Stress Reduction Program Research Articles

The Mediterranean Diet in Pregnancy: Implications for Maternal Brain Morphometry in a Secondary Analysis of the IMPACT BCN Randomized Clinical Trial.

A Mediterranean diet has positive effects on the brain in mid-older adults; however, there is scarce information on pregnant individuals. We aimed to evaluate the effect of a structured Mediterranean diet intervention on the cortical structure of the maternal brain during pregnancy. This study was a secondary analysis of the IMPACT BCN, a randomized clinical trial with 1221 high-risk pregnant women randomly allocated into three groups at 19-23 weeks of gestation: Mediterranean diet intervention, a mindfulness-based stress reduction program, or usual care. Maternal brain magnetic resonance imaging was performed during the third trimester of pregnancy in a random subgroup of participants. For this study, data from the Mediterranean diet and usual groups were analyzed. Maternal dietary intake, adherence to the Mediterranean diet and metabolite biomarkers were evaluated using a food frequency questionnaire, a 17-item dietary screener and plasma/urine samples, respectively. The cluster-wise analysis showed that the Mediterranean diet group participants (n = 34) had significantly larger surface areas in the right precuneus (90%CI: <0.0001-0.0004, p < 0.001) and left superior parietal (90%CI: 0.026-0.033, p = 0.03) lobules compared to the usual care group participants (n = 37). A larger right precuneus area was associated with high improvements in adherence to the Mediterranean diet, a high intake of walnuts and high concentrations of urinary hydroxytyrosol. A larger left superior parietal area was associated with a high intake of walnuts and high concentrations of urinary hydroxytyrosol. The promotion of a Mediterranean diet during pregnancy has a significant effect on maternal brain structure.

INFLUENCE OF OVERLOADED SCHOOL EVENTS ON STUDENTS' WELL-BEING

This study investigates the impact of overloaded school events on the overall well-being of students, focusing on physical, mental, and emotional aspects. With schools offering a myriad of extracurricular activities, clubs, and events, concerns arise about their potential effects on students health and academic performance. Using a descriptive research method, 51 students from the College of Education at Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology were surveyed during the 2nd Semester of the 2023-2024 school year. The study found that overloaded school events negatively affect students physical health by causing exhaustion, disrupted sleep patterns, and increased stress. Mentally, students reported feelings of stress, frustration, and decreased confidence, impacting their academic focus and motivation. Emotionally, students experienced increased stress, emotional tension, and challenges in maintaining emotional resilience. Academically, students faced difficulties in focusing, missed lessons leading to educational gaps, and challenges in completing assignments and exams. The study highlights the need for schools to create a balanced learning environment that prioritizes students well-being alongside academic achievement. Recommendations include revising school event calendars, implementing stress reduction programs, promoting self-care and balance, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders to address these issues effectively. Continuous evaluation of interventions is crucial to ensuring positive outcomes for students well-being and academic success. Subject Areas: Higher Education, Sociology KEYWORDS: overloaded school events, students well-being

The effect of conscious mindfulness-based informative approaches on managing symptoms in hemodialysis patients.

The research was conducted to determine the effect of conscious mindfulness based informative approaches applied in hemodialysis patients on reducing stress and managing symptoms. This research was conducted as a real experimental model with a control group. Research population consisted of 160 hemodialysis patients. The sample of the study was determined as 120 hemodialysis patients in total, 60 in the experimental and 60 in the control group, as a result of the power analysis. After the pre-test application, a mindfulness-based stress reduction program was applied to the experimental group. In the analysis of the data collected in the research, percentage, frequency, chi-square analysis, t-test for independent groups, t-test for dependent groups were used by means of SPSS for Windows 22.00 statistical software package. The t-test analyses of the differences between pre-test and post-test scores of hemodialysis patients in the experimental group were found to be significant in favor of the post-tests. It was found out that the conscious mindfulness-based informative approaches decreased the perceived stress and anxiety of the patients in the experimental group, whereas increased their levels of conscious mindfulness and symptom management.

Effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions on the well-being of healthcare workers: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundGrowing evidence attests to the efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs), but their effectiveness for healthcare workers remains uncertain.AimsTo evaluate the evidence for MBIs in improving healthcare workers’ psychological well-being.MethodsA systematic...

Does Mindfulness Decrease or Increase Egoic Functioning? Diverging Evidence From Different Study Designs

ObjectivesMindfulness meditation has been claimed to decrease aspects of egoic functioning (EF). However, empirical evidence is largely lacking or is suggesting the reverse. Therefore, the aim was to examine the associations between mindfulness, mindfulness interventions, egoic functioning, and emotional well-being using different designs.MethodWe conducted three studies: (i) a cross-sectional study in the general population (n = 796), (ii) an experiment in a student population (n = 84) where we manipulated mindfulness meditation, and (iii) an intervention in self-enrolled individuals from the general population receiving a standard 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program (n = 165).ResultsIn the cross-sectional study, most mindfulness facets showed positive (mainly with self-enhancement) or nonsignificant associations with facets of EF. In the experiment, participants in the mindfulness meditation (vs. control) condition exhibited lower self-enhancement of positive characteristics. In the intervention, some aspects of EF decreased (e.g. demanding control), whereas some increased (e.g. refusal to comply) after MBSR, and these changes correlated meaningfully with changes in self-reported mindfulness and well-being.ConclusionsThe results suggest that aspects of EF are differentially associated with aspects of self-reported mindfulness and differentially respond to a brief mindfulness manipulation and an 8-week MBSR intervention. We formulated two dimensions on which various relevant self-concept constructs may be positioned: competition-based versus compassion-based.PreregistrationThe studies are not preregistered.

Mechanisms of Mindfulness: A Longitudinal Study of a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program

Mechanisms of Mindfulness: A Longitudinal Study of a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program

An online self-study mindfulness-based stress reduction course for people suffering from mental fatigue after an acquired brain injury

ABSTRACT Objective The Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program has shown promising results for people suffering from mental fatigue after an acquired brain injury. The aim was to evaluate the feasibility of a MBSR program performed as an online self-study course for this group of people. Methods Sixty participants who had suffered an acquired brain injury with lasting mental fatigue were randomized to an online MBSR course or to a waitlist control group. They answered self-report questionnaires before start and after the course. Results Sixteen completed the MBSR program. With the repeated ANOVA no significant difference between groups was found, although there was a significant change in time (the repetition factor). The post-hoc paired t-test indicated a significant reduction and a large-to-median effect size in mental fatigue (p = 0.003, d = 0.896), depression (p = 0.038, d = 0.569) and anxiety (p = 0.030, d = 0.598) for the MBSR group. No significant changes were found for the control group. Conclusion An online self-study MBSR program for people suffering from mental fatigue after an acquired brain injury can be a feasible option for those suffering from less severe mental fatigue and emotional symptoms, while others may require a program adapted to their needs.

Exploring Consumer Hoarding Patterns: A Case Study Social Networks on Consumer Hoarding Behaviour of Toilet Paper

This article investigated the impact of social networks on consumer hoarding behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing specifically on the global toilet paper hoarding phenomenon. Motivated by the pandemic's widespread fear and uncertainty, the study filled a research gap by stressing the relevance of network science in understanding hoarding situations. The study, which examined a case study of the toilet paper scarcity that began in Hong Kong and extended globally, identified three major issues: the unique characteristics of online networks, the herding mentality promoted by social factors, and the asymmetry in information availability. To overcome these difficulties, the study suggests strategic options. It was suggested that artificial intelligence be used for content regulation and information validation in order to proactively counteract the unique features of internet networks. Targeted psychological interventions, notably stress reduction programs, were recommended to counteract the herding mindset that drives hoarding. To mitigate the impact of asymmetric information, media literacy initiatives aimed at improving consumers' critical thinking skills were suggested. Finally, this study gave important insights into the complex dynamics of social networks and consumer hoarding behavior during crises. It emphasized the importance of a comprehensive understanding of online networks' roles, laying the groundwork for future research in network science, consumer behavior, and crisis management.

Mindfulness, spiritual well-being, and sustainable consumer behavior

Although there has been considerable research interest in how mindfulness affects consumers’ pro-environmental behaviors, extant research has not fully clarified the underlying mechanisms through which mindfulness is related to sustainable consumption. This study examines mediating effects of spiritual well-being in regard to the relationship between mindfulness and sustainable consumer behavior. Four different types of sustainable consumer behavior are examined: general ethically minded consumer behavior, voluntary simplicity, direct environmental behavior, and support for green products. The study was conducted with 467 French consumers: 208 consumers who have undertaken formal mindfulness training (mindfulness-based stress reduction program) and 259 consumers who have never undertaken any mindfulness training. The findings show that mindfulness is related to sustainable consumer behavior through the personal, communal, and environmental domains of spiritual well-being. However, the links between mindfulness and spiritual (personal, communal, and environmental) well-being are primarily evident only among consumers who have undertaken formal mindfulness training. Thus, this research demonstrates how mindfulness affects sustainable consumer behavior and identifies conditions under which these effects are observed. Policy recommendations in the form of supporting and subsidising mindfulness training programs and other initiatives that enhance spiritual well-being, to facilitate greater sustainable consumer behavior are proposed.

Virtual Mindfulness-Based Therapy for the Management of Endometriosis Chronic Pelvic Pain: A Novel Delivery Platform to Increase Access to Care

ObjectivesThis study assessed the effectiveness of a virtual mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program to improve quality of life and pain in people with endometriosis. MethodsThis was a multiple-method, before and after study design. Fifteen patients with a clinical or surgical diagnosis of endometriosis were recruited from a Canadian outpatient gynaecology clinic. Participants completed the Endometriosis Health Profile, a validated survey tool, and a pain medication use questionnaire before and after a virtual 8-week MBSR program run by an experienced social worker. A focus group was held upon completion of the program to assess participants’ experiences using mindfulness for management of endometriosis symptoms. Quantitative data was analyzed with paired-samples t tests. Qualitative data was thematically analyzed. ResultsA total of 67% of people enrolled completed the MBSR course (10/15). Following the MBSR program, participants had a statistically significant decrease in 4 components of the Endometriosis Health Profile: control and powerlessness (P = 0.012), emotional well-being (P = 0.048), social support (P = 0.030), and self-image (P = 0.014). There was no change in pain scores or medication use. Participants felt the program’s benefits came from a sense of community, education about their condition, and application of mindfulness tools when approaching pain. Participants felt more comfortable with the virtual format over in-person sessions. ConclusionsA virtual MBSR course can improve quality of life domains in people with endometriosis. The virtual format was effective and preferred by participants. Virtual MBSR programs may increase access to this type of care.

The Effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program on Stress and Quality of Life in Family Caregivers of Patients with Cancer: Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectivesThe study aimed to examine the effects of an online Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program on stress and quality of life levels of family caregivers of cancer patients.MethodThe study used a randomized controlled trial design with a pre-test (T1), follow-up (T2) and post-test (T3) which was conducted with 104 family caregivers of cancer patients. Data collection was conducted using the Caregiver and Patient Descriptive Information Form, Caregiver’s Stress Scale and The Caregiver Quality of Life Index Cancer Scale. T1 measurements were conducted for experimental (n = 50) and control groups (n = 54). After the 8-week online Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program of the experimental group, T2 measurements were taken for both groups. Four weeks later, the T3 measurement was collected for both experimental and control groups.ResultsA statistically significant difference over time was detected between the mean Caregiver’s Stress Scale scores of the experimental group in the T1, T2, and T3. There was no significant difference in the control group over time. A statistically significant difference was detected in the mean Caregiver Quality of Life Index Cancer Scale total score of the experimental group across T1, T2, and T3. When the scale pre-test mean scores were compared between the groups, no significant differences were detected for T1, but a statistically significant difference was found between the T2 and T3 scores.ConclusionIn the study, it was determined that the online Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program had an effect on reducing stress and improving the quality of life.PreregistrationThe research was registered on http://clinicaltrials.gov (ID:NCT05831293).

Protocol for a pilot study assessing a virtual mindfulness intervention for postpartum African American women

Elevated perinatal depressive symptoms are more common among disadvantaged African American women, and they are almost four times as likely to have postpartum posttraumatic stress compared to white women. For new mothers, depressive symptoms and posttraumatic stress can lead to negative parenting, poor mother-infant bonding, and delayed infant development. For African American women, a culturally adapted mindfulness-based intervention offers great potential as an acceptable approach to reduce psycho-behavioral symptoms and improve mother-infant interactions (i.e., bonding). Additionally, it is critical that mindfulness interventions consider time constraints of new mothers, provide accessible intervention delivery, address parenting, and consider the challenges of caring for an infant. Given these considerations, we describe a pilot research protocol in which we evaluate a culturally adapted mindfulness program: Mindfulness for African Americans Postpartum (MAAP). The intervention is based upon Kabat-Zinn’s Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction program, but is adapted to include culturally relevant concepts of spirituality, inter-dependence, self-empowerment, and storytelling, which are salient to African American culture. To accommodate the needs of new mothers, a certified mindfulness interventionist delivers each session virtually using Zoom. The investigation uses a randomized controlled design in which African American women within 12 months of giving birth are randomized either to the MAAP intervention or to an Education Program. The primary aim is to determine the extent to which the MAAP intervention decreases maternal psycho-behavioral symptoms (perceived stress, depressive symptoms, anxiety, poor sleep, posttraumatic stress, and fatigue) and improves mother-infant bonding. A secondary aim is to explore the effects of MAAP on proinflammatory cytokines and oxytocin. Culturally adapted mindfulness interventions delivered virtually will make mindfulness more accessible and meaningful to populations, like African American new mothers, who are at higher risk for postpartum mood disorders and poor infant outcomes.

INTERVENTIONS TO REDUCE MENOPAUSE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS IN MENOPAUSE WOMEN A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Introduction: Women who experience menopause will experience a decrease in the hormones estrogen and progesterone that occurs before menopause caused by ovarian atrophy, so it needs to be overcome with pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapy. One type of non-pharmacological therapy is complementary therapy. Objective: This study aims to identify interventions that can be taken to reduce menopausal signs and symptoms. Methods: CINAHL, PubMed, and Sage Journal databases were used for searching articles with sample inclusion criteria of menopausal women, Randomized Controlled Trials or quasi experimental study design, published in 2017-2022, in English, and full text. The exclusion criteria used were the focus of articles discussing interventions to reduce menopausal signs and symptoms with pharmacological therapy, protocol study articles, and pre-proof articles. Results: The search results for 14 matching articles were found. Interventions that can be done to reduce menopausal signs and symptoms are grouped into 4 approaches, namely psychological approaches (self hypnosis and mindfulness stress reduction programs), physical approaches (foot soaking and physical activity), nutritional approaches (herbal medicine, administration of magnesium, fluid nutrition, administration of isoflavones), and combined approaches (electroacupuncture, combined diet guidance and anti-resistance exercises). Conclusions: From the 14 articles obtained, it can be concluded that there are 4 categories of therapeutic approaches that can be taken to reduce menopausal symptoms.It is recommended that further research focus on interventions that are effective in reducing menopausal symptoms.

Examining the feasibility and acceptability of an online mindfulness-based stress reduction program for frontline child protection social workers in England

ABSTRACT This study explores the feasibility and acceptability of an online mindfulness-based intervention (O-MBI) for stress prevention and reduction among frontline child protection social workers (F-CPSWs) in England. In Phase I, a non-randomized, one-arm feasibility study (N=104) demonstrated post-O-MBI reductions in perceived stress and increased mindfulness. Phase II employed a phenomenological approach using semi-structured interviews (n=7). Participants suggested adjustments to content, delivery, and design, highlighting the need for customization. Despite promising results, the study underscores the importance of tailoring interventions to individual needs and circumstances. Future research should delve into O-MBI effectiveness with a more diverse F-CPSW sample.

Reducing stress among new boarding school students: The impact of Al-Qur'an reading intensity analyzed through expert systems and PHP

This study investigates the impact of Al-Qur'an reading intensity on stress reduction among new students at Insan Scholar Boarding School, utilizing an expert system and PHP methods. Employing an experimental design and quantitative data analysis, this study compares stress levels before and after the implementation of an intensive Quran reading intervention. The data collection instrument uses a psychological scale, namely the DASS stress scale (Depression Anxiety own scale) adapted from the character lovibond &amp; lovibond. Results indicate a significant decrease in stress levels among participants engaged in Quran reading activities compared to those who did not participate. These findings underline the importance of spiritual practices in stress management and suggest integrating Quran reading activities into mental health programs in educational environments. The study offers new insights into the application of spiritual methods alongside information technology to support students' psychological well-being, contributing significantly to stress management practices in similar educational settings. The implications of this research emphasize the need to recognize and integrate the spiritual dimension as a crucial component in stress reduction programs, as well as the potential for information technology applications to facilitate spiritual activities.

The effects of a mindfulness-based stress reduction program and deep relaxation exercises on pregnancy-related anxiety levels: A randomized controlled trial.

The present study aimed to examine the effects of a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program and deep relaxation exercises on pregnancy-related anxiety levels. This randomized parallel-group controlled trial was conducted with 95 pregnant women (MBSR: n = 32, deep relaxation exercises: n = 31, control: n = 32) between 1 August and 15 October 2022 with pregnant women who were registered at the pregnancy outpatient clinics of a hospital in the Southeastern Anatolia Region of Türkiye. CONSORT guidelines were followed in our study. The participants in the MBSR group were given an eight-session MBSR program, consisting of two sessions per week for 4 weeks, whereas the participants in the deep relaxation exercises group were asked to do exercises at home with deep relaxation videos four times a week for 4 weeks. The participants in the control group received only routine prenatal care. The mean PRAQ-R2 Fear of Giving Birth subscale scores of the participants in the MBSR and deep relaxation exercises groups after the intervention were lower than that of the participants in the control group. Additionally, the mean total PRAQ-R2, PRAQ-R2 Worries about Bearing a Physically or Mentally Handicapped Child subscale and PRAQ-R2 Concern about One's Own Appearance subscale scores of the participants in the MBSR group were found to be significantly lower than the scores of those in the deep relaxation exercises and control groups (p < 0.001). The MBSR program is an effective method for reducing pregnancy-related anxiety levels. Additionally, deep relaxation exercises are alternative practices for reducing the fear of giving birth among pregnant women. NCT05447000.

Effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program on depression, emotion regulation, and sleep problems: A randomized controlled trial study on depressed elderly

BackgroundEntering old age is associated with various physical and psychological disabilities. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction program on emotion regulation and sleep problems in depressed elderly.MethodsThis study was a clinical trial conducted on 60 elderly individuals with depression using purposive sampling. These elderly were referred by geriatricians and were included in the study based on the inclusion criteria. The participants were randomly assigned to two groups: the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) group and the control group. Both groups completed the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), the Gratz and Roemer Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index before and after the intervention. The MBSR sessions were held for the experimental group in 8 sessions of 90 min each, once a week. Finally, all the data were analyzed using SPSS software version 26 through descriptive and analytical statistics such as mean and standard deviation, t-tests and mixed analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with repeated measures.ResultsThe results showed that the MBSR intervention led to a significant reduction in depression symptoms (p < 0.001) and improvement in emotion regulation and sleep quality (p < 0.001) among the elderly participants with depression in the intervention group.DiscussionThe results of this study showed that MBSR can be effective in reducing depression levels, improving emotion regulation, and sleep quality among depressed elderly individuals compared to the control group. Caregivers and psychotherapists of nursing homes can use care programs such as MBSR program to improve the physical and mental condition of the elderly.Trial registrationFirst Registration: 13/01/2022, Registration Number: IRCT20211118053099N1, Access: https://www.irct.ir/trial/61207.

Exploring the sustained impact of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program: a thematic analysis.

This study aimed to explore the time-varying impact of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program, specifically examining its effects on various variables 3 months, 1 year, and 3 years after program completion. Additionally, the study aimed to identify the barriers and facilitators in maintaining mindfulness practice over time and the preferred mindfulness practices among participants in three distinct time groups. The study utilized a qualitative research design, conducting semi-structured interviews with 45 participants who had completed the 8-week MBSR program at different time points. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the qualitative data obtained from the interviews, allowing for the identification of key themes and patterns. The findings revealed that the effectiveness of the MBSR program varied at different times and across different variables. Immediately after completing the program, participants experienced a significant decrease in stress levels and an increase in awareness. One year later, the program continued to have positive effects on inner calm, coping mechanisms, and relationships. Three years after completing the program, its long-term impact was observed in the adoption of a mindful lifestyle, increased compassion and kindness, and ongoing personal growth. The study highlights the transformative potential of the MBSR program beyond short-term symptom relief. The long-term effects observed in overall wellbeing emphasize the sustained efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions. The identified barriers and facilitators in maintaining mindfulness practice provide insights for program implementation and individual engagement. By understanding the long-term impact and preferences of participants, tailored interventions can be developed to maximize the benefits of the MBSR program for individuals over time.

Non-pharmacological interventions feasible in the nursing scope of practice for pain relief in palliative care patients: a systematic review.

Palliative care patients desire more symptom management interventions that are complementary to their medical treatment. Within the multi-professional team, nurses could help support pain management with non-pharmacological interventions feasible for their practice and adaptable to palliative care patients' needs. The objective was to identify non-pharmacological interventions feasible in the nursing scope of practice affecting pain in palliative care patients. A systematic review. A defined search strategy was used in PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Embase. Search results were screened double-blinded. Methodological quality was double-appraised with the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tools. Data were extracted from selected studies and the findings were summarized. The methodological quality, quantity of studies evaluating the same intervention, and consistency in the findings were synthesized in a best-evidence synthesis to rank evidence as strong, moderate, limited, mixed, or insufficient. Out of 2385 articles, 22 studies highlighted non-pharmacological interventions in the nursing scope of practice. Interventions using massage therapy and virtual reality demonstrated most evidentiary support for pain management, while art therapy lacked sufficient evidence. Mindful breathing intervention showed no significant reduction in pain. Hypnosis, progressive muscle-relaxation-interactive-guided imagery, cognitive-behavioral audiotapes, wrapped warm footbath, reflexology, and music therapy exhibited promising results in pain reduction, whereas mindfulness-based stress reduction program, aromatherapy, and aroma-massage therapy did not. Despite not all studies reaching significant changes in pain scores, non-pharmacological interventions can be clinically relevant to palliative care patients. Its use should be discussed for its potential value and nurses to be trained for safe practice. Methodologically rigorous research for non-pharmacological interventions in nursing scope of practice for pain relief in palliative care patients is necessary. The protocol for this study is registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Review (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020196781).

Peranan Audit Manajemen Untuk Menilai Efektivitas, Efisiensi Dan Kinerja Karyawan Sumber Daya Manusia Terhadap PT. Sarana Mentari Cemerlang Surabaya

This study focuses on audit management of human resources at PT. Sarana Mentari Cemerlang Surabaya, with an emphasis on employee productivity, efficiency, and work quality. The method of data collection that is used is deskriptif, which involves gathering data through observations and wawancara. The subject of analysis is the employee of the company. The type of data that is used is qualitative, with initial data from employees and human resource management. The study's findings indicate that while the company's human resource management program has good potential, its implementation is still subpar. Programs for hiring, selection, training, and employee development turned out to be very effective, even though there is still room for improvement. Penilaian kinerja karyawan dianggap baik, notwithstanding the possibility of bias arising from a closed session. The compensation program and the JASA balas seem to be working well, but improvements are needed to raise the level of transparency and keadilan. Programs for health and safety at work are doing well, but home improvement needs to be improved. Although the work-related stress reduction program appears to be effective, it is recommended to increase employee turnover in PHK.