Examining the effect of mindfulness-based art therapy (MBAT) on stress and lifestyle of Iranian pregnant women

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Uncover Insights From Breast Cancer Patients' Perceptions to Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Interventions

The study's central objective is to harness the power of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), in particular based on Large Language Models, as a valuable resource for delving deeper into the insights offered by patients with breast cancer (BC) who actively participated in a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program. In a 6-week MBSR program, each session lasted 2 hours and encompassed a range of techniques, including sitting meditation, body scan, Hatha yoga, and walking meditation. A total of 25 participants were enrolled in the study. The majority of these participants reported a high level of satisfaction with the mindfulness course. The application of generative AI enabled a comprehensive analysis of the participants' responses, revealing distinct subgroups among them. The MBSR program was found to be beneficial for most participants, serving as a valuable tool in managing the psychological stresses associated with BC.

The role of art therapy on quality of life of women with recent pregnancy loss: A randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Pregnancy loss and mourning can lead to psychological adverse effects on women's quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of art therapy on the quality of life of women with pregnancy loss.

METHODS

This study was a randomized clinical trial performed on 60 women who recently experienced abortion or stillbirth. After randomization in two groups (30 in each group), women in the intervention group received four session art therapy. In the control group, routine care was performed. The Perinatal Grief Scale and World Health Organization quality of life questionnaire, short version 26, was used to collect data before and eight weeks after intervention, and the result was compared before and after the intervention in both groups.

RESULTS

The mean age of participants was 26.5±4.75 years. Eight weeks after the intervention, the mean score of the total quality of life was significantly different between the two groups (348.64±13.12 vs.254.46±58.35; P>0.01). Also, all physical, psychological, social, and environmental dimensions of quality of life improved in the art therapy group compared to the control group (P>0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Art therapy could improve the quality-of-life following pregnancy loss, and can be recommended as a complementary method next to routine care.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

IRCT20200104046002N1.

The effect of mindfulness-based interventions during pregnancy on postpartum mental health: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Mindfulness helps reduce negative emotions, but its ability to prevent postpartum psychological problems remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the effects of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) during pregnancy on postpartum mental health, especially postpartum depression.

METHODS

Online databases regarding the effect of mindfulness on pregnancy were searched and a meta-analysis was conducted.

RESULTS

Eight randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and a self-controlled study were included. We found consistent results showing that MBIs significantly improve the depressive symptoms of all pregnant women in both the case-control (SMD = -0.90, 95 % CI (-2.71, -1.82), p = 0.01) and self-control (SMD = 1.24, 95 % CI (0.37, 2.11), p = 0.005) comparisons. However, MBIs were ineffective for high-risk pregnant women with severe depressive symptoms before delivery in both the case-control (SMD = -1.07, 95 % CI (-3.40, 1.25), p = 0.36) and self-control comparisons (SMD = 2.10, 95 % CI (-0.26, 4.47), p = 0.08). Furthermore, MBIs did not have significant advantages over other intervention methods (SMD = -0.45, 95 % CI (-1.17, 0.28), p = 0.23).

LIMITATIONS

There were few high-quality RCTs, and the sample size was small.

CONCLUSION

MBIs can relieve maternal depressive and anxiety symptoms, especially for the prevention of postpartum depression in healthy pregnant women. However, MBIs do not have significant advantages over other interventions and may not be useful for all pregnant women. These findings contribute to the optimization of perinatal mental health intervention programs and the improvement of pregnancy outcomes, playing an important guiding role in clinical decision-making.

Creative arts intervention in support of women experiencing a high-risk pregnancy: A qualitative descriptive thematic analysis

BACKGROUND

Mental illness can have negative effects on both the pregnant woman and her unborn child. Studies that use the creative arts as interventions have proven to be beneficial to women's antenatal mental health and wellbeing, however, these studies are limited and emergent. Music, drawing and narrative (MDN) is an established music therapy intervention, stemming from guided imagery and music (GIM), that has the potential to support positive mental health and wellbeing. Yet, to date, there have been limited studies on the use of this form of therapy with inpatient antenatal women.

AIM

To describe antenatal inpatient women's experiences of participating in a MDN session.

METHODS

Qualitative data were collected from a sample of 12 inpatient pregnant women who participated in MDN group sessions of drawing to music. Post intervention interviews explored the mental and emotional health of participants. A thematic analysis of the transcribed interview data was performed.

FINDINGS

Through reflection women were supported to acknowledge both the positives and difficulties of pregnancy as well as establish meaningful connections through shared experience. These thematic findings highlighted that MDN enabled this group of pregnant women to better communicate their feelings, validate emotions, engage in positive distractions, develop greater connections, improve optimism, experience calmness, and learn from others.

CONCLUSION

This project demonstrates that MDN may offer a viable method for supporting women experiencing high risk pregnancies.

Oncology expressive arts: providing a window to reflect on a stressful experience

PURPOSE

Evaluate changes in mood, perceived need for help, and task enjoyment after participation in a one-time Oncology on Canvas expressive arts workshop intervention.

METHODS

Mixed methods design. Sample: military-veteran oncology survivors and their adult `ohana (family members, caregivers, friends, healthcare providers, volunteers). Measurement tools: Emotion Thermometers, Multiple Affect Adjective Checklist-Revised, Task Enjoyment Question, semi-structured interviews, and self-reflective narratives. Colaizzi's Phenomenological Method was used to conduct a thematic analysis.

FINDINGS

Significant improvements in mood, increased task enjoyment, and decreased perceived need for help, with continued effects for up to 30-60 days post-intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

A one-time expressive arts workshop intervention can provide a window for oncology survivors and their adult `ohana to reflect on a stressful experience.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PSYCHOSOCIAL PROVIDERS

Psychosocial healthcare providers (APRNs, nurse educators, LCSWs, psychologists) who are not professional art therapists can effectively implement expressive arts workshops as a cost-effective intervention for oncology survivors and their `ohana.