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Kelsven S, McLean CL, Widjanarko K, Bormann JE, Lang AJ. Trait Mindfulness Moderates Treatment Outcomes in a Randomized Controlled Trial of Mantram Repetition Program for Veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE 2024. [PMID: 39083412 DOI: 10.1089/jicm.2024.0181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Objectives: This secondary analysis examined five facets of mindful awareness as potential moderators of clinical outcomes using data from a randomized controlled trial (RCT) that compared Mantram Repetition Program (MRP) with present-centered therapy (PCT) in veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Methods: Data were examined from 173 veterans with military-related PTSD randomly assigned to receive eight sessions of MRP (n = 89) or PCT (n = 84). Clinician-administered and self-report measures of mindfulness (Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire [FFMQ]), PTSD severity, insomnia symptoms, and depression symptoms, and were obtained pre- and post-intervention. Hierarchical regressions were used to test for FFMQ moderation on clinical outcomes within the two treatment groups. Results: For those with greater ability to "describe their internal experience" (+1 standard deviation [SD]), MRP was associated with lower PTSD hyperarousal symptoms post-intervention than PCT (p < 0.001). For those with lower "nonreactivity to internal stimuli" (-1 SD), MRP was associated with greater reductions in PTSD avoidance and numbing symptoms and insomnia compared with PCT (all ps < 0.002). Conclusions: Pre-intervention mindfulness domains of "describe" and "nonreactivity to inner experience" differentially predicted improvements in PTSD and insomnia symptoms for MRP as compared with PCT subjects. The FFMQ may be an important tool for predicting patient preparedness for mindfulness-based interventions, such as MRP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Skylar Kelsven
- VA San Diego Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Caitlin L McLean
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA
- VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System, Leeds, Massachusetts, USA
- University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kiara Widjanarko
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Jill E Bormann
- Hahn School of Nursing and Health Sciences/Beyster Institute of Nursing Research, University of San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Ariel J Lang
- VA San Diego Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
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Hovnanyan A, Vardanyan N, Moscardino UMM, Olff M, Scrimin S. Traumatic stress symptoms in civilians after the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war: The protective role of self-compassion and emotional intelligence. J Health Psychol 2024:13591053241258630. [PMID: 39051785 DOI: 10.1177/13591053241258630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Exposure to war is linked to negative mental health outcomes. Self-compassion and emotional intelligence may foster post-war adjustment processes differently depending on the time since the event happened. This study examines post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in civilians exposed to the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war shortly after and 6 months post-conflict, while investigating self-compassion and emotional intelligence's protective role. War-exposed civilians self-reported on PTSS, self-compassion, and trait emotional intelligence at two phases. Results showed greater PTSS shortly after war relative to 6 months later. Lower self-compassion scores were related to more PTSS at the first phase, whereas lower emotional intelligence was associated with more symptoms 6 months later. These data show how war-exposed Armenians coped, highlighting individual characteristics' effects, and suggest varying resource utilization during post-war adjustment. Specifically, self-compassion may be a protective factor shortly after war, whereas emotional intelligence may protect individuals against having adverse health outcomes later on.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Miranda Olff
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers Location AMC, Amsterdam Public Health, The Netherlands
- ARQ National Psychotrauma Centre, The Netherlands
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Berg SJ, Zaso MJ, Biehler KM, Read JP. Self-Compassion and Self-Forgiveness in Alcohol Risk, Treatment and Recovery: A Systematic Review. Clin Psychol Psychother 2024; 31:e2987. [PMID: 38769941 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2987] [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: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Self-compassion and self-forgiveness are two self-focused, positive coping approaches that may reduce risk of problem drinking and/or aid in treatment/recovery from alcohol use disorder. The present systematic review aimed to evaluate support for the unique and complementary roles of self-compassion and self-forgiveness in alcohol outcomes. METHODS A systematic literature search yielded 18 studies examining self-compassion, 18 studies examining self-forgiveness and 1 study examining both constructs in alcohol outcomes. RESULTS Findings suggest greater self-compassion and self-forgiveness relate to lower likelihood of problem drinking. Self-forgiveness was considerably more researched in treatment/recovery outcomes than self-compassion; self-forgiveness-based interventions appear able to improve drinking-adjacent outcomes, and self-forgiveness may increase across various alcohol treatments. Finally, research suggests that associations of self-compassion and/or self-forgiveness with alcohol outcomes could be driven by numerous factors, including coping-motivated drinking, depression, psychache, social support perceptions, mental health status and/or psychiatric distress. CONCLUSIONS Self-compassion and self-forgiveness both appear protective against harmful alcohol outcomes. Nevertheless, many questions remain about the role of self-forgiveness and, particularly, self-compassion in alcohol treatment and recovery outcomes. Future research should examine whether targeted interventions and/or adjunctive therapeutic supports designed to increase self-compassion or self-forgiveness can reduce alcohol use disorder symptoms to facilitate alcohol treatment and recovery success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia J Berg
- Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo - The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Michelle J Zaso
- Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo - The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, USA
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Kaitlyn M Biehler
- Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo - The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Jennifer P Read
- Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo - The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, USA
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Peterson AL, Moore BA, Evans WR, Young-McCaughan S, Blankenship AE, Straud CL, McLean CS, Miller TL, Meyer EC. Enhancing resiliency and optimizing readiness in military personnel through psychological flexibility training: design and methodology of a randomized controlled trial. Front Psychiatry 2024; 14:1299532. [PMID: 38250282 PMCID: PMC10797054 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1299532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Enhancing resiliency and optimizing readiness in military personnel is a high priority for the U.S. Department of Defense. Most military resiliency-enhancement programs are evidence-informed interventions. However, few randomized studies have demonstrated efficacy of any intervention or training program to enhance resiliency and prevent the development of psychological health symptoms in military personnel when exposed to operational stressors. This manuscript provides an overview of the theoretical foundation, research design, and research methods of a preventive intervention trial designed to evaluate the efficacy of a training program to enhance resiliency and prevent psychological health symptoms in military personnel. The resiliency training intervention is based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), an evidence-based intervention with broad empirical support for improving functioning in those living with psychological and medical conditions. Method/design This study will evaluate the efficacy of a two-day training program based on ACT for fostering psychological flexibility, the central target in ACT, for enhancing resiliency, and for preventing the development of psychological health symptoms. The research participants will be a non-clinical population of active duty military personnel (N = 600). The ACT-based training program (n = 300) will be compared to a military resiliency training as usual, known as Master Resilience Training (n = 300). Assessment measures will be administered at the baseline assessment, after training, prior to a military deployment, and after returning from a deployment. Qualitative interviews will be conducted to provide feedback on the training program.Clinical Trial Registration: NCT05094115.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan L. Peterson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
- Research and Development Service, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX, United States
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Brian A. Moore
- Department of Psychological Science, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA, United States
| | - Wyatt R. Evans
- VA North Texas Health Care System, Dallas, TX, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Stacey Young-McCaughan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
- Research and Development Service, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Abby E. Blankenship
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Casey L. Straud
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | | | - Tashina L. Miller
- 3rd Security Force Assistance Brigade, Fort Cavazos, TX, United States
| | - Eric C. Meyer
- Department of Counseling and Behavioral Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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Patel TA, Blakey SM, Halverson TF, Mann AJD, Calhoun PS, Beckham JC, Pugh MJ, Kimbrel NA. Experiential Avoidance, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, and Self-Injurious Thoughts and Behaviors: A Moderation Analysis in a National Veteran Sample. Int J Cogn Ther 2023; 1:10.1007/s41811-023-00164-2. [PMID: 37360585 PMCID: PMC10288701 DOI: 10.1007/s41811-023-00164-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Experiential avoidance (EA) is associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and self-injurious thoughts and behaviors (SITBs) across different populations, and extant literature has demonstrated a strong relationship between PTSD and SITBs. However, no study has explored the potential moderating role EA plays in the association of PTSD with nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts. The objective of the present study was to determine if EA would moderate the association with PTSD and SITBs such that the association between PTSD and individuals SITBs would be stronger among individuals with higher EA. In a large national sample of Gulf War Era veterans (N = 1,138), EA was associated with PTSD, lifetime and past-year NSSI, current suicidal ideation, and lifetime suicide attempts in bivariate analyses. Multivariate analyses detected a significant EA by PTSD interaction on lifetime NSSI (AOR = 0.96), past-year NSSI (AOR = 1.03), and suicide attempts (AOR =1.03). Probing of the interactions revealed that the respective associations between PTSD, lifetime and past-year NSSI, and suicide attempts were stronger at lower levels of EA (i.e., better), counter to our hypotheses. These preliminary findings contextualize the relationship between these variables in a Gulf War veterans sample and signal the need to further investigate these relationships. Further, these findings highlight the need for advancement in assessment and intervention of EA and SITBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tapan A. Patel
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University; Tallahassee, FL
| | | | - Tate F. Halverson
- Durham VA Health Care System; Durham, NC
- VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center; Durham, NC
| | | | - Patrick S. Calhoun
- Durham VA Health Care System; Durham, NC
- VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center; Durham, NC
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine; Durham, NC
| | - Jean C. Beckham
- Durham VA Health Care System; Durham, NC
- VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center; Durham, NC
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine; Durham, NC
| | - Mary J. Pugh
- VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System, Salt Lake City; UT
- University of Utah School of Medicine Department of Medicine; Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Nathan A. Kimbrel
- Durham VA Health Care System; Durham, NC
- VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center; Durham, NC
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine; Durham, NC
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Evaluation of a mindfulness and self-compassion-based psychotherapy incorporating horses for Veterans who have experienced trauma. Complement Ther Med 2023; 72:102914. [PMID: 36610554 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2023.102914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The primary aim of this pilot study was to assess the safety, feasibility, acceptability, as well as preliminary outcomes of a mindfulness and self-compassion-based psychotherapy incorporating horses (PIH) intervention, Whispers with Horses, for Veterans who had experienced trauma. Whispers with Horses was developed as a structured intervention that could be easily replicated for additional studies. If shown to be effective by future rigorous research, the aim is to disseminate a manualized version of the intervention to the field. DESIGN Prospective open trial. SETTING A large Veterans Administration healthcare system and local equine facilities. INTERVENTION A six-session PIH intervention that focused on participants developing or enhancing mindfulness and self-compassion skills in the context of an emerging horse-human relationship. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Safety, feasibility and acceptability were assessed, and psychological instruments were administered. Instruments utilized were the PTSD Checklist for DSM 5 (PCL-V), the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9), the Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS), the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire II (AAQ-II), and the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES). RESULTS Subjects were 33 Veterans who were 52% male with a mean age of 46 years-old. There were no adverse outcomes to participants indicating the intervention was safe. Participants completed an average of 3.8 sessions with 24% completing all sessions indicating the intervention is feasible to use, and acceptable to, the population studied. The mean PACES score for all sessions together was 110.4, indicating subjects generally enjoyed participation. Preliminary outcome assessments revealed pre- to post-session significant improvements in affect and psychological flexibility for some sessions (p ranging from.001 -0.015). Pre- to post-intervention outcomes indicated significant improvements in depression (p = .003) and psychological flexibility (p = .005). CONCLUSIONS The Whispers with Horses intervention shows promise as a PIH for Veterans who have experienced trauma. More rigorous studies of this intervention are warranted. Also, additional investigations aimed at better understanding mechanisms underlying changes in psychological flexibility are justified.
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Reilly ED, Wolkowicz NR, Heapy A, Ross MacLean R, Duarte BA, Chamberlin ES, Harris JI, Shirk SD, Kelly MM. Chronic pain and problematic substance use for veterans during COVID-19: the moderating role of psychological flexibility. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1173641. [PMID: 37205082 PMCID: PMC10185850 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1173641] [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: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic pain and problematic substance use are commonly co-occurring and highly detrimental issues that are especially prevalent in U.S. veteran populations. Although COVID-19 made clinical management of these conditions potentially difficult, some research suggests that certain veterans with these conditions did not experience this period as negatively as others. It is thus important to consider whether resilience factors, such as the increasingly-studied process of psychological flexibility, might have led to better outcomes for veterans managing pain and problematic substance use during this time of global crisis. Methods This planned sub-analysis of a larger cross-sectional, anonymous, and nationally-distributed survey (N = 409) was collected during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Veteran participants completed a short screener and battery of online surveys assessing pain severity and interference, substance use, psychological flexibility, mental health functioning, and pandemic-related quality of life. Results For veterans with chronic pain and problematic substance use, the pandemic resulted in a significant lowering of their quality of life related to meeting basic needs, emotional health, and physical health compared to veterans with problematic substance use but no chronic pain diagnosis. However, moderation analyses revealed that veterans with these comorbid conditions experienced less negative impacts from the pandemic on quality of life and mental health when they reported greater psychological flexibility. For veterans with problematic substance use only, psychological flexibility was also related to better mental health functioning, but did not significantly correlate with their quality of life. Conclusion Results highlight how COVID-19 differentially impacted veterans with both problematic substance use and chronic pain, such that this group reported particularly negative impacts of the pandemic on multiple areas of quality of life. However, our findings further emphasize that psychological flexibility, a modifiable resiliency process, also buffered against some of the negative impacts of the pandemic on mental health and quality of life. Given this, future research into the impact of natural crises and healthcare management should investigate how psychological flexibility can be targeted to help increase resiliency for veterans with chronic pain and problematic substance use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin D. Reilly
- Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, United States
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
- *Correspondence: Erin D. Reilly,
| | - Noah R. Wolkowicz
- Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, United States
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Alicia Heapy
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System Pain Research, Informatics, Multimorbidities, and Education (PRIME) Health Services Research and Development Center of Innovation, West Haven, CT, United States
| | - R. Ross MacLean
- Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, United States
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | | | - Elizabeth S. Chamberlin
- Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, United States
| | - J. Irene Harris
- Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, United States
- University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Steven D. Shirk
- Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, United States
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Megan M. Kelly
- Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, United States
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
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Kelley ML, Strowger M, Chentsova VO, Bravo AJ, Gaylord SA, Burgin EE, Vinci C, Ayers KL, Agha E. Mindfulness to Manage Moral Injury: Rationale and development of a live online 7-week group intervention for veterans with moral injury. Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2022; 30:101011. [PMID: 36340697 PMCID: PMC9626875 DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2022.101011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Military service puts service members at risk for moral injury. Moral injury is an array of symptoms (e.g., guilt, shame, anger) that develop from events that violate or transgress one's moral code. Objective We describe adaption of in-person mindfulness training program, Mindfulness to Manage Chronic Pain (MMCP), to address symptoms of moral injury to be delivered live via the web. We discuss how we will assess benchmarks (i.e., recruitment, credibility and acceptability, completion rates, and adherence) of the Mindfulness to Manage Moral Injury (MMMI) program. Methods Aim 1: To develop and then adapt the MMCP program based on feedback from experts and veterans who took part in Study 1. Aim 2: To develop an equally intensive facilitator-led online Educational Support (ES) program to serve as a comparison intervention and conduct a run-through of each program with 20 veterans (10 MMMI; 10 ES). Aim 3: To conduct a small-scale randomized controlled trial (N = 42 veterans; 21 MMMI; 21 ES) in which we will collect pre-post-test and weekly benchmark data for both refined intervention arms. Results Study 1 and 2 are completed. Data collection for Study 3 will be completed in 2022. Conclusion MMMI is designed to provide a live facilitated mindfulness program to address symptoms of moral injury. If Study 3 demonstrates good benchmarks, with additional large-scale testing, MMMI may be a promising treatment that can reach veterans who may not seek traditional VAMC care and/or who prefer a web-based program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle L. Kelley
- Old Dominion University, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA
- Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psychology, Norfolk, VA, USA
- Corresponding author. Department of Psychology, Old Dominion University, 250 Mills Godwin Building, Norfolk, VA, 23529, USA.
| | - Megan Strowger
- Old Dominion University, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | | | - Adrian J. Bravo
- Department of Psychological Sciences, William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA, USA
| | - Susan A. Gaylord
- Program on Integrative Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Elizabeth E. Burgin
- School Psychology and Counselor Education, William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA, USA
| | - Christine Vinci
- Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Kenneth L. Ayers
- Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psychology, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Erum Agha
- Program on Integrative Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Reyes AT, Cross CL, Manzano ERM. The Moderating Role of Resilience on Mindfulness, Experiential Avoidance, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Symptoms of College Student Veterans: A Cross-Sectional Study. Issues Ment Health Nurs 2022; 43:721-729. [PMID: 35285759 DOI: 10.1080/01612840.2022.2051104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to investigate the moderating effect of resilience on the relationship between mindfulness, experiential avoidance, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity. A cross-sectional study design was used on a sample of 133 college student military veterans. We found a direct effect of mindfulness on PTSD and a significant mediating effect of experiential avoidance on the relationship between mindfulness and PTSD. Resilience also had a significant moderating effect on the relationship between mindfulness and PTSD. This study provides preliminary evidence on the usefulness of integrating resilience development in mindfulness-based interventions for trauma-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chad L Cross
- School of Public Health, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
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Association between trait mindfulness and symptoms of post-traumatic stress: A meta-analysis. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 152:233-241. [PMID: 35753243 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Mindfulness is characterized by skills such as heightened awareness and acceptance of internal experiences, which may be helpful for people who have experienced trauma. The consistency and strength of the relationship between trait mindfulness and PTSD symptomology, however, is unknown. Studies were included in this review if they were published in an English language peer-reviewed journal, reported on a correlational relationship between validated measures of mindfulness and PTSD, and all participants were over the age of 18. A random effects meta-analysis showed that there was a robust, pooled relationship between total mindfulness and PTSD (r+ = -0.39, 95% CI [-0.47 to -0.30]), based on 35 datasets with 13,370 participants, with low risk of publication bias. Sixteen articles reported on facets of mindfulness and PTSD symptomology [5,206 to 5,600 participants]: the strongest associations were with Act with Awareness (r+ = -0.37) and Non-judge (r+ = -0.37), followed by Describe (r+ = -0.22) and Non-react (r+ = -0.21). Observe was not significantly associated with PTSD symptoms. Results from this analysis suggest that people who are more mindful also report fewer symptoms of PTSD ; the strength of the relationship varies across mindfulness facets. There was high heterogeneity across studies.
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Yuan Y, Wang Z, Shao Y, Xu X, Lu F, Xie F, Sun W. Dispositional Mindfulness and Post-traumatic Stress Symptoms in Emergency Nurses: Multiple Mediating Roles of Coping Styles and Emotional Exhaustion. Front Psychol 2022; 13:787100. [PMID: 35391967 PMCID: PMC8982862 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.787100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To explore the relationships between dispositional mindfulness (DM) and their post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) of emergency nurses, and the mediating effects of coping styles and emotional exhaustion (EE). Methods A cross-sectional survey study was conducted to collect data on DM, coping styles, EE, and PTSS among 571 emergency nurses from 20 hospitals in Chongqing, China. Correlation and structural equation models (SEMs) were used to evaluate the relationship among variables. Results Emergency nurses with lower dispositional mindfulness, higher emotional exhaustion and preference for negative coping (NC) revealed more PTSS. The effect of NC on PTSS was partially mediated by emotional exhaustion. Negative coping and emotional exhaustion played concurrent and sequential mediating roles between dispositional mindfulness and PTSS. Conclusion This study has made a significant contribution to existing literature. It was suggested to develop interventions aimed at enhancing mindfulness, reducing negative coping strategies, and alleviating emotional exhaustion, which may be effective at reducing or alleviating post-traumatic stress symptoms of emergency nurses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Yuan
- First Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zonghua Wang
- School of Nursing, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yanxia Shao
- First Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xia Xu
- Department of Nursing, Army Medical Center of PLA, Chongqing, China
| | - Fang Lu
- School of Nursing, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Fei Xie
- School of Nursing, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Sun
- First Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Reyes AT, Song H, Bhatta TR, Kearney CA. Exploring the relationships between resilience, mindfulness, and experiential avoidance after the use of a mindfulness- and acceptance-based mobile app for posttraumatic stress disorder. Perspect Psychiatr Care 2022; 58:776-784. [PMID: 34018197 DOI: 10.1111/ppc.12848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study used a mindfulness- and acceptance-based mobile app to examine the relationships between resilience, mindfulness, experiential avoidance, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. DESIGN AND METHODS A quasi-experimental pre-posttest, single-group study design was used. A total of 23 college student veterans used the app for 4 weeks. Outcomes of resilience, mindfulness, experiential avoidance, and PTSD were measured at three time-points (baseline, end of Week 2, and end of Week 4). FINDINGS All outcomes significantly improved at postintervention. Improvements in resilience and PTSD significantly correlated with improvement in mindfulness. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Mindfulness- and acceptance-based mobile apps can be safely used by individuals with PTSD as a complementary approach to enhance resilient coping with PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew T Reyes
- School of Nursing, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
| | - Huaxin Song
- School of Nursing, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Tirth R Bhatta
- Department of Sociology, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
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Gerdes S, Williams H, Karl A. Psychophysiological Responses to a Brief Self-Compassion Exercise in Armed Forces Veterans. Front Psychol 2022; 12:780319. [PMID: 35115986 PMCID: PMC8805652 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.780319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Armed Forces personnel are exposed to traumatic experiences during their work; therefore, they are at risk of developing emotional difficulties such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), following traumatic experiences. Despite evidence to suggest that self-compassion is effective in reducing the symptoms of PTSD, and greater levels of self-compassion are associated with enhanced resilience, self-compassion in armed forces personnel and armed forces veterans remains under-researched. As a result, it is not known if therapeutic approaches that use self-compassion interventions are an acceptable and effective treatment for this population. Having previously shown that a one-off self-compassion exercise has temporary beneficial psychophysiological effects in non-clinical participants, we conducted this proof-of concept study to investigate whether this exercise is equally beneficial in veterans who had experienced deployment to a combat zone. Additionally, we examined if brief a self-compassion exercise can temporarily reduce hyperarousal symptoms and increase feelings of social connectedness. The current study also investigated the association between PTSD symptom severity, emotion regulation, and self-compassion in 56 veterans. All participants listened to a loving-kindness meditation for self-compassion (LKM-S) and psychophysiological recordings were taken throughout. Psychophysiological effects were observed including heart-rate (HR), skin conductance (SCL), and heart-rate variability (HRV) to determine associations with PTSD and changes in response associated with the self-compassion induction. PTSD symptom severity, dispositional emotion regulation, and self-compassion were measured, and participants also completed state measures of hyperarousal and social connectedness before and after the LKM-S. The findings partially demonstrated that self-compassion can be elicited in a veteran population but there were considerable individual differences in psychophysiological responses. The findings are discussed in light of existing theories of PTSD and self-compassion and the implications of using self-compassion based psychological approaches with veterans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Gerdes
- Mood Disorder Centre, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
- The Veterans’ Mental Health and Wellbeing Service, Camden and Islington NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Huw Williams
- Mood Disorder Centre, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Anke Karl
- Mood Disorder Centre, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
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14
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Blakey SM, Halverson TF, Evans MK, Patel TA, Hair LP, Meyer EC, DeBeer BB, Beckham JC, Pugh MJ, Calhoun PS, Kimbrel NA. Experiential avoidance is associated with medical and mental health diagnoses in a national sample of deployed Gulf War veterans. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 142:17-24. [PMID: 34314990 PMCID: PMC8429252 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.07.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
A substantial minority of deployed Gulf War veterans developed posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and several chronic illnesses. Although military combat and exposure to certain nuclear, biological, and chemical agents (NBCs) increase risk for post-deployment health problems, they do not fully explain many Gulf War veteran health diagnoses and are not viable treatment targets. Experiential avoidance (EA; one's unwillingness to remain in contact with unpleasant internal experiences) is a modifiable psychosocial risk factor associated with PTSD and depression in veterans as well as pain and gastrointestinal diseases in the general population. In this study, we recruited a national sample of deployed Gulf War veterans (N = 454) to test the hypothesis that greater EA would be significantly associated with higher lifetime odds of PTSD, depression, "Gulf War Illness" (GWI/CMI), and other chronic illnesses common in this veteran cohort. Participants completed a self-report battery assessing demographic, military-related, and health-related information. Multivariate analyses showed that after adjusting for age, sex, race, combat exposure, and NBC exposure, worse EA was associated with higher lifetime odds of PTSD, depression GWI/CMI, gastrointestinal problems, irritable bowel syndrome, arthritis, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome (ORs ranged 1.25 to 2.89; effect sizes ranged small to large), but not asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Our findings suggest medical and mental health providers alike should assess for EA and potentially target EA as part of a comprehensive, biopsychosocial approach to improving Gulf War veterans' health and wellbeing. Study limitations and future research directions are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon M Blakey
- Durham VA Health Care System, 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC, 27705, USA; VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, 3022 Croasdaile Dr., Durham, NC, 27705, USA.
| | - Tate F Halverson
- Durham VA Health Care System, 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC, 27705, USA.
| | - Mariah K Evans
- Duke University School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, DUMC 3625, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
| | - Tapan A Patel
- Durham VA Health Care System, 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC, 27705, USA.
| | - Lauren P Hair
- Durham VA Health Care System, 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC, 27705, USA; Duke University School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, DUMC 3625, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
| | - Eric C Meyer
- University of Pittsburgh Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, 4028 Forbes Tower, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA.
| | - Bryann B DeBeer
- VA Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, 1700 N Wheeling St, G-3-116M, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, 12631 E 17th Ave, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
| | - Jean C Beckham
- Durham VA Health Care System, 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC, 27705, USA; VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, 3022 Croasdaile Dr., Durham, NC, 27705, USA; Duke University School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, DUMC 3625, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
| | - Mary J Pugh
- VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System, 500 Foothill Dr, Salt Lake City, UT, 84148, USA; University of Utah School of Medicine Department of Medicine, 30 N. 1900 E, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA.
| | - Patrick S Calhoun
- Durham VA Health Care System, 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC, 27705, USA; VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, 3022 Croasdaile Dr., Durham, NC, 27705, USA; Duke University School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, DUMC 3625, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
| | - Nathan A Kimbrel
- Durham VA Health Care System, 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC, 27705, USA; VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, 3022 Croasdaile Dr., Durham, NC, 27705, USA; Duke University School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, DUMC 3625, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
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15
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Steen MP, Di Lemma L, Finnegan A, Wepa D, McGhee S. Self-Compassion and Veteran's Health: A Scoping Review. JOURNAL OF VETERANS STUDIES 2021. [DOI: 10.21061/jvs.v7i1.219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
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16
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Mindful attention awareness and cognitive defusion are indirectly associated with less PTSD-like symptoms via reduced maladaptive posttraumatic cognitions and avoidance coping. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-01521-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
AbstractRecently, the effects of mindfulness-based interventions for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been studied. However, we lack knowledge of the processes or mechanisms through which mindfulness influences resilience or promotes recovery following exposure to trauma. In this study, we examine the process by which mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral factors such as posttraumatic negative cognition and avoidance behaviors are associated with reduced PTSD-like symptoms. A questionnaire survey was conducted with 885 university students, using the Trauma Experience Questionnaire, Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist, revised Ways of Coping Checklist, and a brief version of the Posttraumatic Cognitions Inventory. Data from 254 participants who experienced trauma with PTSD-like symptoms were analyzed. The final model using SEM indicated no direct association of mindful attention awareness on PTSD-like symptoms, a small direct association of cognitive defusion on PTSD-like symptoms, and a large indirect association mediated by posttraumatic negative cognitions and avoidance coping. Owing to the study’s cross-sectional design, strong conclusions cannot be drawn regarding the causal relationship of mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral factors or generalizations. However, our findings suggest that it would be worthwhile to continue to clarify the mechanism of mindfulness and to investigate its use in the treatment of PTSD. In the future, a highly accurate study design will hopefully be used to examine the mechanisms of several different factors associated with improvement in posttraumatic stress symptoms, preferably including them in the same model.
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Hayes SC, Hofmann SG, Stanton CE. Process-based functional analysis can help behavioral science step up to novel challenges: COVID - 19 as an example. JOURNAL OF CONTEXTUAL BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE 2020; 18:128-145. [PMID: 32864323 PMCID: PMC7445588 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcbs.2020.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Historically speaking, the behavioral tradition advanced functional analysis as a method of applying existing principles to novel situations. In the more than half a century since that idea was advanced, functional analysis has either fallen into disuse, as in most of applied psychology, or has been used but modified to a point that is virtually inapplicable elsewhere, as in applied behavior analysis work with severe developmental disabilities. In this paper we argue that the current challenges with COVID-19 present an ideal time to reinvigorate functional analysis by combining it with the growing body of evidence on processes of change, organized under an extended evolutionary meta-model. This new form of process-based functional analysis takes advantage of the strengths of contextual behavioral science, while opening avenues of fruitful interaction with other wings of intervention and evolutionary science more generally. Using the psychological flexibility model as an example, we show how this approach solves the key problems of classical functional analysis and helps professionals deal with novel challenges such as those posed by COVID-19. Humanity is now facing an extraordinary and unexpected situation. Behavioral science needs to rise to that challenge in a way that provides both immediate practical value and greater assurance of long-term benefits for our understanding of human complexity more generally. Process-based functional analysis can be a vehicle to do just that.
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Vujanovic AA, Smith LJ, Green C, Lane SD, Schmitz JM. Mindfulness as a predictor of cognitive-behavioral therapy outcomes in inner-city adults with posttraumatic stress and substance dependence. Addict Behav 2020; 104:106283. [PMID: 31927220 PMCID: PMC7024008 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2019.106283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The co-occurrence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorders (SUD) is highly prevalent and difficult-to-treat. Mindfulness, defined as nonjudgmental attention to and awareness of present-moment experiences, represents a targetable mechanism with potential to predict and improve treatment outcomes for PTSD/SUD populations. We hypothesized that greater self-reported mindfulness at baseline (pre-treatment) would predict (a) lower end-of-treatment PTSD severity and (b) greater longest sustained abstinence during a 12-week cognitive-behavioral treatment program. Participants included 53 inner-city adults meeting at least four current symptoms of DSM-5 PTSD and current (DSM-IV) substance dependence (51% women; 75.5% African American; Mage = 45.42, SD = 9.99). Hierarchical regression analysis results indicated that higher levels of baseline mindfulness predicted lower end-of-treatment PTSD severity but not longest sustained abstinence from the primary substance of choice. Post hoc exploration of end-of-treatment PTSD symptom clusters indicated that higher baseline mindfulness predicted lower intrusion, negative alterations in cognitions and mood, and arousal and reactivity symptoms but not avoidance symptoms. Clinical and research implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Charles Green
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, United States
| | - Scott D Lane
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, United States
| | - Joy M Schmitz
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, United States
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19
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Winders S, Murphy O, Looney K, O'Reilly G. Self‐compassion, trauma, and posttraumatic stress disorder: A systematic review. Clin Psychol Psychother 2020; 27:300-329. [DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Revised: 01/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah‐Jane Winders
- Department of Clinical PsychologyUniversity College Dublin Dublin Ireland
| | - Orlagh Murphy
- Department of Clinical PsychologyUniversity College Dublin Dublin Ireland
| | - Kathy Looney
- Department of Clinical PsychologyUniversity College Dublin Dublin Ireland
| | - Gary O'Reilly
- Department of Clinical PsychologyUniversity College Dublin Dublin Ireland
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20
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Preventing Postpartum Depression With Mindful Self-Compassion Intervention: A Randomized Control Study. J Nerv Ment Dis 2020; 208:101-107. [PMID: 31868776 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000001096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Mindfulness and self-compassion are reported to have a preventive effects on depression and anxiety disorders. In the present study, we aimed to assess the effect of mindful self-compassion intervention on preventing postpartum depression in a group of symptomatic pregnant women. Participants were screened and assigned to the intervention and control groups randomly. A 6-week Internet-based Mindful Self-Compassion Program was used to train the participants. Multiple scales were used to assess depressive and anxiety symptoms, mindfulness, self-compassion, and mother and infant well-being. All assessments were performed at three time points: baseline, 3 months, and 1 year postpartum. Compared with the control group, the intervention group showed significant improvement in depressive and anxiety behaviors. In addition, the intervention group became more mindful and self-compassionate at 3 months and 1 year postpartum. More importantly, both mothers and infants experienced substantial improvement in well-being. Our findings indicate that mindful self-compassion intervention is effective in preventing postpartum depression and promoting mother and infant well-being.
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