Role Of Meditation Research Articles

Can You Stop Your Mind and Your Daily Activities?

The paper investigates meditation as a state of consciousness that isolates an individual from the attitude of everyday life and the perspective of practical actions. It is an “ethnography of the mind” instead of the place. The paper analyses self-reports from meditators’ self-observations as part of hatha yoga practice and data from semi-structured interviews with hatha yoga teachers. Elements that distract or help people meditate were analysed and interpreted. The features of the meditative state during the practice of sitting meditation are also reconstructed. Attention is paid to three essential aspects that are related to each other when entering the meditative state: emerging thoughts, body sensations, and emotions. The analysis focuses on how practitioners deal with these obstacles; what tactics do they employ to eliminate barriers or redirect attention and include them in the background of the concentration point? What is the role of teaching meditation? What are the effects of meditation from a practitioner’s point of view? Empirical materials obtained from the first-person perspective of the researcher, the author of this article, and his collaborators in the study were also analysed.

The Role of Mindfulness Meditation for the Management of Hypertension in African American Adults in the US - A Scoping Review

The prevalence of hypertension is more significant among African American adults than among individuals in other ethnic groups. Mindfulness, an ancient technique used for thousands of years, is acknowledged as a valuable tool for improving health in various ways. However, despite its traditional wisdom, there remains a gap in understanding the standalone effects of MM on hypertension control. This review aimed to discuss the role of mindfulness in managing hypertension within the African American adult population in the U. S. PubMed and Scopus were the chosen databases for this exploration. The inclusion criteria comprised papers presenting primary data studies conducted on hypertensive African American patients, specifically reporting on the independent association between mindfulness and hypertension. The exclusion criteria included nonprimary data studies and studies not primarily focused on hypertension or mindfulness. Following our search strategy, we identified a total of 32 studies. Our review incorporated five randomized controlled trials, excluding manuscripts lacking primary data, nonrandomized clinical trials, and duplicates. Within these studies, mindfulness was administered to participants through either prerecorded MP3s or guidance from trained personnel. The observed reduction in blood pressure ranged from 7.2 mmHg to 21.92 mmHg for systolic blood pressure and from null to 7.2 mmHg for diastolic blood pressure across the five studies. Notably, one study showed no change in diastolic blood pressure. The outcomes of this review can contribute to clinical practice by offering an evidence-based approach for effective hypertension control through MM. The key findings highlight the positive impact of mindfulness on blood pressure regulation and emphasize using prerecorded MP3s or trained guidance as effective mindfulness delivery methods. These insights underscore the potential significance of MM as a cost-efficient and side-effect-free approach to hypertension management.

The role of Anupreksha meditation in alleviating negative thinking among adults: a cross-sectional study

Background: Anupreksha-based meditations (AM) involve focusing on objects including images, colors, sounds, and the nature of the body and soul. Similar to Preksha meditation, which has shown positive effects on mental and physical well-being, AM is proposed to have potential benefits. However, the impact of AM on negative thinking, a key factor in various psycho-physiological ailments, has not been thoroughly examined. This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of AM in reducing negative thoughts and improving mental-health and well-being. It hypothesized that practicing AM can positively alter thought patterns and enhance overall well-being. Methods: A total of 462 English-speaking participants aged 19 to 60 years. Among them, 233 were regular AM practitioners with at least 12 months of experience, and 229 were non-meditators. Self-reported scales were used to measure perseverative thinking, mindfulness, self-compassion, and spiritual well-being. Results: Data were checked for normality and the Mann-Whitney U-test was performed. The AM group showed significant lower perseverative thinking scores (p<0.001) and higher mindfulness, self-compassion, and spiritual well-being scores (p<0.001). The scores of perseverative thinking negatively correlated with mindfulness (rho -0.53; p<0.001), self-compassion (rho -0.43; p<0.001), and spiritual well-being (rho -0.22; p<0.001) in meditators. Additionally, mindfulness positively correlated with self-compassion (rho 0.42; p<0.001) and spiritual well-being (rho 0.36; p<0.001). Conclusions: Shreds of evidence indicated that the practice of Anupreksha-based meditations alleviates negative thoughts by promoting mindfulness, self-compassion, and spiritual well-being. Therefore, the AM can be suggested to improve the positive state of mind and also can be practiced to mitigate psychological-related issues.

Mindfulness Meditation and the Meaning of Life

Throughout the history of philosophy, ethics has often been a source of guidance on how to live a meaningful life. Accordingly, when the ethical foundations of mindfulness are considered, an important question arises concerning the role of meditation in providing meaning. The present article proposes a new theoretical route for understanding the links between mindfulness meditation and meaningfulness by employing the terminology of Susan Wolf’s contemporary philosophical account of a meaningful life. It opens by examining the question of what kinds of life-meanings are made available by Buddhist doctrine, considering the two alternatives of a cosmic, human-independent meaning of life versus the subjective meanings that humans give to their individual lives. After surveying current psychological theories that aim to explain the correlation between mindfulness as a trait and meaning in life, all of which see mindfulness as a mediating factor in the production of meaning, I argue that Wolf’s framework offers a promising theoretical basis for clarifying the relationship between mindfulness and meaning in that it explains why mindfulness has a direct bearing on meaning in life. I then show that mindfulness meditation, as understood in Buddhism, can respond to some of the philosophical worries that arise from Wolf’s theory, specifically her concern with the standards for securing the objective value of meaningful activities and projects. My claim is that mindfulness meditation is representative of a broader class of activities that are non-subjectively valuable insofar as they are required for any exploration of objective meaning or standards of values, as well as for engagement in objectively valuable projects and activities.

Stress and the Consumption of Ultra-Processed Foods during COVID-19's Social Distancing: Are Mental Disorders Mediators in This Association? ELSA-Brasil Results.

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated various determinants of mental disorders. Several behavioral changes were observed given this increase, including harmful health consequences, such as excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs). To assess this relationship, we investigated the meditational role of symptoms of mental disorders (anxiety and depression) in the association between stress resulting from social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic and the consumption of UPFs in 3884 Brazilian public employees in a supplementary study of the ELSA-Brasil study. Structural equation models (SEMs) were estimated to assess the direct and indirect effects mediated by symptoms of mental disorders. The results suggested a significant and positive mediational effect of the symptoms of mental disorders on the association between the stress resulting from social distancing and the consumption of UPFs. These findings contribute to informing the need for policies and early interventions in potentially stressful situations, with a focus on the promotion of mental health, and may thus help prevent or reduce the consumption of unhealthy foods.

The Role and Mechanism of Meditation on Physical Health and Well-Being – a literature review

Introduction: The latest researches concerning the effect of the meditation on the well-being show the increased number of meditation proponents due to its benefits to the mental resilience, stress management and also general health. Meditation is increasingly recognized globally for promoting overall well-being. Purpose: This study investigates impact of meditation on mental and physical well-being. It aims at understanding the mechanisms behind the improvements of health, giving special emphasis on its use as a treatment tool and a prevention measure. State of Knowledge: Meditation is validated in terms of the amount of data proving its positive effects on psychological and physical health. Ranging from stress reduction to immune system modulation, cognitive enhancements, and cardiovascular benefits, meditation turns out to be a wide applicability tool. Mediation perception factors such as cultural and social aspects are contrasted, stressing the important of research on its original Buddhist context. Meditation, due to cultural differences, still is a controversial in many areas, especially in social work. Summary: Meditation is a diverse tool for the promotion of the whole person well-being including stress reduction, immunity modulation, enhancement in cognition and cardiovascular health. It is crucial for building resilience, an important part of preventive and clinical psychology, and the medically oriented stress management. Noticing the role of culture, meditation is a significant aid to the improvement of personal, educator, and healthcare provider well-being. Meditation is a versatile tool that can be integrated into various practices, enhancing the overall well-being and life-coping skills of individuals and professionals alike.

Easing anxiety symptoms through leisure activities during social isolation: Findings from nationally representative samples.

Public health interventions implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic may exacerbate anxiety symptoms for many. We conducted this study to better understand the role of leisure activity in promoting mental wellness during times of social isolation and reduced access to recreation facilities and mental health support services. We analyzed nationally representative survey data collected by Statistics Canada as part of the Canadian Perspectives Survey Series (CPSS) during May 4-10 (CPSS 2) and July 20 to 26, 2020 (CPSS 4). Data related to leisure activity and anxiety symptoms as measured by a score of more than 10 on the General Anxiety Disorder scale were examined using descriptive and log-binomial regression analyses. Survey sampling weights were applied in all analyses, and regression results were adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics. Exercise and communication with friends and loved ones were the most frequently reported leisure activity. Prevalence of moderate to severe anxiety symptoms reported by participants was lower in CPSS 4 compared to CPSS 2. Results of adjusted log-binomial regression analyses revealed lower prevalence of moderate to severe anxiety symptoms in those who engaged in exercise and communication, while those who meditated exhibited higher prevalence. In conclusion, leisure activities, such as exercise and communication with loved ones, can promote mental wellness. Future research should clarify the role of meditation for mental wellness promotion during periods of social isolation.

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.

The Relationship Between Mindfulness and Impulsivity: The Role of Meditation

ObjectivesMindfulness and impulsivity traits are considered to be important aspects of mental well-being and health. These traits are often seen as opposing concepts, yet the nature of the relationship between them is unclear, mainly because they are complex to define. The aim of this research was to investigate the relationship between impulsivity and mindfulness, taking into account the impact of mindfulness meditation experience on this connection.MethodA total of 174 mentally and physically healthy young adults were assigned to either a non-meditation group or a meditation group based on their experience in meditation practices. Participants completed self-report scales to evaluate their impulsivity and mindfulness traits.ResultsTrait impulsivity scales and dysfunctional impulsivity were negatively correlated with trait mindfulness, while functional impulsivity was positively correlated with trait mindfulness. While meditation practice significantly predicted trait mindfulness, its moderating effect on the relationship between impulsivity and mindfulness was limited.ConclusionsThe varying relationship between impulsivity subscales and trait mindfulness, together with the relatively limited association between meditation practice and these personality traits, emphasizes the importance of considering different aspects of impulsivity and acknowledging how individual differences affect the relationship between impulsivity and mindfulness.PreregistrationThis study is not preregistered.

Meditation Moderates the Relationship between Insecure Attachment and Loneliness: A Study of Long-Term Care Residents in Thailand.

Background and Objectives: Loneliness is prevalent among residents of long-term care settings, posing significant challenges to their mental wellbeing. Insecure attachment has been identified as a contributing factor to loneliness in this population. Previous research has suggested that meditation may have beneficial effects on mental health outcomes. This study aimed to examine the relationship between meditation, insecure attachment, and loneliness among residents of long-term care facilities in Thailand. Specifically, the study sought to investigate the moderating effect of meditation on the association between insecure attachment (both avoidance and anxiety) and loneliness. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 236 residents living in long-term care homes in Thailand. Participants completed self-report measures including the 18-item Revised Experience of Close Relationship questionnaire (to assess attachment anxiety and avoidance), the Inner Strength-Based Inventory (to measure meditation practice), and the 6-item Revised Version of the University of California Los Angeles Loneliness Scale. Moderation analyses were performed to explore the role of meditation in the relationship between insecure attachment and loneliness. Results: The mean age of participants was 73.52 years, with females accounting for 57.6% of the sample. Among the participants, 58.4% reported engaging in meditation, with practice frequency ranging from often to daily. The mean meditation score was 2.92 out of 5, indicating regular but not daily practice. Meditation was found to moderate the relationship between insecure attachment (both avoidance and anxiety) and loneliness. Specifically, the moderation effect between attachment anxiety and loneliness was significant (B = 0.44, SE = 0.21, 95% CI [0.30, 0.86]), as was the interaction effect between attachment anxiety and loneliness (B = -0.34, SE = 0.17, 95% CI [-0.67, -0.02]). Conclusions: The findings suggest that the impact of meditation practice on loneliness is influenced by an individual's attachment dimension. Meditation demonstrates a moderating effect on attachment avoidance, anxiety, and loneliness, with variations observed in the direction of these effects. The clinical implications of these findings and recommendations for further research are discussed.

Peace through health: traditional medicine meditation in the prevention of collective stress, violence, and war.

In the midst of global armed conflicts, notably the Israel-Hamas and Ukraine-Russia wars, there is an urgent need for innovative public health strategies in peacebuilding. The devastating impact of wars, including mortality, injury, disease, and the diversion of healthcare resources, necessitates effective and durable interventions. This perspective aligns with WHO recommendations and examines the role of evidence-based meditation from Ayurveda and Yoga in public health to mitigate collective stress and prevent collective violence and war. It highlights the Transcendental Meditation program, recognized for reducing stress, with contemporary evidence supporting its effectiveness in mental health, mind-body disorders, cardiovascular disease, and public health. Empirical studies with cross-cultural replications indicate that these Traditional Medicine meditation practices can reduce collective stress and prevent collective violence and war activity while improving quality of life. The mechanisms of group meditation in mitigating collective violence are explored through public health models, cognitive neuroscience, population neuroscience, quantum physics principles, and systems medicine. This perspective suggests that Transcendental Meditation and the advanced TM-Sidhi program, as a component of Traditional Medicine, can provide a valuable platform for enhancing societal well-being and peace by addressing brain-based factors fundamental to collective stress and violence.

Role of Asana, Pranayama, and Meditation as an Add-on Therapy in Regulation of Hypertension

Role of Asana, Pranayama, and Meditation as an Add-on Therapy in Regulation of Hypertension

The Role of Meditation in Managing Students' Emotions

This research discusses the role of meditation in managing students' emotions and the importance of implementing meditation in schools so that students can effectively handle their emotions. Meditation is a practice that involves bringing awareness and attention to calm the mind. Meditation has been proven to have a positive impact on students' emotional well-being. The research method applied in this study is a systematic literature review (SLR) to gather and analyze relevant articles. The results of this research indicate that meditation plays a crucial role in managing students' emotions. Students who can effectively manage their emotions are able to self-regulate, exhibit awareness, perform well in school activities, and engage in social interactions effectively.

Exploring the Role of Mindfulness Meditation in Transpersonal Psychology

Exploring the Role of Mindfulness Meditation in Transpersonal Psychology

Understanding the Effect of Rajyog Meditation on Biomolecular and Behavioural Co-relates of Stress in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

Background: The role of psychological health in impacting the risk factors for heart disease is well recognized. Patients undergoing corrective surgery for Coronary Artery Disease undergo much anxiety and depression that negatively impact the overall health of the heart. Higher levels of biomarkers that promote atherosclerosis is frequently found in individuals with negative psychological health. Improving psychological health can lead to healthier surgical outcome. Various relaxation techniques including meditation are used to relax and reduce a person’s stress and anxiety and are gaining importance in peri-operative stress management procedures. Aim: It was the aim of present study to evaluate the role of Rajyog meditation in bringing down surgery related stress levels in patients undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery. This was sought to be achieved by measuring the variations in their circulating plasma endothelin-1 levels (molecular stress marker) after being imparted with relaxation therapy in the form of meditation followed by association analysis with subjective indicators of stress. Design: Randomized controlled Trial Setting: A total of 60 patients undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery, thirty each in non-intervention and intervention groups and fulfilling the inclusion criterion were enrolled in the study. Intervention: Relaxation therapy in the form of Rajyoga Meditation was imparted for one month to patients only in the intervention group, before they underwent Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery. Main outcome measures: Blood samples were collected before meditation, post-meditation/before surgery, post-meditation/after surgery and circulating plasma Endothelin-1 levels measured by sandwich ELISA. Clinical parameters were determined based on analysis of compiled questionnaires. Results: The sleep quality improved and anxiety levels reduced after meditation (p = 0.002 and p= 0.005 respectively) in the intervention group as a whole. There was a drop in median plasma Endothelin-1 levels from 1.68 pg/ml to 1.38 pg/ml after meditation in the intervention group and a concomitant rise of median plasma Endothelin-1 levels from 1.0 pg/ml to 2.05 pg/ml in the non-intervention group. Conclusions: The findings suggest that Rajyog meditation can bring about a beneficial difference in the subjective clinical parameters of patients and also a drop in plasma Endothelin-1 levels distinct from a rise in its levels in the non-intervention group.

Examining the Role of Mindfulness Meditation and Other Techniques to Enhance Emotional Regulation and Resilience in Teenagers

Examining the Role of Mindfulness Meditation and Other Techniques to Enhance Emotional Regulation and Resilience in Teenagers

Intersemiotic translation of Yixiang (Image): A case study of Tang Poetry in paintings

This paper focuses on intersemiotic translation of Yixiang, or image in western literary term, from poetry to painting by taking Tang Poetry in Paintings as a case to exemplify the translation strategies of Yixiang from verbal sign system to visual sign system. Furthermore, the meditative role of the visualized images in the target context will also be touched upon. A qualitative approach is applied in the study. Typical examples will be chosen for case analysis. It is found that the strategies of equivalence, focalization, integration, montage, addition, contrast and omission are employed by the painters. The effects of those visualized images varied in different cases. Overall, cooperating with the interlingual translations, visual languages such as color, shadow, body language of figures, picture structure are employed to help English readers better receive the poems.

MANAGING ANXIETY DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: THE SIGNIFICANCE OF MEDITATION AND COMPASSIONATE LOVE

Abstract Background & Significance Prior research has consistently established the role of meditation as a coping resource to mitigate the adverse impacts of stressful life situations on mental health. Yet, our understanding of mechanisms that transmit the positive effects of meditation on mental health among older adults is limited. Specifically, little research has examined the impact of meditation on positive emotions such as compassionate love and its subsequent effect on later-life psychological well-being. Purpose: We rely on Fredrickson’s broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions to assess the role of compassionate love in mediating the relationship between meditation practice and mental health. Methods Using data from our nationwide web-based survey (n=1,861), we conducted a mediation analysis to assess the indirect effect of meditation on mental health outcomes (depressive symptoms measured with a 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale and anxiety measured with a 6-item PROMIS Emotional Distress-Anxiety Scale) via compassionate love. Results Our ordinary least squares regression (OLS) model estimates suggest that older adults who practiced meditation (compared to those who did not) had significantly higher feelings of being loved (b = 0.11, p<0.05) and those who experience more love had lower symptoms of depression (b = -2.10, p<0.001) and anxiety (b = -0.99, p<0.001). We documented significant indirect effects of meditation (via compassionate love) on depressive symptoms (b = -0.23, p<0.05) and anxiety (b = -0.11, p<.05). Conclusion/Implications: Our study underscores the need for contemplative interventions that can foster compassionate love to improve mental health among older adults.

A Comprehensive Analysis of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss and Its Ayurvedic Insight

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a growing global health concern, primarily attributed to our increasingly noisy environments. This comprehensive analysis delves into the multifaceted aspects of NIHL while exploring potential insights from Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of medicine. NIHL results from prolonged exposure to loud noise levels, causing damage to the delicate structures of the inner ear. It is a gradual and irreversible condition that affects millions of people worldwide, impacting their quality of life and overall health. Traditional approaches to NIHL management primarily focus on hearing aids and protective measures. However, this analysis seeks to integrate Ayurvedic principles and treatments to offer a holistic perspective on NIHL prevention and management. Ayurveda, with its holistic approach to health, considers the interplay of physical, mental, and environmental factors. In Ayurveda, hearing loss can be linked to imbalances in the doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) and the accumulation of toxins in the body. By addressing these imbalances through dietary modifications, lifestyle changes, and herbal remedies, Ayurveda may offer valuable insights into preventing and managing NIHL. The analysis highlights the importance of noise awareness, emphasizing the need for public health campaigns and workplace regulations to reduce noise exposure. Additionally, it explores Ayurvedic herbs and therapies known for their potential in mitigating the effects of NIHL, such as Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and Panchakarma detoxification procedures. Furthermore, the study discusses the role of yoga and meditation in stress management, as chronic stress can exacerbate NIHL. Ayurvedic practices like Pranayama (breathing exercises) and Shirodhara (oil therapy for the head) may promote relaxation and reduce stress, contributing to overall hearing health. In conclusion, this analysis offers a comprehensive overview of NIHL, including its causes, symptoms, and conventional management strategies. By incorporating Ayurvedic insights, we explore a holistic approach to NIHL prevention and management, acknowledging the potential benefits of Ayurveda in promoting hearing health. Further research and collaboration between traditional and modern healthcare systems are essential to harness the full potential of Ayurveda in addressing the global issue of NIHL.

Retraction to: Mediation role of job satisfaction analysis on the effect of psychological ownership and organizational citizenship behavior

OBJECTIVE: This research is aimed to analyze the influence of variables that can be outlined as: 1) analyzing and explaining the effects of psychological ownership toward job satisfaction; 2) analyzing and explaining the effects of psychological ownership and organizational citizenship behavior; 3) analyzing and explaining the effects of job satisfaction toward organizational citizenship behavior; and 4) analyzing the role of job satisfaction meditation on the effects of the psychological ownership toward organizational citizenship behavior. METHODS: This research uses explanatory research, which examines a correlation between the variables through hypothetical tests. The model used in this research is the causality model, the research aimed to determine the cause-effect relationship between two or more variables. The population of this research is four-star hotels in Kuta and Legian. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: This research informs that the PO and job satisfaction’s direct effects toward the OCB are significant, yet PO gives a stronger effect. This result also shows that there is a different influence between the employees’ personality and attitude toward their behavior in the workplace. The assessment result of the indirect effects of PO toward the OCB through KK shows that there is a weaker interaction effect with a variance accounted for (VAF) value.