Mindfulness最新文献

Abstract

Abstract

In this paper, we offer a commentary on Oman’s article “Mindfulness for Global Public Health: Critical Analysis and Agenda” from the perspective of external environments, be they natural or built spaces. Utilizing the 14 domains of mindfulness and public health identified by Oman, we examine how spatio-environmental concerns are aligned, or have potential synergies with, these dimensions. We consider spatial and environmental qualities and relationships, for example, the presence of nature or a sense of safety, as supportive for public health and formal mindfulness practice, synthesizing a growing evidence base within environmental psychology and design literature. We highlight particular points of alignment, namely the impact of environments on mental health, stress, and attentional qualities. Potential synergies are evident where these domains seek to increase resilience and the sustainability of our planet, communities, and individuals, and through the increasing emphasis on designing places that offer inclusive access to, and direct involvement in, the creation of belief (spirituality) and culture-specific interventions. Although these domains offer the potential for greater holistic research and practice, more interdisciplinary research is needed to bridge gaps and bring this potential into the mainstream.

Objectives

Workplace stress is a significant mental health concern that affects teachers, with attendant consequences on students’ academic performance, and yet only little empirical research has been conducted on this area in sub-Saharan Africa. The study therefore assessed the efficacy of mindfulness intervention in addressing workplace stress among adult education lecturers in Nigeria.

Methods

Following a mixed-methods approach, pre-post-test and follow-up survey data, snowballing and purposive sampling techniques were used to recruit 365 lecturers for the survey (Phase 1) and 26 lecturers for the controlled experiment (Phase 2). The study variables were measured with psychometrically robust scales: Daily Stressor Scale and Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire Short Form (FFMQ-SF).

Results

Overall, 248 (67.9%) male lecturers and 117 (32.1%) female lecturers participated in the study, with ages ranging from 34 to 65 years with an average age of 47.13 (SD = 8.54). We found 56.7% prevalence of workplace stress and mindfulness levels significantly and inversely correlated with workplace stress. Further, introducing or exposing lecturers to modified Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (mMBSR) significantly reduced workplace stress, whereas the control group showed no significant reduction in workplace stress.

Conclusion

The conclusion was reached that mMBSR demonstrated its clinical importance and usefulness in mitigating workplace stress prevalent among lecturers. The study findings indicate the importance of enhancing lecturers' awareness for the need of positive coping and adjustment, as well as becoming more emotionaly and socialy adept to their duties.

Preregistration

This study is not preregistered.

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

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