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Abera M, Hanlon C, Daniel B, Tesfaye M, Workicho A, Girma T, Wibaek R, Andersen GS, Fewtrell M, Filteau S, Wells JCK. Effects of relaxation interventions during pregnancy on maternal mental health, and pregnancy and newborn outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0278432. [PMID: 38271440 PMCID: PMC10810490 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stress during pregnancy is detrimental to maternal health, pregnancy and birth outcomes and various preventive relaxation interventions have been developed. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate their effectiveness in terms of maternal mental health, pregnancy and birth outcomes. METHOD The protocol for this review is published on PROSPERO with registration number CRD42020187443. A systematic search of major databases was conducted. Primary outcomes were maternal mental health problems (stress, anxiety, depression), and pregnancy (gestational age, labour duration, delivery mode) and birth outcomes (birth weight, Apgar score, preterm birth). Randomized controlled trials or quasi-experimental studies were eligible. Meta-analyses using a random-effects model was conducted for outcomes with sufficient data. For other outcomes a narrative review was undertaken. RESULT We reviewed 32 studies comprising 3,979 pregnant women aged 18 to 40 years. Relaxation interventions included yoga, music, Benson relaxation, progressive muscle relaxation (PMR), deep breathing relaxation (BR), guided imagery, mindfulness and hypnosis. Intervention duration ranged from brief experiment (~10 minutes) to 6 months of daily relaxation. Meta-analyses showed relaxation therapy reduced maternal stress (-4.1 points; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): -7.4, -0.9; 9 trials; 1113 participants), anxiety (-5.04 points; 95% CI: -8.2, -1.9; 10 trials; 1965 participants) and depressive symptoms (-2.3 points; 95% CI: -3.4, -1.3; 7 trials; 733 participants). Relaxation has also increased offspring birth weight (80 g, 95% CI: 1, 157; 8 trials; 1239 participants), explained by PMR (165g, 95% CI: 100, 231; 4 trials; 587 participants) in sub-group analysis. In five trials evaluating maternal physiological responses, relaxation therapy optimized blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate. Four trials showed relaxation therapy reduced duration of labour. Apgar score only improved significantly in two of six trials. One of three trials showed a significant increase in birth length, and one of three trials showed a significant increase in gestational age. Two of six trials examining delivery mode showed significantly increased spontaneous vaginal delivery and decreased instrumental delivery or cesarean section following a relaxation intervention. DISCUSSION We found consistent evidence for beneficial effects of relaxation interventions in reducing maternal stress, improving mental health, and some evidence for improved maternal physiological outcomes. In addition, we found a positive effect of relaxation interventions on birth weight and inconsistent effects on other pregnancy or birth outcomes. High quality adequately powered trials are needed to examine impacts of relaxation interventions on newborns and offspring health outcomes. CONCLUSION In addition to benefits for mothers, relaxation interventions provided during pregnancy improved birth weight and hold some promise for improving newborn outcomes; therefore, this approach strongly merits further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mubarek Abera
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medical Science, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Charlotte Hanlon
- Centre for Global Mental Health, Health Service and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Beniam Daniel
- School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arbaminch University, Arbaminch, Ethiopia
| | - Markos Tesfaye
- NORMENT, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital & Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- NORMENT, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Abdulhalik Workicho
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Tsinuel Girma
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Rasmus Wibaek
- Clinical Epidemiology Research, Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Gregers S. Andersen
- Clinical Epidemiology Research, Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Mary Fewtrell
- Population, Policy and Practice Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Suzanne Filteau
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan C. K. Wells
- Population, Policy and Practice Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
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Rogalski D, Barnett N, Bueno de Mesquita A, Jubraj B. The Pharmacist Prescriber: A Psychological Perspective on Complex Conversations about Medicines: Introducing Relational Prescribing and Open Dialogue in Physical Health. PHARMACY 2023; 11:pharmacy11020062. [PMID: 36961040 PMCID: PMC10037595 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy11020062] [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: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Pharmacists have traditionally supported the prescribing process, arguably in reactive or corrective roles. The advent of pharmacist prescribing in 2004 represented a major shift in practice, leading to greater responsibility for making clinical decisions with and for patients. Prescribing rights require pharmacists to take a more prescriptive role that will allow them to contribute to long-standing prescribing challenges such as poor medication adherence, overprescribing, and the need for shared decision-making and person-centered care. Central to these endeavors are the development and possession of effective consultation skills. University schools of pharmacists in the UK now routinely include consultation skills training, which is also provided by national education bodies. These challenges remain difficult to overcome, even though it is understood, for example, that increasing the effectiveness of adherence interventions may have a far greater impact on the health of the population than any improvement in specific medical treatments. More recently, a concerted effort has been made to tackle overprescribing and the harm that may occur through the inappropriate use of medication. In routine pharmacy work, these priorities may linger at the bottom of the list due to the busy and complex nature of the work. Solutions to these problems of adherence, optimizing benefits of medication, and overprescribing have typically been pragmatic and structured. However, an arguably reductionist approach to implementation fails to address the complex patient interactions around prescribing and taking medication, and the heterogeneity of the patient's experience, leaving the answers elusive. We suggest that it is essential to explore how person-centered care is perceived and to emphasize the relational aspects of clinical consultations. The development of routine pharmacist prescribing demands building on the core values of person-centered care and shared decision making by introducing the concepts of "relational prescribing" and "open dialogue" to cultivate an essential pharmacotherapeutic alliance to deliver concrete positive patient outcomes. We provide a vignette of how a clinical case can be approached using principles of relational prescribing and open dialogue. We believe these are solutions that are not additional tasks but must be embedded into pharmacy practice. This will improve professional satisfaction and resilience, and encourage curiosity and creativity, particularly with the advent of all pharmacists in Great Britain becoming prescribers at graduation from 2026.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Rogalski
- Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, London RG24 9NA, UK
| | - Nina Barnett
- London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, London HA1 3UJ, UK
- Medicines Use and Safety Division, NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service, London HA1 3UJ, UK
| | | | - Barry Jubraj
- Medicines Use and Safety Division, NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service, London HA1 3UJ, UK
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
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Jung SE, Ha DJ, Park JH, Lee B, Kim MS, Sim KL, Choi YH, Kwon CY. The Effectiveness and Safety of Mind-Body Modalities for Mental Health of Nurses in Hospital Setting: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:8855. [PMID: 34444604 PMCID: PMC8393251 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The mental health of nurses including burnout is an important issue. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate whether mind-body modalities improve burnout and other mental health aspects of nurses. A comprehensive search was conducted using six electronic databases. Randomized controlled trials using mind-body modalities on the mental health of nurses, up to January 2021, were included. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Seventeen studies were included in the review. Data on mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) and yoga were available for burnout, and there was no evidence that multimodal resilience programs including MBIs statistically significantly improved burnout levels compared to no intervention or active control groups. However, one study reported that yoga could significantly improve emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, which are subscales of burnout, compared to usual care. In addition, the effects of MBIs, relaxation, yoga, and music on various mental health outcomes and stress-related symptoms have been reported. In conclusion, there was some evidence that yoga was helpful for improvement in burnout of nurses. However, due to the heterogeneity of interventions and outcomes of the studies included, further high-quality clinical trials are needed on this topic in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-Eun Jung
- Department of Clinical Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Dong-eui University, Busan 47227, Korea; (S.-E.J.); (D.-J.H.); (J.-H.P.)
| | - Da-Jung Ha
- Department of Clinical Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Dong-eui University, Busan 47227, Korea; (S.-E.J.); (D.-J.H.); (J.-H.P.)
| | - Jung-Hyun Park
- Department of Clinical Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Dong-eui University, Busan 47227, Korea; (S.-E.J.); (D.-J.H.); (J.-H.P.)
| | - Boram Lee
- Clinical Research Coordinating Team, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon 34054, Korea;
| | - Myo-Sung Kim
- Department of Nursing, College of Nursing, Healthcare Sciences & Human Ecology, Dong-eui University, Busan 47340, Korea;
| | - Kyo-Lin Sim
- Department of Music, Graduate School, Pyeongtaek University, Pyeongtaeksi 17869, Gyeonggi-do, Korea;
| | - Yung-Hyun Choi
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Korean Medicine, Dong-eui University, Busan 47227, Korea;
| | - Chan-Young Kwon
- Department of Oriental Neuropsychiatry, College of Korean Medicine, Dong-eui University, Busan 47227, Korea
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Muresanu C, Somasundaram SG, Neganova ME, Bovina EV, Vissarionov SV, Ofodile ON, Fisenko VP, Bragin V, Minyaeva NN, Chubarev VN, Klochkov SG, Tarasov VV, Mikhaleva LM, Kirkland CE, Aliev G. Updated Understanding of the Degenerative Disc Diseases - Causes Versus Effects - Treatments, Studies and Hypothesis. Curr Genomics 2020; 21:464-477. [PMID: 33093808 PMCID: PMC7536794 DOI: 10.2174/1389202921999200407082315] [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: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In this review we survey medical treatments and research strategies, and we discuss why they have failed to cure degenerative disc diseases or even slow down the degenerative process. OBJECTIVE We seek to stimulate discussion with respect to changing the medical paradigm associated with treatments and research applied to degenerative disc diseases. METHOD PROPOSAL We summarize a Biological Transformation therapy for curing chronic inflammations and degenerative disc diseases, as was previously described in the book Biological Transformations controlled by the Mind Volume 1. PRELIMINARY STUDIES A single-patient case study is presented that documents complete recovery from an advanced lumbar bilateral discopathy and long-term hypertrophic chronic rhinitis by application of the method proposed. CONCLUSION Biological transformations controlled by the mind can be applied by men and women in order to improve their quality of life and cure degenerative disc diseases and chronic inflammations illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Gjumrakch Aliev
- Address correspondence to this author at the GALLY International Research Institute, 7733 Louis Pasteur Drive, #330, San Antonio, TX, 78229 USA; Tel: +440-263-7461; E-mails: and
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Marchiondo LA, Fisher GG, Cortina LM, Matthews RA. Disrespect at Work, Distress at Home: A Longitudinal Investigation of Incivility Spillover and Crossover Among Older Workers. WORK, AGING AND RETIREMENT 2020; 6:153-164. [PMID: 32685181 PMCID: PMC7348587 DOI: 10.1093/workar/waaa007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of workplace mistreatment toward older adults is well-documented, yet its effects are understudied. We applied the strength and vulnerability integration model (SAVI) to hypothesize that, despite its low intensity, workplace incivility has numerous deleterious outcomes for older employees over time. Specifically, we investigated whether and how incivility relates to well-being outside of work, among both targeted employees and their partners. We drew on affective events theory to examine how incivility "spills over" to older targets' personal lives. We also tested whether incivility is potent enough to "crossover" to the well-being of older targets' partners at home. Based on longitudinal data from a national study of older workers (N = 598; 299 couples), results demonstrate that workplace incivility related to decrements in targets' affective well-being, which in turn, was associated with life dissatisfaction, interference with work, and lower overall health. Workplace incivility also predicted declines in partner well-being, although these crossover effects varied by gender: Men's postincivility affective well-being predicted their female partners' life satisfaction but not vice versa. However, women's uncivil experiences directly related to the affective well-being of their male partners. These results suggest that for both older workers and their partners, the harms of incivility eventually extend beyond the organizations where they originate.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gwenith G Fisher
- Department of Psychology, Colorado State University
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health
- Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan
| | - Lilia M Cortina
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan
- Department of Women’s Studies, University of Michigan
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Global mapping of interventions to improve quality of life using mind-body therapies during 1990–2018. Complement Ther Med 2020; 49:102350. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
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Screaming Body and Silent Healthcare Providers: A Case Study with a Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivor. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15010094. [PMID: 29316709 PMCID: PMC5800193 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15010094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Revised: 12/30/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Stressful early life experiences cause immune dysregulation across the lifespan. Despite the fact that studies have identified childhood sexual abuse (CSA) survivors as a particularly vulnerable group, only a few attempts have been made to study their lived-experience of the physical health consequences of CSA. The aim of this study was to explore a female CSA survivor’s lived-experience of the physical health consequences of CSA and how she experienced the reactions of healthcare providers. Seven interviews were conducted with this 40-year-old woman, Anne, using a phenomenological research approach. Anne was still a young child (two to three years old) when her father started to rape her. Since her childhood, she has experienced complex and widespread physical health consequences such as repeated vaginal and abdominal infections, widespread and chronic pain, sleeping problems, digestive problems, chronic back problems, fibromyalgia, musculoskeletal problems, repeated urinary tract infections, cervical dysplasia, inflammation of the Fallopian tubes, menorrhagia, endometrial hyperplasia, chlamydia, ovarian cysts, ectopic pregnancies, uterus problems, severe adhesions, and ovarian cancer. Anne disclosed her CSA experience to several healthcare providers but they were silent and failed to provide trauma-informed care. Anne’s situation, albeit unique, might reflect similar problems in other female CSA survivors.
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Davies C, Redmond C, Toole SO, Coughlan B. Has bioscience reconciled mind and body? J Clin Nurs 2015; 25:2713-22. [PMID: 26373677 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.12979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The aim of this discursive paper is to explore the question 'has biological science reconciled mind and body?'. BACKGROUND This paper has been inspired by the recognition that bioscience has a historical reputation for privileging the body over the mind. The disregard for the mind (emotions and behaviour) cast bioscience within a 'mind-body problem' paradigm. It has also led to inherent limitations in its capacity to contribute to understanding the complex nature of health. DESIGN This is a discursive paper. METHODS Literature from the history and sociology of science and psychoneuroimmunology (1975-2015) inform the arguments in this paper. The historical and sociological literature provides the basis for a socio-cultural debate on mind-body considerations in science since the 1970s. The psychoneuroimmunology literature draws on mind-body bioscientific theory as a way to demonstrate how science is reconciling mind and body and advancing its understanding of the interconnections between emotions, behaviour and health. RESULTS Using sociological and biological evidence, this paper demonstrates how bioscience is embracing and advancing its understanding of mind-body interconnectedness. It does this by demonstrating the emotional and behavioural alterations that are caused by two common phenomena; prolonged, chronic peripheral inflammation and prolonged psychological stress. The evidence and arguments provided has global currency that advances understanding of the inter-relationship between emotions, behaviour and health. CONCLUSIONS This paper shows how bioscience has reconciled mind and body. In doing so, it has advanced an understanding of science's contribution to the inter-relationship between emotions, behaviour and health. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE The biological evidence supporting mind-body science has relevance to clinical practice for nurses and other healthcare professions. This paper discusses how this evidence can inform and enhance clinical practice directly and through research, education and policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmel Davies
- School of Nursing, Midwifery & Health Systems, University College Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Catherine Redmond
- School of Nursing, Midwifery & Health Systems, University College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sinead O Toole
- School of Nursing, Midwifery & Health Systems, University College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Barbara Coughlan
- School of Nursing, Midwifery & Health Systems, University College Dublin, Ireland
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Sigurdardottir S, Halldorsdottir S, Bender SS, Agnarsdottir G. Personal resurrection: female childhood sexual abuse survivors’ experience of theWellness-Program. Scand J Caring Sci 2015; 30:175-86. [DOI: 10.1111/scs.12238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2014] [Accepted: 03/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sigridur Halldorsdottir
- Faculty of Graduate Studies; School of Health Sciences; University of Akureyri; Akureyri Iceland
| | - Soley S. Bender
- Research and Development regarding Sexual and Reproductive Health; School of Health Sciences; University Hospital; University of Iceland; Reykjavik Iceland
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Jafri MS. Mechanisms of Myofascial Pain. INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARLY RESEARCH NOTICES 2014; 2014:523924. [PMID: 25574501 PMCID: PMC4285362 DOI: 10.1155/2014/523924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2014] [Revised: 06/08/2014] [Accepted: 06/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Myofascial pain syndrome is an important health problem. It affects a majority of the general population, impairs mobility, causes pain, and reduces the overall sense of well-being. Underlying this syndrome is the existence of painful taut bands of muscle that contain discrete, hypersensitive foci called myofascial trigger points. In spite of the significant impact on public health, a clear mechanistic understanding of the disorder does not exist. This is likely due to the complex nature of the disorder which involves the integration of cellular signaling, excitation-contraction coupling, neuromuscular inputs, local circulation, and energy metabolism. The difficulties are further exacerbated by the lack of an animal model for myofascial pain to test mechanistic hypothesis. In this review, current theories for myofascial pain are presented and their relative strengths and weaknesses are discussed. Based on new findings linking mechanoactivation of reactive oxygen species signaling to destabilized calcium signaling, we put forth a novel mechanistic hypothesis for the initiation and maintenance of myofascial trigger points. It is hoped that this lays a new foundation for understanding myofascial pain syndrome and how current therapies work, and gives key insights that will lead to the improvement of therapies for its treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Saleet Jafri
- Krasnow Institute for Advanced Study, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, MNS 2A1, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
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Picard M, Juster RP, Sabiston CM. Is the whole greater than the sum of the parts? Self-rated health and transdisciplinarity. Health (London) 2013. [DOI: 10.4236/health.2013.512a004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Sigurdardottir S, Halldorsdottir S. Repressed and silent suffering: consequences of childhood sexual abuse for women’s health and well-being. Scand J Caring Sci 2012; 27:422-32. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-6712.2012.01049.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Picard M. Pathways to aging: the mitochondrion at the intersection of biological and psychosocial sciences. J Aging Res 2011; 2011:814096. [PMID: 21961065 PMCID: PMC3180824 DOI: 10.4061/2011/814096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2011] [Revised: 05/11/2011] [Accepted: 07/11/2011] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Compelling evidence suggests that both biological and psychosocial factors impact the process of aging. However, our understanding of the dynamic interplay among biological and psychosocial factors across the life course is still fragmentary. For example, it needs to be established how the interaction of individual factors (e.g., genetic and epigenetic endowment and personality), behavioral factors (e.g., physical activity, diet, and stress management), and psychosocial experiences (e.g., social support, well-being, socioeconomic status, and marriage) in perinatal, childhood, and adulthood influence health across the aging continuum. This paper aims to outline potential intersection points serving as an interface between biological and psychosocial factors, with an emphasis on the mitochondrion. Mitochondria are cellular organelles which play a critical role in cellular senescence. Both chronic exposure to psychosocial stress and genetic-based mitochondrial dysfunction have strikingly similar biological consequences; both predispose individuals to adverse age-related health disorders and early mortality. Exploring the interactive nature of the factors resulting in pathways to normal healthy aging, as well as those leading to morbidity and early mortality, will continue to enhance our ability to translate research into effective practices that can be implemented throughout the life course to optimise the aging process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Picard
- Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, McGill University, 475 Pine Avenue, Montreal, QC, Canada H2W 1S4
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Picard M, Sabiston CM, McNamara JK. The Need for a Transdisciplinary, Global Health Framework. J Altern Complement Med 2011; 17:179-84. [DOI: 10.1089/acm.2010.0149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Picard
- Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Montreal Institute of Classical Homeopathy, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Catherine M. Sabiston
- Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Woods-Giscombé CL, Black AR. Mind-Body Interventions to Reduce Risk for Health Disparities Related to Stress and Strength Among African American Women: The Potential of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Loving-Kindness, and the NTU Therapeutic Framework. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 15:115-131. [PMID: 21479157 DOI: 10.1177/1533210110386776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In the current article, the authors examine the potential role of mind-body interventions for preventing or reducing health disparities in a specific group-African American women. The authors first discuss how health disparities affect this group, including empirical evidence regarding the influence of biopsychosocial processes (e.g., psychological stress and social context) on disparate health outcomes. They also detail how African American women's unique stress experiences as a result of distinct sociohistorical and cultural experiences related to race and gender potentially widen exposure to stressors and influence stress responses and coping behaviors. Using two independent, but related, frameworks (Superwoman Schema [SWS] and the Strong Black Woman Script [SBW-S]), they discuss how, for African American women, stress is affected by "strength" (vis-à-vis resilience, fortitude, and self-sufficiency) and the emergent health-compromising behaviors related to strength (e.g., emotional suppression, extraordinary caregiving, and self-care postponement). The authors then describe the potential utility of three mind-body interventions-mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), loving-kindness meditation (LKM), and NTU psychotherapy-for specifically targeting the stress-, strength-, and contextually related factors that are thought to influence disparate outcomes for African American women. Self-awareness, self-care, inter- and intrapersonal restorative healing and a redefinition of inner strength may manifest through developing a mindfulness practice to decrease stress-related responses; using LKM to cultivate compassion and forgiveness for self and others; and the balance of independence and interdependence as a grounding NTU principle for redefining strength. The authors conclude with a discussion of potential benefits for integrating key aspects of the interventions with recommendations for future research.
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Stephen JE, Rahn M, Verhoef M, Leis A. What is the state of the evidence on the mind–cancer survival question, and where do we go from here? A point of view. Support Care Cancer 2007; 15:923-30. [PMID: 17593403 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-007-0281-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2007] [Accepted: 06/07/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
GOALS OF WORK There is long history of anecdote and surmise linking psychosocial factors to cancer incidence and survival. However, over the past three decades, an increasing number of rigorous studies have investigated the possibility of a mind-cancer survival connection. The objective of this paper is (1) to review the past 30 years of psycho-oncology research on the mind-cancer survival question, (2) to review the methodological debate and interpretations of the research findings, and (3) to consider future research directions. MAIN RESULTS Over the past three decades, a small number of studies have been published. Some observational and quasi-experimental studies suggest the possibility that coping and psychological factors may influence disease outcomes, but clinical trials suggest that psychosocial interventions do not prolong survival. Methodological comment and interpretation about the significance of these trials vary. Some researchers view the mind-cancer survival question as resolved and negative, whereas others identify conceptual and methodological challenges and view the possible impact of psychosocial factors on survival as simply unproven. We take the position that the question is unanswered. CONCLUSION Recommended future research directions include: (1) more trials based on testable theories, targeted interventions, and greater specificity in the measurement model and (2) new research questions and more rigorous observational, prospective, and longitudinal studies, case studies, mixed methods, and innovative design approaches being developed by complementary and alternative medicine researchers. Further research is warranted on the mind-cancer survival question.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne E Stephen
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada.
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