mindful or completely focused and conscious at work. Mindfulness is the non-judgmental awareness of and attention to present moment experiences. The concept of Mindfulness has drawn considerable interest among organizational scholars and practitioners. It is largely beneficial for workers wellbeing asaccording to several researches, it is seen to be associated with job satisfaction and low burnout. However, this concept is still lacking importance. In the light of todays complex society, an understanding of mindfulness at work has gained utmost importance. The presented paper discusses this concept taking into consideration a number of factors such as implementation of mindfulness and its qualities. The paper also discusses the significance and effects that mindfulness has upon the workers. Apart from this, the implications of mindfulness in the emerging workplace and employee wellbeing are also presented.

Effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions on well-being and work-related stress in the financial sector: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

BackgroundWork-related stress is a common phenomenon, often noticed in the employees of the finance sector. It mirrors counter effects on the wellness of employees, their mental well-being, and physical health. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) raise awareness and attention to the present moment experiences by adopting coping skills. It is necessary to promote employee well-being and reduce work-related stress; hence, the need arises to associate between the level of mindfulness, employee well-being, and work-related stress. A systematic review on the effectiveness of MBIs in the finance sector is necessary to facilitate evidence for the future utility to reduce work-related stress and promote employee well-being.MethodsIn this review, randomized controlled trials, non-randomized control trials, cohort, and cross-sectional and case-control studies that assess the effectiveness of MBIs on the employees in the finance sector will be considered. We propose to perform a literature search which will be conducted from the years 2000 to 2021 on CINAHL, Cochrane Library, ProQuest, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The search terms will include controlled and accessible terms such as mindfulness-based interventions, mindfulness training, workplace, employees, workers, well-being, employee wellness, occupational health, and finance sector. The outcomes will include the effect on employee well-being and reduction in work-related stress. Two researchers will independently conduct the screening and data extraction and assess the risk of bias. Based on the availability of data, a meta-analysis will also be performed. This protocol follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis-Protocol (PRISMA-P) guidelines. “Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews” will be used to assess the quality of this review.DiscussionThe review attempts to methodically analyse the effectiveness of MBIs among finance sector employees. It will foster to facilitate a detailed description and evidence-based overview of the effectiveness of MBIs on improving work-related stress, mindful awareness, and employee wellness and well-being in employees in the finance sector. The current study will provide an evidence base to researchers, academicians, and practitioners in the selection of mindfulness-based therapies for employees in the finance sector.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO 2021 CRD42021249782

ВЛИЯНИЕ ПРАКТИКИ ОСОЗНАННОСТИ НА КОГНИТИВНЫЙ И ПСИХОЭМОЦИОНАЛЬНЫЙ ПРОФИЛЬ ЛИЦ, НАХОДЯЩИХСЯ В УСЛОВИЯХ СОЦИАЛЬНОЙ ИЗОЛЯЦИИ

The article presents a study of the mindfulness practice effect on the cognitive and psycho-emotional profile of two groups of people who have been in social isolation for 6 months. There are few interventions that affect significantly the reduction of the adverse impact of social isolation. Mindfulness practices that train skills for monitoring the present moment experiences have shown promising results. The study was conducted on a sample of 19 participants with 3–5 and 5–10 years of mindfulness practices. The purpose of the study is to investigate whether mindfulness practices can compensate for the negative impact of social isolation on the psycho-emotional and cognitive profile of participants. To test this hypothesis, the following methods were used: the Beck Depression Scale, the Rumination Scale, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory, the five-factor personality model, the Visual Analogue Scale for assessing the emotional state, and computerized cognitive tests. The results showed the potential value of mindfulness practices in reducing symptoms of depression and sleep disturbances.

The association of distress tolerance and mindful awareness with mental health in first responders.

Mindful awareness (MA) and distress tolerance are emerging as robust predictors of mental health in populations with high levels of stress and trauma exposure, such as first responders. The combination of both protective factors may have potentiating benefits for mental health. First responders might especially benefit from high levels of MA if they are able to tolerate distressing present-moment experiences as needed. In this study, cross-sectional data were used to test whether distress intolerance (DI) moderated the relationship between MA and mental health. First responders (N = 176) completed an online assessment battery including measures of MA (Mindful Attention Awareness Scale), DI (Distress Intolerance Index), and mental health outcomes (i.e., Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale; Posttraumatic Stress Disorder [PTSD] Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition [DSM-5]; Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale; abbreviated Maslach Burnout Inventory; compassion satisfaction subscale of the Professional Quality of Life Scale; Satisfaction with Life Scale; and Brief Resilience Scale). Multiple regression models demonstrated that among first responders with higher DI, MA had a stronger association with lower anxiety and depression symptoms. Interactions between MA and DI were not significant for other outcome measures. However, higher MA and lower DI each independently predicted lower stress (lower posttraumatic stress, secondary traumatic stress, and general stress); higher MA independently predicted better occupational health (lower burnout and higher compassion satisfaction); and lower DI independently predicted positive mental health (greater resilience and life satisfaction). Results highlight the independent associations of high MA and low DI with first responders' mental health and underscore the importance of studying of interventions that promote both of these protective factors in first responders. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Mindfulness interventions for offsetting health risk following early life stress: Promising directions

Early life stress (ELS), common to childhood maltreatment, socioeconomic disadvantage, and racial discrimination, is thought to create a proinflammatory phenotype that increases risk for poor health in adulthood. Systemic change is needed to address the root causes of ELS, but a substantial number of adults are already at increased health risk by virtue of ELS exposure. Interventions that target stress pathways have the potential to interrupt the trajectory from ELS to inflammatory disease risk in adulthood. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs), which train acceptance toward present-moment experience, have shown promise for reducing stress and improving a variety of stress-sensitive health outcomes. Although MBIs have primarily been conducted in more advantaged populations, evidence suggests that they may be uniquely effective for improving mental health and health-related quality of life among those with a history of ELS. Whether these effects extend to physical health remains unknown. To shed light on this question, I review evidence that MBIs influence inflammatory markers in at-risk samples, explore the promise of MBIs for improving stress-related health outcomes in diverse at-risk populations, and describe adaptations to MBIs that may increase their acceptability and efficacy in populations exposed to ELS. This prior work sets the stage for well-controlled RCTs to evaluate whether MBIs influence stress and inflammatory pathways among those exposed to ELS and for pragmatic and implementation trials focused on disseminating MBIs to reach these at-risk populations. Overall, the evidence assembled here shows the potential of MBIs for offsetting physical health risk related to ELS.

Equitable Mindfulness: A Framework for Transformative Conversations in Higher Education

Background: Mindfulness, the practice of present moment experience, can be employed as a tool for grounding in difficult conversations and creating pathways for transformative change in communities.Aim: As educators continue to teach the practices of mindfulness in primary, secondary, and post-secondary institutions to promote personal and academic wellbeing, it is important to recognize the inherent power of mindfulness practice to stimulate actions against oppressive systems, instead of continuing to support them by using curriculum focused on desensitizing individuals to that system. The outlined framework aims to create a platform for the promotion of sustained action.Methods: This article will outline the framework and model of Equitable Mindfulness used within curricula to create containers, hold space, and begin difficult conversations about creating and sustaining diverse and inclusive spaces and strategies.Results: Rooted in the foundations of mindfulness, the Equitable Mindfulness framework was created to promote personal and societal introspection while bridging gaps between communities and breaking down barriers against inclusive practices.Conclusions: Researchers are continuing to collect mixed-methods data on how Equitable Mindfulness is perceived, it’s validity in the field, and its relationship to mediating difficult topics.

Mindfulness-based interventions for eating disorders: The potential to mobilize multiple associative-learning change mechanisms.

Mindfulness is a two-component skill that includes mindful awareness (attentional monitoring of present moment experience) and mindful acceptance (adopting an attitude of acceptance toward this experience). Although mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are efficacious for many conditions, there is a lack of research on MBIs for eating disorders (EDs). We propose that MBIs may be promising for EDs given their potential to mobilize not one, but multiple associative-learning change mechanisms in EDs-defined as adaptive processes of change involving one of two forms of associative-learning: Pavlovian and operant learning. We hypothesize how MBIs-via increasing either mindful awareness or mindful acceptance-may mobilize up to eight associative-learning change mechanisms, two involving Pavlovian learning, and six involving operant learning. We also elaborate on similarities and differences between MBIs and CBT approaches for EDs, as well as opportunities for synergy. Finally, we present recommendations for future research related to the development and evaluation of novel MBI interventions for EDs and the testing of mechanisms and patient-treatment matching hypotheses.

Feasibility and acceptability of mindful recovery opioid use care continuum (M-ROCC): A concurrent mixed methods study

As opioid overdose deaths increase, buprenorphine/naloxone (B/N) treatment is expanding, yet almost half of patients are not retained in B/N treatment. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) designed to promote non-judgmental awareness of present moment experience may be complementary to B/N treatment and offer the potential to enhance retention by reducing substance use and addressing comorbid symptoms. In this pilot study, we examined the feasibility and acceptability of the Mindful Recovery OUD Care Continuum (M-ROCC), a trauma-informed, motivationally sensitive, 24-week MBI. Participants (N = 18) were adults with Opioid Use Disorder prescribed B/N. The study team conducted assessments of satisfaction, mindfulness levels, and home practice, as well as qualitative interviews at 4 and 24-weeks. M-ROCC was feasible in a sample with high rates of childhood trauma and comorbid psychiatric diagnoses with 89% of participants retained at 4-weeks and 72% at 24-weeks. Positive qualitative interview responses and a high rate of participants willing to refer a friend (100%) demonstrates program acceptability. Participant mindfulness increased from baseline to 24-weeks (β = 0.24, p = 0.001, d = 0.51), and increases were correlated with informal mindfulness practice frequency (r = 0.7, p < 0.01). Although limited by small sample size, this pilot study highlights the feasibility and acceptability of integrating MBIs into standard primary care Office-Based Opioid Treatment (OBOT) among a population with substantial trauma history.

Mindfulness interventions improve momentary and trait measures of attentional control: Evidence from a randomized controlled trial.

Mindfulness interventions have been shown to improve several subcomponents of attention; however, the psychological mechanisms driving these improvements are unknown. Mindfulness interventions train individuals to monitor present moment experiences while adopting an attitude of acceptance toward these experiences. We conducted a theoretically driven randomized controlled trial to test the putative mechanisms of mindfulness training that drive improvements in attentional control. Participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 conditions: (a) monitor and accept (MA) training, a standard 8-week mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) intervention that included cultivation of both monitoring and acceptance skills; (b) monitor only (MO) training, a well-matched modified 8-week MBSR-adapted intervention that focused on monitoring skills only; or (c) no treatment (NT) control. Momentary attentional control was measured via ecological momentary assessment for 3 days at baseline and postintervention. Trait attentional control was assessed at baseline and postintervention using traditional self-report. Participants also completed a dichotic listening task to assess sustained attention at baseline and postintervention. We found that MA and MO participants improved in momentary and trait attentional control (but not attention task performance) relative to NT participants. Analyses of indirect effects were consistent with the possibility that increased momentary attentional control partially accounts for MA/MO intervention-related increases in trait attentional control. This randomized controlled trial provides one of the first experimental tests of the mechanisms of mindfulness interventions that drive improvements in attention outcomes. These findings support the notion that present-focused monitoring skills training drives mindfulness intervention-related improvements in momentary attentional control, which in turn fosters greater trait attentional control. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).