1
|
Roy A, Girija VS, Kitzlerová E. The Role of Momentary Dissociation in the Sensory Cortex: A Neurophysiological Review and its Implications for Maladaptive Daydreaming. Med Sci Monit 2024; 30:e944209. [PMID: 38848281 PMCID: PMC11166090 DOI: 10.12659/msm.944209] [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: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Daydreaming, a form of spontaneous and self-generated mental process, may lead to the disintegration of attention from the immediate external environment. In extreme cases, patients may develop maladaptive daydreaming comorbid with dissociation. The examination of dissociative alterations frequently occurs within the framework of complex cognitive processes. While dissociation may be a neurological and psychological dysfunction of integration, transient dissociative occurrences, i.e., momentary dissociation may signify a dynamic interplay between attentional division and orientation within the sensory cortex. Furthermore, previous studies have recorded the interactivity of attention by stimuli onset with P3 event-related potentials and the active suppression of distractor positivity. In this context, during auditory and visual mismatch negativity, the sensory cortex may interact with attentional orientation. Additionally, distractor positivity during task-relevant stimuli may play a crucial role in predicting momentary dissociation since sensory cortices share cerebral correlates with attentional fluctuations during mental imagery. Thus, this theoretical review investigated the cerebral activities associated with attentional orientation and may be extended to mindfulness. By integrating these findings, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of dissociative states which may lead to a resolution for dissociative psychopathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anney Roy
- Department of Psychiatry, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Eva Kitzlerová
- Department of Psychiatry, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Denkova E, Barry J, Zanesco AP, Rooks J, Rogers SL, Jha AP. Online mindfulness training for older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: a randomized controlled trial using a multi-method assessment approach. Aging Ment Health 2024; 28:130-141. [PMID: 37702364 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2023.2242301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The COVID-19 pandemic drastically accelerated the need for studies examining the effectiveness of programs to bolster psychological well-being, particularly for at-risk groups, such as older adults (OAs). Mindfulness Training (MT) has been suggested as a well-suited program for this purpose. The present study examined the impact of a 4-week online, trainer-led MT course tailored for OAs during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Fifty-three OAs were randomly assigned to either Group A or Group B. Group A received the online MT course during the 4-week interval between the first (T1) and second (T2) testing sessions, while Group B received the same MT course during the interval between T2 and the third testing session (T3). The testing sessions included measures of mindfulness, emotional well-being, psychological health, and cognitive performance. In addition, a very brief survey was sent every week during the T1-T2 and T2-T3 intervals to assess weekly emotional well-being. RESULTS The findings revealed that MT may improve some, albeit not all, aspects of mindfulness and well-being, while no significant results were noted for outcomes measuring psychological health and cognitive performance. CONCLUSIONS These findings are discussed in the context of the evolving COVID-19 situation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Denkova
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Jordan Barry
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Anthony P Zanesco
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | | | - Scott L Rogers
- School of Law, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Amishi P Jha
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
He J, Lin J, Sun W, Cheung T, Cao Y, Fu E, Chan SHW, Tsang HWH. The effects of psychosocial and behavioral interventions on depressive and anxiety symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19094. [PMID: 37925535 PMCID: PMC10625531 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45839-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Psychosocial and behavioral interventions have been shown to significantly reduce depressive and anxiety symptoms in different populations. Recent evidence suggests that the mental health of the general population has deteriorated significantly since the start of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies on the therapeutic effects of psychosocial and behavioral interventions on depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. We systematically searched six electronic databases between December 2019 and February 2022 including PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, CNKI, and Wanfang Data. We included randomized clinical trials of psychosocial and behavioral interventions in individuals with depressive or anxiety symptoms during the COVID-19 outbreak compared to various control conditions. A total of 35 eligible studies with 5457 participants were included. The meta-analysis results showed that psychosocial and behavioral interventions had statistically significant moderate effects on depression [SMD = - 0.73, 95% CI (- 1.01, - 0.45), I2 = 90%] and large effects on anxiety [SMD = - 0.90, 95% CI (- 1.19, - 0.60), I2 = 92%], especially in the general population and COVID-19 survivors. Exercise and cognitive behavioral therapy were found to be the most effective treatments with moderate-to-large effect size for depression and anxiety during the outbreak of COVID-19. We also found the internet-based approach could also achieve almost equally significant effects on depression and anxiety compared with face-to-face traditional approach. Our findings suggest that cognitive behavioral therapy and physical exercise intervention are significantly effective for depression and anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic regardless of the delivery modes, and gender differences should be taken into consideration for better implementation of interventions in clinical and community practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiali He
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Jingxia Lin
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
- Mental Health Research Center, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Wen Sun
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Teris Cheung
- Mental Health Research Center, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Yuan Cao
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
- Mental Health Research Center, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Eugene Fu
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Sunny H W Chan
- School of Health and Social Wellbeing, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK
| | - Hector W H Tsang
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
- Mental Health Research Center, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
O'Donnell K, Dunbar M, Speelman D. Effectiveness of Daily Mindfulness Meditation App Usage to Reduce Anxiety and Improve Well-Being During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Cureus 2023; 15:e42432. [PMID: 37637657 PMCID: PMC10448000 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.42432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study examined the effect of 10-minute daily meditation app usage for 30 days on adult anxiety and mental well-being during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Participants were randomized into intervention (10 minutes of daily usage of the Insight Timer app) or control groups. Participants completed surveys to assess anxiety and well-being pre- and post-study. Data were analyzed using t-tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA), or nonparametric equivalents. Results Pre-study results were comparable between groups. The pre- vs. post-study General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scores for anxiety decreased in the intervention group (n=18, median 5.5 vs. 3.0 (pre vs. post), p=0.0233, d=0.50), but not in the control group (n=28). The intervention group had a lower median GAD-7 score than the control group post-study (3.0 vs. 8.0, p=0.0223, d=0.35). Pre- vs. post-study mean 5-item World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5) scores were improved in both the control (11.6 vs. 12.9 (pre vs. post), p=0.0408, d=0.36) and intervention groups (12.0 vs. 16.3 (pre vs. post), p=0.0001, d=0.77), although it was higher in the intervention group (16.3 vs. 12.9, p=0.0056, d=0.88). Conclusion Ten minutes of daily meditation app usage for 30 days may reduce anxiety and improve well-being in adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katie O'Donnell
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie, USA
| | - Melanie Dunbar
- Behavioral Health, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie, USA
| | - Diana Speelman
- Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gong XG, Wang LP, Rong G, Zhang DN, Zhang AY, Liu C. Effects of online mindfulness-based interventions on the mental health of university students: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1073647. [PMID: 36844353 PMCID: PMC9944037 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1073647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Mental health problems among university students are a cause of widespread concern. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) delivered online have considerable potential to help university students manage mental health challenges. However, there is no consensus regarding the efficacy of online MBIs. This meta-analysis aims to determine whether MBIs are feasible and effective for improving university students' mental health. Methods Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase and the US National Library of Medicine (Clinical Trial Registry) published through August 31, 2022, were searched. Two reviewers selected the trials, conducted a critical appraisal, and extracted the data. Nine RCTs met our inclusion criteria. Results This analysis showed that online MBIs were effective in improving depression (standardised mean difference [SMD] = -0.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.48 to -0.07; P = 0.008), anxiety (SMD = -0.47; 95% CI, -080 to -0.14; P = 0.006), stress (SMD = -0.58; 95% CI, -0.79 to -0.37; P < 0.00001), and mindfulness (SMD = 0.71; 95% CI, 0.17 to 1.25; p = 0.009) in university students. No significant effect was found on wellbeing (SMD = 0.30; 95% CI, -0.00 to 0.60; P = 0.05). Conclusion The findings indicated that online MBIs could effectively improve the mental health of university students. Nevertheless, additional rigorously designed RCTs are required. Systematic review registration https://inplasy.com/inplasy-2022-9-0099/, identifier INPLASY202290099.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Gang Gong
- Department of Medicine, College of Special Education, Beijing Union University, Beijing, China
| | - Le-Peng Wang
- School of Humanities, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Guang Rong
- Department of Education, Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Dao-Ning Zhang
- Department of Diagnostics of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - A-Yuan Zhang
- Department of Primary Education, Teachers College, Beijing Union University, Beijing, China,College of Education, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: A-Yuan Zhang,
| | - Chao Liu
- School of Journalism and Communication, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, China,Business Analytics Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan,Chao Liu,
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hart CM, Mills C, Thiemann RF, Andrews-Hanna JR, Tomfohr-Madsen L, Kam JWY. Task-unrelated thought increases after consumption of COVID-19 and general news. Cogn Res Princ Implic 2022; 7:69. [PMID: 35876968 PMCID: PMC9309453 DOI: 10.1186/s41235-022-00420-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Task-unrelated thoughts (TUTs) are frequent distractions from our everyday tasks, which can reduce productivity and safety during task performance. This necessitates the examination of factors that modulate TUT occurrence in daily life. One factor that has previously been implicated as a source of TUT is personally salient concerns. External factors such as news media serve as cues for these concerns, potentially increasing TUT occurrence. However, this has not been thoroughly examined in everyday life settings. We thus utilized Ecological Momentary Assessment to survey participants throughout the day for ten days, on their TUTs and news consumption in two separate studies. Study 1 focused on the impact of news related to the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic, as a common and global concern. We found that TUT occurrence was significantly predicted by COVID-19 news consumption, such that TUT occurrence increased with COVID-19 news consumption. To extend these findings, we implemented Study 2 using similar methods, but focusing on the consumption of news media in general. TUT occurrence was predicted by general news consumption, with an increase in reports of TUT following consumption of news media in general. We thus extended the association found between TUT and COVID-19-related news in Study 1, to any news topic in Study 2. We speculate that the increase in TUTs was due to heightened salience of current concerns, cued by the news. These findings highlight the importance of considering when we choose to consume news media and the value of examining contextual factors when studying TUTs in daily life.
Collapse
|
7
|
Differential relationships between thought dimensions and momentary affect in daily life. PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2022; 87:1632-1643. [DOI: 10.1007/s00426-022-01766-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
|
8
|
S.A. R, C.S. S, Ganesh P, Vasu HV. Job Search during COVID-19: How Online Mindfulness Intervention helped to Reduce Stress and Enhance the Self-esteem of the Job Seeker. F1000Res 2022; 11:955. [PMID: 36531265 PMCID: PMC9732500 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.109523.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Immediately after graduation from university, college students need to make significant decisions about starting their careers or pursuing higher studies. They are also pressured to meet the expectations and demands of self, others, and the environment. Owing to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the aforementioned challenging decisions may become hazardous stressors for college students. Hence, the researchers intended to assist and assess the college students involved in student placements. The research goal was to investigate the impact of mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) on the stress and self-esteem of college students involved in student placements. Methods: One hundred college students participating in the campus placements were selected using purposive sampling from Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham University in Coimbatore, India. For evaluation purposes, college students were administered the perceived stress, Rosenberg self-esteem, and Kuppuswamy socio-economic scales. Seventy-five college students were selected for the MBI process and were administered with a pre-intervention and post-intervention without a control group research design. Results: Statistical analysis including analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Bonferroni post hoc test showed a significant increase in self-esteem and a decrease in the stress of the college students involved in placements. Conclusions: Thus, the researchers recommend that policymakers create awareness, include MBI in the curriculum, and allocate funds for training ventures in educational institutions to assist college students in their challenging life journeys.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rajalakshmi S.A.
- Department of Language and Humanities, Amrita School of Engineering, Amrita Vishwa Vidhyapeetham, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, 641112, India,
| | - Sowndaram C.S.
- Department of Language and Humanities, Amrita School of Engineering, Amrita Vishwa Vidhyapeetham, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, 641112, India
| | - Preetham Ganesh
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Amrita School of Engineering, Amrita Vishwa Vidhyapeetham, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, 641112, India
| | - Harsha Vardhini Vasu
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Amrita School of Engineering, Amrita Vishwa Vidhyapeetham, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, 641112, India
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Analysis of the Predictive Role of Self-Compassion on Emotional Distress during COVID-19 Lockdown. SOCIAL SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/socsci11040151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Research has shown that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a mental health burden worldwide. Most studies have focused on the factors associated with a higher risk of mental health problems, and only a few studies have looked at the potential protective factors. The general objective of this study was to determine whether self-compassion has a protective effect against the risk of mental health problems and especially on perceived infectability. If so, we intended to determine which of the three specific facets of self-compassion (i.e., mindfulness vs. over-identification; self-kindness vs. self-judgment; common humanity vs. isolation;) has the greatest weight in predicting emotional distress. We conducted a cross-sectional study through an online survey completed by 855 participants in Spain. Results confirmed that the three facets of self-compassion reduce the negative correlation between perceived infectability and emotional distress, diminishing its role in predicting emotional distress. These results are discussed in relation to the protective role of self-compassion and the need to further explore the variables associated with a lower risk of mental problems derived from the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
Collapse
|
10
|
Zamani A, Carhart-Harris R, Christoff K. Prefrontal contributions to the stability and variability of thought and conscious experience. Neuropsychopharmacology 2022; 47:329-348. [PMID: 34545195 PMCID: PMC8616944 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-021-01147-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The human prefrontal cortex is a structurally and functionally heterogenous brain region, including multiple subregions that have been linked to different large-scale brain networks. It contributes to a broad range of mental phenomena, from goal-directed thought and executive functions to mind-wandering and psychedelic experience. Here we review what is known about the functions of different prefrontal subregions and their affiliations with large-scale brain networks to examine how they may differentially contribute to the diversity of mental phenomena associated with prefrontal function. An important dimension that distinguishes across different kinds of conscious experience is the stability or variability of mental states across time. This dimension is a central feature of two recently introduced theoretical frameworks-the dynamic framework of thought (DFT) and the relaxed beliefs under psychedelics (REBUS) model-that treat neurocognitive dynamics as central to understanding and distinguishing between different mental phenomena. Here, we bring these two frameworks together to provide a synthesis of how prefrontal subregions may differentially contribute to the stability and variability of thought and conscious experience. We close by considering future directions for this work.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andre Zamani
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, 2136 West Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Robin Carhart-Harris
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Kalina Christoff
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, 2136 West Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|