Mindfulness最新文献

Objectives

The objective of this evaluative systematic review was to analyse the impact of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) that incorporate Buddhist wisdom practices on prosocial behaviour, and provide insights into their underlying mechanism, potential benefits, and applications.

Method

A systematic literature search was conducted using three electronic databases up until 1 December 2023. Data on the participants in the MBIs, the structure, and how Buddhist teachings were integrated were collected. The impact on prosocial behaviour was analysed, along with evaluating overall study quality and the validity of the measures used for assessing changes in prosocial behaviour.

Results

Collectively, the 12 eligible studies (n = 2185) suggest that incorporating the Buddhist wisdom practices of contemplating interdependence, emptiness, and perspective-taking on self and others may enhance prosocial behaviour through various mechanisms, such as (i) developing a sense of interdependence and common humanity, (ii) fostering the altruistic desire to help others, and (iii) experiencing a state of oneness. However, concerns were raised about the overuse and reliability of self-report measures for accurately assessing prosocial behaviour, as well as in respect of discerning the effectiveness of different meditation practices that are integrated into MBIs.

Conclusions

Overall, the findings of this systematic literature review reinforce the perspective that wisdom-based meditation practices contribute to prosocial behaviour. However, to enhance the understanding of the underlying causes of prosocial behaviour, future studies should isolate the effects of different meditation practices incorporated within MBIs. Furthermore, it is strongly recommended that future studies assessing the impact of MBIs on prosocial behaviour employ a range of diverse measures, such as self-reported psychometric scales in combination with real-world morally relevant scenarios.

Preregistration

PROSPERO: Registration No. CRD42023426411.

Objectives

Caregiver psychological distress is a critical determinant of child developmental outcomes and increased risk for child psychopathology. An emerging literature on mindfulness-based interventions for caregivers has demonstrated the potential to enhance caregiver coping abilities. However, scant literature exists on the feasibility and acceptability of mindfulness interventions in African-American communities. The goal of the current study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a mindfulness-based group intervention for African-American caregivers of young children attending a Head Start Center. We also examined pre- and post-intervention measures related to caregiver mental health to assess the promise of this intervention for generating meaningful clinical outcomes.

Method

We conducted a mixed method, single-arm implementation study combining semi-structured focus groups, participant exit interviews, and quantitative measures related to mental health symptoms, parenting, and mindfulness.

Results

Our findings support the feasibility and acceptability of using mindfulness with predominantly African-American caregivers of young children attending a Head Start early learning program. Study participants cited a range of benefits in interviews including improvements in mindfulness, and psychological distress. Significant pre- to post-improvements in piloted measures were identified including sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression, trauma symptoms, and negative and positive affect.

Conclusions

These results provide preliminary support for the use of a mindfulness-based approach for African-American families, though more research is needed to determine the effectiveness.

Objectives

The main objective of this paper was to examine the cost-utility of attachment-based compassion therapy (ABCT) compared to Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and treatment-as-usual (TAU) on patients with depressive and/or anxious disorder, or adjustment disorder with depressive and/or anxious symptomatology in terms of effects on quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) as well as healthcare costs from a public healthcare system perspective.

Method

A 6-month randomized controlled trial was conducted. Ninety Spanish patients with mental disorders (depressive, anxious, or adjustment disorders) received 8 weekly group sessions of TAU + ABCT, TAU + MBSR, or TAU alone. Data collection took place at pre- and 6-month follow-up. Cost-utility of the two treatment groups (ABCT vs MBSR vs TAU) was compared by examining treatment outcomes in terms of QALYs (obtained with the EQ-5D-3L) and healthcare costs (data about service use obtained with the Client Service Receipt Inventory).

Results

Both MBSR and ABCT were more efficient than TAU alone, although the results did not reach statistical significance. Compared to ABCT, MBSR produced an increase both in terms of costs (€53.69, 95% CI [− 571.27 to 513.14]) and effects (0.004 QALYs, 95% CI [− 0.031 to 0.049]); ICUR = €13,422.50/QALY). Both interventions significantly reduced the number of visits to general practice compared to TAU.

Conclusions

This study has contributed to the evidence base of mindfulness- and compassion-based programs and provided promising information about the cost-utility of MBSR for patients with emotional disorders. However, the small sample size and short follow-up period limit the generalizability of the findings.

Preregistration

Clinicaltrials.gov; NCT03425487.

Abstract

Self-compassion involves treating oneself with the same kindness, understanding, and forgiveness that one would typically offer a friend in times of suffering or adversity. While self-compassion has shown consistent benefits in research and therapy, including psychological and physical health benefits, some individuals practicing it may initially encounter adverse reactions known as “backdraft.” Backdraft has been theorized to be an inevitable part of healing and recovery from past hurts and trauma. However, empirical studies specifically examining backdraft experiences in the context of self-compassion are lacking. This commentary argues that integrating broader literature outside of self-compassion is crucial for advancing our understanding of the causes of backdraft and identifying practices to alleviate it. Specifically, ideas drawn from traditional Buddhist practices and phenomena conceptually similar to backdraft, such as fear of self-compassion from compassion-focused therapy and adverse effects of meditation practices used in mindfulness-based interventions, should be considered. This commentary concludes that there is an urgent need to establish a clear definition of backdraft. This may promote empirical investigations of the backdraft experiences arising from self-compassion interventions. Only through empirical research can we better understand this backdraft phenomenon, with the ultimate goal of reducing short- and long-term harm and improving the efficacy of self-compassion programs.

Abstract

Abstract

Objectives

The current study devised a mindfulness intervention program, integrating face-to-face and group training with individualized technology-accessible practices. It aimed at investigating the role of Blended Mindfulness Intervention (BMI), which combines mainstream mindfulness practices with digital tools, in university students’ sustained attention, working memory, academic achievement, and electroencephalogram (EEG) asymmetry.

Method

Sixty junior university students, selected from a pool of 72 candidates, were randomly assigned into two groups. Mindfulness training (MT) was incorporated into class activities of experimental group in a course of eight sessions. The participants of experimental group were also assigned to do some weekly follow-up activities offered via a smartphone-based mindfulness meditation application (Smiling Mind). The homogeneity of the two groups was ascertained prior the study on mindfulness, working memory (determined via Automated Operation Span [AOSPAN] task), and sustained attention. The tripartite mindfulness instruction encompassed these activities: (1) in-class general MT practices, (2) in-class educational-inspired practices, and (3) at-home practices via Smiling Mind.

Results

The results of statistical analysis via independent samples t-tests verified the efficiency of BMI in enhancing university students’ sustained attention, working memory, and academic achievement. The analysis of EEG measurements via a 19-channel device demonstrated reduction in the theta/beta ratio (TBR) values in all brain regions, including frontal, parietal, occipital, and central in posttest. The ratio is a measure often used in EEG studies to assess brain activity.

Conclusions

This study substantiated that promoting state mindfulness in MT programs develops trait mindfulness, which brings about a host of cognitive, emotional, social, and metacognitive benefits. It also demonstrated that supplementing face-to-face and group interventions with individualized and easily accessible and affordable ones seem to cater for all styles and preferences and ultimately augment the efficiency of these programs.

Preregistration

This study is not preregistered.

Abstract

Objectives

The practice of silence is integral to some meditation traditions. Research is lacking on how silence practice affects brain connectivity. We hypothesized that silent, retreat-based meditation practice would reduce the connection between the language network from core cognitive networks such as the dorsal attention network (DAN) and default mode network (DMN).

Method

In a retrospective study, we analyzed resting state functional MRI (rsfMRI) data in 13 long-term Vipassana meditators (LTM) (~ 11,000 average hours of lifetime meditation experience) and healthy controls (n = 34) with no experience in meditation. We also compared our results with a large-scale dataset—Human Connectome Project (n = 169) (HCP). We compared the within and across functional connectivity among the three networks and correlated meditation experience and days spent in silence with the network connectivities.

Results

We found that the meditators have decoupled functional connectivity strengths (F_(2,204) = 10.27, p < 0.01) between the DMN and language network (M = − 0.05, SD = 0.19) as compared to HCP controls (M = 0.14, SD = 0.14). The DAN had a negatively correlated connectivity strength with the language network in meditators (r = − 0.20) as compared to both control groups (r = 0.02) and a strong inverse relation (r = − 0.54) was found between DAN-language connectivity and the number of days spent in silent retreat.

Conclusions

Our study finds a potential role of silence training in changing the connectivities of three cognitive networks, DMN, DAN, and language network, resulting in reduced thoughts during meditation and a deeper experience of meditation.

Preregistration

This study is not preregistered.

Objectives

Self-compassion is a caring way of relating to personal distress that has known soothing physiological effects characterized by feelings of safeness. Individuals low in distress tolerance feel threatened by negative emotions and believe that they are unable to tolerate them. We tested the theory that for this population, experiencing negative emotions with self-compassion, as compared to without self-compassion, would allow individuals to feel safer and more soothed, thereby increasing their distress tolerance, our primary outcome.

Method

We tested this hypothesis in a randomized controlled trial involving Canadian undergraduate students (n = 150) and international community adults (n = 298) with below-average distress tolerance levels. In an online session, participants brought to mind a distressing situation and then completed one of three interventions: writing about their negative emotions (pure exposure); writing about their negative emotions from a compassionate perspective (self-compassionate exposure); writing about a neutral topic (placebo control).

Results

In both samples, self-compassionate exposure yielded higher self-reported post-intervention distress tolerance than pure exposure (d = 0.37–0.55, p < 0.05) but not compared to placebo control (d = 0.10–0.34, p > 0.05). The relative effect of self-compassionate exposure over pure exposure occurred indirectly via greater levels of self-reported soothing affect during the intervention (proportion mediated, 0.53–0.67). Between-condition differences were absent at 1-week follow-up.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that exposure to negative emotions with self-compassion, as compared to without, may be a more effective way to momentarily increase distress tolerance due to its effects on soothing affect.

Preregistration

US Clinical Trials Registry #NCT05284578