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Lamas-Morales P, Hijar-Aguinaga R, Garcia-Campayo J. Deconstructive meditations and psychotherapy: Transforming the perception of the self. World J Psychiatry 2025; 15:107505. [DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v15.i6.107505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2025] [Revised: 04/08/2025] [Accepted: 05/16/2025] [Indexed: 05/29/2025] Open
Abstract
Selfishness, understood as excessive focus on the self, appears to be a predominant feature of contemporary culture. While the degree of self-focus is adaptive for survival and decision-making, self-rigidity has been associated with significant psychological, interpersonal, and social costs. Throughout history, philosophers, religious leaders, and social activists have promoted a “hypo-egoic” way of being, characterized by reduced self-fixation and greater openness to others. However, a key question arises: How can one cultivate a more flexible and interdependent perspective on the self? Deconstructive meditations are a group of contemplative practices that aim to dismantle self-rigidity by exploring perception, cognition, and emotion. Their central mechanism is self-inquiry, an experiential process that involves directly observing patterns of the self, questioning the solidity of identity, and developing new ways to relate to experience. From the perspective of contemplative neuroscience, these practices have been shown to reduce self-narrative identification and promote psychological flexibility. Despite their potential, empirical research on deconstructive meditations remains limited and requires further investigation. This article reviews the essential findings on practices, their connection to psychotherapy, and their potential therapeutic applications. Finally, their clinical implications are discussed along with future research directions to validate their impact on mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Javier Garcia-Campayo
- Department of Psychiatry, Miguel Servet Hospital, Aragon Institute for Health Research (IIS Aragón), Department of Medicine, Psychiatry and Dermatology, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza 50009, Aragón, Spain
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Sezer I, Sacchet MD. Advanced and long-term meditation and the autonomic nervous system: A review and synthesis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2025; 173:106141. [PMID: 40204160 PMCID: PMC12052481 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2025.106141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2024] [Revised: 03/07/2025] [Accepted: 04/05/2025] [Indexed: 04/11/2025]
Abstract
Meditation has become prominent in both clinical and non-clinical applications for its effects on psychological and physical well-being. Long-term meditators, who have dedicated extensive time to their practice, present a unique opportunity to explore the effects of prolonged meditation training on the autonomic nervous system. Research has reported concomitant activation of both sympathetic (aroused) and parasympathetic (relaxed) branches of the autonomic nervous system during some forms of meditation, leading to the term 'relaxed alertness.' However, findings are not consistent, with reports of both sympathetic and parasympathetic activation, sympathetic-only, parasympathetic-only, or temporally variable activations, depending on several factors. This review synthesizes these heterogeneous and seemingly inconsistent results in relation to three explanatory factors: (1) specific classification of style or type of meditation; (2) specific definition of the level of expertise of the meditators; and (3) intra-individual variations within a given meditation practice. When these factors are considered, convergent and meaningful patterns emerge, allowing for a shift from the broad notion of 'long-term' meditation to a more precise characterization of 'advanced' meditation, highlighting skills, states, and stages of mastery developed over time. Our synthesis is particularly useful for understanding both long-term and advanced meditation, as it reveals specific heart rate variability patterns, including very low and low-frequency spectral power peaks, along with cardiac and respiratory coupling. Better characterization of the role of the autonomic nervous system in the context of advanced meditation promises to inform improved meditation training, including training assisted by technology, toward more impactful outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idil Sezer
- FrontLab, INSERM U1127, Paris Brain Institute, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Sorbonne University, Paris, France; Meditation Research Program, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Matthew D Sacchet
- Meditation Research Program, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Keshavan MS, Bhargav H. Dhyana yoga, the path of meditative being: Psychotherapeutic insights from the east. Asian J Psychiatr 2025; 108:104483. [PMID: 40279762 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2025.104483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2025] [Revised: 03/29/2025] [Accepted: 04/01/2025] [Indexed: 04/29/2025]
Abstract
Eastern spiritual traditions offer insights into the mind-body approaches to enhance health and well-being. These insights focus on self-awareness (the path of knowledge), intrinsically motivated and selfless action (karma yoga) and on faith and compassion (Bhakti yoga). Yogic meditative practices (Dhyana yoga), developed by ancient Hindu and other eastern traditions, are effective tools to implement these pathways to well-being. They involve ethical behavior (yama and niyama), bodily postures, breath-related, and/or other meditative approaches for mastery over the physiological and psychological processes within an individual. Meditative practices require practice (abhyasa) as well as detachment (vairagya), so that the 'ego' of being a 'doer' does not become a hindrance in achieving inner transformations. In this paper, we review the eastern concepts on the nature of these techniques of inner well-being, and then place them in the context of emerging insights in psychology on these behavioral practices. Meditative practices include focused attention (FA), open-monitoring (OM) and transcendental meditation (TM) approaches. We outline current emerging neuroscience findings that suggest somewhat distinctive correlates of these mental states with neural oscillations and brain circuits. These approaches may also be differentially effective across medical and psychiatric disorders. We review gaps in knowledge and offer a framework for further research in developing these interventions, especially as applied in the areas of positive psychology and psychiatry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matcheri S Keshavan
- Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Massachusetts Mental Health Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Hemant Bhargav
- National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
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Amaral CC, Fernandez MDS, Chisini LA, Boscato N, Jansen K, Goettems ML. Sleep hygiene measures combined with mindfulness meditation in the management of sleep bruxism in children: A randomized controlled clinical trial. Int J Paediatr Dent 2025; 35:118-128. [PMID: 38769624 DOI: 10.1111/ipd.13212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sleep hygiene measures and meditation may reduce stress and improve sleep quality, but their effect on the occurrence of sleep bruxism in children has not yet been investigated. AIM To explore the effects of sleep hygiene measures combined with mindfulness meditation (relaxation audio) in the management of probable sleep bruxism (SB) in children. DESIGN This clinical trial (no. NCT04501237) randomized 36 children with 3-8 years of age. Probable SB detection was performed according to the criteria established by the International Consensus on The Assessment of Bruxism-2018. Intervention group was instructed to practice sleep hygiene measures and mindfulness meditation (i.e., the use of a digital app to broadcast audio relaxation) each night before bedtime for 5 weeks; control group did not receive guidance for therapies. Parents completed a bruxism diary for 5 weeks, and the outcome was the number of SB episodes-day reported in the week (ranging from 0 to 7) in each period. A multilevel mixed-effects Poisson regression model was performed. RESULTS A total of 32 children (mean age: 6.1 years) completed the study. The children who received the therapies related to sleep hygiene measures and mindfulness meditation had a reduction in the SB incidence rate ratio (IRR) of 46% (IRR = 0.54 [Confidence Interval 95%, 0.45-0.65]) during a 5-week observation period. The sensitivity analyses did not show relevant changes in the measure of the effect. CONCLUSION Sleep hygiene measures combined with mindfulness meditation reduced the SB in children.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Noeli Boscato
- Graduate Program in Dentistry, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Karen Jansen
- Graduate Program in Health and Behavior, Catholic University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
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Golubickis M, Tan LBG, Jalalian P, Falbén JK, Macrae NC. Brief mindfulness-based meditation enhances the speed of learning following positive prediction errors. Q J Exp Psychol (Hove) 2024; 77:2312-2324. [PMID: 38229479 PMCID: PMC11529138 DOI: 10.1177/17470218241228859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Recent research has demonstrated that mindfulness-based meditation facilitates basic aspects of cognition, including memory and attention. Further developing this line of inquiry, here we considered the possibility that similar effects may extend to another core psychological process-instrumental learning. To explore this matter, in combination with a probabilistic selection task, computational modelling (i.e., reinforcement drift diffusion model analysis) was adopted to establish whether and how brief mindfulness-based meditation influences learning under conditions of uncertainty (i.e., choices based on the perceived likelihood of positive and negative outcomes). Three effects were observed. Compared with performance in the control condition (i.e., no meditation), mindfulness-based meditation (1) accelerated the rate of learning following positive prediction errors; (2) elicited a preference for the exploration (vs. exploitation) of choice selections; and (3) increased response caution. Collectively, these findings elucidate the pathways through which brief meditative experiences impact learning and decision-making, with implications for interventions designed to debias aspects of social-cognitive functioning using mindfulness-based meditation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lucy B G Tan
- Clinical Psychology, School of Social and Health Sciences, James Cook University, Singapore
| | | | - Johanna K Falbén
- Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Neil C Macrae
- The School of Psychology, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
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Ventura B, Çatal Y, Wolman A, Buccellato A, Cooper AC, Northoff G. Intrinsic neural timescales exhibit different lengths in distinct meditation techniques. Neuroimage 2024; 297:120745. [PMID: 39069224 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2024.120745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Meditation encompasses a range of practices employing diverse induction techniques, each characterized by a distinct attentional focus. In Mantra meditation, for instance, practitioners direct their attention narrowly to a given sentence that is recursively repeated, while other forms of meditation such as Shoonya meditation are induced by a wider attentional focus. Here we aimed to identify the neural underpinnings and correlates associated with this spectrum of distinct attentional foci. To accomplish this, we used EEG data to estimate the brain's intrinsic neural timescales (INTs), that is, its temporal windows of activity, by calculating the Autocorrelation Window (ACW) of the EEG signal. The autocorrelation function measures the similarity of a timeseries with a time-lagged version of itself by correlating the signal with itself on different time lags, consequently providing an estimation of INTs length. Therefore, through using the ACW metric, our objective was to explore whether there is a correspondence between the length of the brain's temporal windows of activity and the width of the attentional scope during various meditation techniques. This was performed on three groups of highly proficient practitioners belonging to different meditation traditions, as well as a meditation-naïve control group. Our results indicated that practices with a wider attentional focus, like Shoonya meditation, exhibit longer ACW durations compared to practices requiring a narrower attentional focus, such as Mantra meditation or body-scanning Vipassana meditation. Together, we demonstrated that distinct meditation techniques with varying widths of attentional foci exhibit unique durations in their brain's INTs. This may suggest that the width of the attentional scope during meditation relates and corresponds to the width of the brain's temporal windows in its neural activity. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Our research uncovered the neural mechanisms that underpin the attentional foci in various meditation techniques. We revealed that distinct meditation induction techniques, featured by their range of attentional widths, are characterized by varying lengths of intrinsic neural timescales (INTs) within the brain, as measured by the Autocorrelation Window function. This finding may bridge the gap between the width of attentional windows (subjective) and the width of the temporal windows in the brain's neural activity (objective) during different meditation techniques, offering a new understanding of how cognitive and neural processes are related to each other. This work holds significant implications, especially in the context of the increasing use of meditation in mental health and well-being interventions. By elucidating the distinct neural foundations of different meditation techniques, our research aims to pave the way for developing more tailored and effective meditation-based treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Ventura
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, 136 Jean-Jacques Lussier, Ottawa K1N 6N5, ON, Canada.
| | - Yasir Çatal
- The Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research & University of Ottawa, Brain and Mind Research Institute, Centre for Neural Dynamics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 145 Carling Avenue, Rm. 6435, Ottawa K1Z 7K4, ON, Canada.
| | - Angelika Wolman
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, 136 Jean-Jacques Lussier, Ottawa K1N 6N5, ON, Canada.
| | - Andrea Buccellato
- Padova Neuroscience Center, University of Padova, Via Orus 2/B, Padova 35129, Italy; Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Via Venezia, 8, 35131 Padova, Italy.
| | - Austin Clinton Cooper
- Integrated Program of Neuroscience, Room 302, Irving Ludmer Building, 1033 Pine Avenue W., McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A1, Canada.
| | - Georg Northoff
- The Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research & University of Ottawa, Brain and Mind Research Institute, Centre for Neural Dynamics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 145 Carling Avenue, Rm. 6435, Ottawa K1Z 7K4, ON, Canada.
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7
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Mervis JE, Vohs JL, Lysaker PH. An Update on Clinical Insight, Cognitive Insight, and Introspective Accuracy in Schizophrenia-Spectrum Disorders: Symptoms, Cognition, and Treatment. Expert Rev Neurother 2022; 22:245-255. [PMID: 35244496 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2022.2049757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Poor insight, or unawareness of morbid changes in cognition, emotional states, or behavior, is commonly observed among people with schizophrenia. Poor insight represents a persistent barrier to wellness because it interferes with treatment and self-direction. Paradoxically, good insight may also be a barrier to health when awareness of these changes leads to depression or self-stigma. AREAS COVERED This paper builds upon this previous work by exploring these issues in schizophrenia separately as they have appeared in published research over the last three years in three different kinds of insight: clinical, cognition, and introspective accuracy. Specifically, studies are reviewed that address: the adverse effects of poor insight, the paradoxical effects of good insight, correlates with other forms of cognition, and emerging treatments. EXPERT OPINION The evidence continues to offer a nuanced picture of the complex effects of good insight in schizophrenia. Incremental improvements were also found in the development of novel integrative treatment approaches. This work also highlights the intricacy of the concept of insight, the need for further exploration of the effects of culture, and conceptual work that distinguishes the points of convergence and divergence of these forms of insight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua E Mervis
- University of Minnesota, Department of Psychology, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.,Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Jenifer L Vohs
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.,Eskenzai Health, Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center, Prevention and Recovery Center for Early PsychosisE, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Paul H Lysaker
- Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.,Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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Kurth F, Zsadanyi SE, Luders E. Reduced age-related gray matter loss in the subgenual cingulate cortex in long-term meditators. Brain Imaging Behav 2021; 15:2824-2832. [PMID: 34686969 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-021-00578-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that meditation practices have positive effects on brain ageing overall. The cingulate is known to be recruited during meditation, but research into possible effects of meditation on the ageing of the cingulate is currently missing. Thus, the present study was designed to help close this knowledge gap, with particular focus on the subgenual cingulate, a region involved in emotional regulation and autonomic and endocrine functions, making it potentially relevant for meditation. Here, we investigated differences in age-related gray matter loss between 50 long-term meditation practitioners (28 male, 22 female), aged between 24 and 77, and 50 age- and sex-matched controls. Areas of interest were four subregions of the subgenual cingulate gyrus (areas 25, 33, s24, and s32) defined as per the Julich-Brain atlas. Our study revealed a significant age-related decline in all subregions in both meditators and controls, but with significantly lower rates of annual tissue loss in meditators, specifically in left and right area s32 and right area 25. These regions have been shown to play a role in mood regulation, autonomic processing, and the integration of emotion and cognitive processes, which are all involved in and impacted by meditation. Overall, the results add further evidence to the emerging notion that meditation may slow the effects of ageing on the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Kurth
- School of Psychology, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand.
| | - Sára E Zsadanyi
- School of Psychology, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand
| | - Eileen Luders
- School of Psychology, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand.,Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
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Levit-Binnun N, Arbel K, Dorjee D. The Mindfulness Map: A Practical Classification Framework of Mindfulness Practices, Associated Intentions, and Experiential Understandings. Front Psychol 2021; 12:727857. [PMID: 34712178 PMCID: PMC8545890 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.727857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
When considering the numerous mindfulness-based and mindfulness-informed programs that have flourished in the past decades it is not always clear that they all refer to the same "mindfulness. " To facilitate more clarity and precision in describing, researching and teaching mindfulness in the secular settings, we propose a classification framework of mindfulness practices, intentions behind them and the experiential understandings the practices may aim to develop. Accordingly, the proposed framework, called the Mindfulness Map, has two axes. The first axis outlines mindfulness practices (and associated instructions) classified into four groups (MGs), e.g. the MG1 focuses on cultivating attention to the present moment somatic and sensory experience while the MG4 focuses on cultivating the ability to recognize and deconstruct perceptual, cognitive and emotional experiences and biases. The second axis outlines possible intentions (INTs) to cultivate particular experiential understanding (EU) via teaching and practicing the MGs, e.g., the INT1 designates the intention to gain EU of how our relationship to experience contributes to wellbeing, the INT2 refers to the intention to gain EU of the changing nature of body, mind and external phenomenon. We suggest that the same MG can lead to different EUs outcomes based on the specific INTs applied in their teaching or practice. The range of INTs and EUs included here is not exhaustive, there are further types the Map could be expanded toward. Aside from encouraging more fine-grained distinctions of mindfulness practices, the proposed Map aims to open discussions about interactions between MGs, INTs, EUs and practice outcomes. The Map may facilitate more nuanced and precise approaches to researching the range of outcomes cultivated by mindfulness practices, help bridge contradictory findings, and catalyze further debate and research into ethical aspects of mindfulness. The Map also highlights the need for further teaching development and research on longer-term trajectories of mindfulness practice. While the proposed Mindfulness Map organises the mindfulness practice territory along two axes, it is aimed as a starting point for further discussion and can be further revised and/or expanded by other axes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nava Levit-Binnun
- Muda Institute for Mindfulness, Science and Society, Sagol Center for Brain and Mind, The Interdisciplinary Center (IDC), Herzliya, Israel
| | - Keren Arbel
- Muda Institute for Mindfulness, Science and Society, Sagol Center for Brain and Mind, The Interdisciplinary Center (IDC), Herzliya, Israel
- Department of East Asian Studies, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
| | - Dusana Dorjee
- Psychology in Education Research Centre, Department of Education, University of York, York, United Kingdom
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Neher T, Green J, Puzia M, Huberty J. Describing the Use of a Mindfulness-Based App for Sleep and Mental Well-Being, Across Age, in Children. CHILD & YOUTH CARE FORUM 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10566-021-09651-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Annen J, Panda R, Martial C, Piarulli A, Nery G, Sanz LRD, Valdivia-Valdivia JM, Ledoux D, Gosseries O, Laureys S. Mapping the functional brain state of a world champion freediver in static dry apnea. Brain Struct Funct 2021; 226:2675-2688. [PMID: 34420066 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-021-02361-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Voluntary apnea showcases extreme human adaptability in trained individuals like professional free divers. We evaluated the psychological and physiological adaptation and the functional cerebral changes using electroencephalography (EEG) and functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) to 6.5 min of dry static apnea performed by a world champion free diver. Compared to resting state at baseline, breath holding was characterized by increased EEG power and functional connectivity in the alpha band, along with decreased delta band connectivity. fMRI connectivity was increased within the default mode network (DMN) and visual areas but decreased in pre- and postcentral cortices. While these changes occurred in regions overlapping with cerebral signatures of several meditation practices, they also display some unique features that suggest an altered somatosensory integration. As suggested by self-reports, these findings could reflect the ability of elite free divers to create a state of sensory dissociation when performing prolonged apnea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitka Annen
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.
- Centre du Cerveau, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium.
| | - Rajanikant Panda
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Centre du Cerveau, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Charlotte Martial
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Centre du Cerveau, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Andrea Piarulli
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular and Critical Area Pathology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Leandro R D Sanz
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Centre du Cerveau, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Juan M Valdivia-Valdivia
- Department of Neurosurgery. St, Joseph's Hospital, Tampa, FL, USA
- International Association for Development of Apnea (AIDA International), Medical and Science Committee, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Didier Ledoux
- Anesthesia and Intensive Care, GIGA Consciousness, ULiège, Liège, Belgium
- Intensive Care Department, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Olivia Gosseries
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Centre du Cerveau, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Steven Laureys
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Centre du Cerveau, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
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12
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Huberty J, Green J, Puzia M, Stecher C. Evaluation of Mood Check-in Feature for Participation in Meditation Mobile App Users: Retrospective Longitudinal Analysis. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2021; 9:e27106. [PMID: 33890865 PMCID: PMC8105761 DOI: 10.2196/27106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Mindfulness meditation smartphone apps may improve mental health but lack evidence-based behavioral strategies to encourage their regular use for attaining mental health benefits. In October 2019, the Calm mindfulness meditation app introduced a mood check-in feature, but its effects on participation in meditation have yet to be tested. Objective The objective of this study was to investigate how a mood check-in feature impacts meditation behavior in Calm app subscribers. Methods This was a retrospective longitudinal analysis of mobile app usage data from a random sample of first-time subscribers to the Calm app (n=2600) who joined in summer 2018 or summer 2019. The mood check-in feature allows users to rate their mood using an emoji after completing a meditation session and displays a monthly calendar of their past mood check-ins. Regression analyses were used to compare the rate of change in meditation behavior before and after the introduction of mood check-ins and to estimate how usage of mood check-ins was associated with individuals’ future meditation behavior (ie, intent-to-treat effects). Additional regression models examined the heterogenous effect of mood check-ins between subscribers who were active or inactive users prior to the introduction to mood check-ins (ie, above or below the median number of weeks with any meditation within their cohort). In order to confirm the specific associations between mood check-ins and meditation engagement, we modeled the direct relationship between the use of mood check-ins in previous weeks and subsequent meditation behavior (ie, treatment on the treated effects). Results During the first 9 months of their subscription, the 2019 cohort completed an average of 0.482 more sessions per week (95% CI 0.309 to 0.655) than the 2018 cohort; however, across both cohorts, average weekly meditation declined (–0.033 sessions per week, 95% CI –0.035 to –0.031). Controlled for trends in meditation before mood check-ins and aggregate differences between the 2018 and 2019 samples, the time trend in the number of weekly meditation sessions increased by 0.045 sessions among the 2019 cohort after the introduction of mood check-ins (95% CI 0.039 to 0.052). This increase in meditation was most pronounced among the inactive subscribers (0.063 sessions, 95% CI 0.052 to 0.074). When controlled for past-week meditation, use of mood check-ins during the previous week was positively associated with the likelihood of meditating the following week (odds ratio 1.132, 95% CI 1.059 to 1.211); however, these associations were not sustained beyond 1 week. Conclusions Using mood check-ins increases meditation participation in Calm app subscribers and may be especially beneficial for inactive subscribers. Mobile apps should consider incorporating mood check-ins to help better engage a wider range of users in app-based meditation, but more research is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Huberty
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Jeni Green
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Megan Puzia
- Behavioral Research and Analytics, LLC, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Chad Stecher
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, United States
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13
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Leyro TM, Versella MV, Yang MJ, Brinkman HR, Hoyt DL, Lehrer P. Respiratory therapy for the treatment of anxiety: Meta-analytic review and regression. Clin Psychol Rev 2021; 84:101980. [PMID: 33540222 PMCID: PMC8302658 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2021.101980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Respiratory abnormalities are a hallmark of anxiety symptomatology and may serve as clinically useful modifiers for alleviating anxiety symptoms. However, gold-standard anxiety treatments (e.g., cognitive-behavioral interventions) often do not directly address respiratory components despite their theoretical utility and clinical accessibility. This review examined the clinical effectiveness of respiratory interventions, interventions that directly target respiration abnormalities and processes, in treating trait anxiety symptoms. METHODS The final analysis included 40 randomized controlled trials including at least one measure of trait anxiety, a respiratory-focused intervention group, and a non-respiratory control-group (active or inactive treatment). Overall effects of respiratory focused interventions were examined, as well as the effect of hypothesized moderators. RESULTS Respiratory component interventions yielded significantly greater improvements (moderate to large effect) in anxiety symptoms than controls, with the stronger effects observed in comparison to inactive, rather than active, control conditions. Significant heterogeneity in findings suggests that variability in intervention design, population, and control comparison may obfuscate interpretation of findings. CONCLUSIONS Evidence supports the clinical utility of respiratory interventions as either an independent anxiety treatment, or as an adjunct to other interventions. Clinical and research implications of findings along with recommendations for ongoing investigations in this domain are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa M Leyro
- Department of Psychology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, United States.
| | - Mark V Versella
- Department of Psychology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, United States
| | - Min-Jeong Yang
- Department of Psychology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, United States; Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, Moffitt Cancer Center, United States
| | - Hannah R Brinkman
- Department of Psychology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, United States
| | - Danielle L Hoyt
- Department of Psychology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, United States
| | - Paul Lehrer
- Department of Psychiatry, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, United States
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14
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Gupta S, Jhanjee S, Dhawan A. Effectiveness of Interventions Based on Yogic Breathing Practices (IB-YBP) on Substance Use Disorders-A Systematic Review of the Randomized Control Trials and Quasi-Experimental Trials. Subst Use Misuse 2021; 56:1624-1641. [PMID: 34286672 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2021.1942056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Interventions based on Yogic Breathing Practices (IB-YBP) have shown promising results for substance use disorders (SUD). Research in this area is methodologically heterogeneous and only a few, but restricted, systematic reviews are available. The current systematic review aims to assess the effectiveness of IB-YBP for SUD. Materials and Methods: PubMed, Cochrane's Library, EBSCO-Medline, and Google Scholar databases were searched for the randomized- (RCTs) and quasi-randomized trials. Research involving participants with SUD, of either gender or any age, assessing the effectiveness of the IB-YBP either as a standalone intervention or as an adjuvant to standard treatment versus standard pharmacological/non-pharmacological treatment or no-intervention control were included. Studies having participants with co-morbid psychiatric illness and interventions not having IB-YBP as the predominant component were excluded. Results: The initial literature search yielded 396 articles and upon screening, only 14 studies were found eligible for this review. Most studies have researched IB-YBP as an adjunct to the standard treatment for SUD. Evidence for the effectiveness of IB-YBP is mostly available for tobacco and opioid use disorders, though only for short-term outcomes; however, literature is scarce for alcohol- and cocaine-use disorders. This review documented the effectiveness of the IB-YBP for substance use-related outcome parameters such as abstinence, quality of life (QoL), mood, craving, and withdrawal symptoms. Conclusion: IB-YBP may be an effective adjuvant to standard treatment for various SUD. However, more research is required to compare its effectiveness with standard treatment, and assessing its long-term efficacy, for it to be strongly recommended as a treatment strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Snehil Gupta
- Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhopal, India
| | - Sonali Jhanjee
- National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NDDTC) & Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Anju Dhawan
- National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NDDTC) & Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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15
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Travis F. On the Neurobiology of Meditation: Comparison of Three Organizing Strategies to Investigate Brain Patterns during Meditation Practice. Medicina (B Aires) 2020; 56:medicina56120712. [PMID: 33353049 PMCID: PMC7767117 DOI: 10.3390/medicina56120712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Three broad organizing strategies have been used to study meditation practices: (1) consider meditation practices as using similar processes and so combine neural images across a wide range of practices to identify the common underlying brain patterns of meditation practice, (2) consider meditation practices as unique and so investigate individual practices, or (3) consider meditation practices as fitting into larger categories and explore brain patterns within and between categories. The first organizing strategy combines meditation practices defined as deep concentration, attention to external and internal stimuli, and letting go of thoughts. Brain patterns of different procedures would all contribute to the final averages, which may not be representative of any practice. The second organizing strategy generates a multitude of brain patterns as each practice is studied individually. The rich detail of individual differences within each practice makes it difficult to identify reliable patterns between practices. The third organizing principle has been applied in three ways: (1) grouping meditations by their origin—Indian or Buddhist practices, (2) grouping meditations by the procedures of each practice, or (3) grouping meditations by brain wave frequencies reported during each practice. Grouping meditations by their origin mixes practices whose procedures include concentration, mindfulness, or effortless awareness, again resulting in a confounded pattern. Grouping meditations by their described procedures yields defining neural imaging patterns within each category, and clear differences between categories. Grouping meditations by the EEG frequencies associated with their procedures yields an objective system to group meditations and allows practices to “move” into different categories as subjects’ meditation experiences change over time, which would be associated with different brain patterns. Exploring meditations within theoretically meaningful categories appears to yield the most reliable picture of meditation practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederick Travis
- Center for Brain, Consciousness and Cognition, Maharishi International University, Fairfield, IA 52557, USA
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16
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Galante J, Stochl J, Dufour G, Vainre M, Wagner AP, Jones PB. Effectiveness of providing university students with a mindfulness-based intervention to increase resilience to stress: 1-year follow-up of a pragmatic randomised controlled trial. J Epidemiol Community Health 2020; 75:151-160. [PMID: 32913130 PMCID: PMC7116569 DOI: 10.1136/jech-2020-214390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Background There is concern that increasing demand for student mental health services reflects deteriorating student well-being. We designed a pragmatic, parallel, single-blinded randomised controlled trial hypothesising that providing mindfulness courses to university students would promote their resilience to stress up to a year later. Here we present 1-year follow-up outcomes. Methods University of Cambridge students without severe mental illness or crisis were randomised (1:1, remote software-generated random numbers), to join an 8-week mindfulness course adapted for university students (Mindfulness Skills for Students (MSS)), or to mental health support as usual (SAU). Results We randomised 616 students; 53% completed the 1-year follow-up questionnaire. Self-reported psychological distress and mental well-being improved in the MSS arm for up to 1 year compared to SAU (p<0.001). Effects were smaller than during the examination period. No significant differences between arms were detected in the use of University Counselling Service and other support resources, but there was a trend for MSS participants having milder needs. There were no differences in students’ workload management; MSS participants made more donations. Home practice had positive dose–response effects; few participants meditated. No adverse effects related to self-harm, suicidality or harm to others were detected. Conclusion Loss to follow-up is a limitation, but evidence suggests beneficial effects on students’ average psychological distress that last for at least a year. Effects are on average larger at stressful times, consistent with the hypothesis that this type of mindfulness training increases resilience to stress. Trial registration number ACTRN12615001160527.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julieta Galante
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK .,National Institute for Health Research Applied Research Collaboration East of England, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jan Stochl
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,National Institute for Health Research Applied Research Collaboration East of England, Cambridge, UK.,Department of Kinanthropology, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Géraldine Dufour
- University Counselling Service, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Universities and Colleges Division, British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, Lutterworth, UK
| | - Maris Vainre
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,National Institute for Health Research Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care East of England, Cambridge, UK
| | - Adam Peter Wagner
- National Institute for Health Research Applied Research Collaboration East of England, Cambridge, UK.,Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Peter Brian Jones
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,National Institute for Health Research Applied Research Collaboration East of England, Cambridge, UK
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17
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Bernardi MLD, Amorim MHC, Salaroli LB, Zandonade E. Effects of Hatha Yoga on caregivers of children and adolescents with cancer: a randomized controlled trial. ESCOLA ANNA NERY 2020. [DOI: 10.1590/2177-9465-ean-2019-0133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract Objective: To assess the effects of a Hatha Yoga intervention on anxiety, subjective well-being, and attention levels of caregivers of children and adolescents with cancer, admitted to a public hospital in the city of Vitória, state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was performed. Thirty-six volunteers were allocated to clinical (participated in 4 to 6 Hatha Yoga practices) or control groups and answered the questionnaires State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Subjective Well-Being Scale, and Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale before and after the intervention period. Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon nonparametric analyses were performed to compare the groups to each other and at different moments. Results: The individuals' moderate anxiety state decreased in the clinical (p = 0.001) and control (p = 0.014) groups so that while the control group continued to present moderate anxiety, the clinical group presented low anxiety after the intervention. Positive affects increased, and adverse effects decreased in the clinical group (p <0.05). There were no relevant changes in satisfaction with life and attention levels in the two groups (p> 0.05). Conclusion and implications for practice: Hatha Yoga is a useful tool for healthcare professionals and caregivers in short-term hospital care to reduce anxiety and improve subjective well-being.
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18
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Gutierrez D, Merrill E, Conley AH, Young ME. A Study of Student Counselors' Experiences With Meditation. COUNSELING AND VALUES 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/cvj.12114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Gutierrez
- Department of School Psychology and Counselor EducationCollege of William & Mary
| | - Erica Merrill
- Department of CounselingThe University of North Carolina at Charlotte
| | | | - Mark E. Young
- Department of Child, Family, and Community SciencesUniversity of Central Florida
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19
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Kaselionyte J, Gumley A. Psychosis or spiritual emergency? A Foucauldian discourse analysis of case reports of extreme mental states in the context of meditation. Transcult Psychiatry 2019; 56:1094-1115. [PMID: 31311435 DOI: 10.1177/1363461519861842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Meditation is becoming increasingly popular in the West and research on its effects is growing. While studies point to various benefits of meditation on mental and physical health, reports of extreme mental states in the context of meditation have also been published. This study employed Foucauldian discourse analysis to examine how the experience of extreme mental states has been constructed in case reports and what kind of practices were employed to address them. The study analyses how extreme mental states associated with meditation are framed within the scientific literature and how such differential framings may affect the meaning making and help-seeking of persons experiencing these states. A systematic scientific literature search identified 22 case studies of extreme mental states experienced by practitioners of various types of meditation. The analysis suggests a discursive divide between two dominant framings: a biomedical discourse which constructs such experiences as psychiatric symptoms and an alternative discursive, which understands them as spiritual emergencies. Both approaches offered distinct therapeutic avenues. This divide maps onto the disciplinary divides within the mental health field more generally, which may obscure a better understanding of these experiences. However, the two discourses are not necessarily mutually exclusive and authors of three articles chose to blend them for their case reports. A supportive environment could help those experiencing extreme state integrate them into their lives. Our findings encourage collaboration between clinicians, therapists and spiritual teachers in order to make a range of approaches available.
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20
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Hilton LG, Marshall NJ, Motala A, Taylor SL, Miake-Lye IM, Baxi S, Shanman RM, Solloway MR, Beroesand JM, Hempel S. Mindfulness meditation for workplace wellness: An evidence map. Work 2019; 63:205-218. [PMID: 31156202 PMCID: PMC6598008 DOI: 10.3233/wor-192922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mindfulness interventions aim to foster greater attention and awareness of present moment experiences. Uptake of mindfulness programs in the workplace has grown as organizations look to support employee health, wellbeing, and performance. OBJECTIVE In support of evidence-based decision making in workplace contexts, we created an evidence map summarizing physical and mental health, cognitive, affective, and interpersonal outcomes from systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of mindfulness interventions. METHODS We searched nine electronic databases to July 2017, dually-screened all reviews, and consulted topic experts to identify systematic reviews on mindfulness interventions. The distribution of evidence is presented as an evidence map in a bubble plot. RESULTS In total, 175 systematic reviews met inclusion criteria. Reviews included a variety of mindfulness-based interventions. The largest review included 109 randomized controlled trials. The majority of these addressed general health, psychological conditions, chronic illness, pain, and substance use. Twenty-six systematic reviews assessed studies conducted in workplace settings and with healthcare professionals, educators, and caregivers. The evidence map shows the prevalence of research by the primary area of focus. An outline of promising applications of mindfulness interventions is included. CONCLUSIONS The evidence map provides an overview of existing mindfulness research. It shows the body of available evidence to inform policy and organizational decision-making supporting employee wellbeing in work contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara G. Hilton
- Evidence-Based Practice Center (EPC), RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, CA, USA
- Deloitte Consulting LLP, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Nell J. Marshall
- Evidence-Based Synthesis Program (ESP) Center, West Los Angeles VA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- VA Palo Alto Healthcare System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Aneesa Motala
- Evidence-Based Practice Center (EPC), RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, CA, USA
| | - Stephanie L. Taylor
- VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Health Policy, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Isomi M. Miake-Lye
- Evidence-Based Synthesis Program (ESP) Center, West Los Angeles VA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sangita Baxi
- Evidence-Based Practice Center (EPC), RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, CA, USA
| | - Roberta M. Shanman
- Evidence-Based Practice Center (EPC), RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, CA, USA
| | - Michele R. Solloway
- Child and Adolescent Health Measurement Initiative, Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jessica M. Beroesand
- Evidence-Based Synthesis Program (ESP) Center, West Los Angeles VA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Susanne Hempel
- Evidence-Based Practice Center (EPC), RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, CA, USA
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21
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Mindfulness Meditation Is Related to Long-Lasting Changes in Hippocampal Functional Topology during Resting State: A Magnetoencephalography Study. Neural Plast 2018; 2018:5340717. [PMID: 30662457 PMCID: PMC6312586 DOI: 10.1155/2018/5340717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Revised: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been suggested that the practice of meditation is associated to neuroplasticity phenomena, reducing age-related brain degeneration and improving cognitive functions. Neuroimaging studies have shown that the brain connectivity changes in meditators. In the present work, we aim to describe the possible long-term effects of meditation on the brain networks. To this aim, we used magnetoencephalography to study functional resting-state brain networks in Vipassana meditators. We observed topological modifications in the brain network in meditators compared to controls. More specifically, in the theta band, the meditators showed statistically significant (p corrected = 0.009) higher degree (a centrality index that represents the number of connections incident upon a given node) in the right hippocampus as compared to controls. Taking into account the role of the hippocampus in memory processes, and in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease, meditation might have a potential role in a panel of preventive strategies.
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22
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van der Riet P, Levett-Jones T, Aquino-Russell C. The effectiveness of mindfulness meditation for nurses and nursing students: An integrated literature review. NURSE EDUCATION TODAY 2018; 65:201-211. [PMID: 29602138 DOI: 10.1016/j.nedt.2018.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Revised: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A growing body of literature has identified a range of beneficial physiological and psychological outcomes from the regular practice of mindfulness meditation. For healthcare professionals, mindfulness meditation is claimed to reduce stress, anxiety and burnout, and enhance resilience. OBJECTIVE The objective of this integrative review was to critically appraise the literature that related to the effectiveness of mindfulness meditation programs for nurses and nursing students. DESIGN This review was conducted using Whittemore and Knafl's framework for integrated reviews. DATA SOURCES Using the terms mindfulness, mindfulness-based-stress reduction, Vipassana, nurses, and nurse education a comprehensive search of the following electronic databases was conducted: CINAHAL, Medline, PsycINFO, EMBASE. EMCARE, ERIC and SCOPUS. REVIEW METHODS The initial search located 1703 articles. After screening and checking for eligibility 20 articles were critically appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program checklist for qualitative papers and McMaster's Critical appraisal form for quantitative papers. The final number of papers included in the review was 16. RESULTS The results of this review identified that mindfulness meditation has a positive impact on nurses' and nursing students' stress, anxiety, depression, burnout, sense of well-being and empathy. However, the majority of the papers described small scale localised studies which limits generalisability. CONCLUSION Contemporary healthcare is challenging and complex. This review indicated that mindfulness meditation is an effective strategy for preventing and managing the workplace stress and burnout, which so often plague nursing staff and students. Further studies with larger sample sizes using rigorous research methods would be useful in extending this work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela van der Riet
- School of Nursing & Midwifery, Faculty of Health & Medicine, The University of Newcastle (UoN), Australia.
| | - Tracy Levett-Jones
- Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Room 234, Level 7, 235 Jones St, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia.
| | - Catherine Aquino-Russell
- Faculty of Nursing, University of New Brunswick, Moncton, 55 Lutz Street, Moncton, New Brunswick E1C 0L2, Canada
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23
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Lester EG, Murrell AR. Mindfulness Interventions for College Students with ADHD: A Multiple Single Case Research Design. JOURNAL OF COLLEGE STUDENT PSYCHOTHERAPY 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/87568225.2018.1450107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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24
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Attention Deficit Disorder. Integr Med (Encinitas) 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-35868-2.00007-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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25
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Chiesa A, Fazia T, Bernardinelli L, Morandi G. Citation patterns and trends of systematic reviews about mindfulness. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2017; 28:26-37. [PMID: 28779934 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2017.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Revised: 04/22/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We performed a citation analysis of the literature about mindfulness aimed at describing the most significant topics and the impact of more relevant papers. METHODS We classified 128 systematic reviews about mindfulness-based intervention retrieved in Scopus according to their object, the population included and the type of mindfulness proposed. The citation counting was reported. The cumulative citation numbers per chronological years and article life were analyzed thorough a linear regression model. RESULTS 1) We observed a general increase in the number of reviews published from 2003 to 2016; 2) two reviews collected the 33% of the overall citations; 3) citation counting for clinical and mixed population collected the 90% of total citations; 4) clinical reviews had higher cumulative citation per publication/year growth. CONCLUSIONS As mindfulness research advances, higher attention should be given to the mechanisms by which mindfulness interventions work so as to provide fruitful insights for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Chiesa
- Istituto Mente e Corpo, Bologna, Italy; Associazione di Psicologia Cognitiva - Scuola di Psicoterapia Cognitiva, Roma, Italy
| | - Teresa Fazia
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Science, Medical and Genomic Statistics Unit, University of Pavia, Italy
| | - Luisa Bernardinelli
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Science, Medical and Genomic Statistics Unit, University of Pavia, Italy
| | - Gabriella Morandi
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Science, Medical and Genomic Statistics Unit, University of Pavia, Italy.
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26
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Jayawardene WP, Lohrmann DK, Erbe RG, Torabi MR. Effects of preventive online mindfulness interventions on stress and mindfulness: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Prev Med Rep 2017; 5:150-159. [PMID: 28050336 PMCID: PMC5199155 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2016.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2016] [Revised: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 11/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Empirical evidence suggested that mind-body interventions can be effectively delivered online. This study aimed to examine whether preventive online mindfulness interventions (POMI) for non-clinical populations improve short- and long-term outcomes for perceived-stress (primary) and mindfulness (secondary). Systematic search of four electronic databases, manuscript reference lists, and journal content lists was conducted in 2016, using 21 search-terms. Eight randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating effects of POMI in non-clinical populations with adequately reported perceived-stress and mindfulness measures pre- and post-intervention were included. Random-effects models utilized for all effect-size estimations with meta-regression performed for mean age and %females. Participants were volunteers (adults; predominantly female) from academic, workplace, or community settings. Most interventions utilized simplified Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction protocols over 2-12 week periods. Post-intervention, significant medium effect found for perceived-stress (g = 0.432), with moderate heterogeneity and significant, but small, effect size for mindfulness (g = 0.275) with low heterogeneity; highest effects were for middle-aged individuals. At follow-up, significant large effect found for perceived-stress (g = 0.699) with low heterogeneity and significant medium effect (g = 0.466) for mindfulness with high heterogeneity. No publication bias was found for perceived-stress; publication bias found for mindfulness outcomes led to underestimation of effects, not overestimation. Number of eligible RCTs was low with inadequate data reporting in some studies. POMI had substantial stress reduction effects and some mindfulness improvement effects. POMI can be a more convenient and cost-effective strategy, compared to traditional face-to-face interventions, especially in the context of busy, hard-to-reach, but digitally-accessible populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ryan G. Erbe
- Applied Health Science, School of Public Health Bloomington, Indiana University, United States
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27
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Khoury B, Knäuper B, Schlosser M, Carrière K, Chiesa A. Effectiveness of traditional meditation retreats: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Psychosom Res 2017; 92:16-25. [PMID: 27998508 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2016.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Revised: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 11/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An increasing number of studies are investigating traditional meditation retreats. Very little, however, is known about their effectiveness. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness of meditation retreats on improving psychological outcomes in general population. DATA SOURCES A systematic review of studies published in journals or as dissertations in PSYCINFO, PUBMED, CINAHL or Web of Science from the first available date until October 22, 2016. REVIEW METHODS A total of 20 papers (21 studies, N=2912) were included. RESULTS Effect-size estimates of outcomes combined suggested that traditional meditation retreats are moderately effective in pre-post analyses (n=19; Hedge's g=0.45; 95% CI [0.35, 0.54], p<0.00001) and in analyses comparing retreats to controls (n=14; Hedge's g=0.49; 95% CI [0.36, 0.61], p<0.00001). Results were maintained at follow-up. No differences were observed between meditation styles. Results suggested large effects on measures of anxiety, depression and stress, and moderate effects on measures of emotional regulation and quality of life. As to potential mechanisms of actions, results showed large effects on measures of mindfulness and compassion, and moderate effects on measures of acceptance. In addition, changes in mindfulness levels strongly moderated clinical effect sizes. However, heterogeneity was significant among trials, probably due to differences in study designs, types and duration of the retreats and assessed outcomes, limiting therefore the implications of the results. CONCLUSION Meditation retreats are moderately to largely effective in reducing depression, anxiety, stress and in ameliorating the quality of life of participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bassam Khoury
- Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Quebec, Canada; Department of Psychology, Harvard University, MA, United States.
| | - Bärbel Knäuper
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marco Schlosser
- Department of Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Alberto Chiesa
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; Associazione di Psicologia Cognitiva - Scuola di Psicoterapia Cognitiva, Roma, Italy
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28
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Danucalov MAD, Kozasa EH, Afonso RF, Galduroz JCF, Leite JR. Yoga and compassion meditation program improve quality of life and self-compassion in family caregivers of Alzheimer's disease patients: A randomized controlled trial. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 17:85-91. [DOI: 10.1111/ggi.12675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo AD Danucalov
- Department of Psychobiology; Universidade Federal de São Paulo - UNIFESP; São Paulo Brazil
- União Brasileira Educacional - UNIBR; São Paulo Brazil
| | - Elisa H Kozasa
- Department of Psychobiology; Universidade Federal de São Paulo - UNIFESP; São Paulo Brazil
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein; São Paulo Brazil
| | - Rui F Afonso
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein; São Paulo Brazil
| | - José CF Galduroz
- Department of Psychobiology; Universidade Federal de São Paulo - UNIFESP; São Paulo Brazil
| | - José R Leite
- Department of Psychobiology; Universidade Federal de São Paulo - UNIFESP; São Paulo Brazil
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Szekeres RA, Wertheim EH. Evaluation of Vipassana Meditation Course Effects on Subjective Stress, Well-being, Self-kindness and Mindfulness in a Community Sample: Post-course and 6-month Outcomes. Stress Health 2015; 31:373-81. [PMID: 24515781 DOI: 10.1002/smi.2562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2013] [Revised: 11/27/2013] [Accepted: 01/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Residential Vipassana meditation courses, which teach mindfulness skills, are widely available globally but under-evaluated. This study examined effects of a standardized, community-based Vipassana course, on subjective stress, well-being, self-kindness and trait mindfulness in a community sample. Participants completed self-report measures of these variables at pre-course and post-course (n = 122), and outcomes were compared to a control group of early enrollers (EEs) (n = 50) who completed measures at parallel time points before course commencement. Six-month follow-up was undertaken in the intervention group (n = 90). Findings, including intention-to-complete analyses, suggested positive effects of the Vipassana course in reducing subjective stress and increasing well-being, self-kindness and overall mindfulness (present-moment awareness and non-reaction). Although some reductions in post-course gains were found at follow-up, particularly in stress, follow-up scores still showed improvements compared to pre-course scores. Mindfulness change scores between pre-course and 6-month follow-up were moderately to highly correlated with outcome variable change scores, consistent with the idea that effects of the Vipassana course on stress and well-being operate, at least partially, through increasing mindfulness. The present research underscores the importance of undertaking further investigations into Vipassana courses' effects and applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta A Szekeres
- School of Psychological Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Eleanor H Wertheim
- School of Psychological Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
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Wolkin JR. Cultivating multiple aspects of attention through mindfulness meditation accounts for psychological well-being through decreased rumination. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2015; 8:171-80. [PMID: 26170728 PMCID: PMC4492627 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s31458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last few decades, mindfulness meditation has gained prominence as an adjunctive psychotherapeutic technique. In fact, a vast literature of controlled studies has found that mindfulness meditation is related to improved mental health across a variety of disorders. Elucidating the components involved in mindfulness meditation's positive impact on psychological well-being is an important step in more precisely identifying the populations that would most benefit from its therapeutic utilization. Yet, a consensus regarding the particular underlying mechanisms that contribute to these outcomes is very much limited. There are many reasons for this, including the inconsistent operationalization and use of mindfulness meditation across research investigations. Despite the elusive mechanisms, many studies seem to indicate that cultivating different aspects of attention is a feasible, consistent, and parsimonious starting point bridging mindfulness practice and psychological well-being. Attention in itself is a complex construct. It comprises different networks, including alerting, orienting, and executive attention, and is also explained in terms of the way it is regulated. This paper supports a previously suggested idea that cultivating all aspects of attention through mindfulness meditation leads to greater psychological well-being through decreased ruminative processes. Ruminative processes are decreased by engaging in both focused and receptive attention, which foster the ability to distract and decenter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R Wolkin
- Department of Psychiatry, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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31
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Simon R, Engström M. The default mode network as a biomarker for monitoring the therapeutic effects of meditation. Front Psychol 2015; 6:776. [PMID: 26106351 PMCID: PMC4460295 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Accepted: 05/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The default mode network (DMN) is a group of anatomically separate regions in the brain found to have synchronized patterns of activation in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Mentation associated with the DMN includes processes such as mind wandering, autobiographical memory, self-reflective thought, envisioning the future, and considering the perspective of others. Abnormalities in the DMN have been linked to symptom severity in a variety of mental disorders indicating that the DMN could be used as a biomarker for diagnosis. These correlations have also led to the use of DMN modulation as a biomarker for assessing pharmacological treatments. Concurrent research investigating the neural correlates of meditation, have associated DMN modulation with practice. Furthermore, meditative practice is increasingly understood to have a beneficial role in the treatment of mental disorders. Therefore we propose the use of DMN measures as a biomarker for monitoring the therapeutic effects of meditation practices in mental disorders. Recent findings support this perspective, and indicate the utility of DMN monitoring in understanding and developing meditative treatments for these debilitating conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rozalyn Simon
- Center for Medical Image Science and Visualization, Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University Linköping, Sweden
| | - Maria Engström
- Center for Medical Image Science and Visualization, Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University Linköping, Sweden
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32
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Gard T, Taquet M, Dixit R, Hölzel BK, Dickerson BC, Lazar SW. Greater widespread functional connectivity of the caudate in older adults who practice kripalu yoga and vipassana meditation than in controls. Front Hum Neurosci 2015; 9:137. [PMID: 25852521 PMCID: PMC4360708 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2015.00137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2014] [Accepted: 02/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
There has been a growing interest in understanding how contemplative practices affect brain functional organization. However, most studies have restricted their exploration to predefined networks. Furthermore, scientific comparisons of different contemplative traditions are largely lacking. Here we explored differences in whole brain resting state functional connectivity between experienced yoga practitioners, experienced meditators, and matched controls. Analyses were repeated in an independent sample of experienced meditators and matched controls. Analyses utilizing Network-Based Statistics (Zalesky et al., 2010) revealed difference components for yoga practitioners > controls and meditators > controls in which the right caudate was a central node. Follow up analyses revealed that yoga practitioners and meditators had significantly greater degree centrality in the caudate than controls. This greater degree centrality was not driven by single connections but by greater connectivity between the caudate and numerous brain regions. Findings of greater caudate connectivity in meditators than in controls was replicated in an independent dataset. These findings suggest that yoga and meditation practitioners have stronger functional connectivity within basal ganglia cortico-thalamic feedback loops than non-practitioners. Although we could not provide evidence for its mechanistic role, this greater connectivity might be related to the often reported effects of meditation and yoga on behavioral flexibility, mental health, and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Gard
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MAUSA
- Bender Institute of Neuroimaging, Justus Liebig Universität Giessen, GiessenGermany
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, MaastrichtNetherlands
| | - Maxime Taquet
- Institute of Information and Communication Electronics and Applied Mathematics Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-La-NeuveBelgium
| | | | - Britta K. Hölzel
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MAUSA
- Department of Neuroradiology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of MunichGermany
| | - Bradford C. Dickerson
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MAUSA
| | - Sara W. Lazar
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MAUSA
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33
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Kemper KJ, Powell D, Helms CC, Kim-Shapiro DB. Loving-Kindness Meditation’s Effects on Nitric Oxide and Perceived Well-being: A Pilot Study in Experienced and Inexperienced Meditators. Explore (NY) 2015; 11:32-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2014.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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Mindfulness of Emptiness and the Emptiness of Mindfulness. MINDFULNESS IN BEHAVIORAL HEALTH 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-18591-0_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
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Zeng X, Oei TPS, Liu X. Monitoring emotion through body sensation: a review of awareness in Goenka's Vipassana. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2014; 53:1693-1705. [PMID: 23846450 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-013-9754-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Awareness is one of the two most important abilities cultivated in Goenka's Vipassana meditation, which refers to sensitivity to subtle bodily sensations and the associated psychological processes. This sensitivity and its derived function of monitoring emotion are not of notable concern in modern mindfulness-based psychotherapies. Evidence supports that Vipassana meditation truly enhances sensitivity to bodily sensations, but further study is required to assess the awareness of psychological processes. The value of monitoring mental processing has been widely accepted in psychology, as has enhanced sensitivity along with the potential dangers to mental health. Implications for practice and future studies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianglong Zeng
- School of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, No. 19, XinJieKouWai St., HaiDian District, Beijing, 100875, People's Republic of China
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36
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Lu H, Song Y, Xu M, Wang X, Li X, Liu J. The brain structure correlates of individual differences in trait mindfulness: A voxel-based morphometry study. Neuroscience 2014; 272:21-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2014.04.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2013] [Revised: 04/19/2014] [Accepted: 04/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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Van Gordon W, Shonin E, Zangeneh M, Griffiths MD. Work-Related Mental Health and Job Performance: Can Mindfulness Help? Int J Ment Health Addict 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s11469-014-9484-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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Abstract
A growing body of research suggests that meditation practices are associated with substantial psychological as well as physiological benefits. In searching for the biological mechanisms underlying the beneficial impact of meditation, studies have revealed practice-induced alterations of neurotransmitters, brain activity, and cognitive abilities, just to name a few. These findings not only imply a close link between meditation and brain structure, but also suggest possible modulating effects of meditation on age-related brain atrophy. Given that normal aging is associated with significant loss of brain tissue, meditation-induced growth and/or preservation might manifest as a seemingly reduced brain age in meditators (i.e., cerebral measures characteristic of younger brains). Surprisingly, there are only three published studies that have addressed the question of whether meditation diminishes age-related brain degeneration. This paper reviews these three studies with respect to the brain attributes studied, the analytical strategies applied, and the findings revealed. The review concludes with an elaborate discussion on the significance of existing studies, implications and directions for future studies, as well as the overall relevance of this field of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen Luders
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California
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40
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Oshita D, Hattori K, Iwakuma M. A Buddhist-based meditation practice for care and healing: An introduction and its application. Int J Nurs Pract 2013; 19 Suppl 2:15-23. [DOI: 10.1111/ijn.12040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daien Oshita
- Graduate School of Medicine; Kyoto University; Kyoto; Japan
| | | | - Miho Iwakuma
- Graduate School of Medicine; Kyoto University; Kyoto; Japan
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41
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Collinge W, Kahn J, Soltysik R. Promoting reintegration of National Guard veterans and their partners using a self-directed program of integrative therapies: a pilot study. Mil Med 2013; 177:1477-85. [PMID: 23397692 DOI: 10.7205/milmed-d-12-00121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
This article reports pilot data from phase I of a project to develop and evaluate a self-directed program of integrative therapies for National Guard personnel and significant relationship partners to support reintegration and resilience after return from Iraq or Afghanistan. Data are reported on 43 dyads. Intervention was an integrated multimedia package of guided meditative, contemplative, and relaxation exercises (CD) and instruction in simple massage techniques (DVD) to promote stress reduction and interpersonal connectedness. A repeated measures design with standardized instruments was used to establish stability of baseline levels of relevant mental health domains (day 1, day 30), followed by the intervention and assessments 4 and 8 weeks later. Significant improvements in standardized measures for post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and self-compassion were seen in both veterans and partners; and in stress for partners. Weekly online reporting tracked utilization of guided exercises and massage. Veterans reported significant reductions in ratings of physical pain, physical tension, irritability, anxiety/worry, and depression after massage, and longitudinal analysis suggested declining baseline levels of tension and irritability. Qualitative data from focus groups and implications for continued development and a phase II trial are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Collinge
- Collinge and Associates, 3986 N Shasta Loop, Eugene, OR 97405, USA
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42
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Shaltout HA, Tooze JA, Rosenberger E, Kemper KJ. Time, touch, and compassion: effects on autonomic nervous system and well-being. Explore (NY) 2012; 8:177-84. [PMID: 22560756 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2012.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2011] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Compassion is critical for complementary and conventional care, but little is known about its direct physiologic effects. This study tested the feasibility of delivering two lengths of time (10 and 20 minutes) and two strategies (tactile and nontactile) for a practitioner to nonverbally communicate compassion to subjects who were blind to the interventions. METHODS Healthy volunteers were informed that we were testing the effects of time and touch on the autonomic nervous system. Each subject underwent five sequential study periods in one study session: (1) warm-up; (2) control-with the practitioner while both read neutral material; (3) rest; (4) intervention-with practitioner meditating on loving-kindness toward the subject; and (5) rest. Subjects were randomized to receive one of four interventions: (1) 10 minutes tactile; (2) 20 minutes tactile; (3) 10 minutes nontactile; or (4) 20 minutes nontactile. During all interventions, the practitioner meditated on loving-kindness toward the subject. For tactile interventions, the practitioner touched subjects on arms, legs, and hands; for nontactile interventions, the practitioner pretended to read. Subjects' autonomic activity, including heart rate, was measured continuously. Subjects completed visual analog scales for well-being, including relaxation and peacefulness, at warm-up; postcontrol; immediately postintervention; and after the postintervention rest and were asked about what they and the practitioner had done during each study period. RESULTS The 20 subjects' mean age was 24.3 ± 4 years; 16 were women. The practitioner maintained a meditative state during all interventions as reflected in lower respiratory rate, and subjects remained blind to the practitioner's meditative activity. Overall, interventions significantly decreased heart rate (P < .01), and although other changes did not reach statistical significance, they were in the expected direction, with generally greater effects for the tactile than nontactile strategies and for 20-minute than 10-minute doses. CONCLUSIONS Two strategies are feasible for blinding subjects to nonverbal communication of compassion; even with blinding, nonverbal communication of compassion affects subjects' autonomic nervous system. These results should be replicated in larger samples, including patient populations, and mechanisms sought to explain observed effects. Compassion is not only good care; it may also be good medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossam A Shaltout
- Center for Integrative Medicine, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
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Chen KW, Berger CC, Manheimer E, Forde D, Magidson J, Dachman L, Lejuez CW. Meditative therapies for reducing anxiety: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Depress Anxiety 2012; 29:545-62. [PMID: 22700446 PMCID: PMC3718554 DOI: 10.1002/da.21964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2011] [Revised: 04/13/2012] [Accepted: 04/28/2012] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anxiety disorders are among the most common psychiatric disorders and meditative therapies are frequently sought by patients with anxiety as a complementary therapy. Although multiple reviews exist on the general health benefits of meditation, no review has focused on the efficacy of meditation for anxiety specifically. METHODS Major medical databases were searched thoroughly with keywords related to various types of meditation and anxiety. Over 1,000 abstracts were screened, and 200+ full articles were reviewed. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. The Boutron (Boutron et al., 2005: J Clin Epidemiol 58:1233-1240) checklist to evaluate a report of a nonpharmaceutical trial (CLEAR-NPT) was used to assess study quality; 90% of the authors were contacted for additional information. Review Manager 5 was used for meta-analysis. RESULTS A total of 36 RCTs were included in the meta-analysis (2,466 observations). Most RCTs were conducted among patients with anxiety as a secondary concern. The study quality ranged from 0.3 to 1.0 on the 0.0-1.0 scale (mean = 0.72). Standardized mean difference (SMD) was -0.52 in comparison with waiting-list control (p < .001; 25 RCTs), -0.59 in comparison with attention control (p < .001; seven RCTs), and -0.27 in comparison with alternative treatments (p < .01; 10 RCTs). Twenty-five studies reported statistically superior outcomes in the meditation group compared to control. No adverse effects were reported. CONCLUSIONS This review demonstrates some efficacy of meditative therapies in reducing anxiety symptoms, which has important clinical implications for applying meditative techniques in treating anxiety. However, most studies measured only improvement in anxiety symptoms, but not anxiety disorders as clinically diagnosed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin W Chen
- Center for Integrative Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine
- Center for Addictions, Personality & Emotion Research, Department of Psychology, University of Maryland College Park
| | | | - Eric Manheimer
- Center for Integrative Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine
| | - Darlene Forde
- Center for Integrative Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine
| | - Jessica Magidson
- Center for Addictions, Personality & Emotion Research, Department of Psychology, University of Maryland College Park
| | - Laya Dachman
- Center for Addictions, Personality & Emotion Research, Department of Psychology, University of Maryland College Park
| | - C. W. Lejuez
- Center for Addictions, Personality & Emotion Research, Department of Psychology, University of Maryland College Park
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You cannot wash off blood with blood: entering the mind through the body. Explore (NY) 2012; 8:243-8. [PMID: 22742675 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2012.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The old Zen saying, "You cannot wash off blood with blood," refers to the conviction that it is difficult to control thoughts with other thoughts. This saying implies that the way to control the mind is through the body. In Zen meditation (zazen), this is accomplished through the regulation of breathing and posture. The purpose of this article is to examine the relationship between breathing, posture and concentration in one tradition of Zen. I will explore how this relationship may be relevant to the practice of psychotherapy and the healing arts, as well as its implications for future research in these fields.
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Hasenkamp W, Barsalou LW. Effects of meditation experience on functional connectivity of distributed brain networks. Front Hum Neurosci 2012; 6:38. [PMID: 22403536 PMCID: PMC3290768 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2012.00038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 204] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2011] [Accepted: 02/15/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This study sought to examine the effect of meditation experience on brain networks underlying cognitive actions employed during contemplative practice. In a previous study, we proposed a basic model of naturalistic cognitive fluctuations that occur during the practice of focused attention meditation. This model specifies four intervals in a cognitive cycle: mind wandering (MW), awareness of MW, shifting of attention, and sustained attention. Using subjective input from experienced practitioners during meditation, we identified activity in salience network regions during awareness of MW and executive network regions during shifting and sustained attention. Brain regions associated with the default mode were active during MW. In the present study, we reasoned that repeated activation of attentional brain networks over years of practice may induce lasting functional connectivity changes within relevant circuits. To investigate this possibility, we created seeds representing the networks that were active during the four phases of the earlier study, and examined functional connectivity during the resting state in the same participants. Connectivity maps were then contrasted between participants with high vs. low meditation experience. Participants with more meditation experience exhibited increased connectivity within attentional networks, as well as between attentional regions and medial frontal regions. These neural relationships may be involved in the development of cognitive skills, such as maintaining attention and disengaging from distraction, that are often reported with meditation practice. Furthermore, because altered connectivity of brain regions in experienced meditators was observed in a non-meditative (resting) state, this may represent a transference of cognitive abilities “off the cushion” into daily life.
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46
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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Integr Med (Encinitas) 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-1-4377-1793-8.00006-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Brewer JA, Worhunsky PD, Gray JR, Tang YY, Weber J, Kober H. Meditation experience is associated with differences in default mode network activity and connectivity. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2011; 108:20254-9. [PMID: 22114193 PMCID: PMC3250176 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1112029108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 687] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Many philosophical and contemplative traditions teach that "living in the moment" increases happiness. However, the default mode of humans appears to be that of mind-wandering, which correlates with unhappiness, and with activation in a network of brain areas associated with self-referential processing. We investigated brain activity in experienced meditators and matched meditation-naive controls as they performed several different meditations (Concentration, Loving-Kindness, Choiceless Awareness). We found that the main nodes of the default-mode network (medial prefrontal and posterior cingulate cortices) were relatively deactivated in experienced meditators across all meditation types. Furthermore, functional connectivity analysis revealed stronger coupling in experienced meditators between the posterior cingulate, dorsal anterior cingulate, and dorsolateral prefrontal cortices (regions previously implicated in self-monitoring and cognitive control), both at baseline and during meditation. Our findings demonstrate differences in the default-mode network that are consistent with decreased mind-wandering. As such, these provide a unique understanding of possible neural mechanisms of meditation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judson A Brewer
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA.
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48
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Chiesa A. Improving psychotherapy research: The example of mindfulness based interventions. World J Methodol 2011; 1:4-11. [PMID: 25237607 PMCID: PMC4145556 DOI: 10.5662/wjm.v1.i1.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2011] [Revised: 09/06/2011] [Accepted: 09/19/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The increasing number and sophistication of available psychotherapies suggests that a critical appraisal of the methodological issues of psychotherapy studies is highly needed. Several key questions regarding the efficacy of a given intervention, the understanding of whether positive effects observed following the delivery of a psychotherapeutic intervention are specifically attributable to the intervention itself or to other "non specific" factors, such as benefit expectations, therapist attention and support, and the possibility of improving psychotherapy research need an answer. This, in turn, could provide clinicians with more rigorous information about psychotherapy outcomes and could properly address several shortcomings that are frequently observed in current psychotherapy studies. Accordingly, in this editorial I will highlight some of the most important critical issues that a well designed psychotherapy study should take into account, including the need for appropriate control groups, appropriate randomization and blinding procedures, and the importance of performing appropriately powered studies that include a sufficiently long follow-up period. Finally, I will build on my expertise in the field of mindfulness based interventions, in particular mindfulness based stress reduction and mindfulness based cognitive therapy, to show how such issues have been and can be successfully implemented in the design of future psychotherapy studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Chiesa
- Alberto Chiesa, Institute of Psychiatry, University of Bologna, Viale Carlo Pepoli 5, 40123 Bologna, Italy
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Abstract
Mindfulness-based approaches are increasingly employed as interventions for treating a variety of psychological, psychiatric and physical problems. Such approaches include ancient Buddhist mindfulness meditations such as Vipassana and Zen meditations, modern group-based standardized meditations, such as mindfulness-based stress reduction and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and further psychological interventions, such as dialectical behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy. We review commonalities and differences of these interventions regarding philosophical background, main techniques, aims, outcomes, neurobiology and psychological mechanisms. In sum, the currently applied mindfulness-based interventions show large differences in the way mindfulness is conceptualized and practiced. The decision to consider such practices as unitary or as distinct phenomena will probably influence the direction of future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Chiesa
- Institute of Psychiatry, University of Bologna, Viale Carlo Pepoli 5, 40123 Bologna, Italy.
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50
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Sibinga EMS, Kemper KJ. Complementary, holistic, and integrative medicine: meditation practices for pediatric health. Pediatr Rev 2010; 31:e91-103. [PMID: 21123509 DOI: 10.1542/pir.31-12-e91] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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