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Sasser J, Doane LD, Su J, Grimm KJ. Stress and diurnal cortisol among Latino/a college students: A multi-risk model approach. Dev Psychopathol 2024; 36:719-735. [PMID: 36734230 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579423000019] [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] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The transition to college is a time of increased opportunity and stress spanning multiple domains. Adolescents who encounter significant stress during this transition may be vulnerable to adverse outcomes due to a "wear and tear" of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis. Latino/a students may be particularly at-risk for heightened stress exposure due to experiences of both minority-specific and general life stress. Despite this, little is known regarding the cumulative impact of multiple stressors on Latino/a students' HPA axis functioning. The present study employed a "multi-risk model" approach to examine additive, common, and cumulative effects of multiple stress forms (general, academic, social, financial, bicultural, ethnic/racial discrimination) on diurnal cortisol in a sample of first-year Latino/a college students (N = 196; 64.4% female; Mage = 18.95). Results indicated that no stress forms were additively associated with the cortisol awakening response (CAR), but general stress was associated with a flatter diurnal cortisol slope (DCS) and bicultural stress was linked with a steeper DCS. A college stress latent factor was associated with a lower CAR, whereas a latent factor of discrimination was not associated with diurnal cortisol. Cumulative risk was linked with a lower CAR. Findings highlight the physiological correlates of various stressors experienced by Latino/a college students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeri Sasser
- Arizona State University, Department of Psychology, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Leah D Doane
- Arizona State University, Department of Psychology, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Jinni Su
- Arizona State University, Department of Psychology, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Kevin J Grimm
- Arizona State University, Department of Psychology, Tempe, AZ, USA
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Špiljak B, Šimunović L, Vilibić M, Hanžek M, Crnković D, Lugović-Mihić L. Perceived Stress, Salivary Cortisol, and Temperament Traits among Students of Dental Medicine: A Prospective and Interventional Study. Behav Sci (Basel) 2024; 14:289. [PMID: 38667086 PMCID: PMC11047594 DOI: 10.3390/bs14040289] [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: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Academic stress affects students' psychological and physiological well-being. Dental undergraduate programs are known for their demanding curriculum, leading to significant stress symptoms. The objective was to determine if salivary cortisol levels were higher in students exposed to academic stress, assess the relationship between stress severity/temperament and cortisol values, and explore relaxation technique effects. Salivary cortisol was measured at two time points for all participants: Before exams and during a relaxation period after summer break. A third measurement was conducted for students with high pre-test cortisol levels who received instructions on progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) before subsequent exams. Additionally, participants completed two questionnaires: Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Fisher's Temperament Questionnaire. The group analysis based on the PSS indicated that 39 participants reported high stress. Women demonstrated significantly higher stress than men (p = 0.042054). A significant difference in stress levels was observed between director and builder temperament types (p = 0.029276). Cortisol levels showed a significant decrease from the first measurement to the second measurement, and the third measurement after implementing PMR. The grade in the "Dermatovenereology" course correlated with stress level according to the PSS (k = 0.578467). Pre-test cortisol levels correlated with the frequency of using PMR guidelines during winter test periods (k = 0.416138). Stress negatively affects the immune system and poses health risks. Implementing stress reduction techniques in dental/medical education could benefit students and the healthcare system.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luka Šimunović
- Department of Orthodontics, School of Dental Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Maja Vilibić
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Center Sestre Milosrdnice, Vinogradska cesta 29, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
- School of Medicine, Catholic University of Croatia, Ilica 242 ulaz iz Domobranske ulice, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Milena Hanžek
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, University Hospital Center Sestre Milosrdnice, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Danijel Crnković
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Center Sestre Milosrdnice, Academy of Music, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Liborija Lugović-Mihić
- School of Dental Medicine, University Hospital Center Sestre Milosrdnice Vinogradska cesta 29, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Dermatovenereology, University Hospital Center Vinogradska cesta 29, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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Valluri J, Gorton K, Schmer C. Global Meditation Practices: A Literature Review. Holist Nurs Pract 2024; 38:32-40. [PMID: 37966989 DOI: 10.1097/hnp.0000000000000626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Research has shown that meditation is beneficial for chronic pain, stress, and many physical and mental conditions. The definition of meditation has many forms, is culturally influenced, and is practiced globally. This literature review seeks to report current literature on meditation related to therapeutic outcomes and create a globally informed definition of meditation for health-related purposes. From a western perspective, mindfulness-based stress relief (MBSR) is widely researched. Therefore, 15 studies from peer-reviewed research from 2015 and 2020 were used to examine various forms of meditation and describe a broader range of meditation practices other than MBSR. The different forms of meditation are: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (Portugal), Active Engagement (Portugal), Adapted Mindfulness Program (Brazil), Adapted Mindfulness Program (Brazil), Cognitively-based Compassionate Training, Loving-kindness (United States, US), Mantra Meditation (US), Mindfulness-based stress reduction (US), Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (South Korea), Osho (India), Psychoneuroendocrinoimmunology (Italy), Transcendental Meditation (Italy), Spiritual/Secular (US), Sufi (Pakistan), and Vipassana (Australia). The review was completed using a literature search method, and all meditation approaches report positive therapeutic outcomes for all participants (n = 768). This outcome enabled the creation of a broader therapeutic definition of meditation that can be applied in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyoti Valluri
- School of Nursing and Health Studies, University of Missouri, Kansas City
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Rogerson O, Wilding S, Prudenzi A, O'Connor DB. Effectiveness of stress management interventions to change cortisol levels: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 159:106415. [PMID: 37879237 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Stress has a damaging impact on our mental and physical health, and as a result, there is an on-going demand for effective stress management interventions. However, there are no reviews or meta-analyses synthesising the evidence base of randomised controlled trials testing the effectiveness of psychological interventions on changing cortisol levels (the stress hormone) in non-patient groups. Therefore, the primary aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to address this gap. Six databases (Medline, PsychInfo, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane and Web of Science) were searched (1171 studies identified) with 58 studies (combined N = 3508) included in the meta-analysis. The interventions were coded into one of four categories; mind body therapies, mindfulness, relaxation or talking therapies. A random effects meta-analysis on cortisol as measured in blood, saliva or hair found that stress management interventions outperformed pooled control conditions with a medium positive effect size (g = 0.282). The studies that utilised cortisol awakening measures (g = 0.644) revealed larger effects of stress management interventions than those that measured diurnal cortisol (g = 0.255). Mindfulness and meditation (g = 0. 345) and relaxation (g = 0. 347) interventions were most effective at changing cortisol levels, while mind body therapies (g = 0. 129) and talking therapies (g = 0.107) were shown to have smaller and non-significant effect sizes. Additionally, studies that utilised an active control group (g = 0. 477) over passive control group (g = 0.129) were found to have stronger effects. Length of the intervention, study quality, risk of bias, age and gender did not influence the effectiveness of interventions and there was no evidence of publication bias. Overall, the current findings confirm that stress management interventions can positively influence cortisol levels. Future research should investigate the longer term implications for health and health outcomes.
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Rrapaj A, Landau AM, Winterdahl M. Exploration of possible sex bias in acute social stress research: a semi-systematic review. Acta Neuropsychiatr 2023; 35:205-217. [PMID: 36876342 DOI: 10.1017/neu.2023.16] [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] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
Stress can have a significant impact on the daily lives of individuals and can increase vulnerability to a number of medical conditions. This study aims to estimate the ratio of male to female participants in acute social stress research in healthy individuals. We examined original research articles published over the last 20 years. Each article was screened to determine the total number of female and male participants. We extracted data from 124 articles involving a total of 9539 participants. A total of 4221 (44.2%) participants were female, 5056 (53.0%) were male and 262 (2.7%) were unreported. Articles incorporating only females were significantly underrepresented compared to articles incorporating only males. Forty articles (63.5%) which presented data from both females and males, failed to analyse and interpret the results by sex, a significant methodological limitation. In conclusion, in the literature published over the last 20 years, female participants are significantly underrepresented. In the studies where females are represented, severe methodological limitations are apparent. Researchers should be conscious of sexual dimorphism, menstrual phase and use of hormonal contraception, which may impact the interpretation of their results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artemida Rrapaj
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Anne M Landau
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET-Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Michael Winterdahl
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET-Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Papa V, Li Pomi F, Borgia F, Genovese S, Pioggia G, Gangemi S. "Mens Sana in Cute Sana"-A State of the Art of Mutual Etiopathogenetic Influence and Relevant Pathophysiological Pathways between Skin and Mental Disorders: An Integrated Approach to Contemporary Psychopathological Scenarios. Cells 2023; 12:1828. [PMID: 37508493 PMCID: PMC10377895 DOI: 10.3390/cells12141828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The negative socioeconomic impact of mental health disorders and skin diseases has increased in part due to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which has been a fertile ground for the emergence of psychopathologies. It is firmly established that there is a direct thread of etiopathogenetic communication between skin diseases and neuropsychiatric disorders, and the literature has tried to reveal the pathophysiological mechanisms governing such bidirectionality. This paper discusses this complex network of molecular pathways that are targeted by conventional and biological pharmacological agents that appear to impact two pathological spheres that previously seemed to have little connection. This molecular discussion is supplemented with a literature review, from a clinical viewpoint, regarding skin-brain etiopathogenetic bidirectionality. We focus on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can be considered for all intents and purposes a systemic inflammatory disease that also affects the skin. A brief overview is also provided on the diagnostic-therapeutic and follow-up potential of oxidative and inflammatory markers potentially involved in the pathophysiological mechanisms treated. The aim is to clarify how these mechanisms may be useful in defining different stress-coping strategies and thus individual phenotypes of stress sensitivity/resistance in order to promote personalized medicine in the field of psychodermatology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Papa
- School and Operative Unit of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy; (V.P.); (S.G.)
| | - Federica Li Pomi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Dermatology, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy;
| | - Francesco Borgia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Dermatology, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy;
| | - Sara Genovese
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), 98164 Messina, Italy; (S.G.); (G.P.)
| | - Giovanni Pioggia
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), 98164 Messina, Italy; (S.G.); (G.P.)
| | - Sebastiano Gangemi
- School and Operative Unit of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy; (V.P.); (S.G.)
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Thakur M, Patil Y, Philip ST, Hamdule T, Thimmapuram J, Vyas N, Thakur K. Impact of Heartfulness meditation practice on anxiety, perceived stress, well-being, and telomere length. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1158760. [PMID: 37342644 PMCID: PMC10278541 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1158760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Exhaustion, stress, and burnout have all been found to be reduced using techniques like yoga and meditation. This study was carried out to check the effectiveness of Heartfulness practice (a form of meditation) on certain psychological and genetic variables. Methods A total of 100 healthy individuals (aged 18-24) were recruited and randomized into two groups-Heartfulness intervention and control group. The intervention was carried out for 03 months. Participants from both groups were analysed for their cortisol levels and telomere length before and after the intervention. Psychometric measures of anxiety, perceived stress, well-being and mindfulness were carried out using Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), WHO-Well-being Index (WHO-WBI) and Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ). Results The cortisol levels in the meditators group significantly decreased (p < 0.001) after the intervention as compared to the non-meditators group, whereas, the telomere length increased in the mediators group. This increase was not significant (p > 0.05). Anxiety and perceived stress also decreased post intervention, and well-being as well as mindfulness increased, as assessed by the questionnaire tools, although the decrease in perceived stress was statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). A negative correlation was observed between telomere length and cortisol (stress biomarker), whereas a positive correlation was found between telomere length and well-being. Conclusion Our data provide evidence that Heartfulness meditation practice can improve our mental health. Additionally, telomere length is shown to be affected by cortisol levels, and this meditation practice can also help to increase telomere length, and thereby slow down cellular aging. However, future studies with larger sample size are required to confirm our observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mansee Thakur
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Central Research Laboratory, Mahatma Gandhi Mission School of Biomedical Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi Mission Institute of Health Sciences, Navi Mumbai, India
| | - Yogesh Patil
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Central Research Laboratory, Mahatma Gandhi Mission School of Biomedical Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi Mission Institute of Health Sciences, Navi Mumbai, India
| | - Sanjana T. Philip
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Central Research Laboratory, Mahatma Gandhi Mission School of Biomedical Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi Mission Institute of Health Sciences, Navi Mumbai, India
| | - Tahreem Hamdule
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Central Research Laboratory, Mahatma Gandhi Mission School of Biomedical Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi Mission Institute of Health Sciences, Navi Mumbai, India
| | - Jayaram Thimmapuram
- Department of Internal Medicine, Well Span York Hospital, York, PA, United States
| | | | - Kapil Thakur
- SRCM Heartfulness Meditation Centre, Navi Mumbai, India
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Demori I, Grasselli E. The Role of the Stress Response in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease: A Psychoneuroendocrineimmunology-Based Perspective. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15030795. [PMID: 36771500 PMCID: PMC9921904 DOI: 10.3390/nu15030795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The novel term metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), which has been proposed to describe the major cause of hepatic disease, pinpoints the coexistence of multiple metabolic disturbances and liver steatosis, giving rise to different phenotypic manifestations. Within the psychoneuroendocrineimmunological (PNEI) network that regulates body-mind interactions, the stress response plays a pervasive role by affecting metabolic, hormonal, immune, and behavioral balance. In this perspective, we focus on chronic psychosocial stress and high levels of cortisol to highlight their role in MAFLD pathogenesis and worsening. From a PNEI perspective, considering the stress response as a therapeutic target in MAFLD allows for simultaneously influencing multiple pathways in the development of MAFLD, including dysmetabolism, inflammation, feeding behaviors, gut-liver axis, and dysbiosis, with the hope of better outcomes.
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Bottaccioli AG, Bottaccioli F. Come gli stati psichici si traducono in molecole biologiche e come questo cambia la medicina e la psicologia. PSICOTERAPIA E SCIENZE UMANE 2023. [DOI: 10.3280/pu2023-001012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Nell'aprile del 2022 abbiamo pubblicato, su invito di una rivista internazionale di biologia molecolare, un'ampia review che riporta le principali evidenze scientifiche sul tema delle relazioni tra vita psichica e biologia, traendone alcune conclusioni di carattere generale sulla psicologia e la medicina (Bottaccioli, Bologna & Bottaccioli, 2022). Il presente articolo riprende alcuni dei passaggi fondamentali presentati in quella review e si collega a un precedente articolo pubblicato sul n. 4/2014 di Psicoterapia e Scienze Umane (Bottaccioli, 2014b), di cui rappresenta un aggiornamento. Dalla pubblicazione di quell'articolo le evidenze sperimentali e cliniche sull'influenza della psiche sui sistemi biologici si sono moltiplicate. Al tempo stesso, conosciamo meglio le vie e i meccanismi con cui gli stati psichici si traducono in biologia.
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Bottaccioli AG, Bologna M, Bottaccioli F. Psychic Life-Biological Molecule Bidirectional Relationship: Pathways, Mechanisms, and Consequences for Medical and Psychological Sciences—A Narrative Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073932. [PMID: 35409300 PMCID: PMC8999976 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Today, it is possible to investigate the biological paths and mechanisms that link mental life to biological life. Emotions, feelings, desires, and cognitions influence biological systems. In recent decades, psychoneuroendocrinoimmunology research has highlighted the routes linking the psyche–brain–immune systems. Recently, epigenetics research has shown the molecular mechanisms by which stress and mental states modulate the information contained in the genome. This research shapes a new paradigm considering the human being as a whole, integrating biology and psychology. This will allow us to progress towards personalized precision medicine, deeply changing medical and psychological sciences and clinical practice. In this paper, we recognize leading research on both bidirectional relations between the psyche–brain–immunity and molecular consequences of psychological and mental states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Giulia Bottaccioli
- Department of Psychology, University “Vita e Salute”, San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy
- Italian Society of Psycho-Neuro-Endocrine-Immunology (SIPNEI), 00195 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (F.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Mauro Bologna
- Italian Society of Psycho-Neuro-Endocrine-Immunology (SIPNEI), 00195 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (F.B.)
- Department of Medicine, Public Health, Life and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Francesco Bottaccioli
- Italian Society of Psycho-Neuro-Endocrine-Immunology (SIPNEI), 00195 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (F.B.)
- Department of Medicine, Public Health, Life and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
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Ganesan A, Gauthaman J, Kumar G. The Impact of Mindfulness Meditation on the Psychosomatic Spectrum of Oral Diseases: Mapping the Evidence. J Lifestyle Med 2022; 12:1-8. [PMID: 35300038 PMCID: PMC8918375 DOI: 10.15280/jlm.2022.12.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The psychological aspect of dis-ease, which is indeed a lack of ‘ease’ is generally overlooked in the management of myriad maladies that affect the human body. The concept of mindfulness meditation, which is an interesting hybrid born from the meditative discipline of the east and the intellectual discipline of the west is gaining attention in the past two decades for its benefits in the holistic development of individuals. When individuals with ailments are trained under therapists supervised by the clinicians, significant results can be seen in alleviating symptoms like pain, stress, anxiety and an improvement in the quality of life is observed. This review article focuses on the structure and basics of mindful meditation and the mechanisms of mindfulness and its positive effects on various diseases like lichen planus, urticaria, psoriasis, eczema, myofacial pain dysfunction syndrome, to name a few. There are various arenas within the discipline of oral and maxillofacial medicine where mindfulness-based techniques can be explored for its effectiveness in combating psychosomatic conditions. The article highlights the importance of holistic approach in treating diseases in which mindfulness meditation techniques play an important role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuradha Ganesan
- Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, SRM Dental College & Hospital, Ramapuram, India
| | | | - Gautham Kumar
- Department of Periodontics, Madha Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, India
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Alhawatmeh HN, Rababa M, Alfaqih M, Albataineh R, Hweidi I, Abu Awwad A. The Benefits of Mindfulness Meditation on Trait Mindfulness, Perceived Stress, Cortisol, and C-Reactive Protein in Nursing Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial. ADVANCES IN MEDICAL EDUCATION AND PRACTICE 2022; 13:47-58. [PMID: 35046747 PMCID: PMC8763207 DOI: 10.2147/amep.s348062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Mindfulness meditation was used to reduce stress and its responses such as cortisol and C-reactive protein (CRP) among healthy and ill individuals in various cultures, but its effect has not yet been studied among nursing students, experiencing tremendous stress. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of mindfulness meditation on trait mindfulness, perceived stress, serum cortisol, and serum C-reactive proteins (CRP) in nursing students. PATIENTS AND METHODS Using a two-arm, randomized, parallel study (conducted in a large university in Jordan, 108 nursing students were randomly assigned to experimental group receiving five 30-minute weekly sessions of mindfulness meditation and control group sitting quiet during the experimental sessions. Trait mindfulness, perceived stress, serum cortisol, and CRP were measured at baseline and end of the intervention. RESULTS Using one-way MANOVA and post-hoc comparisons, the results showed that mindfulness meditation was significantly effective in decreasing serum cortisol levels and perceived stress. The mindfulness meditation also decreased CRP and increased trait mindfulness although the results did not reach statistically significant levels. CONCLUSION These findings underscore the need for serious consideration of mindfulness meditation in nursing colleges to improve stress and raise immunity in this vulnerable population. TRIAL REGISTRATION Mindfulness Meditation for Nursing Students: clinicaltrials.gov, identifier: NCT05099224.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossam N Alhawatmeh
- Jordan University of Science of Technology, Faculty of Nursing, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Mohammad Rababa
- Jordan University of Science of Technology, Faculty of Nursing, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Mahmoud Alfaqih
- Jordan University of Science of Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Raya Albataineh
- Jordan University of Science of Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Issa Hweidi
- Jordan University of Science of Technology, Faculty of Nursing, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Awwad Abu Awwad
- Jordan University of Science of Technology, Faculty of Nursing, Irbid, Jordan
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Oh B, Bae K, Lamoury G, Eade T, Boyle F, Corless B, Clarke S, Yeung A, Rosenthal D, Schapira L, Back M. The Effects of Tai Chi and Qigong on Immune Responses: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. MEDICINES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 7:E39. [PMID: 32629903 PMCID: PMC7400467 DOI: 10.3390/medicines7070039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Revised: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background: Effective preventative health interventions are essential to maintain well-being among healthcare professionals and the public, especially during times of health crises. Several studies have suggested that Tai Chi and Qigong (TQ) have positive impacts on the immune system and its response to inflammation. The aim of this review is to evaluate the current evidence of the effects of TQ on these parameters. Methods: Electronic searches were conducted on databases (Medline, PubMed, Embase and ScienceDirect). Searches were performed using the following keywords: "Tai Chi or Qigong" and "immune system, immune function, immunity, Immun*, inflammation and cytokines". Studies published as full-text randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in English were included. Estimates of change in the levels of immune cells and inflammatory biomarkers were pooled using a random-effects meta-analysis where randomised comparisons were available for TQ versus active controls and TQ versus non-active controls. Results: Nineteen RCTs were selected for review with a total of 1686 participants and a range of 32 to 252 participants within the studies. Overall, a random-effects meta-analysis found that, compared with control conditions, TQ has a significant small effect of increasing the levels of immune cells (SMD, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.13 to 0.43, p = 0.00), I2 = 45%, but not a significant effect on reducing the levels of inflammation (SMD, -0.15; 95% CI, -0.39 to 0.09, p = 0.21), I2 = 85%, as measured by the systemic inflammation biomarker C-reactive protein (CRP) and cell mediated biomarker cytokines. This difference in results is due to the bidirectional regulation of cytokines. An overall risk of bias assessment found three RCTs with a low risk of bias, six RCTs with some concerns of bias, and ten RCTs with a high risk of bias. Conclusions: Current evidence indicates that practising TQ has a physiologic impact on immune system functioning and inflammatory responses. Rigorous studies are needed to guide clinical guidelines and harness the power of TQ to promote health and wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byeongsang Oh
- Northern Sydney Cancer Centre, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards NSW 2065 Australia; (K.B.); (G.L.); (T.E.); (B.C.); (S.C.); (M.B.)
- The Mater Hospital, North Sydney NSW 2060, Australia;
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney NSW 2060, Australia
| | - Kyeore Bae
- Northern Sydney Cancer Centre, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards NSW 2065 Australia; (K.B.); (G.L.); (T.E.); (B.C.); (S.C.); (M.B.)
- Center for Immunity and Pain, Kwanghye Hospital, Seoul 06174, Korea
| | - Gillian Lamoury
- Northern Sydney Cancer Centre, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards NSW 2065 Australia; (K.B.); (G.L.); (T.E.); (B.C.); (S.C.); (M.B.)
- The Mater Hospital, North Sydney NSW 2060, Australia;
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney NSW 2060, Australia
| | - Thomas Eade
- Northern Sydney Cancer Centre, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards NSW 2065 Australia; (K.B.); (G.L.); (T.E.); (B.C.); (S.C.); (M.B.)
- The Mater Hospital, North Sydney NSW 2060, Australia;
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney NSW 2060, Australia
| | - Frances Boyle
- The Mater Hospital, North Sydney NSW 2060, Australia;
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney NSW 2060, Australia
| | - Brian Corless
- Northern Sydney Cancer Centre, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards NSW 2065 Australia; (K.B.); (G.L.); (T.E.); (B.C.); (S.C.); (M.B.)
| | - Stephen Clarke
- Northern Sydney Cancer Centre, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards NSW 2065 Australia; (K.B.); (G.L.); (T.E.); (B.C.); (S.C.); (M.B.)
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney NSW 2060, Australia
| | - Albert Yeung
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (A.Y.); (D.R.)
| | - David Rosenthal
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (A.Y.); (D.R.)
| | - Lidia Schapira
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA;
| | - Michael Back
- Northern Sydney Cancer Centre, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards NSW 2065 Australia; (K.B.); (G.L.); (T.E.); (B.C.); (S.C.); (M.B.)
- The Mater Hospital, North Sydney NSW 2060, Australia;
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney NSW 2060, Australia
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