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Mandlik GV, Siopis G, Nguyen B, Ding D, Edwards KM. Effect of a single session of yoga and meditation on stress reactivity: A systematic review. Stress Health 2024; 40:e3324. [PMID: 37822096 DOI: 10.1002/smi.3324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
This systematic review synthesises the evidence for the effectiveness of a single session of yoga or its components including meditation and breathing techniques in reducing acute stress reactivity in healthy adults. Following the PRISMA guidelines, we searched Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane, CINAHL, and PsycINFO on 30th July 2023 for randomised controlled or crossover trials of yoga components and reporting physiological and/or psychological outcome measure(s) related to stress reactivity. Risk of bias (ROB) was assessed using the Cochrane ROB 2 tool. Data were synthesised narratively. Twenty-one out of 28 eligible studies (n = 2574) relating to 31 interventions (meditation [n = 22], breathing [n = 4] and yoga [n = 5]) reported outcomes in favour of the intervention. Stress reactivity was reported to be reduced by 71% of studies measuring physiological outcomes and 65% of studies measuring psychological outcomes. These studies show that a single session of yoga components is effective in reducing acute stress reactivity in adults and could be recommended for stress management. Future studies with larger populations and a more equal representation of genders and age groups are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gandhar V Mandlik
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - George Siopis
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Binh Nguyen
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ding Ding
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kate M Edwards
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
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Zainal NH, Tan HH, Hong RYS, Newman MG. Testing the Efficacy of a Brief, Self-Guided Mindfulness Ecological Momentary Intervention on Emotion Regulation and Self-Compassion in Social Anxiety Disorder: Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Ment Health 2024; 11:e53712. [PMID: 38640015 PMCID: PMC11069101 DOI: 10.2196/53712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Theories propose that brief, mobile, self-guided mindfulness ecological momentary interventions (MEMIs) could enhance emotion regulation (ER) and self-compassion. Such changes are posited to be mechanisms of change. However, rigorous tests of these theories have not been conducted. OBJECTIVE In this assessor-blinded, parallel-group randomized controlled trial, we aimed to test these theories in social anxiety disorder (SAD). METHODS Participants with SAD (defined as having a prerandomization cut-off score ≥20 on the Social Phobia Inventory self-report) were randomized to a 14-day fully self-guided MEMI (96/191, 50.3%) or self-monitoring app (95/191, 49.7%) arm. They completed web-based self-reports of 6 clinical outcome measures at prerandomization, 15-day postintervention (administered the day after the intervention ended), and 1-month follow-up time points. ER and self-compassion were assessed at preintervention and 7-day midintervention time points. Multilevel modeling determined the efficacy of MEMI on ER and self-compassion domains from pretrial to midintervention time points. Bootstrapped parallel multilevel mediation analysis examined the mediating role of pretrial to midintervention ER and self-compassion domains on the efficacy of MEMI on 6 clinical outcomes. RESULTS Participants demonstrated strong compliance, with 78% (149/191) engaging in at least 80% of the MEMI and self-monitoring prompts. MEMI was more efficacious than the self-monitoring app in decreasing ER goal-directed behavior difficulties (between-group Cohen d=-0.24) and lack of emotional clarity (Cohen d=0.16) and increasing self-compassion social connectedness (Cohen d=0.19), nonidentification with emotions (Cohen d=0.16), and self-kindness (Cohen d=0.19) from pretrial to midintervention time points. The within-group effect sizes from pretrial to midintervention were larger in the MEMI arm than in the self-monitoring app arm (ER goal-directed behavior difficulties: Cohen d=-0.73 vs -0.29, lack of emotional clarity: Cohen d=-0.39 vs -0.21, self-compassion domains of social connectedness: Cohen d=0.45 vs 0.19, nonidentification with emotions: Cohen d=0.63 vs 0.48, and self-kindness: Cohen d=0.36 vs 0.10). Self-monitoring, but not MEMI, alleviated ER emotional awareness issues (between-group Cohen d=0.11 and within-group: Cohen d=-0.29 vs -0.13) and reduced self-compassion acknowledging shared human struggles (between-group Cohen d=0.26 and within-group: Cohen d=-0.23 vs 0.13). No ER and self-compassion domains were mediators of the effect of MEMI on SAD symptoms (P=.07-<.99), generalized anxiety symptoms (P=.16-.98), depression severity (P=.20-.94), repetitive negative thinking (P=.12-.96), and trait mindfulness (P=.18-.99) from pretrial to postintervention time points. Similar nonsignificant mediation effects emerged for all of these clinical outcomes from pretrial to 1-month follow-up time points (P=.11-.98). CONCLUSIONS Brief, fully self-guided, mobile MEMIs efficaciously increased specific self-compassion domains and decreased ER difficulties associated with goal pursuit and clarity of emotions from pretrial to midintervention time points. Higher-intensity MEMIs may be required to pinpoint the specific change mechanisms in ER and self-compassion domains of SAD. TRIAL REGISTRATION Open Science Framework (OSF) Registries; osf.io/m3kxz https://osf.io/m3kxz.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Hani Zainal
- Department of Psychology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Health Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Hui Han Tan
- Department of Psychology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ryan Yee Shiun Hong
- Department of Psychology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Michelle Gayle Newman
- Department of Psychology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
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Binder F, Koenig J, Resch F, Kaess M. Indicated Stress Prevention Addressing Adolescents with High Stress Levels Based on Principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial. PSYCHOTHERAPY AND PSYCHOSOMATICS 2024; 93:191-202. [PMID: 38588654 DOI: 10.1159/000537934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Stress affects many adolescents and is associated with physical and mental health symptoms that can have a negative impact on normative development. However, there are very few evidence-based, specific treatment approaches. The aim of the study was to investigate an eight-session group intervention using components of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) enriched with elements of CBT (psychoeducation, problem solving) and art therapy, compared to a waitlist control (WLC) group, regarding its efficacy in reducing stress and associated symptoms. METHODS We conducted a randomized controlled trial in eight cohorts. Eligible participants were 13-18 years old with elevated stress levels. Via block-randomization (n = 70), participants were allocated to receive ACT (n = 38) or WLC (n = 32) and subsequent ACT. We used a multimodal assessment (self-reports, interviews, ecological momentary assessment, physiological markers) before treatment (T1), after the training of the ACT group (T2) and after subsequent training in the WLC group (T3). Primary outcome was perceived stress at T2 assessed with the Perceived Stress Scale. The trial was preregistered at the German Clinical Trials Register (ID: DRKS00012778). RESULTS Results showed significantly lower levels of perceived stress in the ACT group at T2, illustrating superiority of ACT compared to WLC with a medium to large effect size (d = 0.77). Furthermore, the training was effective in the reduction of symptoms of school burnout and physical symptoms associated with stress. CONCLUSION Indicated prevention, especially when based on the principles of ACT and CBT, seems efficient in significantly decreasing stress in adolescents with increased stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Binder
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Centre for Psychosocial Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Julian Koenig
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Franz Resch
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Centre for Psychosocial Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Kaess
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Centre for Psychosocial Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Bhattarai M, Clements PT, Downing NR. Mindfulness-Based Self-Care for Forensic Nurses: A Professional Lifestyle Approach. JOURNAL OF FORENSIC NURSING 2024; 20:138-147. [PMID: 37890157 DOI: 10.1097/jfn.0000000000000456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Forensic nurses providing care to patients who are victims or offenders of abuse, trauma, or violence often face enormous challenges in their daily practice, leading to emotional stress, vicarious traumatization, and burnout, and potentially reducing the quality of patient care. Embracing mindfulness as an ongoing method of self-care can have an array of benefits for forensic nurses to prevent burnout and improve their well-being and quality of patient care. Existing literature supports the benefits of mindfulness-based interventions, as self-care practices, in improving many positive health outcomes among nurses working in a variety of healthcare settings. Mindfulness qualities, such as open awareness, attention to detail, nonjudgment, emotional regulation, compassion, and empathy, can contribute to forensic nurses' well-being and the quality of patient care. Mindfulness is a way of living; thus, formal and informal mindful self-care tools integrated into daily nursing practice can result in better outcomes and work satisfaction among nurses. This article discusses the potential benefits of mindfulness and practical ways to integrate mindfulness tools into forensic nursing practice. Incorporating mindful self-care practices should be a goal for consideration for the contemporary forensic nursing profession at large. Further intervention research is recommended to identify the mechanism of how mindfulness can benefit forensic nurses practicing in highly challenging work environments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nancy R Downing
- Center of Excellence in Forensic Nursing, Texas A&M University
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Morava A, Dillon K, Sui W, Alushaj E, Prapavessis H. The effects of acute exercise on stress reactivity assessed via a multidimensional approach: a systematic review. J Behav Med 2024:10.1007/s10865-024-00470-w. [PMID: 38468106 DOI: 10.1007/s10865-024-00470-w] [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: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Psychological stress is associated with numerous deleterious health effects. Accumulating evidence suggests acute exercise reduces stress reactivity. As stressors activate a wide array of psychological and physiological systems it is imperative stress responses are examined through a multidimensional lens. Moreover, it seems prudent to consider whether stress responses are influenced by exercise intervention characteristics such as modality, duration, intensity, timing, as well as participant fitness/physical activity levels. The current review therefore examined the role of acute exercise on stress reactivity through a multidimensional approach, as well as whether exercise intervention characteristics and participant fitness/physical activity levels may moderate these effects. Stress reactivity was assessed via heart rate, blood pressure, cortisol, catecholamines, and self-report. A systematic search following PRISMA guidelines of five databases was updated in November 2022. Reviewed studies met the following criteria: English language, participants aged ≥ 18, use of acute exercise, use of a validated stress-inducing task, and assessment(s) of stress reactivity. Thirty-one studies (1386 participants) were included. Acute exercise resulted in reliable reductions to blood pressure and cortisol. Acute exercise yielded mostly negligible effects on heart rate reactivity and negligible effects on self-report measures. As for exercise intervention characteristics, intensity-dependent effects were present, such that higher intensities yielded larger reductions to reactivity measures, while limited evidence was present for duration, modality, and timing-dependent effects. Regarding participant fitness/physical activity levels, the effects on stress reactivity were mixed. Future work should standardize the definitions and assessment time points of stress reactivity, as well as investigate the interaction between physiological and psychological stress responses in real-world contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anisa Morava
- School of Kinesiology, Western University, London, ON, Canada.
| | - Kirsten Dillon
- School of Kinesiology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Wuyou Sui
- School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Erind Alushaj
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
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Mar K, Rivers JK. The Mind Body Connection in Dermatologic Conditions: A Literature Review. J Cutan Med Surg 2023; 27:628-640. [PMID: 37898903 PMCID: PMC10714694 DOI: 10.1177/12034754231204295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
Psychodermatology pertains to the relationship between the skin and brain. This review aims to summarize the evidence of the mind body connection in four psychophysiological conditions: rosacea, atopic dermatitis (AD), acne vulgaris (AV), and psoriasis. A literature search was conducted using several English language databases. All four conditions share similar psychiatric co-morbidities, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, and suicidality. In rosacea, the upregulation of transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1, Toll like receptor 2, and Th17 cells releases downstream products that are simultaneously implicated in mood disorders. Stress exacerbates AV through the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) system, which alters functioning of sebocytes and Cutibacterium acnes. In AD and psoriasis, the HPA axis influences Th1, Th2, Th22, and Th1, Th17 immune mediated responses, respectively. This leads to the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines which are also involved in the pathogenesis of anxiety and depression. Neurotransmitters implicated in mental illness, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid and serotonin, may also play a role in the development of AD and psoriasis. The management of cutaneous disease may mitigate psychological distress, and future research may show the corollary to also be true.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristie Mar
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jason K. Rivers
- Pacific Derm, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Dermatology and Skin Science, University of British Columba, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Andorfer A, Kraler S, Kaufmann P, Pollheimer E, Spah C, Fuchshuber J, Rominger C, Traunmüller C, Schwerdtfeger A, Unterrainer HF. Psychophysiological stress response after a 6-week Mindful Self-Compassion training in psychiatric rehabilitation inpatients: a randomized post-test only study. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1098122. [PMID: 37533890 PMCID: PMC10391549 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1098122] [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] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Mindfulness-based interventions (including self-compassion interventions) are effective in improving stress management at psychological and physical levels. Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) is a newly developed program particularly aimed at increasing self-compassion. The main objective of this study was to determine whether the psychophysiological stress response during a social-evaluative speaking task differs in inpatients participating in the MSC or the Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) program at the end of their 6-week psychiatric rehabilitation stay (i.e., post-test only design). Method Data from 50 inpatients (25 MSC, 25 PMR, 35 female) aged 19 to 76 years (M = 47.22, SD = 12.44) were analyzed in terms of psychophysiological stress response. For this purpose, heart rate variability, heart rate, and blood pressure were assessed together with several psychometric variables: positive and negative affect (PANAS), subjective stress perception (Visual Analog Scale), self-compassion (Self-Compassion Scale), cognitive reappraisal and suppression (Emotion Regulation Questionnaire), psychological distress (Brief Symptom Inventory-18), and appraisal and rumination (selected items). Results After correction for alpha inflation no differences in the psychophysiological stress response and psychometric parameters between the MSC and PMR group were found. Discussion In general, our results indicate that MSC is not superior to PMR training. However, more research with clinical randomized controlled trials investigating larger samples are needed to further affirm these initial findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Andorfer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- CIAR: Center for Integrative Addiction Research, Grüner Kreis Society, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sabina Kraler
- Institute of Psychology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Paul Kaufmann
- Center for Psychosocial Health, Sonnenpark Neusiedlersee, Rust, Austria
| | - Ewald Pollheimer
- Center for Psychosocial Health, Sonnenpark Neusiedlersee, Rust, Austria
| | - Christoph Spah
- Center for Psychosocial Health, Sonnenpark Neusiedlersee, Rust, Austria
| | - Jürgen Fuchshuber
- CIAR: Center for Integrative Addiction Research, Grüner Kreis Society, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | | | - Human-Friedrich Unterrainer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- CIAR: Center for Integrative Addiction Research, Grüner Kreis Society, Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Psychology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Department of Religious Studies, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Faculty of Psychotherapy Science, Sigmund Freud University, Vienna, Austria
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Koenig HG. Person-Centered Mindfulness: A Culturally and Spiritually Sensitive Approach to Clinical Practice. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2023; 62:1884-1896. [PMID: 36823258 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-023-01768-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Mindfulness meditation is rapidly being integrated into many different forms of counseling and psychotherapy, and there is a growing evidence base for its effectiveness. It is important to understand the spiritual roots of mindfulness, and to apply it in a patient-centered manner, sensitive to the patient's own faith tradition rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, assuming that mindfulness-based practice is a purely secular approach. The philosophical underpinning of mindfulness lies squarely in the Buddhist faith tradition. Indeed, mindfulness is the 7th step on the Eightfold Path, which is the heart of Buddhist teachings. Many practitioners, however, may not realize that there are Western meditative techniques that are very similar to mindfulness and that have deep roots within Christian, Jewish, and Muslim faith traditions. Patient-centered mindfulness involves the use of mindfulness and other meditation methods that are based on the patient's own faith tradition, rather than applying Eastern forms of mindfulness claiming these are a secular approach appropriate for everyone regardless of religious beliefs, even if those beliefs are not consistent with the Buddhist religious or philosophical approach. In this article, I briefly examine the evidence for the clinical effectiveness of mindfulness meditation, and then go into greater depth on Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, Jewish, and Muslim forms of mindfulness or similar meditative practices, providing resources that will better equip clinicians and researchers to provide patient-centered culturally-sensitive care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harold G Koenig
- Departments of Psychiatry and Medicine, Duke University Health System, Durham, NC, 27705, USA.
- Division of Psychiatry, Department of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
- School of Public Health, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Psychiatry, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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Hattori R, Irie K, Mori T, Tsurumi K, Murai T, Inadomi H. Sensory processing, autonomic nervous function, and social participation in people with mental illnesses. Hong Kong J Occup Ther 2023; 36:39-47. [PMID: 37332298 PMCID: PMC10273795 DOI: 10.1177/15691861231177355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study investigated the relationship between sensory processing, respiratory sinus arrhythmia, and social participation in people with psychiatric disorders. Method This study recruited 30 participants, primarily women, from a psychiatric university hospital with a mental health diagnosis listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (mean age: 37.7 ± 16.0 years). Sensory processing, autonomic nervous function, and social participation were measured using the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile®, respiratory sinus arrhythmia, and World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule, respectively. Through mediation analysis, a model wherein sensory processing mediated the relationship between respiratory sinus arrhythmia and social participation was developed. Results Social participation was moderately to highly correlated with Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile® quadrants (excluding sensory seeking) and respiratory sinus arrhythmia. Furthermore, the mediation analysis revealed that sensory avoiding mediated the relationship between respiratory sinus arrhythmia and social participation, consequently counteracting the direct relationship. Conclusion A mediation model was constructed, which indicated that individuals with psychiatric disorders and low parasympathetic nervous system activity expressed higher sensory processing quadrant of sensory avoiding. Ultimately, this was associated with reduced social participation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritsuko Hattori
- Department of Day Care Units, Hospital of Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Keisuke Irie
- Department of Advanced Occupational Therapy, Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Taisuke Mori
- Department of Day Care Units, Hospital of Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kosuke Tsurumi
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Toshiya Murai
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Inadomi
- Department of Advanced Occupational Therapy, Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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Lee SY, Gathright EC, Wu WC, Salmoirago-Blotcher E. Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Patients with Cardiovascular Disease: A Focused Review for Practicing Clinicians. Curr Cardiol Rep 2023; 25:185-191. [PMID: 36862351 PMCID: PMC11145560 DOI: 10.1007/s11886-023-01846-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW With growing scientific and public interest in the health benefits of mindfulness, clinicians increasingly face questions and solicitations for advice from patients about the efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) for cardiovascular disease (CVD). In this clinician-focused review, we aim to revisit empirical studies on MBIs for CVD with the purpose of informing clinicians' decisions on how to provide recommendations consistent with updated scientific findings to patients interested in MBIs. RECENT FINDINGS We start by defining MBIs and identifying the possible physiological, psychological, behavioral, and cognitive mechanisms underlying the potentially positive effects of MBIs for CVD. Potential mechanisms include the reduction of sympathetic nervous system activity, improved vagal control, and biological markers (physiological); psychological distress and cardiovascular health behaviors (psychological and behavioral); and executive function, memory, and attention (cognitive). Then, we summarize the extant evidence to identify gaps and limitations in MBI research for the purpose of informing future directions for cardiovascular and behavioral medicine researchers. We conclude with practical recommendations for clinicians communicating with patients with CVD who are interested in MBIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Y Lee
- Center for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
- Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Emily C Gathright
- Center for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
- Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Wen-Chih Wu
- Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Lifespan Cardiovascular Institute Wellness and Prevention Center, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Elena Salmoirago-Blotcher
- Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
- Lifespan Cardiovascular Institute, The Miriam Hospital, One Hoppin Street, Providence, RI, 02903, USA.
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Radin RM, Epel ES, Mason AE, Vaccaro J, Fromer E, Guan J, Prather AA. Impact of digital meditation on work stress and health outcomes among adults with overweight: A randomized controlled trial. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280808. [PMID: 36857330 PMCID: PMC9977041 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Mindfulness meditation may improve well-being at work; however, effects on food cravings and metabolic health are not well known. We tested effects of digital meditation, alone or in combination with a healthy eating program, on perceived stress, cravings, and adiposity. We randomized 161 participants with overweight and moderate stress to digital meditation ('MED,' n = 38), digital meditation + healthy eating ('MED+HE,' n = 40), active control ('HE,' n = 41), or waitlist control ('WL,' n = 42) for 8 weeks. Participants (n = 145; M(SD) BMI: 30.8 (5.4) kg/m2) completed baseline and 8-week measures of stress (Perceived Stress Scale), cravings (Food Acceptance and Awareness Questionnaire) and adiposity (sagittal diameter and BMI). ANCOVAs revealed that those randomized to MED or MED+HE (vs. HE or WL) showed decreases in perceived stress (F = 15.19, p < .001, η2 = .10) and sagittal diameter (F = 4.59, p = .03, η2 = .04), with no differences in cravings or BMI. Those high in binge eating who received MED or MED+HE showed decreases in sagittal diameter (p = .03). Those with greater adherence to MED or MED+HE had greater reductions in stress, cravings, and adiposity (ps < .05). A brief digital mindfulness-based program is a low-cost method for reducing perceptions of stress and improving abdominal fat distribution patterns among adults with overweight and moderate stress. Future work should seek to clarify mechanisms by which such interventions contribute to improvements in health. Trial registration: Clinical trial registration http://www.ClinicalTrials.gov: identifier NCT03945214.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M. Radin
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Elissa S. Epel
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Ashley E. Mason
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
- Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Julie Vaccaro
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Elena Fromer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Joanna Guan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Aric A. Prather
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
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Emmerling F, Peus C, Lobbestael J. The hot and the cold in destructive leadership: Modeling the role of arousal in explaining leader antecedents and follower consequences of abusive supervision versus exploitative leadership. ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY REVIEW 2023. [DOI: 10.1177/20413866231153098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Due to its devastating consequences, research needs to theoretically and empirically disentangle different sub-types of destructive leadership. Based on concepts derived from aggression research distinguishing re- and proactive aggression, we provide a process model differentiating abusive supervision and exploitative leadership. High versus low arousal negative affect is installed as the central mediating factor determining (1) whether perceived goal-blockage (leadership antecedents) leads to abusive supervision versus exploitative leadership and (2) whether a specific leadership behavior leads to active versus passive follower behavior (leadership consequence). Further, theoretical anchoring of individual and contextual moderators onto the model's process paths is provided and exemplary hypotheses for concrete moderation effects are deduced. Based on the provided process model, we highlight four recommendations to facilitate process-based construct differentiation in future research on destructive leadership. To precisely understand the differences and commonalities in different forms of destructive leadership will ultimately enable custom-tailored inter- and prevention. Plain Language Summary Negative leadership—also named “destructive” leadership—has very bad effects on followers and organizations. There are not just one, but many forms of destructive leadership and it is important to understand where different sub-types come from (i.e., to understand their antecedents) and which specific effect they have (i.e., to understand their consequences). In this paper, we focus on better understanding two forms of destructive leadership, namely abusive supervision and exploitative leadership. These two forms are similar to the two main forms of aggression. Abusive supervision is similar to reactive aggression, an impulsive “hot blooded” form of aggression. Exploitative leadership is similar to proactive aggression, a premeditated “cold blooded” form of aggression. We explain the parallels between the two forms of aggression and the two forms of leadership and provide a model which allows to predict when one versus the other form of leadership occurs and to which follower behavior they lead. An important factor in this model is the physiological characteristic of the emotional reaction to an event (i.e., arousal). An emotional reaction can be high in arousal; for instance, anger is a high arousal negative emotional reaction. On the contrary, boredom, for instance, is a low arousal negative emotional reaction. Dependent on whether both a leader and a follower react to a negative event (e.g., not getting what they want, being treated badly by others) with high or low arousal, their behavior will be different. We explain how this mechanism works and how it can help us to better predict leaders' and followers' behavior. We also outline how individual characteristics of the leader and follower and characteristics of their environment and context interact with arousal and their behavior.
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Wang Q, Collet JP, Mei J, Chen G, Huang S, Yang Y, Wang W, Ding F. Complex interactive multimodal intervention to improve personalized stress management among healthcare workers in China: A knowledge translation protocol. Digit Health 2023; 9:20552076231184052. [PMID: 37545629 PMCID: PMC10399255 DOI: 10.1177/20552076231184052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Numerous stress management interventions have been implemented in the workplace, but few are adapted to the healthcare setting. Due to the nature of their jobs, healthcare workers (HCWs) may find it difficult to adopt recommended stress management strategies. We present the protocol for a 12-week personalized stress management intervention among HCWs to change their behavior as well as improve physiological/psychological outcomes. Methods It is a pragmatic quasi-experimental study involving stressed HCWs from two general hospitals in Wuhan, China. The intervention group will receive a complex interactive multimodal intervention, including advanced education via mobile connection, participation in a web-based social network, tailored feedback, and the support of a nurse coach, while the control group will engage in self-guided stress management. Results The primary outcome is centered on behavioral measures, namely improvements in stress management practice frequency after a 12-week intervention. The secondary outcomes are the changes in stress-related physiological indices (i.e. high frequency variability and normalized unit assessed by Holter) and psychological indicators (scores on the Perceived Stress Scale and Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale) following 12 weeks of treatment. Conclusion The knowledge translation intervention builds on a body of work defining the role of individualized instruction and feedback intervention, as well as group intervention through WeChat social network and personalized coaching. We believe this novel intervention will help HCWs promote their stress management awareness and skills, and ultimately benefit their long-term health. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov., NCT05239065. Registered 14 February 2022-Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05239065.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Nursing College, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jean-Paul Collet
- UBC Department of Pediatrics and Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Junhua Mei
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Wuhan City, Wuhan, China
| | - Guohua Chen
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Wuhan City, Wuhan, China
| | - Sufang Huang
- Nursing College, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuan Yang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Fengfei Ding
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Kamchatnov PR, Cheremin RA, Skipetrova LA, Chugunov AV. Neurological Signs of Postcovid Syndrome. NEUROSCIENCE AND BEHAVIORAL PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 52:968-975. [PMID: 36589208 PMCID: PMC9789305 DOI: 10.1007/s11055-022-01324-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The challenge of postcovid syndrome (PCS) is of great interest due to its wide distribution and variety of clinical signs. The main neurological signs of PCS are discussed. Data on the presumptive mechanisms forming PCS are presented. The potential for using the drug Mexidol to treat patients with PCS is addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. R. Kamchatnov
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Russian Ministry of Health, Moscow, Russia
| | - R. A. Cheremin
- Speech Pathology and Neurorehabilitation Center, Moscow Health Department, Moscow, Russia
| | - L. A. Skipetrova
- Speech Pathology and Neurorehabilitation Center, Moscow Health Department, Moscow, Russia
| | - A. V. Chugunov
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Russian Ministry of Health, Moscow, Russia
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15
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Henneghan AM, Fico BG, Wright ML, Kesler SR, Harrison ML. Effects of meditation compared to music listening on biomarkers in breast cancer survivors with cognitive complaints: secondary outcomes of a pilot randomized control trial. Explore (NY) 2022; 18:657-662. [PMID: 34802955 PMCID: PMC9085959 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2021.10.011] [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: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT We previously reported positive behavioral effects of both daily mantra meditation and classical music listening interventions in breast cancer survivors with cancer related cognitive complaints. OBJECTIVE The objective of this pilot study was to compare the effects of the meditation intervention to a music listening intervention on biomarkers of inflammation and cellular aging (secondary outcomes) in breast cancer survivors. DESIGN Randomized control trial, baseline data collection (time 1), post intervention data collection (time 2) SETTING: Community-based, Central Texas PARTICIPANTS: 25 breast cancer survivors (BCS) who were 3 months to 6 years post chemotherapy completion and reported cognitive changes. INTERVENTION(S) Kirtan Kriya meditation (KK) or classical music listening (ML), 8 weeks, 12 min a day MAIN OUTCOME: Telomerase activity [TA], c-reactive protein [CRP], soluble IL-2 receptor alpha [sIL-2Rα], soluble IL-4 receptor [sIL-4R], soluble IL-6 receptor [sIL-6R], soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor II [sTNF-RII], VEGF receptor 2 [sVEGF-R2], and VEGF receptor 3 [sVEGF-R3] RESULTS: Repeated measures analysis of variance models were analyzed from time 1 to time 2 by group for each biomarker. A pattern of greater telomerase activity across time in both groups (F (1,15) = 3.98, p = .06, ω2 = 0.04); significant decreases in sIL-4R across time for both groups (F (1,22) = 6.28, p = .02, ω2 = .003); group*time effect was nominally different but not statistically different for sIL-4R (F(1,22) = 3.82, p = .06, ω2 = .001); and a pattern for a group*time effect with ML group showing higher levels of sVEGF-R3 at time 2 (F (1,20) = 2.59, p = .12, ω2 = .009). No significant effects were found for CRP, sIL-2Rα, sIL-6R, sTNF-RII, or sVEGF-R2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley M Henneghan
- The University of Texas at Austin, School of Nursing. 1710 Red River St., Austin, TX 78712, United States; The University of Texas at Austin, Department of Oncology, 1601 Trinity St., Austin, TX 78712, United States.
| | - Brandon G Fico
- The University of Texas at Austin, Department of Kinesiology and Health Education, 2109, San Jacinto Blvd., Austin, TX 78712, United States
| | - Michelle L Wright
- The University of Texas at Austin, School of Nursing. 1710 Red River St., Austin, TX 78712, United States; The University of Texas at Austin, Dell Medical School, Department of Women's Health, 1601, Trinity St., Austin, TX 78712, United States
| | - Shelli R Kesler
- The University of Texas at Austin, School of Nursing. 1710 Red River St., Austin, TX 78712, United States; The University of Texas at Austin, Department of Oncology, 1601 Trinity St., Austin, TX 78712, United States; The University of Texas at Austin, Department of Diagnostic Medicine, 1601 Trinity St., Austin, TX 78712, United States
| | - Michelle L Harrison
- The University of Texas at Austin, Department of Kinesiology and Health Education, 2109, San Jacinto Blvd., Austin, TX 78712, United States
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Hatton-Bowers H, Clark C, Parra G, Calvi J, Bird MY, Avari P, Foged J, Smith J. Promising Findings that the Cultivating Healthy Intentional Mindful Educators' Program (CHIME) Strengthens Early Childhood Teachers' Emotional Resources: An Iterative Study. EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION JOURNAL 2022; 51:1-14. [PMID: 35967911 PMCID: PMC9360643 DOI: 10.1007/s10643-022-01386-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Findings suggest that an eight-week mindfulness compassion-based program, Cultivating Healthy Intentional Mindful Educators (CHIME), is a feasible professional development intervention for early childhood (EC) teachers to support their emotion regulation and psychological and workplace well-being. We offer preliminary evidence that learning about mindfulness, self-compassion, and social-emotional learning supports EC teachers in strengthening their knowledge and application of practices to be more mindful and less emotionally reactive and emotionally exhausted at work. In analyzing both EC teacher feedback and survey data from two pilot studies, there was promising evidence that participating in CHIME enhanced awareness of emotions and the development of strategies to manage emotions. As CHIME is further developed and refined it will be integral to have collaborative engagement and participation from EC teachers and programs to ensure that learning these practices are relevant, helpful, meaningful, and sustainable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly Hatton-Bowers
- Department of Child, Youth, and Family Studies, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Louise Pound Hall, 231.T, Lincoln, NE USA
| | - Caron Clark
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Gilbert Parra
- Department of Child, Youth, and Family Studies, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Louise Pound Hall, 231.T, Lincoln, NE USA
| | - Jessica Calvi
- Salivary Bioscience Laboratory, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | | | - Pearl Avari
- Department of Child, Youth, and Family Studies, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Louise Pound Hall, 231.T, Lincoln, NE USA
| | | | - John Smith
- Department of Child, Youth, and Family Studies, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Louise Pound Hall, 231.T, Lincoln, NE USA
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The ‘Rippling’ Waves of Wellbeing: A Mixed Methods Evaluation of a Surf-Therapy Intervention on Patients with Acquired Brain Injury. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14159605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Dominant psychological models of wellbeing neglect the role that nature connection and other key factors, such as positive health behaviours and behaviour change, play in determining wellbeing. The present mixed-methods evaluation explores the impact of ”Surf-Ability”, an adapted surf therapy intervention delivered in collaboration with a UK neurorehabilitation service, on individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI) as part of an effort to design interventions based on advances in wellbeing science. Following five surf-therapy sessions, within-subjects analysis (n= 15) revealed significant improvements on the Warwick–Edinburgh mental wellbeing scale (t (15) = −2.164, p = 0.048), as well as in anxiety and happiness as measured via a brief visual analogue. No significant changes occurred in the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) or resting heart rate variability (HRV). A ripple effects mapping (REM) session at 6–10 months follow-up (n = 6) revealed that the physical and psychological experience of a nature-based challenge initiated a mindset shift in participants, which ultimately led to them adopting wellbeing-promoting long-term behaviour changes. These changes occurred at the scale of (1) individual wellbeing—increased mindfulness and physical activity; (2) collective wellbeing—improved relationships, community participation and contribution to organisations; and (3) planetary wellbeing—connection to nature. These findings align with the GENIAL theoretical framework, which defines wellbeing from a biopsychosocial ecological perspective across multiple levels of scale. The findings support the need for healthcare providers—including neurorehabilitation services—to enhance interventions for patients by incorporating novel factors that improve wellbeing, such as nature-connection.
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Hausswirth C, Nesi X, Dubois A, Duforez F, Rougier Y, Slattery K. Four Weeks of a Neuro-Meditation Program Improves Sleep Quality and Reduces Hypertension in Nursing Staff During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Parallel Randomized Controlled Trial. Front Psychol 2022; 13:854474. [PMID: 35645851 PMCID: PMC9130829 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.854474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a neuro-meditation program to support nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Forty-five (10 men and 35 women) nurses were classified into three groups based on their systolic blood pressure: normotensive (G-nor; n = 16, 43.8 ± 11.0 year), hypertensive (G-hyp; n = 13, 45.2 ± 10.7 year) and control (G-con; n = 16, 44.9 ± 10.6 year). Using a parallel, randomly controlled design across a 4-week period, 10 × 30-min sessions using the Rebalance© Impulse were completed. Sleep was assessed by wrist actigraphy and subjective sleep questionnaires; perceived sleep quality, Ford Insomnia Response to Stress Test questionnaire and the Spiegel Sleep Quality questionnaire (SSQ). Blood pressure, resting heart rate, mean heart rate (HRmean), heart rate variability index (RMSSD), cortisol, and alpha-amylase were also measured. Statistical analysis was completed using factorial ANOVA. Sleep improved in the G-hyp group; SSQ (p < 0.01); perceived sleep quality (p < 0.01); sleep efficiency and fragmentation index (p < 0.05). In the G-nor group, sleep was improved to a lesser extent; perceived sleep quality (p < 0.01). A significant time-group interaction was reported in resting heart rate (p < 0.01), systolic blood pressure (p < 0.01), and diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.05) with these measures being significantly reduced in the G-hyp group. RMSSD increased in the G-nor group (p < 0.01). This initial evidence suggests that neuro-meditation reduces excessive sympathetic activity, promoting enhanced sleep quality and autonomic control during periods of increased work-related stress. Clinical Trial Registration The study was conducted at Bioesterel, Sophia-Antipolis, France as a clinical trial: Neuro-meditation improves sleep quality, https://www.drks.de/ui_data_web/DrksUI.html?locale=en, DRKS00025731.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Hausswirth
- LAMHESS, University of Côte d'Azur, Nice, France.,BeScored Institute, Sophia Antipolis, France.,School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, University of Technology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Xavier Nesi
- BeScored Institute, Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - Alexandre Dubois
- Hotel-Dieu de Paris, Centre du Sommeil et de la Vigilance, Paris, France
| | - François Duforez
- Hotel-Dieu de Paris, Centre du Sommeil et de la Vigilance, Paris, France
| | | | - Katie Slattery
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, University of Technology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Changes in Salivary Immunoglobulin A, Stress, and Burnout in a Workplace Mindfulness Intervention: A Pilot Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19106226. [PMID: 35627765 PMCID: PMC9141808 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19106226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the effectiveness of a 6-week workplace mindfulness- and self-compassion-based intervention (MSCBI) on perceived stress, burnout, immune functioning (assessed with the biomarker Immunoglobulin A), self-compassion, and experiential avoidance compared to a Workplace Stress Management Intervention. Both interventions were contextual, i.e., they were carried out in the workplace setting and during working hours. We followed a randomised controlled trial study design. The total sample was composed of 24 employees of an automotive company. One-way analyses of covariance between groups revealed significant differences in post-intervention levels of perceived stress, salivary Immunoglobulin A (sIgA), emotional exhaustion, self-compassion, and experiential avoidance, after adjusting for pre-test scores. The results of this study have several implications. Firstly, it confirms that MSCBIs might be more effective than regular psychoeducational interventions for work-related stress and burnout treatment. Secondly, sIgA can be used to assess immune function state changes when MSCBIs are carried out. Furthermore, these results indicate that it is feasible to carry out MSCBIs within companies and during working hours, and that these interventions can help effectively manage stress and burnout associated with the work environment.
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Sadowski A, Wexler RS, Hanes D, Buttolph L, Torrens T, Moehle J, Sarrar H, Harnett J, Zava DT, Bradley R. Meditative practices, stress and sleep among students studying complementary and integrative health: a cross-sectional analysis. BMC Complement Med Ther 2022; 22:127. [PMID: 35513823 PMCID: PMC9070612 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-022-03582-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The International Cohort on Lifestyle Determinants of Health (INCLD Health) is an ongoing, prospective cohort study assessing the health behaviours and lifestyles of higher education students, including their use of specialty diets and complementary and integrative health (CIH) practices. Purpose: This cross-sectional analysis of the INCLD Health cohort aims to (1) evaluate the associations between perceived stress, sleep disturbance, and meditative practices with diurnal salivary free cortisol and (2) evaluate the associations of meditative practices as well as mind-body practices with perceived stress and sleep disturbance. Methods Serial multivariable linear regression models, adjusting for sociodemographic and lifestyle behaviours, were used to assess associations of (1) perceived stress, sleep disturbance, and meditative practices with salivary cortisol, and (2) meditative practices as well as mind-body practices with perceived stress and sleep disturbance. Meditative and mind-body practices were evaluated using a stress-management and self-care survey; perceived stress and sleep disturbance were evaluated using the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and the patient reported outcome measures information system-29 (PROMIS-29) sleep sub-score respectively. Salivary cortisol was collected at 4 time points over a 24-hour period and area under the curve (AUC) calculations conducted. Results 82.5% (n = 80) of participants utilized at least monthly meditative practices. Greater disturbed sleep, but not perceived-stress, meditative, nor mind-body practices was independently associated with increased AUC cortisol (b = 0.02, 95% CI: 0.002–0.05, p = 0.03) after adjusting for age, sex, race, ethnicity, and BMI. Neither meditative nor mind-body practices were associated with perceived stress or disturbed sleep. Conclusions Among INCLD Health participants, greater sleep disturbance, but not perceived stress or meditative practices were associated with daytime cortisol. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12906-022-03582-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Sadowski
- Helfgott Research Institute, National University of Natural Medicine, Portland, Oregon, USA.
| | - Ryan S Wexler
- Helfgott Research Institute, National University of Natural Medicine, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Douglas Hanes
- Helfgott Research Institute, National University of Natural Medicine, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Lita Buttolph
- Helfgott Research Institute, National University of Natural Medicine, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Tediana Torrens
- Helfgott Research Institute, National University of Natural Medicine, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Jillian Moehle
- Helfgott Research Institute, National University of Natural Medicine, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Hadil Sarrar
- Helfgott Research Institute, National University of Natural Medicine, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Joanna Harnett
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Ryan Bradley
- Helfgott Research Institute, National University of Natural Medicine, Portland, Oregon, USA.,Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, USA
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Dinesh TK, Shetty A, Dhyani VS, T S S, Dsouza KJ. Effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions on well-being and work-related stress in the financial sector: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol. Syst Rev 2022; 11:79. [PMID: 35477582 PMCID: PMC9047319 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-022-01956-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Work-related stress is a common phenomenon, often noticed in the employees of the finance sector. It mirrors counter effects on the wellness of employees, their mental well-being, and physical health. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) raise awareness and attention to the present moment experiences by adopting coping skills. It is necessary to promote employee well-being and reduce work-related stress; hence, the need arises to associate between the level of mindfulness, employee well-being, and work-related stress. A systematic review on the effectiveness of MBIs in the finance sector is necessary to facilitate evidence for the future utility to reduce work-related stress and promote employee well-being. METHODS In this review, randomized controlled trials, non-randomized control trials, cohort, and cross-sectional and case-control studies that assess the effectiveness of MBIs on the employees in the finance sector will be considered. We propose to perform a literature search which will be conducted from the years 2000 to 2021 on CINAHL, Cochrane Library, ProQuest, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The search terms will include controlled and accessible terms such as mindfulness-based interventions, mindfulness training, workplace, employees, workers, well-being, employee wellness, occupational health, and finance sector. The outcomes will include the effect on employee well-being and reduction in work-related stress. Two researchers will independently conduct the screening and data extraction and assess the risk of bias. Based on the availability of data, a meta-analysis will also be performed. This protocol follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis-Protocol (PRISMA-P) guidelines. "Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews" will be used to assess the quality of this review. DISCUSSION The review attempts to methodically analyse the effectiveness of MBIs among finance sector employees. It will foster to facilitate a detailed description and evidence-based overview of the effectiveness of MBIs on improving work-related stress, mindful awareness, and employee wellness and well-being in employees in the finance sector. The current study will provide an evidence base to researchers, academicians, and practitioners in the selection of mindfulness-based therapies for employees in the finance sector. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO 2021 CRD42021249782.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tantri Keerthi Dinesh
- Department of Commerce, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Ankitha Shetty
- Department of Commerce, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India.
| | - Vijay Shree Dhyani
- Public Health Evidence South Asia (PHESA), Prasanna School of Public Health (PSPH), Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Shwetha T S
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Komal Jenifer Dsouza
- Department of Commerce, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
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Hoosain M, Plastow NA. Workplace-based occupational therapy for mental health in Africa: a scoping review protocol. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e054821. [PMID: 35450899 PMCID: PMC9024242 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-054821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although mental health at work is a pressing and growing concern, mental healthcare accounts for less than 2% of global healthcare, with marked inequality across continents. Africa has the smallest proportion of mental health service providers, and the highest rate of out-of-pocket expenditure for mental health service users. Poor mental health at work results in costs to workers, employers and the economy. This review aims to collaborate with stakeholders to identify literature on workplace-based occupational therapy interventions supporting the mental health of workers in Africa. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We will search Medline (PubMed), EBSCOhost (Academic Search Premier, AfricaWide Information, CINAHL, Health Source: Nursing/Academic), Scopus, Web of Science, Sabinet, Cochrane and OTSeeker for qualitative and quantitative primary research studies. Grey literature will be searched via Sabinet and ProQuest. No language or date restrictions will be applied. Title and abstract screening as well as full-text screening will be done independently by two reviewers. Data extracted will include information about the articles, characteristics of studies and interventions, and findings. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines will be used for reporting results. Three groups of stakeholders will be consulted during the review process: service users/workers, employers and service providers/occupational therapists. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This scoping review does not require ethics approval. Findings of the review will be disseminated through stakeholder engagements, peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munira Hoosain
- Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Nicola Ann Plastow
- Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
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González-Palau F, Medrano LA. A Mini-Review of Work Stress and Mindfulness: A Neuropsychological Point of View. Front Psychol 2022; 13:854204. [PMID: 35496192 PMCID: PMC9051328 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.854204] [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: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Work stress is consistently linked with the deterioration of cognitive and mental health, limitations in everyday workplace performance, and an increased risk of developing diseases. A common thread binding these consequences appears to be stress-associated alterations in neuropsychological functions and affective domains, especially those reliant on hippocampal, prefrontal, and amygdala brain area. Although research broadly supports the claim that the practice of mindfulness meditation for the reduction of the consequences of stress and the promotion of health exert positive effects on workplaces, the precise neuropsychological benefits of Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in the context of organizations remain elusive. In this review, we will analyze the impairments imposed by stress on the brain areas and functions and the benefits of MBIs from a neuropsychological point of view. This is significant since there is a centrality of cognitive functions in core processes necessary for work achievements, such as emotion regulation, problem-solving, and learning. The promotion of wellbeing is a responsibility shared between workers and organizations. Developing healthy environments allows workers to exercise greater control over their work, face work challenges, work productively and develop their talent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fátima González-Palau
- Instituto de Organizaciones Saludables, Universidad Siglo 21, Córdoba, Argentina
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, Neurology Service, Sanatorio Allende Cerro Hospital, Córdoba, Argentina
- *Correspondence: Fátima González-Palau,
| | - Leonardo Adrián Medrano
- Instituto de Organizaciones Saludables, Universidad Siglo 21, Córdoba, Argentina
- Vicerrectoria de Investigación, Pontifica Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra, Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic
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van Loon AWG, Creemers HE, Okorn A, Vogelaar S, Miers AC, Saab N, Westenberg PM, Asscher JJ. The effects of school‐based interventions on physiological stress in adolescents: A meta‐analysis. Stress Health 2022; 38:187-209. [PMID: 34275188 PMCID: PMC9291930 DOI: 10.1002/smi.3081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Chronic stress is associated with dysregulations in the physiological stress system, resulting in diverse negative developmental outcomes. Since adolescence is a period characterized by increased stress-sensitivity, and schools are an important environment for the developing adolescent, school-based interventions promoting psychosocial functioning are of particular interest to prevent adverse outcomes. The present study therefore aimed to investigate the effectiveness of such interventions on hypothalamic pituitary adrenal-axis (i.e., cortisol) and cardiovascular (i.e., blood pressure [BP] and heart rate [HR]/heart rate variability [HRV]) parameters of stress in adolescents, and examined moderators of effectiveness. The search resulted in the inclusion of k = 9 studies for cortisol, k = 16 studies for BP, and k = 20 studies for HR/HRV. The results indicated a significant small overall effect on reducing BP, but no significant effect for HR/HRV. For cortisol, large methodological variation in the few primary studies did not allow for quantitative analyses, but a qualitative review demonstrated inconsistent results. For BP and HR/HRV, larger effects were observed for intervention programs with a mindfulness and/or meditation component, for interventions without a cognitive-behavioural component and for interventions with a higher intensity. Providing adolescents with techniques to improve indicators of physiological stress may prevent emerging mental health problems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hanneke E. Creemers
- Forensic Child and Youth Care SciencesUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Ana Okorn
- Department of Child and Adolescent StudiesUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands,Behavioural Science InstituteRadboud UniversityNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Simone Vogelaar
- Developmental and Educational PsychologyLeiden UniversityLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Anne C. Miers
- Developmental and Educational PsychologyLeiden UniversityLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Nadira Saab
- Graduate School of Teaching (ICLON)Leiden UniversityLeidenThe Netherlands
| | | | - Jessica J. Asscher
- Department of Child and Adolescent StudiesUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands,Forensic Child and Youth Care SciencesUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
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25
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Bell D, Hadjiefthyvoulou F. Alcohol and drug use among bartenders: An at risk population? J Subst Abuse Treat 2022; 139:108762. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2022.108762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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26
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Ceban F, Ling S, Lui LM, Lee Y, Gill H, Teopiz KM, Rodrigues NB, Subramaniapillai M, Di Vincenzo JD, Cao B, Lin K, Mansur RB, Ho RC, Rosenblat JD, Miskowiak KW, Vinberg M, Maletic V, McIntyre RS. Fatigue and cognitive impairment in Post-COVID-19 Syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Brain Behav Immun 2022; 101:93-135. [PMID: 34973396 PMCID: PMC8715665 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2021.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 571] [Impact Index Per Article: 285.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE COVID-19 is associated with clinically significant symptoms despite resolution of the acute infection (i.e., post-COVID-19 syndrome). Fatigue and cognitive impairment are amongst the most common and debilitating symptoms of post-COVID-19 syndrome. OBJECTIVE To quantify the proportion of individuals experiencing fatigue and cognitive impairment 12 or more weeks following COVID-19 diagnosis, and to characterize the inflammatory correlates and functional consequences of post-COVID-19 syndrome. DATA SOURCES Systematic searches were conducted without language restrictions from database inception to June 8, 2021 on PubMed/MEDLINE, The Cochrane Library, PsycInfo, Embase, Web of Science, Google/Google Scholar, and select reference lists. STUDY SELECTION Primary research articles which evaluated individuals at least 12 weeks after confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis and specifically reported on fatigue, cognitive impairment, inflammatory parameters, and/or functional outcomes were selected. DATA EXTRACTION & SYNTHESIS Two reviewers independently extracted published summary data and assessed methodological quality and risk of bias. A meta-analysis of proportions was conducted to pool Freeman-Tukey double arcsine transformed proportions using the random-effects restricted maximum-likelihood model. MAIN OUTCOMES & MEASURES The co-primary outcomes were the proportions of individuals reporting fatigue and cognitive impairment, respectively, 12 or more weeks following COVID-19 infection. The secondary outcomes were inflammatory correlates and functional consequences associated with post-COVID-19 syndrome. RESULTS The literature search yielded 10,979 studies, and 81 studies were selected for inclusion. The fatigue meta-analysis comprised 68 studies, the cognitive impairment meta-analysis comprised 43 studies, and 48 studies were included in the narrative synthesis. Meta-analysis revealed that the proportion of individuals experiencing fatigue 12 or more weeks following COVID-19 diagnosis was 0.32 (95% CI, 0.27, 0.37; p < 0.001; n = 25,268; I2 = 99.1%). The proportion of individuals exhibiting cognitive impairment was 0.22 (95% CI, 0.17, 0.28; p < 0.001; n = 13,232; I2 = 98.0). Moreover, narrative synthesis revealed elevations in proinflammatory markers and considerable functional impairment in a subset of individuals. CONCLUSIONS & RELEVANCE A significant proportion of individuals experience persistent fatigue and/or cognitive impairment following resolution of acute COVID-19. The frequency and debilitating nature of the foregoing symptoms provides the impetus to characterize the underlying neurobiological substrates and how to best treat these phenomena. STUDY REGISTRATION PROSPERO (CRD42021256965).
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicia Ceban
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada,Brain and Cognition Discovery Foundation, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Susan Ling
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada,Department of Pharmacology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Leanna M.W. Lui
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yena Lee
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada,Braxia Health, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | - Hartej Gill
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kayla M. Teopiz
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nelson B. Rodrigues
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Joshua D. Di Vincenzo
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada,Department of Pharmacology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Bing Cao
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Faculty of Psychology, Ministry of Education, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Kangguang Lin
- Department of Affective Disorders, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, (Guangzhou Huiai Hospital), Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China,Laboratory of Emotion and Cognition, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University (Guangzhou Huiai Hospital), Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rodrigo B. Mansur
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Roger C. Ho
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore,Institute for Health Innovation and Technology (iHealthtech), National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Joshua D. Rosenblat
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada,Department of Pharmacology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kamilla W. Miskowiak
- Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark,Mental Health Services, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Maj Vinberg
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark,Psychiatric Research Unit, Psychiatric Centre North Zealand, Hillerød, Denmark
| | - Vladimir Maletic
- Department of Psychiatry, University of South Carolina, Greenville, SC, USA
| | - Roger S. McIntyre
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada,Brain and Cognition Discovery Foundation, Toronto, ON, Canada,Braxia Health, Mississauga, ON, Canada,Department of Pharmacology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada,Corresponding author at: University Health Network, 399 Bathurst Street, MP 9-325, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada
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Sun S, Sheridan M, Tyrka A, Donofry SD, Erickson K, Loucks E. Addressing the biological embedding of early life adversities (ELA) among adults through mindfulness: Proposed mechanisms and review of converging evidence. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 134:104526. [PMID: 34998833 PMCID: PMC8844271 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Early life adversities (ELA) are prevalent and have a profound and adverse impact across the lifespan, including on age-related health outcomes, yet interventions to remediate its adverse impact are scarce. This paper presents evidence for mindfulness training to reduce the elevated mental and physical health risks linked to ELA among adults by targeting biological mechanisms of ELA leading to these adverse health outcomes. We first provide a brief overview of ELA, its adverse health impacts, and mechanisms that might be responsible. Next, we review converging evidence that demonstrates that mindfulness training influences key biological pathways involved in ELA-linked negative health consequences, including (a) brain networks involved in self-regulation, (b) immunity and inflammation, (c) telomere biology, and (d) epigenetic modifications. Further, we review preliminary evidence from mindfulness-based trials that focused on populations impacted by ELA. We discuss limitations of this review and provide recommendations for future research. If effective, a mindfulness-based approach could be an important public health strategy for remediating the adverse mental and physical health consequences of ELA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shufang Sun
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, United States; Mindfulness Center at Brown University, United States.
| | - Margaret Sheridan
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Audrey Tyrka
- Initiative on Stress, Trauma, and Resilience, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown University Alpert Medical School
| | | | - Kirk Erickson
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA,Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA,Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Eric Loucks
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health,Mindfulness Center at Brown University
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Vu T, Vo‐Thanh T, Chi H, Nguyen NP, Nguyen DV, Zaman M. The role of perceived workplace safety practices and mindfulness in maintaining calm in employees during times of crisis. HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/hrm.22101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thinh‐Van Vu
- Department of Human Resource Management Thuongmai University Hanoi Vietnam
| | - Tan Vo‐Thanh
- Department of Marketing Excelia, CERIIM & CEREGE (EA 1722) La Rochelle France
| | - Hsinkuang Chi
- Department of Business Administration Nanhua University Chiayi County Taiwan
| | - Nguyen Phong Nguyen
- School of Accounting University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam
| | - Duy Van Nguyen
- Applied School of Banking and Finance Dai Nam University Hanoi Vietnam
| | - Mustafeed Zaman
- Department of Marketing EM Normandie Business School, Métis Lab Le Havre France
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29
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Wolever RQ, Finn MTM, Shields D. The Relative Contributions of Live and Recorded Online Mindfulness Training Programs to Lower Stress in the Workplace: Longitudinal Observational Study. J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e31935. [PMID: 35060911 PMCID: PMC8817217 DOI: 10.2196/31935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite numerous gaps in the literature, mindfulness training in the workplace is rapidly proliferating. Many “online” or “digital mindfulness” programs do not distinguish between live teaching and recorded or asynchronous sessions, yet differences in delivery mode (eg, face-to-face, online live, online self-guided, other) may explain outcomes. Objective The aim of this study was to use existing data from an online mindfulness solutions company to assess the relative contribution of live and recorded mindfulness training to lower perceived stress in employees. Methods Perceived stress and the amount of live and recorded online mindfulness training accessed by employees were assessed during eMindful’s One-Percent Challenge (OPC). The OPC is a 30-day program wherein participants are encouraged to spend 1% of their day (14 minutes) practicing mindfulness meditation on the platform. We used linear mixed-effects models to assess the relationship between stress reduction and usage of components of the eMindful platform (live teaching and recorded options) while controlling for potential reporting bias (completion) and sampling bias. Results A total of 8341 participants from 44 companies registered for the OPC, with 7757 (93.00%) completing stress assessments prior to the OPC and 2360 (28.29%) completing the postassessment. Approximately one-quarter of the participants (28.86%, 2407/8341) completed both assessments. Most of the completers (2161/2407, 89.78%) engaged in the platform at least once. Among all participants (N=8341), 8.78% (n=707) accessed only recorded sessions and 33.78% (n=2818) participated only in the live programs. Most participants engaged in both live and recorded options, with those who used any recordings (2686/8341, 32.20%) tending to use them 3-4 times. Controlling for completer status, any participation with the eMindful OPC reduced stress (B=–0.32, 95% CI –0.35 to –0.30, SE=0.01, t2393.25=–24.99, P<.001, Cohen d=–1.02). Participation in live programs drove the decrease in stress (B=–0.03, SE=0.01, t3258.61=–3.03, P=.002, d=–0.11), whereas participation in recorded classes alone did not. Regular practice across the month led to a greater reduction in stress. Conclusions Our findings are in stark contrast to the rapid evolution of online mindfulness training for the workplace. While the market is reproducing apps and recorded teaching at an unprecedented pace, our results demonstrate that live mindfulness programs with recorded or on-demand programs used to supplement live practices confer the strongest likelihood of achieving a significant decrease in stress levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Q Wolever
- Osher Center for Integrative Health at Vanderbilt, Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Michael T M Finn
- Department of Pediatrics & Human Development, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
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30
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Li J, Zhang YY, Cong XY, Ren SR, Tu XM, Wu JF. 5-min mindfulness audio induction alleviates psychological distress and sleep disorders in patients with COVID-19. World J Clin Cases 2022; 10:576-584. [PMID: 35097083 PMCID: PMC8771375 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i2.576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mindfulness meditation is beneficial to mitigate the negative effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in the general population, but no study examined such meditation in the COVID-19 patients themselves.
AIM To explore the short-term efficacy of mindfulness meditation in alleviating psychological distress and sleep disorders in patients with COVID-19.
METHODS This prospective study enrolled patients with mild COVID-19 treated at Wuhan Fangcang Hospital in February 2020. The patients were voluntarily divided into either a mindfulness or a conventional intervention group. The patients were evaluated before/after the intervention using the Short Inventory of Mindfulness Capability (SMI-C), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).
RESULTS Seventy-five participants were enrolled in this study, with 43 and 32 in the mindfulness and conventional groups, respectively. Before the intervention, there were no differences in SMI-C, HADS, or PSQI scores between the two groups. After the 2-wk intervention, the mindfulness level (from 30.16 ± 5.58 to 35.23 ± 5.95, P < 0.001) and sleep quality (from 12.85 ± 3.06 to 9.44 ± 3.86, P < 0.001) were significantly increased in the mindfulness group. There were no differences in the conventional group. After the intervention, the mindfulness level (35.23 ± 5.95 vs 31.17 ± 6.50, P = 0.006) and sleep quality (9.44 ± 3.86 vs 11.87 ± 4.06, P = 0.011) were significantly higher in the mindfulness group than in the conventional group. Depression decreased in the mindfulness group (from 14.15 ± 3.21 to 12.50 ± 4.01, P = 0.038), but there was no difference between the two groups.
CONCLUSION Short-term mindfulness meditation can increase the mindfulness level, improve the sleep quality, and decrease the depression of patients with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yun-Yun Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiao-Yin Cong
- Department of Psychology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Shu-Rong Ren
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiao-Ming Tu
- Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jin-Feng Wu
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, China
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31
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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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32
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Kamchatnov P, Cheremin R, Skipetrova L, Chugunov A. Neurological manifestations of postcovid syndrome. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2022; 122:7-15. [DOI: 10.17116/jnevro20221220317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Qualls BW, Payton EM, Aikens LG, Carey MG. Mindfulness for Outpatient Oncology Nurses: A Pilot Study. Holist Nurs Pract 2022; 36:28-36. [PMID: 34783698 DOI: 10.1097/hnp.0000000000000487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This prospective pre-/posttest pilot studied a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) intervention first, to reduce self-reported stress and improve compassion satisfaction; and second, to reduce physiological indices of stress. Even small interventions of MBSR before a shift effectively reduces the physiological indices of stress and may help reduce compassion fatigue and burnout in nurses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon W Qualls
- Clinical Nursing Research Center, Strong Memorial Hospital, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York (Mr Qualls and Dr Carey); University of Rochester Margaret Warner School of Education and Human Development, Rochester, New York (Mr Qualls); University of Rochester School of Nursing, Rochester, New York (Ms Payton and Dr Carey); and Adult Inpatient Psychiatry Unit, Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, New York (Ms Aikens)
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Joli J, Buck P, Zipfel S, Stengel A. Post-COVID-19 fatigue: A systematic review. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:947973. [PMID: 36032234 PMCID: PMC9403611 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.947973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Fatigue is recognized as one of the most commonly presented long-term complaints in individuals previously infected with SARS-CoV-2. This systematic review was performed to describe symptoms, etiology, possible risk factors related to post-COVID-19 fatigue and the therapeutic approaches used for the treatment of post-COVID-19 fatigue. For the systematic literature search the databases PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and PsycInfo were used. All articles that met the inclusion criteria were analyzed for demographics, clinical data and treatment. Included were studies which focused on an adult population (18-65 years old); elderly patients and patients with chronic somatic diseases which can also cause fatigue were excluded. We identified 2,851, screened 2,193 and finally included 20 studies with moderate to high methodological quality, encompassing 5,629 participants. Potential risk factors for post-COVID-19 fatigue were old age, female sex, severe clinical status in the acute phase of infection, a high number of comorbidities, and a prediagnosis of depression/anxiety. Lastly, a possible autoimmune etiology was suspected. Several treatment approaches have been tested mostly in small and uncontrolled studies so far: a Chinese herbal formulation improved breathlessness and fatigue. Moreover, molecular hydrogen (H2) inhalation had beneficial health effects in terms of improved physical (6-min walking test) and respiratory function in patients with post-COVID-19. Patients also noticed improvement in fatigue after undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) and enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP). Lastly. muscle strength and physical function were improved after undergoing an 8-weeks biweekly physical therapy course including aerobic training, strengthening exercises, diaphragmatic breathing techniques, and mindfulness training. However, larger and controlled studies e.g., investigating the effect of physical and / or psychotherapy for patients with post-COVID-19 fatigue are urgently warranted. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION Unique Identifier: CRD42022320676, https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Joli
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Patrizia Buck
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stephan Zipfel
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Andreas Stengel
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Charité Center for Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Department for Psychosomatic Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
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35
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Errazuriz A, Schmidt K, Undurraga EA, Medeiros S, Baudrand R, Cussen D, Henriquez M, Celhay P, Figueroa RA. Effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction on psychological distress in health workers: A three-arm parallel randomized controlled trial. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 145:284-293. [PMID: 33199052 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2020.11.011] [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: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) has shown good efficacy for improving wellbeing in employees experiencing occupational stress. However, comparisons with other interventions, longer-term follow-up, and data from varying sociocultural contexts are lacking. This three-arm, parallel randomised controlled trial (RCT) examined the effects of MBSR on psychological distress in non-physician health workers in direct contact with patients. 105 participants were randomly allocated to either: (1) MBSR (N = 35), (2) Stress Management Course (SMC; N = 34) or (3) wait-list (N = 36). Participants and those assessing outcomes were blinded to group assignment. Participants completed questionnaires pre- and post-intervention and four months after the intervention. Psychological distress was measured using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and Outcome Questionnaire (OQ-45). Secondary outcomes included perceived stress, job satisfaction, mindfulness skills and changes in salivary cortisol. 77 participants completed measures post-intervention and 52 at 4-month follow-up. MBSR showed a post-intervention effect in reducing GHQ-12 (ß = -0.80 [SE = 1.58] p < 0.01) and OQ-45 (ß = -0.72, [SE = 5.87] p < 0.05) psychological distress, compared to SMC and in reducing GHQ-12 (ß = -1.30 [SE = 1.38] p < 0.001) and OQ-45 (ß = -0.71, [SE = 5.58] p < 0.01) psychological distress compared to wait-list condition. In our secondary outcome, only MBSR was associated with a decrease in the cortisol awaking response by 23% (p < 0.05). At follow-up, only effects of MBSR on the psychological distress 'social role' subscale (ß = -0.76 [SE = 1.31] p < 0.05) remained significant, compared to SMC. In conclusion, MBSR appears useful in reducing short-term psychological distress in healthcare workers, but these effects were not maintained at follow-up. Trial registration: ISRCTN12039804.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Errazuriz
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Diagonal Paraguay 362, Santiago, 8330077, Chile; Millennium Science Initiative /Millennium Institute for Research on Depression and Personality-MIDAP, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Santiago, 7820436, Chile.
| | - Kristin Schmidt
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Diagonal Paraguay 362, Santiago, 8330077, Chile.
| | - Eduardo A Undurraga
- School of Government, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Santiago, 7820436, Chile; Millennium Nucleus for the Study of the Life Course and Vulnerability, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Santiago, 7820436, Chile; Millennium Initiative for Collaborative Research in Bacterial Resistance (MICROB-R), Avenida Las Condes 12.461, Torre 3, oficina 205, Las Condes, Santiago, 7820436, Chile.
| | - Sebastián Medeiros
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Diagonal Paraguay 362, Santiago, 8330077, Chile; Millennium Science Initiative /Millennium Institute for Research on Depression and Personality-MIDAP, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Santiago, 7820436, Chile.
| | - Rene Baudrand
- Endocrinology Department, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Diagonal Paraguay 362, Santiago, 8330077, Chile; Program for Adrenal Disorders, CETREN UC, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Diagonal Paraguay 362, Santiago, 8330077, Chile.
| | - Diego Cussen
- Institute of Economics, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Santiago, 7820436, Chile.
| | - Marcela Henriquez
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Diagonal Paraguay 362, Santiago, 8330077, Chile.
| | - Pablo Celhay
- School of Government, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Santiago, 7820436, Chile; Millennium Nucleus for the Study of the Life Course and Vulnerability, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Santiago, 7820436, Chile.
| | - Rodrigo A Figueroa
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Diagonal Paraguay 362, Santiago, 8330077, Chile.
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Fazia T, Bubbico F, Berzuini G, Tezza LD, Cortellini C, Bruno S, Bernardinelli L. Mindfulness meditation training in an occupational setting: Effects of a 12-weeks mindfulness-based intervention on wellbeing. Work 2021; 70:1089-1099. [PMID: 34842215 PMCID: PMC8764590 DOI: 10.3233/wor-210510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are known for their beneficial effects on positive and negative psychological factors. When applied in an occupational context, MBIs might help workers to cope with stress, increase their professional outcomes and wellbeing. OBJECTIVE In this two-groups pre-post experimental design we tested the effect of our MBI, called Integral Meditation (IM), among the employers of an Italian service company by measuring positive and negative aspects of psychological wellbeing related to mindfulness and workplace functioning through eight self-report questionnaires (CORE-OM, FFMQ, WEMWBS, MAIA, PSS, PANAS, STAI-X1, SCS). METHOD Forty-two voluntary non-clinical employers of the company, randomly assigned to the experimental or the control group, were analyzed. The experimental group underwent our IM program, which consists of 12 weekly meditation classes given after the afternoon shift, while the control group did not receive any intervention. Data was analyzed via linear mixed models. RESULTS Statistically significant results were obtained for FFMQ observing subscale (β= 0.49, p = 0.014), WEMWBS (β= 5.31, p = 0.02), PSS (β= -3.31, p = 0.03), the whole scale of SCS (β= 0.47, p = 0.01) and self-judgment (β= 0.68, p = 0.003) and isolation (β= -0.66, p = 0.01) SCS subscales. Statistically significant results were also found in four out of eight subscales of MAIA: emotional awareness (β= 1.26, p < 0.001), self-regulation (β= 1.28, p < 0.001), body listening (β= 1.08, p < 0.001) and trusting (β= 1.1, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Our intervention has demonstrated to bring beneficial effects in a mindfulness subdomain, in perceived stress, self-compassion, interoception and psychological wellbeing. Based on our results, we conclude that our intervention was effective in increasing the positive aspects of wellbeing and in reducing stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Fazia
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Francesco Bubbico
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giovanni Berzuini
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Laura Dalla Tezza
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | | | - Luisa Bernardinelli
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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Hardison ME, Unger J, Roll SC. Hand Therapy Patients' Psychosocial Symptomology and Interests in Mindfulness: A Cross-Sectional Study. The Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy 2021; 89:44-50. [PMID: 34783575 DOI: 10.1177/00084174211060120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: Psychosocial sequelae are common for individuals with physical injuries to the upper extremity. However, psychosocially oriented interventions are not common in this occupational therapy practice area. Purpose: This study implemented an online survey of hand therapy patients' psychological symptoms. Second, it explored patients' interest in one psychosocially oriented intervention: mindfulness meditation. Methods: The design was a cross-sectional survey of 120 consecutively recruited hand therapy patients. Survey measures included functioning, psychosocial factors, and trait mindfulness. Findings: Anxiety was prevalent in this sample, and moderately correlated with trait mindfulness (r = -0.542, p < .001). While most participants (77%) indicated mindfulness meditation would be an acceptable intervention, women were 2.8 times as likely to be interested (p = .044). Implications: Psychosocially oriented interventions are indicated in hand therapy based on the prevalence of these symptoms. Further examination of using mindfulness meditation in hand therapy is warranted due to patient interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark E Hardison
- Occupational Therapy Graduate Program, 12289University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Jennifer Unger
- Preventive Medicine at the University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Shawn C Roll
- Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, 5116University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
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Dorais S, Gutierrez D. The Effectiveness of a Centering Meditation Intervention on College Stress and Mindfulness: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Front Psychol 2021; 12:720824. [PMID: 34744885 PMCID: PMC8567013 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.720824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Mental health concerns are climbing steadily on college campuses, and universities do not have the staffing and financial resources to address the overwhelming needs of students seeking counseling services. College counselors generally must place students on waitlists or refer them to external resources. Further, during the COVID-19 pandemic, university counselors have been working tirelessly to treat students through online formats. Alternative, online, evidence-based interventions offer college counselors a significant advantage in effectively treating their students. We seek to expand the empirical evidence for mindfulness interventions through online formats for the college population. We registered the study (ISRCTN13587045) at www.isrctn.com. Objective: We examined the effectiveness of a unique online centering meditation and its impact on stress and trait mindfulness in the college population. Methods: Through a randomized controlled trial, the treatment group participated in a 4-week intervention of centering for 10 min each morning and night. We measured stress and mindfulness in both groups through the Perceived Stress Scale and Cognitive and Affective Mindfulness Scale-Revised at baseline, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks. Results: The centering meditation treatment had a statistically significant positive impact on stress and mindfulness compared to a waitlist control group. The meditation group had an average of 64% adherence rate. Conclusion: The study findings indicate that individuals who participate in a 4-week online centering intervention showed improved levels of stress and trait mindfulness over time. Clinical Trial Registration: WHO International Clinical Registry Platform, identifier: ISRCTN13587045.
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Calcagni CC, Salanova M, Llorens S, Bellosta-Batalla M, Martínez-Rubio D, Martínez Borrás R. Differential Effects of Mindfulness-Based Intervention Programs at Work on Psychological Wellbeing and Work Engagement. Front Psychol 2021; 12:715146. [PMID: 34646205 PMCID: PMC8502863 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.715146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Two different mindfulness-based interventions were deployed in a sample of white-collar workers to explore the differential effects on different facets of mindfulness, dimensions of psychological wellbeing, work engagement, performance, and stress of a participant. A total of 28 participants completed one of the different programs, and their results were compared between groups and against 27 participants randomly allocated to a waiting list control group. Results suggest both mindfulness intervention programs were successful at increasing the levels of psychological wellbeing, work engagement, and performance of the participants, as well as decreasing their levels of stress. Significant differences were found between the two programs in all outcome variables. Results suggest that brief and customized mindfulness interventions at work are as successful as lengthier programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristián Coo Calcagni
- Department of Developmental, Educational & Social Psychology and Methodology, Jaume I University, Castellón de La Plana, Spain
| | - Marisa Salanova
- Department of Developmental, Educational & Social Psychology and Methodology, Jaume I University, Castellón de La Plana, Spain
| | - Susana Llorens
- Department of Developmental, Educational & Social Psychology and Methodology, Jaume I University, Castellón de La Plana, Spain
| | - Miguel Bellosta-Batalla
- Department of Personality, Evaluation and Psychological Treatment, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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Aguilar-Raab C, Stoffel M, Hernández C, Rahn S, Moessner M, Steinhilber B, Ditzen B. Effects of a mindfulness-based intervention on mindfulness, stress, salivary alpha-amylase and cortisol in everyday life. Psychophysiology 2021; 58:e13937. [PMID: 34525214 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.13937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
A large body of literature has shown the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions (MBI) on stress-reduction. However, little is known about their effects on psychobiological stress-markers in daily life through an ecological momentary assessment approach. Our study examines the effects of MBI on state mindfulness, perceived stress, and indicators of sympathetic-nervous-system (saliva alpha-amylase, sAA) and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal-axis (saliva cortisol, sCort) activation in daily life. Twenty-eight individuals participated in a three-month MBI (IG) and were compared to 46 controls (CG). An ecological momentary assessment (EMA) was used to assess mindfulness, stress, sAA and sCort at six measurements per day on two days each before and after the MBI. Multilevel-modeling was used to analyze the data on a moment-to-moment and averaged day-level. The IG showed decreased sAA levels (AUCg) from pre to post, while the CG showed increases. Furthermore, diurnal decreases in sCort (AUCi) were pronounced in the IG compared to the CG. On a momentary basis, mindfulness was associated with lower stress and sAA levels, but not sCort. As such, we show that MBI can reduce sympathetic and to a lesser extent hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal activation in daily life. Increased mindfulness can momentarily decrease stress and stress-related autonomic activation with implications for health. Our results emphasize the importance of brief interventions that can be easily integrated into everyday life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corina Aguilar-Raab
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martin Stoffel
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Cristóbal Hernández
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Escuela de Psicología, Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, Santiago, Chile
| | - Stefanie Rahn
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Markus Moessner
- Institute of Psychosocial Prevention, Center for Psychotherapy Research, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Barbara Steinhilber
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Beate Ditzen
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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Chen P, Sattari N, Whitehurst LN, Mednick SC. Age-related losses in cardiac autonomic activity during a daytime nap. Psychophysiology 2021; 58:e13701. [PMID: 33048396 PMCID: PMC8041919 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.13701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In healthy, young individuals, a reduction in cardiovascular output and a shift from sympathetic to parasympathetic (vagal) dominance is observed from wake into stages of nocturnal and daytime sleep. This cardiac autonomic profile, measured by heart rate variability (HRV), has been associated with significant benefits for cardiovascular health. Aging is associated with decreased nighttime sleep quality and lower parasympathetic activity during both sleep and resting. However, it is not known whether age-related dampening of HRV extends to daytime sleep, diminishing the cardiovascular benefits of naps in the elderly. Here, we investigated this question by comparing the autonomic activity profile between young and older healthy adults during a daytime nap and a similar period of wakefulness (quiet wake; QW). For each condition, from the electrocardiogram (ECG), we obtained beat-to-beat HRV intervals (RR), root mean square of successive differences between adjacent heart-beat-intervals (RMSSD), high-frequency (HF), low-frequency (LF) power, and total power (TP), HF normalized units (HFnu ), and the LF/HF ratio. As previously reported, young subjects showed a parasympathetic dominance during NREM, compared with REM, prenap rest, and WASO. Moreover, older, compared to younger, adults showed significantly lower vagally mediated HRV (measured by RMSSD, HF, HFnu ) during NREM. Interestingly, however, no age-related differences were detected during prenap rest or QW. Altogether, our findings suggest a sleep-specific reduction in parasympathetic modulation that is unique to NREM sleep in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pin‐Chun Chen
- Department of Cognitive ScienceUniversity of CaliforniaIrvineCAUSA
- Department of StatisticsUniversity of CaliforniaIrvineCAUSA
| | - Negin Sattari
- Department of Cognitive ScienceUniversity of CaliforniaIrvineCAUSA
| | | | - Sara C. Mednick
- Department of Cognitive ScienceUniversity of CaliforniaIrvineCAUSA
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Jørgensen MA, Pallesen KJ, Fjorback LO, Juul L. Effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate in adults with self-reported stress. A randomized trial. Clin Transl Sci 2021; 14:2360-2369. [PMID: 34121351 PMCID: PMC8604255 DOI: 10.1111/cts.13100] [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: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Long‐term stress can lead to long‐term increased cortisol plasma levels, which increases the risk of numerous diseases. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfated form dehydroepiandrosterone‐sulfate (DHEAS), together DHEA(S), have shown to counteract some of the effects of cortisol and may be protective during stress. The program “Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction” (MBSR) has shown to have positive effects on stress. The present study examined a possible effect of MBSR on DHEAS in plasma compared to a waiting list and a locally developed stress reduction program (LSR) in people with self‐reported stress. The study was a three‐armed randomized controlled trial conducted in a municipal health care center in Denmark. It included 71 participants with self‐reported stress randomized to either MBSR (n = 24) or LSR (n = 23), or a waiting list (n = 24). Blood samples were collected at baseline and at 12 weeks follow‐up to estimate effects of MBSR on DHEAS. The effect of MBSR on DHEAS was statistically significant compared to both the waiting list and LSR. We found a mean effect of 0.70 µmol/L (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.18–1.22) higher DHEAS in the MBSR group compared with the waiting list group and a mean effect of 0.54 µmol/L (95% CI = 0.04–1.05) higher DHEAS in the MBSR group compared with the LSR group. Findings indicate an effect on DHEAS of the MBSR program compared to a waiting list and LSR program in people with self‐reported stress. However, we consider our findings hypothesis‐generating and validation by future studies is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karen Johanne Pallesen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Danish Center for Mindfulness, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lone Overby Fjorback
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Danish Center for Mindfulness, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lise Juul
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Danish Center for Mindfulness, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Zhang D, Lee EKP, Mak ECW, Ho CY, Wong SYS. Mindfulness-based interventions: an overall review. Br Med Bull 2021; 138:41-57. [PMID: 33884400 PMCID: PMC8083197 DOI: 10.1093/bmb/ldab005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Revised: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This is an overall review on mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs). SOURCES OF DATA We identified studies in PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, AMED, Web of Science and Google Scholar using keywords including 'mindfulness', 'meditation', and 'review', 'meta-analysis' or their variations. AREAS OF AGREEMENT MBIs are effective for improving many biopsychosocial conditions, including depression, anxiety, stress, insomnia, addiction, psychosis, pain, hypertension, weight control, cancer-related symptoms and prosocial behaviours. It is found to be beneficial in the healthcare settings, in schools and workplace but further research is warranted to look into its efficacy on different problems. MBIs are relatively safe, but ethical aspects should be considered. Mechanisms are suggested in both empirical and neurophysiological findings. Cost-effectiveness is found in treating some health conditions. AREAS OF CONTROVERSY Inconclusive or only preliminary evidence on the effects of MBIs on PTSD, ADHD, ASD, eating disorders, loneliness and physical symptoms of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and respiratory conditions. Furthermore, some beneficial effects are not confirmed in subgroup populations. Cost-effectiveness is yet to confirm for many health conditions and populations. GROWING POINTS Many mindfulness systematic reviews and meta-analyses indicate low quality of included studies, hence high-quality studies with adequate sample size and longer follow-up period are needed. AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH More research is needed on online mindfulness trainings and interventions to improve biopsychosocial health during the COVID-19 pandemic; Deeper understanding of the mechanisms of MBIs integrating both empirical and neurophysiological findings; Long-term compliance and effects of MBIs; and development of mindfulness plus (mindfulness+) or personalized mindfulness programs to elevate the effectiveness for different purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dexing Zhang
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Thomas Jing Mindfulness Centre for Research and Training, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Eric K P Lee
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Thomas Jing Mindfulness Centre for Research and Training, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Eva C W Mak
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Thomas Jing Mindfulness Centre for Research and Training, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - C Y Ho
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Thomas Jing Mindfulness Centre for Research and Training, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Samuel Y S Wong
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Thomas Jing Mindfulness Centre for Research and Training, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Abstract
Patients suffering from fibromyalgia have many vexing symptoms; in contrast, physicians do not have a logical physiopathological framework to explain the multiple complaints. The objective of this writing is to discuss a patient-centered holistic fibromyalgia therapy based on a coherent physiopathological model.The rationale proposing fibromyalgia as stress-related sympathetically maintained neuropathic pain syndrome has solid research foundations. Autoimmunity is evident in a subset of fibromyalgia cases. Dorsal root ganglia are likely the crucial sympathetic-nociceptive short circuit sites. Skin biopsy and corneal confocal microscopy have demonstrated small nerve fiber pathology in fibromyalgia cases.Patient empowerment through information and symptom validation is the first step for a successful fibromyalgia therapy. POINTS TO HIGHLIGHT Fibromyalgia is a genuine painful neuropathic pain syndrome. In fibromyalgia stress becomes pain. Autonomic (sympathetic) dysfunction explains the multiplicity of fibromyalgia symptoms.The well-informed patient (and her/his family) must take on the leading role in her/his own rehabilitation. Fibromyalgia treatment often requires important lifestyle changes. Physicians and allied health care personnel facilitate this adjustment. Specific fibromyalgia drivers are discussed. Common modern bad habits alter autonomic nervous system balance and worsen fibromyalgia symptoms. Currently used drugs for fibromyalgia are rudimentary and with low retention rates. Autoimmune fibromyalgia requires focused therapeutic approach. CONCLUSION A patient-centered holistic therapy aimed to regain autonomic nervous system resilience remains the most effective fibromyalgia therapy. FUTURE DIRECTIONS Corneal confocal microscopy will likely become an objective fibromyalgia diagnostic and follow-up procedure. More specific analgesic antineuropathic medications for fibromyalgia are on the horizon.
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Susceptibility of Women to Cardiovascular Disease and the Prevention Potential of Mind-Body Intervention by Changes in Neural Circuits and Cardiovascular Physiology. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11050708. [PMID: 34068722 PMCID: PMC8151888 DOI: 10.3390/biom11050708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Women have been reported to be more vulnerable to the development, prognosis and mortality of cardiovascular diseases, yet the understanding of the underlying mechanisms and strategies to overcome them are still relatively undeveloped. Studies show that women's brains are more sensitive to factors affecting mental health such as depression and stress than men's brains. In women, poor mental health increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, and conversely, cardiovascular disease increases the incidence of mental illness such as depression. In connection with mental health and cardiovascular health, the presence of gender differences in brain activation, cortisol secretion, autonomic nervous system, vascular health and inflammatory response has been observed. This connection suggests that strategies to manage women's mental health can contribute to preventing cardiovascular disease. Mind-body interventions, such as meditation, yoga and qigong are forms of exercise that strive to actively manage both mind and body. They can provide beneficial effects on stress reduction and mental health. They are also seen as structurally and functionally changing the brain, as well as affecting cortisol secretion, blood pressure, heart rate variability, immune reactions and reducing menopausal symptoms, thus positively affecting women's cardiovascular health. In this review, we investigate the link between mental health, brain activation, HPA axis, autonomic nervous system, blood pressure and immune system associated with cardiovascular health in women and discuss the effects of mind-body intervention in modulating these factors.
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Klockner K, Crawford C, Craigie M, Tsai L, Hegney D. A qualitative exploration of a mindful resiliency program for community healthcare providers. Nurs Health Sci 2021; 23:620-627. [PMID: 33793059 DOI: 10.1111/nhs.12838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Revised: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Despite the important contribution of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to the community healthcare sector, the building and maintenance of occupational resilience in community health workers has received little attention. However, it is recognized that employees in this sector are exposed to significant stressors from the high demand work environment which negatively impacts on their well-being. Therefore, this research examined the acceptability, feasibility, and sustainability of a mindful resiliency program by employing a qualitative analysis of participant subjective experience of the program in this cohort. This was the first study to be conducted with senior managers and frontline healthcare providers in the nongovernmental organizations community sector. A 1-month post-delivery qualitative review of the program identified four major themes: applicability, changes to participant's skills, social support, and coping with COVID-19. A major finding was the ability of the participants to immediately recognize their stress levels and then manage them. Additionally, lessons from the program were shown to be usefully applied with colleagues and clients within the work environment, and with family members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Klockner
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Christopher Crawford
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mark Craigie
- Private Consultant, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Lily Tsai
- Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Desley Hegney
- School of Nursing, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Wheatley KA. Exploring the relationship between mindfulness and rock-climbing: a controlled study. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-01593-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AbstractMindfulness is a meditative practice that has received increasing attention within positive psychology as an effective tool to increase wellbeing and decrease anxiety. Previous research has demonstrated that rock-climbers have a higher endorsement of mindfulness and life satisfaction than the general population; yet to date, no research has empirically explored the relationship between mindfulness and rock-climbing. In the current study fifty-nine participants ($$ \overline{\mathrm{x}} $$
x
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= 20.63, SD = 1.60) were asked to complete measures of mindfulness, wellbeing and anxiety before and after participating in an ‘intervention’. The intervention consisted of a mindfulness activity followed by either indoor bouldering (a form of rock-climbing) versus a physical activity control. A mixed ANOVA revealed that participation in bouldering increased the measure of mindfulness significantly more than the control activity; however, no significant group differences were found for the measures of wellbeing and anxiety. A regression analysis then revealed that group condition accounted for 33% of the variance in post-intervention mindfulness levels when controlling for baseline levels of mindfulness. This is the first study to experimentally demonstrate that engagement with rock-climbing increases mindfulness in young adults. Theoretically, the results have implications for our understanding of “flow” and optimal human experience. Practically, the study highlights the potential to implement rock-climbing as a resilience-building activity and integrate the sport within therapeutic frameworks.
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Rajkumar RP. Harnessing the Neurobiology of Resilience to Protect the Mental Well-Being of Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Front Psychol 2021; 12:621853. [PMID: 33815205 PMCID: PMC8012770 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.621853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Healthcare workers are at a high risk of psychological morbidity in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there is significant variability in the impact of this crisis on individual healthcare workers, which can be best explained through an appreciation of the construct of resilience. Broadly speaking, resilience refers to the ability to successfully adapt to stressful or traumatic events, and thus plays a key role in determining mental health outcomes following exposure to such events. A proper understanding of resilience is vital in enabling a shift from a reactive to a proactive approach for protecting and promoting the mental well-being of healthcare workers. Research in the past decade has identified six areas that provide promising leads in understanding the biological basis of individual variations in resilience. These are: (1) the key role played by the monoamines noradrenaline and serotonin, (2) the centrality of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in influencing stress vulnerability and resilience, (3) the intimate links between the immune system and stress sensitivity, (4) the role of epigenetic modulation of gene expression in influencing the stress response, (5) the role played by certain neuropeptides as a natural “brake” mechanism in the face of stress, and (6) the neurobiological mechanisms by which environmental factors, such as exercise, diet, and social support, influence resilience to subsequent life events. Though much of this research is still in its early stages, it has already provided valuable information on which strategies – including dietary changes, lifestyle modification, environmental modification, psychosocial interventions, and even pharmacological treatments – may prove to be useful in fostering resilience in individuals and groups. This paper examines the above evidence more closely, with a specific focus on the challenges faced by healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, and provides suggestions regarding how it may be translated into real-world interventions, as well as how the more tentative hypotheses advanced in this field may be tested during this critical period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi Philip Rajkumar
- Department of Psychiatry, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Pondicherry, India
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A randomized controlled trial of an app-delivered mindfulness program among university employees: effects on stress and work-related outcomes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF WORKPLACE HEALTH MANAGEMENT 2021. [DOI: 10.1108/ijwhm-04-2020-0046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impact on stress and work-related outcomes of an app-delivered mindfulness-based program (MBP; Headspace®) offered to employees in a UK higher education (HE) institution.Design/methodology/approachUsing a randomized waitlist control trial design, participants were randomly allocated to be offered a mindfulness-based program (MBP) immediately for 2 months or after a waiting list period of 2 months (WLC). Data were analyzed using Intention to Treat (ITT; MBP n = 62; WLC n = 63); with supplementary analysis restricting to those who completed all measures; (MBP n = 45; WLC n = 56) and then further restricting the MBP group to those who completed at least foundation level 1 of the app; (MBP n = 31; WLC n = 56).FindingsThe ITT analysis showed significant increases in several aspects of mindfulness and a significant reduction in perceived stress but no significant effects for work-related outcomes. Analysis restricted to MBP participants who completed the app foundation course showed a similar pattern but in addition showed significant increases in work-life balance and the emotional aspect of job engagement.Practical implicationsThe offer of the Headspace® app in the HE sector may result in reduced perceived stress. If improvements in work-related outcomes are also to be seen, then users need to be encouraged to complete a minimum level of practice.Originality/valueEffect size estimates for stress and work-related outcomes of an app-delivered MBP contribute to the evolving picture of MBPs in the workplace.
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Peters EMJ, Schedlowski M, Watzl C, Gimsa U. To stress or not to stress: Brain-behavior-immune interaction may weaken or promote the immune response to SARS-CoV-2. Neurobiol Stress 2021; 14:100296. [PMID: 33527083 PMCID: PMC7839386 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2021.100296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to strongly affect people with health disadvantages, creating a heavy burden on medical systems and societies worldwide. Research is growing rapidly and recently revealed that stress-related factors such as socio-economic status, may also play a pivotal role. However, stress research investigating the underlying psychoneuroimmune interactions is missing. Here we address the question whether stress-associated neuroendocrine-immune mechanisms can possibly contribute to an increase in SARS-CoV-2 infections and influence the course of COVID-19 disease. Additionally, we discuss that not all forms of stress (e.g. acute versus chronic) are detrimental and that some types of stress could attenuate infection-risk and -progression. The overall aim of this review is to motivate future research efforts to clarify whether psychosocial interventions have the potential to optimize neuroendocrine-immune responses against respiratory viral infections during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. The current state of research on different types of stress is summarized in a comprehensive narrative review to promote a psychoneuroimmune understanding of how stress and its mediators cortisol, (nor)adrenaline, neuropeptides and neurotrophins can shape the immune defense against viral diseases. Based on this understanding, we describe how people with high psychosocial stress can be identified, which behaviors and psychosocial interventions may contribute to optimal stress management, and how psychoneuroimmune knowledge can be used to improve adequate care for COVID-19 and other patients with viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva M J Peters
- Psychoneuroimmunology Laboratory, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen and Universitätsmedizin-Charité, Berlin, Germany
| | - Manfred Schedlowski
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Immunobiology, University Hospital Essen, Germany and Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carsten Watzl
- Department for Immunology, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo) at TU Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Ulrike Gimsa
- Psychophysiology Unit, Institute of Behavioural Physiology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Dummerstorf, Germany
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