Mindfulness in Therapy: A Critical Analysis

Factors influencing the effects of the mindfulness-based interventions of patients with substance abuse: A qualitative systematic review and meta-synthesis

Objective

This article aims to provide the experiences of mindfulness treatments from the perspectives of patients with a history of substance abuse.

Data source

Peer-reviewed articles on 5 databases, namely, PubMed, PsychINFO, Medline, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library, between the year of 2000 and 2023.

Study Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

Studies were included if they were published in the English language and reported on qualitative studies that directly engaged patients with experiences of substance abuse and mindfulness treatments.

Data extraction

After our initial search, 5355 studies were reviewed by title and abstract, consequently, 10 studies were included.

Data synthesis

Meta-ethnography were used in this study. Data were obtained from the quotations from participants and text under the heading "results" or "findings" from the included 10 studies.

Results

Effective mindfulness-based interventions (MBI) influence recovery from substance abuse. Four themes were identified as factors influencing the MBI treatment effect. They were (1) engaging in mindfulness: entry and retention, (2) perceived benefits of MBIs, (3) implementation of treatment group and (4) maintenance of treatment effect.

Conclusion

This article examines the scientific literature to date and presents the evidence on the factors that influentially impact the effect of MBIs in patients with substance abuse. The findings of this study should be helpful in guiding clinical practice, policy, and future research focused on the treatment effect of MBIs for person with substance use.

Barriers and facilitators to engaging individuals and families with autism spectrum disorder in mindfulness and acceptance-based therapies: a meta-synthesis

PURPOSE

Third-wave psychological therapies can benefit individuals and families living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). To date, little is known about individuals' perceptions and experiences of therapy. This meta-synthesis aimed to capture participants' own reflections of mindfulness and acceptance-based therapies, including potential barriers and facilitators to therapy engagement.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Database searches identified 10 independent studies targeting caregivers (N_studies = 3), dyadic parent-child interventions (N_studies = 6), or adults with ASD (N_studies = 1). Studies were subject to quality assessment and thematically analysed.

RESULTS

Caregivers highlighted a need to adapt the length and frequency of daily mindfulness practice around busy lifestyles. Adults with ASD also identified therapy barriers, although these data were less robust. Children with ASD focused on therapy benefits.

CONCLUSIONS

All three participant groups commented on the importance of mindfulness as a method to enhance self-awareness, self-regulation and self-care. Peer support provided in group-based therapy was also seen as beneficial. Future research should examine the application of mindfulness therapies to adults with ASD, with little currently known about this cohort's therapy experiences. Whether traditional mindfulness approaches can be effectively modified to accommodate ongoing, cumulative daily demands these families experience also requires investigation.Implications for rehabilitationIndividuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and their caregivers often experience high levels of anxiety and stress.Mindfulness and acceptance-based therapies can enhance an individual's self-awareness and self-regulation, thereby reducing distress - with benefits extending to familiesGroup-based therapy is an important adjunct to the support of caregivers developing mindfulness-awareness.

Contemplative Practices and Hypnosis: Emerging Perspectives and Future Directions

A distinctive feature common to many contemplative practices is a focus of attention and procedure of induction toward achieving an altered state of consciousness. In recent years, practices like mindfulness have become increasingly popular, and there has been increased interest in the relationship between hypnosis and mindfulness-based practices as well as other contemplative practices including meditation, music, and spirituality. However, questions remain such as: What are the similarities and differences between hypnosis and mindfulness/other contemplative practices?; What is the role of suggestion in mindfulness-based interventions?; Do some contemplative practices have hypnotic-like aspects in their application?; What is the role of words, images, and intentions in contemplative practices?; Can hypnosis be integrated with music and spiritual practices for beneficial effects? This special issue includes eight articles that provide insights and empirical research into contemplative practices and hypnosis. Emerging perspectives and future directions for research and practice are presented.