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Polizzi CP, Sleight FG, Aksen DE, McDonald CW, Lynn SJ. Mindfulness and COVID-19-Related Stress: Staying Present During Uncertain Times. Mindfulness (N Y) 2023; 14:1135-1147. [PMID: 37304660 PMCID: PMC10150345 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-023-02132-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Objectives The SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic is recognized as a mass traumatic event in which COVID-19-related stress (CS) can indicate other trauma- and/or stressor-related disorder. The facets of mindfulness (observing, describing, acting with awareness, nonjudging, and nonreacting) have been linked to reductions in stress-related symptoms and thus may protect against CS. We extended previous research by evaluating mindfulness facets as resilience skills negatively related to CS. Method Undergraduate students (n = 495) completed an online battery of questionnaires. A subsample of students endorsing clinically elevated CS (n = 165) was also evaluated. We utilized hierarchical regression to account statistically for the mindfulness facets in addition to indicators of psychological distress (e.g., negative affect, neuroticism, dissociation) and social desirability. We performed analyses twice, once in the overall sample, and once in the high CS subsample. Results Less observing and greater nonjudging related to reduced CS while other study variables were controlled for in the overall sample. In contrast, acting with awareness and nonjudging negatively related to CS in the subsample, but were not related to CS when we accounted for psychological-distress variables that positively related to CS in the analysis. Conclusions Although variables indicative of psychological distress robustly contribute to CS, observing, acting with awareness, and nonjudging may be mindfulness skills that can be targeted to buffer clinically significant CS. Preregistration This study was not pre-registered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig P. Polizzi
- Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, 150 S Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02130 USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, USA
| | - Fiona G. Sleight
- Department of Psychology, Binghamton University (SUNY), Binghamton, USA
| | - Damla E. Aksen
- Department of Psychology, Binghamton University (SUNY), Binghamton, USA
| | | | - Steven Jay Lynn
- Department of Psychology, Binghamton University (SUNY), Binghamton, USA
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Reyes AT, Cross CL. Relationships Among Rumination, Resilience, Mindfulness, and Perceived PTSD Symptoms in Military Veterans Returning to College: A Cross-Sectional Study. J Psychosoc Nurs Ment Health Serv 2022:1-8. [DOI: 10.3928/02793695-20221027-05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Aliche CJ, Ifeagwazi CM, Ozor CC. Psychological flexibility as a moderator of the relationship between HIV-related stigma and resilience among HIV/AIDS patients. AFRICAN JOURNAL OF AIDS RESEARCH 2022; 21:345-353. [DOI: 10.2989/16085906.2022.2138473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Reyes AT, Cross CL, Manzano ERM. The Moderating Role of Resilience on Mindfulness, Experiential Avoidance, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Symptoms of College Student Veterans: A Cross-Sectional Study. Issues Ment Health Nurs 2022; 43:721-729. [PMID: 35285759 DOI: 10.1080/01612840.2022.2051104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to investigate the moderating effect of resilience on the relationship between mindfulness, experiential avoidance, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity. A cross-sectional study design was used on a sample of 133 college student military veterans. We found a direct effect of mindfulness on PTSD and a significant mediating effect of experiential avoidance on the relationship between mindfulness and PTSD. Resilience also had a significant moderating effect on the relationship between mindfulness and PTSD. This study provides preliminary evidence on the usefulness of integrating resilience development in mindfulness-based interventions for trauma-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chad L Cross
- School of Public Health, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
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Deen H, Notebaert L, Van Bockstaele B, Clarke PJF, Todd J. For there is nothing either good or bad: a study of the mediating effect of interpretation bias on the association between mindfulness and reduced post-traumatic stress vulnerability. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:329. [PMID: 35550057 PMCID: PMC9097341 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-03950-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite increasing interest in the association between mindfulness and reduced trauma vulnerability, and the use of mindfulness in the latest interventions for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), few studies have examined the mechanisms through which mindfulness may influence post-trauma psychopathology. The present study aimed to determine whether negative interpretation bias, the tendency to interpret ambiguous information as negative or threatening rather than positive or safe, mediates the association between higher levels of trait mindfulness and lower levels of PTSD symptoms. Negative interpretation bias was examined due to prior evidence indicating it is associated with being less mindful and post trauma psychopathology. METHODS The study examined 133 undergraduate students who reported exposure to one or more potentially traumatic events in their lifetime. Participants completed self-report measures of trait mindfulness (Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire - Short Form; FFMQ-SF) and PTSD symptoms (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist - Civilian version; PCL-C) as well an interpretation bias task that assessed the degree to which participants interpreted a range of everyday hypothetical scenarios to be threatening to their physical and/or psychological wellbeing. RESULTS Results of a mediation analysis indicated a significant negative direct effect of trait mindfulness on PTSD symptomatology (p < .001). There was no evidence that negative interpretation bias mediated this relationship [BCa CI [-0.04, 0.03)], nor was it associated with trait mindfulness (p = .90) and PTSD symptomatology (p = .37). CONCLUSIONS The results of the current study provide further evidence of the link between trait mindfulness and reduced post-trauma psychopathology while providing no support for the role of negative interpretation bias in this relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Deen
- School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia. .,The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Lies Notebaert
- grid.1012.20000 0004 1936 7910Centre for the Advancement of Research on Emotion, School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
| | - Bram Van Bockstaele
- grid.1012.20000 0004 1936 7910Centre for the Advancement of Research on Emotion, School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia ,grid.7177.60000000084992262Research Institute of Child Development and Education, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Patrick J. F. Clarke
- grid.1032.00000 0004 0375 4078Affective, Behavioural, and Cognitive Neuroscience Research Group, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Jemma Todd
- grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XSchool of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia ,grid.1012.20000 0004 1936 7910Centre for the Advancement of Research on Emotion, School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
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Reyes AT. The Process of Learning Mindfulness and Acceptance through the Use of a Mobile App Based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: A Grounded Theory Analysis. Issues Ment Health Nurs 2022; 43:3-12. [PMID: 34346278 DOI: 10.1080/01612840.2021.1953652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the process of how college student military veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms learn mindfulness and acceptance through the use of a mobile app based on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Twenty-three college student veterans with PTSD symptoms participated in the 4-week ACT mobile app-based intervention and took part in three weekly semi-structured interviews. Results of the grounded theory data analysis reveal the core category of Mindful Scaffolding, a process indicating how student veterans cope with the interruptions and intrusions associated with learning mindfulness and acceptance through the use of the ACT-based app. The grounded theory provides a foundational theoretical framework for increasing adherence with using mindfulness- and acceptance-based mobile app interventions for PTSD.
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Yoga as an Integrative Therapy for Mental Health Concerns: An Overview of Current Research Evidence. PSYCHIATRY INTERNATIONAL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/psychiatryint2040030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Because the prevalence of mental health concerns is high and access or full responsiveness to pharmacological or psychotherapeutic treatment for many individuals is low, there has been increased interest in yoga as a potential therapy for many mental health concerns. Approach: We synthesize and critique current research on the efficacy of yoga relative to pharmacological approaches for anxiety disorders, mood disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and eating disorders. Results: Yoga has been tested mostly as a complementary treatment to standard psychiatric and psychotherapeutic approaches. Findings from efficacy trials largely support the notion that yoga can help reduce symptoms of many psychiatric conditions, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms, above and beyond the effects achieved by standard pharmacological treatments alone; however, most evidence is of poor to moderate quality. Plausible transdiagnostic bottom-up and top-down mechanisms of yoga’s therapeutic effects have been advanced but remain untested. Conclusions: While results should be considered preliminary until more rigorous evidence is available, yoga appears to have the potential to provide many people suffering with psychiatric symptoms additional relief at relatively little cost. Yoga may be a viable complementary therapy to psychiatric and psychotherapeutic approaches for people with mental health challenges.
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Geda YE, Krell-Roesch J, Fisseha Y, Tefera A, Beyero T, Rosenbaum D, Szabo TG, Araya M, Hayes SC. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in a Low-Income Country in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Call for Further Research. Front Public Health 2021; 9:732800. [PMID: 34631649 PMCID: PMC8494766 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.732800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A worsening trend of critical shortages in senior health care workers across low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in sub-Saharan Africa has been documented for decades. This is especially the case in Ethiopia that has severe shortage of mental health professionals. Consistent with the WHO recommended approach of task sharing for mental health care in LMICs, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which is an empirically validated psychological intervention aimed at increasing psychological flexibility, may be delivered by trained laypersons who have a grassroots presence. In this paper, we discuss the need for and potential role of ACT to be delivered by health extension workers (HEWs) to address mental health care needs across Ethiopia. To this end, we also reviewed previous studies that have examined the effectiveness of ACT-based interventions in African countries including in Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Uganda, and South Africa. All studies revealed significant improvements of various mental health-related outcome measures such as decreased psychological distress and depressive symptoms, or increased subjective wellbeing and life satisfaction in the groups that received an ACT-based intervention. However, to date, there is no study that applied ACT in Ethiopia. Thus, more research is warranted to examine the effectiveness and, if proven successful, to scale up a task sharing approach of an ACT-based intervention being delivered by trained HEWs at a grassroots level, possibly paving the way for an innovative, sustainable mental health service in Ethiopia as well as other African LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonas E Geda
- Department of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Janina Krell-Roesch
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States.,Institute of Sports and Sports Science, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Yaphet Fisseha
- Clinical PsyD Department, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Aida Tefera
- Department of Psychiatry, Eka Kotebe Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Teferra Beyero
- Department of Psychiatry, Eka Kotebe Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Thomas G Szabo
- School of Behavior Analysis, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL, United States
| | - Mesfin Araya
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Steven C Hayes
- Department of Psychology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, United States
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