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Ventura B, Çatal Y, Wolman A, Buccellato A, Cooper AC, Northoff G. Intrinsic neural timescales exhibit different lengths in distinct meditation techniques. Neuroimage 2024; 297:120745. [PMID: 39069224 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2024.120745] [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: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Meditation encompasses a range of practices employing diverse induction techniques, each characterized by a distinct attentional focus. In Mantra meditation, for instance, practitioners direct their attention narrowly to a given sentence that is recursively repeated, while other forms of meditation such as Shoonya meditation are induced by a wider attentional focus. Here we aimed to identify the neural underpinnings and correlates associated with this spectrum of distinct attentional foci. To accomplish this, we used EEG data to estimate the brain's intrinsic neural timescales (INTs), that is, its temporal windows of activity, by calculating the Autocorrelation Window (ACW) of the EEG signal. The autocorrelation function measures the similarity of a timeseries with a time-lagged version of itself by correlating the signal with itself on different time lags, consequently providing an estimation of INTs length. Therefore, through using the ACW metric, our objective was to explore whether there is a correspondence between the length of the brain's temporal windows of activity and the width of the attentional scope during various meditation techniques. This was performed on three groups of highly proficient practitioners belonging to different meditation traditions, as well as a meditation-naïve control group. Our results indicated that practices with a wider attentional focus, like Shoonya meditation, exhibit longer ACW durations compared to practices requiring a narrower attentional focus, such as Mantra meditation or body-scanning Vipassana meditation. Together, we demonstrated that distinct meditation techniques with varying widths of attentional foci exhibit unique durations in their brain's INTs. This may suggest that the width of the attentional scope during meditation relates and corresponds to the width of the brain's temporal windows in its neural activity. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Our research uncovered the neural mechanisms that underpin the attentional foci in various meditation techniques. We revealed that distinct meditation induction techniques, featured by their range of attentional widths, are characterized by varying lengths of intrinsic neural timescales (INTs) within the brain, as measured by the Autocorrelation Window function. This finding may bridge the gap between the width of attentional windows (subjective) and the width of the temporal windows in the brain's neural activity (objective) during different meditation techniques, offering a new understanding of how cognitive and neural processes are related to each other. This work holds significant implications, especially in the context of the increasing use of meditation in mental health and well-being interventions. By elucidating the distinct neural foundations of different meditation techniques, our research aims to pave the way for developing more tailored and effective meditation-based treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Ventura
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, 136 Jean-Jacques Lussier, Ottawa K1N 6N5, ON, Canada.
| | - Yasir Çatal
- The Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research & University of Ottawa, Brain and Mind Research Institute, Centre for Neural Dynamics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 145 Carling Avenue, Rm. 6435, Ottawa K1Z 7K4, ON, Canada.
| | - Angelika Wolman
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, 136 Jean-Jacques Lussier, Ottawa K1N 6N5, ON, Canada.
| | - Andrea Buccellato
- Padova Neuroscience Center, University of Padova, Via Orus 2/B, Padova 35129, Italy; Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Via Venezia, 8, 35131 Padova, Italy.
| | - Austin Clinton Cooper
- Integrated Program of Neuroscience, Room 302, Irving Ludmer Building, 1033 Pine Avenue W., McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A1, Canada.
| | - Georg Northoff
- The Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research & University of Ottawa, Brain and Mind Research Institute, Centre for Neural Dynamics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 145 Carling Avenue, Rm. 6435, Ottawa K1Z 7K4, ON, Canada.
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Yamaya N, Hashimoto T, Ikeda S, Brilliant T D, Tsujimoto M, Nakagawa S, Kawashima R. Preventive effect of one-session brief focused attention meditation on state fatigue: Resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging study. Neuroimage 2024; 297:120709. [PMID: 38936650 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2024.120709] [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: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The extended practice of meditation may reduce the influence of state fatigue by changing neurocognitive processing. However, little is known about the preventive effects of one-session brief focused attention meditation (FAM) on state fatigue in healthy participants or its potential neural mechanisms. This study examined the preventive effects of one-session brief FAM on state fatigue and its neural correlates using resting-state functional MRI (rsfMRI) measurements. METHODS We randomly divided 56 meditation-naïve participants into FAM and control groups. After the first rsfMRI scan, each group performed a 10-minute each condition while wearing a functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) device for assessing brain activity. Subsequently, following a second rsfMRI scan, the participants completed a fatigue-inducing task (a Go/NoGo task) for 60 min. We evaluated the temporal changes in the Go/NoGo task performance of participants as an indicator of state fatigue. We then calculated changes in the resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) of the rsfMRI from before to after each condition and compared them between groups. We also evaluated neural correlates between the changes in rsFC and state fatigue. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The fNIRS measurements indicated differences in brain activity during each condition between the FAM and control groups, showing decreased medial prefrontal cortex activity and decreased functional connectivity between the medial prefrontal cortex and middle frontal gyrus. The control group exhibited a decrement in Go/NoGo task performance over time, whereas the FAM group did not. These results, thus, suggested that FAM could prevent state fatigue. Compared with the control group, the rsFC analysis revealed a significant increase in the connectivity between the left dorsomedial prefrontal cortex and right superior parietal lobule in the FAM group, suggesting a modification of attention regulation by cognitive effort. In the control group, increased connectivity was observed between the bilateral posterior cingulate cortex and left inferior occipital gyrus, which might be associated with poor attention regulation and reduced higher-order cognitive function. Additionally, the change in the rsFC of the control group was related to state fatigue. CONCLUSION Our findings suggested that one session of 10-minute FAM could prevent behavioral state fatigue by employing cognitive effort to modify attention regulation as well as suppressing poor attention regulation and reduced higher-order cognitive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriki Yamaya
- Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryomachi, Aobaku, Sendai 9808575, Japan; Department of Functional Brain Imaging, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, 4-1 Seiryomachi, Aobaku, Sendai 9808575, Japan.
| | - Teruo Hashimoto
- Department of Functional Brain Imaging, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, 4-1 Seiryomachi, Aobaku, Sendai 9808575, Japan
| | - Shigeyuki Ikeda
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Toyama, Gofuku 3190, Toyama-shi, Toyama 9308555, Japan
| | - Denilson Brilliant T
- Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryomachi, Aobaku, Sendai 9808575, Japan; Department of Functional Brain Imaging, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, 4-1 Seiryomachi, Aobaku, Sendai 9808575, Japan
| | - Masayuki Tsujimoto
- Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryomachi, Aobaku, Sendai 9808575, Japan; Department of Functional Brain Imaging, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, 4-1 Seiryomachi, Aobaku, Sendai 9808575, Japan
| | - Seishu Nakagawa
- Division of Psychiatry, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 1-15-1 Fukumuro, Miyaginoku, Sendai, Miyagi 983-8536, Japan; Department of Human Brain Science, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, 4-1 Seiryomachi, Aobaku, Sendai 9808575, Japan
| | - Ryuta Kawashima
- Department of Functional Brain Imaging, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, 4-1 Seiryomachi, Aobaku, Sendai 9808575, Japan
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Matthias C, Bu C, Cohen M, Jones MV, Hearn JH. The role of mindfulness in stress, productivity and wellbeing of foundation year doctors: a mixed-methods feasibility study of the mindful resilience and effectiveness training programme. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2024; 24:834. [PMID: 39095903 PMCID: PMC11295646 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-024-05810-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medical Foundation Year (FY) doctors demonstrate greater psychological distress compared with the general population and other student groups. This feasibility study investigated FY doctors' perceptions of mindfulness and the impact of a mindful resilience and effectiveness training (MRET) programme on stress, wellbeing, and performance. METHODS Mixed-methods study utilising a questionnaire (study 1, N = 144) and a pre-post analysis design of MRET programme (study 2, N = 13), along with focus groups (N = 7). RESULTS In study 1 28.5% of FY's reported using mindfulness. All five mindfulness facets were significantly, and positively, associated with mental wellbeing (p < 0.05). Acting with awareness (AA) and non-reactivity (NR) were significantly, positively associated with a challenge responses to stress (p < 0.05). Threat and loss appraisals were negatively associated with AA, NR, and non-judging (p < 0.01). Perceived productivity was positively associated with mindfulness facets: describing, AA, and NR (p < 0.001). In study 2, there were significant increases in wellbeing and mindfulness facets observing, describing, AA, and NR, and threat appraisals decreased (p < 0.05). The main themes identified across the focus group included Reframed Mindset, Values-Based Action, Embodied Leadership and Pedagogy. CONCLUSIONS There exists a relationship between mindfulness, psychological wellbeing, and performance in FYs. The MRET prorgamme improved psychological wellbeing and reduced threat appraisals. Future work could focus resources on enhancing the skills of AA and NR, as this may be sufficient to bring about meaningful improvements in wellbeing, percieved productivity and cognitive reappraisal of stressful life events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanais Matthias
- Department of Psychology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Brooks Building, 53 Bonsall Street, M15 6GX, Manchester, UK
| | - Christopher Bu
- Care in Mind, Hope House, Hercules Business Park, Stockport, SK3 0UX, UK
| | - Matt Cohen
- North West of England School of Foundation Training & Physician Associates, Manchester, UK
| | - Marc V Jones
- Department of Psychology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Brooks Building, 53 Bonsall Street, M15 6GX, Manchester, UK
| | - Jasmine H Hearn
- Department of Psychology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Brooks Building, 53 Bonsall Street, M15 6GX, Manchester, UK.
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Granato G, Baldassarre G. Bridging flexible goal-directed cognition and consciousness: The Goal-Aligning Representation Internal Manipulation theory. Neural Netw 2024; 176:106292. [PMID: 38657422 DOI: 10.1016/j.neunet.2024.106292] [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: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Goal-directed manipulation of internal representations is a key element of human flexible behaviour, while consciousness is commonly associated with higher-order cognition and human flexibility. Current perspectives have only partially linked these processes, thus preventing a clear understanding of how they jointly generate flexible cognition and behaviour. Moreover, these limitations prevent an effective exploitation of this knowledge for technological scopes. We propose a new theoretical perspective that extends our 'three-component theory of flexible cognition' toward higher-order cognition and consciousness, based on the systematic integration of key concepts from Cognitive Neuroscience and AI/Robotics. The theory proposes that the function of conscious processes is to support the alignment of representations with multi-level goals. This higher alignment leads to more flexible and effective behaviours. We analyse here our previous model of goal-directed flexible cognition (validated with more than 20 human populations) as a starting GARIM-inspired model. By bridging the main theories of consciousness and goal-directed behaviour, the theory has relevant implications for scientific and technological fields. In particular, it contributes to developing new experimental tasks and interpreting clinical evidence. Finally, it indicates directions for improving machine learning and robotics systems and for informing real-world applications (e.g., in digital-twin healthcare and roboethics).
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Granato
- Laboratory of Embodied Natural and Artificial Intelligence, Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, National Research Council of Italy, Rome, Italy.
| | - Gianluca Baldassarre
- Laboratory of Embodied Natural and Artificial Intelligence, Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, National Research Council of Italy, Rome, Italy.
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Stoliker D, Novelli L, Vollenweider FX, Egan GF, Preller KH, Razi A. Neural Mechanisms of Resting-State Networks and the Amygdala Underlying the Cognitive and Emotional Effects of Psilocybin. Biol Psychiatry 2024; 96:57-66. [PMID: 38185235 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2024.01.002] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Serotonergic psychedelics, such as psilocybin, alter perceptual and cognitive systems that are functionally integrated with the amygdala. These changes can alter cognition and emotions that are hypothesized to contribute to their therapeutic utility. However, the neural mechanisms of cognitive and subcortical systems altered by psychedelics are not well understood. METHODS We used resting-state functional magnetic resonance images collected during a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of 24 healthy adults under 0.2 mg/kg psilocybin to estimate the directed (i.e., effective) changes between the amygdala and 3 large-scale resting-state networks involved in cognition. These networks are the default mode network, the salience network, and the central executive network. RESULTS We found a pattern of decreased top-down effective connectivity from these resting-state networks to the amygdala. Effective connectivity decreased within the default mode network and salience network but increased within the central executive network. These changes in effective connectivity were statistically associated with behavioral measures of altered cognition and emotion under the influence of psilocybin. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that temporary amygdala signal attenuation is associated with mechanistic changes to resting-state network connectivity. These changes are significant for altered cognition and perception and suggest targets for research investigating the efficacy of psychedelic therapy for internalizing psychiatric disorders. More broadly, our study suggests the value of quantifying the brain's hierarchical organization using effective connectivity to identify important mechanisms for basic cognitive function and how they are integrated to give rise to subjective experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devon Stoliker
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Leonardo Novelli
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Franz X Vollenweider
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy & Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gary F Egan
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Katrin H Preller
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy & Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Adeel Razi
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, University College London, London, United Kingdom; CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars Program, CIFAR, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Martiny L, Dias G, Ferreira JP, Mendes R, Mendes R. Flow Training Program: Mindfulness, Decision Making, and Mental Well-Being of Young and Adult Elite Handball Athletes. Sports (Basel) 2024; 12:160. [PMID: 38921854 PMCID: PMC11209516 DOI: 10.3390/sports12060160] [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: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to analyze the effect of a flow training program based on mindfulness applied to young and adult elite handball athletes. A quantitative, quasi-experimental, descriptive data analysis approach was carried out. The sample included 105 athletes (51 female and 54 male). The athletes were divided into two groups: (i) experimental (n = 53) and (ii) control (n = 52). The results of the repeated ANOVA indicated that the experimental group achieved significant improvements compared to the control group in decision making (n2p = 0.086), mental well-being (n2p = 0.045), dispositional flow state (n2p = 0.103), non-judgment (n2p = 0.040), refocusing (n2p = 0.052), and mindful traits in daily life (n2p = 0.058). A Pearson analysis demonstrated a positive correlation between dispositional flow state and mindfulness in sport and mental well-being. The correlation analysis also showed an inverse correlation between decision making and sense of control and mindful traits in daily life. The findings revealed that the program can be effective in decision making, mental well-being, dispositional flow state, mindfulness in sport, and mindful traits in daily lives of athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Martiny
- Instituto Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59190-000, Brazil
- Faculdade de Ciências do Desporto e Educação Física, Universidade de Coimbra, 3040-256 Coimbra, Portugal; (J.P.F.); (R.M.)
| | - Gonçalo Dias
- Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Coimbra Education School, Rua Dom João III—Solum, 3030-329 Coimbra, Portugal; (G.D.); (R.M.)
- SPRINT Sport Physical Activity and Health Research & Innovation Center, 3030-329 Coimbra, Portugal
- Laboratório RoboCorp, IIA, Instituto Politécnico de Coimbra, 3040-256 Coimbra, Portugal
- CIDAF (UID/DTP/04213/2020), Universidade de Coimbra, 3040-256 Coimbra, Portugal
- ESEC-UNICID-ASSERT, Instituto Politécnico de Coimbra, 3040-256 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - José Pedro Ferreira
- Faculdade de Ciências do Desporto e Educação Física, Universidade de Coimbra, 3040-256 Coimbra, Portugal; (J.P.F.); (R.M.)
- CIDAF (UID/DTP/04213/2020), Universidade de Coimbra, 3040-256 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rodrigo Mendes
- Faculdade de Ciências do Desporto e Educação Física, Universidade de Coimbra, 3040-256 Coimbra, Portugal; (J.P.F.); (R.M.)
| | - Rui Mendes
- Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Coimbra Education School, Rua Dom João III—Solum, 3030-329 Coimbra, Portugal; (G.D.); (R.M.)
- SPRINT Sport Physical Activity and Health Research & Innovation Center, 3030-329 Coimbra, Portugal
- Laboratório RoboCorp, IIA, Instituto Politécnico de Coimbra, 3040-256 Coimbra, Portugal
- CIDAF (UID/DTP/04213/2020), Universidade de Coimbra, 3040-256 Coimbra, Portugal
- ESEC-UNICID-ASSERT, Instituto Politécnico de Coimbra, 3040-256 Coimbra, Portugal
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Shoker D, Desmet L, Ledoux N, Héron A. Effects of standardized mindfulness programs on burnout: a systematic review and original analysis from randomized controlled trials. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1381373. [PMID: 38841654 PMCID: PMC11151852 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1381373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), burnout is a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic occupational stress that has not been successfully managed. It is characterized by emotional exhaustion, cynicism toward work, and a lack of personal accomplishment at work. Recent WHO guidelines on mental health suggest that mindfulness could have beneficial effects in a professional environment, but to the best of our knowledge, there is currently no study that has made a large inventory of research focused specifically on the effects of standardized programs on burnout. Which professional populations have already been studied? What are the characteristics of the programs? Have studies shown a significant effect and on what indicator? Objective To assess the effects of standardized programs of mindfulness on burnout, we carried out a systematic review using an exhaustive inventory of the international literature based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Methods The articles were selected according to PRISMA recommendations. The Embase, PubMed/MEDLINE, EBSCOhost, HAL databases were searched with the keywords "mindfulness," "burnout," and "randomized" in the title and abstract of each article. The data were all collected in an Excel spreadsheet and analyzed in pivot tables, which were then presented in graphs and maps. Results A total of 49 RCTs were thus selected, the majority of which were of good methodological quality, of American origin (43% of studies), concerned professionals in the health sector (64% of participants included), and mostly women (76%). The RCTs assessed the effects of 31 different mindfulness programs, mostly with the Maslach Burnout Inventory (78% of RCTs). More than two-thirds of RCTs (67%) showed a significant beneficial effect on burnout measurement indicators, with emotional exhaustion being the most impacted component. Conclusion This systematic review shows that mindfulness-based interventions could be approaches of choice to prevent emotional distress of burnout. Further studies are still needed to determine which type of program is best suited to impact the two other components of burnout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dyna Shoker
- Unité de Recherche Clinique ARC EN CIEL UF657-Centre Hospitalier Victor Jousselin-GHT HOPE Les Hôpitaux Publics Euréliens, Dreux, France
- Cabinet médical de la gare de Nyon, Nyon, Switzerland
| | - Laura Desmet
- Unité de Recherche Clinique ARC EN CIEL UF657-Centre Hospitalier Victor Jousselin-GHT HOPE Les Hôpitaux Publics Euréliens, Dreux, France
| | - Nelly Ledoux
- Unité de Recherche Clinique ARC EN CIEL UF657-Centre Hospitalier Victor Jousselin-GHT HOPE Les Hôpitaux Publics Euréliens, Dreux, France
| | - Anne Héron
- Unité de Recherche Clinique ARC EN CIEL UF657-Centre Hospitalier Victor Jousselin-GHT HOPE Les Hôpitaux Publics Euréliens, Dreux, France
- Faculté de Santé - Pharmacie, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
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Matiz A, Fabbro F, Crescentini C. Mindfulness Through Storytelling for Mental Health of Primary School Children: Impact on Acceptability and Its Associations with Personality. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2024; 17:1757-1774. [PMID: 38686324 PMCID: PMC11057635 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s441494] [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: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Acceptability of mindfulness-based programs (MBPs) in primary school settings seems to represent a critical factor influencing the intervention effects on children's mental health. This study aims at assessing the acceptability of an MBP delivered through the technique of storytelling, as well as identifying which participants' personality characteristics can influence it. Participants and Methods Italian children in grades 3-to-5 (n = 147, 47.6% girls) participated in a 24-session MBP, which included 225 minutes of formal mindfulness practices and was delivered by the pupils' school teachers. Children's personality traits were assessed with the junior Temperament and Character Inventory (jTCI), while their subjective experiences and acceptability of the program were investigated using a survey containing open-ended and closed-ended questions. Results Program acceptability was 2.9 ± 0.7 on a 0-4 scale. Higher jTCI scores of persistence, cooperativeness, and self-transcendence were related to higher ratings in liking the program, finding it useful and engaging themselves in it. Moreover, 57.8% of the children generalized the mindfulness practices in daily life and 93.9% of them declared they would recommend the program to their friends/parents. Five main themes emerged from children's answers on what they learned: "help for difficulties (emotional, mental, and physical)", "calm, relax, tranquility", "resilience, positiveness, personal growth", "self-exploration, interoception", and "attention, concentration, and here-and-now". Conclusion Program acceptability was generally higher than in similar programs in the literature, and children reported personal gains in various areas related to psychological well-being. The study also suggests which children's personality traits should be considered when proposing an MBP in order to improve its acceptability and utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Matiz
- Department of Languages and Literatures, Communication, Education and Society, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Franco Fabbro
- Institute of Mechanical Intelligence, School of Advanced Studies Sant’Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - Cristiano Crescentini
- Department of Languages and Literatures, Communication, Education and Society, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
- Institute of Mechanical Intelligence, School of Advanced Studies Sant’Anna, Pisa, Italy
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Singer B, Meling D, Hirsch-Hoffmann M, Michels L, Kometer M, Smigielski L, Dornbierer D, Seifritz E, Vollenweider FX, Scheidegger M. Psilocybin enhances insightfulness in meditation: a perspective on the global topology of brain imaging during meditation. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7211. [PMID: 38531905 PMCID: PMC10966054 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55726-x] [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: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In this study, for the first time, we explored a dataset of functional magnetic resonance images collected during focused attention and open monitoring meditation before and after a five-day psilocybin-assisted meditation retreat using a recently established approach, based on the Mapper algorithm from topological data analysis. After generating subject-specific maps for two groups (psilocybin vs. placebo, 18 subjects/group) of experienced meditators, organizational principles were uncovered using graph topological tools, including the optimal transport (OT) distance, a geometrically rich measure of similarity between brain activity patterns. This revealed characteristics of the topology (i.e. shape) in space (i.e. abstract space of voxels) and time dimension of whole-brain activity patterns during different styles of meditation and psilocybin-induced alterations. Most interestingly, we found that (psilocybin-induced) positive derealization, which fosters insightfulness specifically when accompanied by enhanced open-monitoring meditation, was linked to the OT distance between open-monitoring and resting state. Our findings suggest that enhanced meta-awareness through meditation practice in experienced meditators combined with potential psilocybin-induced positive alterations in perception mediate insightfulness. Together, these findings provide a novel perspective on meditation and psychedelics that may reveal potential novel brain markers for positive synergistic effects between mindfulness practices and psilocybin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berit Singer
- Department of Adult Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychiatric University Clinic Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Daniel Meling
- Department of Adult Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychiatric University Clinic Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Hirsch-Hoffmann
- Department of Adult Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychiatric University Clinic Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lars Michels
- Department of Neuroradiology, University Hospital Zurich, Neuroscience Center Zurich (ZNZ), University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Kometer
- Department of Adult Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychiatric University Clinic Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lukasz Smigielski
- Department of Adult Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychiatric University Clinic Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dario Dornbierer
- Department of Adult Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychiatric University Clinic Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Erich Seifritz
- Department of Adult Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychiatric University Clinic Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Franz X Vollenweider
- Department of Adult Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychiatric University Clinic Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Milan Scheidegger
- Department of Adult Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychiatric University Clinic Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Neuroradiology, University Hospital Zurich, Neuroscience Center Zurich (ZNZ), University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Doornich JB, Lynch HM. The mindful leader: a review of leadership qualities derived from mindfulness meditation. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1322507. [PMID: 38505367 PMCID: PMC10948432 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1322507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Mindfulness has been practiced by global leaders and companies as an efficient way to build effective leadership. Because of its popularity, plus the lack of a comprehensive theoretical framework that explains it in a leadership context, the research literature has called for a coherent account of the qualities that is derived by those leaders that practice mindfulness. Here, we aim to answer that call, by clarifying what leadership qualities can develop from practicing mindfulness. We report on a semi-systematic literature review of extant research, covering 19 research articles published between 2000 and 2021, plus other relevant supporting literature from the disciplines of leadership and neuropsychology. Our proposed framework consists of three main qualities of the mindful leader: attention, awareness, and authenticity. We call them the "three pillars of mindful leaders." We also propose that mindfulness meditation must be integrated into our proposed framework, as we are convinced that leaders who hope to benefit from these qualities must integrate a regular mindfulness meditation practice into their daily leadership life.
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11
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Golubickis M, Tan LBG, Jalalian P, Falbén JK, Macrae NC. Brief mindfulness-based meditation enhances the speed of learning following positive prediction errors. Q J Exp Psychol (Hove) 2024:17470218241228859. [PMID: 38229479 DOI: 10.1177/17470218241228859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Recent research has demonstrated that mindfulness-based meditation facilitates basic aspects of cognition, including memory and attention. Further developing this line of inquiry, here we considered the possibility that similar effects may extend to another core psychological process-instrumental learning. To explore this matter, in combination with a probabilistic selection task, computational modelling (i.e., reinforcement drift diffusion model analysis) was adopted to establish whether and how brief mindfulness-based meditation influences learning under conditions of uncertainty (i.e., choices based on the perceived likelihood of positive and negative outcomes). Three effects were observed. Compared with performance in the control condition (i.e., no meditation), mindfulness-based meditation (1) accelerated the rate of learning following positive prediction errors; (2) elicited a preference for the exploration (vs. exploitation) of choice selections; and (3) increased response caution. Collectively, these findings elucidate the pathways through which brief meditative experiences impact learning and decision-making, with implications for interventions designed to debias aspects of social-cognitive functioning using mindfulness-based meditation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lucy B G Tan
- Clinical Psychology, School of Social and Health Sciences, James Cook University, Singapore
| | | | - Johanna K Falbén
- Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Neil C Macrae
- The School of Psychology, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
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12
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Liebherr M, Brandtner A, Brand M, Tang YY. Digital mindfulness training and cognitive functions: A preregistered systematic review of neuropsychological findings. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2024; 1532:37-49. [PMID: 38197226 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.15095] [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] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Traditional mindfulness interventions have been frequently reported to be effective in improving cognitive functions. In recent years, however, traditional programs are being increasingly replaced by technology-enabled mindfulness training programs. The aim of the present systematic review (PROSPERO ID: CRD42021289480) is to evaluate the research evidence on their effects on cognitive functions. Empirical training studies in the realm of digital mindfulness training that fulfilled the inclusion criteria led to 19 studies and 1654 participants being included in this review from among the papers searched in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Knowledge. Results support previous assumptions on the potential of digital mindfulness training, with the most robust effect on attention control, followed by executive regulation, memory, cognitive flexibility, and other cognitive functions. However, the number of studies that did not find significant changes at least equaled, if not exceeded, the number of studies that found increases. The heterogeneity of identified studies prompted us to discuss several aspects in order to help the future development of digital applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magnus Liebherr
- General Psychology: Cognition and Center for Behavioral Addiction Research (CeBAR), University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
- Erwin L. Hahn Institute for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Essen, Germany
| | - Annika Brandtner
- General Psychology: Cognition and Center for Behavioral Addiction Research (CeBAR), University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
- Erwin L. Hahn Institute for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Essen, Germany
| | - Matthias Brand
- General Psychology: Cognition and Center for Behavioral Addiction Research (CeBAR), University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
- Erwin L. Hahn Institute for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Essen, Germany
| | - Yi-Yuan Tang
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
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13
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Jaiswal S, Purpura SR, Manchanda JK, Nan J, Azeez N, Ramanathan D, Mishra J. Design and Implementation of a Brief Digital Mindfulness and Compassion Training App for Health Care Professionals: Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Ment Health 2024; 11:e49467. [PMID: 38252479 PMCID: PMC10845023 DOI: 10.2196/49467] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several studies show that intense work schedules make health care professionals particularly vulnerable to emotional exhaustion and burnout. OBJECTIVE In this scenario, promoting self-compassion and mindfulness may be beneficial for well-being. Notably, scalable, digital app-based methods may have the potential to enhance self-compassion and mindfulness in health care professionals. METHODS In this study, we designed and implemented a scalable, digital app-based, brief mindfulness and compassion training program called "WellMind" for health care professionals. A total of 22 adult participants completed up to 60 sessions of WellMind training, 5-10 minutes in duration each, over 3 months. Participants completed behavioral assessments measuring self-compassion and mindfulness at baseline (preintervention), 3 months (postintervention), and 6 months (follow-up). In order to control for practice effects on the repeat assessments and calculate effect sizes, we also studied a no-contact control group of 21 health care professionals who only completed the repeated assessments but were not provided any training. Additionally, we evaluated pre- and postintervention neural activity in core brain networks using electroencephalography source imaging as an objective neurophysiological training outcome. RESULTS Findings showed a post- versus preintervention increase in self-compassion (Cohen d=0.57; P=.007) and state-mindfulness (d=0.52; P=.02) only in the WellMind training group, with improvements in self-compassion sustained at follow-up (d=0.8; P=.01). Additionally, WellMind training durations correlated with the magnitude of improvement in self-compassion across human participants (ρ=0.52; P=.01). Training-related neurophysiological results revealed plasticity specific to the default mode network (DMN) that is implicated in mind-wandering and rumination, with DMN network suppression selectively observed at the postintervention time point in the WellMind group (d=-0.87; P=.03). We also found that improvement in self-compassion was directly related to the extent of DMN suppression (ρ=-0.368; P=.04). CONCLUSIONS Overall, promising behavioral and neurophysiological findings from this first study demonstrate the benefits of brief digital mindfulness and compassion training for health care professionals and compel the scale-up of the digital intervention. TRIAL REGISTRATION Trial Registration: International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number Registry ISRCTN94766568, https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN94766568.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satish Jaiswal
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Suzanna R Purpura
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - James K Manchanda
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Jason Nan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Nihal Azeez
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Dhakshin Ramanathan
- Department of Mental Health, Veterans Affairs San Diego Medical Center, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Jyoti Mishra
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
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14
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Moreira MF, Gamboa OL, Oliveira MAP. Mindfulness-Based Intervention Effect on the Psychophysiological Marker of Self-Regulation in Women With Endometriosis-Related Chronic Pain. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2024; 25:118-131. [PMID: 37524218 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2023.07.026] [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: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a gynecological disease that involves a broad biopsychosocial compromise with the potential to create a negative vicious cycle. Despite the complexity of factors influencing women's improvement, most interventions investigated target just the peripheral nociceptive sources of endometriosis-related pain. An alternative is intervening in self-regulation, which can potentially influence multiple domains of the illness experience. The present study examines the effect of a brief Mindfulness-Based Intervention (bMBI) on attention and autonomic nervous system regulation in women with endometriosis-related pain. Also, explore the interaction between these self-regulation domains and the affective pain dimension. An exploratory analysis of the secondary outcomes of a pilot randomized controlled trial was performed. The vagally-mediated Heart Rate Variability (vmHRV) at rest, cognitive stress, and recovery was employed to measure autonomic regulation. The Flanker and Stroop tasks were used to estimate the attention domains. Results showed that bMBI (n = 26) significantly improved Flanker accuracy and Flanker and Stroop reaction time compared to the control group (n = 28). bMBI significantly increased vmHRV at rest and recovery after cognitive stress. Attention mediated the bMBI effect on affective pain improvement. Results suggest that bMBI improves self-regulation domains with the potential to develop a broad biopsychosocial benefit in the endometriosis context. PERSPECTIVE: This article demonstrates the positive impact of a brief Mindfulness-Based Intervention on attention and parasympathetic regulation in women suffering from endometriosis-related pain. This mindfulness-induced self-regulation improvement can benefit affective pain and potentially multiple psychophysiological processes relevant to endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo F Moreira
- State University of Rio de Janeiro, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Olga L Gamboa
- EQness, Sydney, Australia; School of Psychology, A19-Griffith Taylor Building, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Marco A P Oliveira
- Department of Gynecology, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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15
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Xie C, Alderman BL, Meng F, Chen YC, Chang YK, Wang K. Acute high-intensity interval exercise improves food-related cognition in young adults with obesity: An ERP study. Int J Clin Health Psychol 2024; 24:100430. [PMID: 38155877 PMCID: PMC10753058 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijchp.2023.100430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Cognitive function, particularly food-related cognition, is critical for maintaining a healthy weight and preventing the acceleration of obesity. High-Intensity Interval Exercise (HIIE) is an increasingly popular form of exercise and has been shown to improve physical fitness and cognitive function. However, there is limited research on the effects and underlying mechanisms of HIIE on general and food-related cognition among adults with obesity. The aim of the current study was to examine the influence of a single bout of HIIE on food-related cognition among young adults with obesity. Methods Fifteen young men with obesity (BMI = 33.88 ± 4.22, age = 24.60 ± 5.29 years) were recruited. Participants took part in a HIIE condition consisting of 30 minutes of stationary cycle exercise (5-min warm-up, 20-min HIIE and 5-min cool down), and a control session consisting of a time and attention-matched period of sedentary rest in a counterbalanced order. Behavioral (reaction time and accuracy) and event-related potential measures (P3 and the late positive potential, LPP) elicited during a food-related Flanker task were measured after the HIIE and control session. Results Shorter response times were observed following HIIE, regardless of congruency or picture type, with no change in accuracy. Increased P3 and LPP amplitudes were observed following HIIE relative to the control session. Conclusion The findings suggest a single bout of HIIE has a beneficial effect on general and food-related cognition among young adults with obesity, with increased recruitment of cognitive resources to support cognitive control. Future research is warranted to examine the dose-response relationship between acute bouts or longer participation in HIIE on food-related cognition in obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Xie
- Department of Physical Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Brandon L. Alderman
- Department of Kinesiology and Health, Center of Alcohol and Substance Use Studies, Rutgers University – New Brunswick, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
| | - Fanying Meng
- Institute of Physical Education, Huzhou University, Huzhou, China
| | - Ying-Chu Chen
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Kai Chang
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute for Research Excellence in Learning Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Social Emotional Education and Development Center, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kun Wang
- Department of Physical Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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16
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Roca P, Vazquez C, Diez G, McNally RJ. How do mindfulness and compassion programs improve mental health and well-being? The role of attentional processing of emotional information. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2023; 81:101895. [PMID: 37515955 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2023.101895] [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: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Although the benefits of Meditation-Based Programs are well documented, the mechanisms underlying these benefits have not been fully elucidated. Therefore, we examined whether: (1) formal training in mindfulness and compassion meditation modifies the distribution of attentional resources towards emotional information; and (2) whether changes in attentional processing of emotional information after the meditation programs mediate the improvements in psychological distress, emotion regulation, and well-being. METHODS A sample of 103 participants enrolled in the study: 36 in the mindfulness program (MBSR), 30 in the compassion program (CCT), and 37 in the no-intervention comparison group (CG). The assessment before and after the programs included the completion of an emotional Attentional Blink task (AB) together with self-report measures of psychological distress, emotion regulation, and well-being. RESULTS MBSR and CCT reduced similarly the AB deficit, whereas no changes occurred in the CG. This AB reduction was found for the different emotional and non-emotional stimuli (i.e., negative, positive, and neutral), showing a significant disengagement from first-target emotions and significant accessibility of second-target emotions to consciousness. The effects of both meditation programs on the psychological measures were mediated by changes in the AB and emotion regulation skills. LIMITATIONS Due to our naturalistic design in a real-world community setting, random assignment of participants was not feasible. CONCLUSIONS Meditation may promote more flexible and balanced attention to emotional information, which may be a key transdiagnostic mechanism underlying its benefits on emotional distress and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Roca
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Villanueva, Spain; Valencian International University, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Carmelo Vazquez
- School of Psychology, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain
| | - Gustavo Diez
- Nirakara Lab, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain
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17
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Hughes Z, Ball LJ, Richardson C, Judge J. A meta-analytical review of the impact of mindfulness on creativity: Framing current lines of research and defining moderator variables. Psychon Bull Rev 2023; 30:2155-2186. [PMID: 37442873 PMCID: PMC10728263 DOI: 10.3758/s13423-023-02327-w] [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] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Findings relating to the impact of mindfulness interventions on creative performance remain inconsistent, perhaps because of discrepancies between study designs, including variability in the length of mindfulness interventions, the absence of control groups or the tendencies to explore creativity as one unitary construct. To derive a clearer understanding of the impact that mindfulness interventions may exert on creative performance, two meta-analytical reviews were conducted, drawing respectively on studies using a control group design (n = 20) and studies using a pretest-posttest design (n = 17). A positive effect was identified between mindfulness and creativity, both for control group designs (d = 0.42, 95% CIs [0.29, 0.54]) and pretest-posttest designs (d = 0.59, 95% CIs [0.38, 0.81]). Subgroup analysis revealed that intervention length, creativity task (i.e., divergent vs. convergent thinking tasks) and control group type, were significant moderators for control group studies, whereas only intervention length was a significant moderator for pretest-posttest studies. Overall, the findings support the use of mindfulness as a tool to enhance creative performance, with more advantageous outcomes for convergent as opposed to divergent thinking tasks. We discuss the implications of study design and intervention length as key factors of relevance to future research aimed at advancing theoretical accounts of the relationship between mindfulness and creativity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe Hughes
- School of Psychology and Computer Science, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, PR1 2HE, UK.
| | - Linden J Ball
- School of Psychology and Computer Science, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, PR1 2HE, UK
| | - Cassandra Richardson
- Department of Psychology, The University of Winchester, Winchester, SO22 4NR, UK
| | - Jeannie Judge
- School of Psychology and Computer Science, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, PR1 2HE, UK
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18
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Chaudhary IS, Shyi GCW, Huang STT. A systematic review and activation likelihood estimation meta-analysis of fMRI studies on arousing or wake-promoting effects in Buddhist meditation. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1136983. [PMID: 38022985 PMCID: PMC10646186 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1136983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Conventional Buddhist texts illustrate meditation as a condition of relaxed alertness that must fend against extreme hypoarousal (sleep, drowsiness) and extreme hyperarousal (restlessness). Theoretical, neurophysiological, and neuroimaging investigations of meditation have highlighted the relaxing effects and hypoarousing without emphasizing the alertness-promoting effects. Here we performed a systematic review supported by an activation-likelihood estimate (ALE) meta-analysis in an effort to counterbalance the surfeit of scholarship emphasizing the hypoarousing and relaxing effects of different forms of Buddhist meditation. Specifically, the current systematic review-cum-meta-analytical review seeks to highlight more support for meditation's wake-promoting effects by drawing from neuroimaging research during wakefulness and meditation. In this systematic review and meta-analysis of 22 fMRI studies, we aim to highlight support for Buddhist meditation's wake-promoting or arousing effects by identifying brain regions associated with alertness during meditation. The most significant peaks were localized medial frontal gyrus (MFG) and precuneus. We failed to determine areas ostensibly common to alertness-related meditation such as the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), superior parietal lobule, basal ganglia, thalamus, most likely due to the relatively fewer fMRI investigations that used wakefulness-promoting meditation techniques. Also, we argue that forthcoming research on meditation, related to alertness or wakefulness, continues to adopt a multi-modal method to investigate the correlation between actual behaviors and neural networks connected to Buddhist meditation. Moreover, we recommend the implementation of fMRI paradigms on Buddhist meditation with clinically diagnosed participants to complement recent trends in psychotherapy such as mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT).
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Affiliation(s)
- Inder S. Chaudhary
- PhD Program in Cognitive Sciences, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi City, Taiwan
- Center for Research in Cognitive Sciences, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi City, Taiwan
- Department of Psychology, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi City, Taiwan
| | - Gary Chon-Wen Shyi
- PhD Program in Cognitive Sciences, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi City, Taiwan
- Center for Research in Cognitive Sciences, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi City, Taiwan
- Department of Psychology, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi City, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Tseng Tina Huang
- PhD Program in Cognitive Sciences, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi City, Taiwan
- Center for Research in Cognitive Sciences, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi City, Taiwan
- Department of Psychology, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi City, Taiwan
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Motevalli S, Salahshour HM, Bailey RP. The mediating role of cognitive flexibility in the relationship between cognitive emotion regulation strategies and mindfulness in patients with type 2 diabetes. J Affect Disord 2023; 339:676-682. [PMID: 37479040 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.07.043] [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: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study aimed to examine the mediating role of cognitive flexibility in the relationship between cognitive emotion regulation strategies and mindfulness in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS The research was conducted by correlation method) using Structural Equation Modeling). The statistical population consisted of all women and men with type 2 diabetes. Two hundred fifty-three samples were selected by convenience sampling method. The participants responded to the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, the Kentucky inventory of mindfulness skills, and the Cognitive Flexibility Inventory. RESULTS The results showed that the total path coefficient between the adaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies and mindfulness (β = 0.243, P = 0.005) was positive and significant, and the total path coefficient between the maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies and mindfulness (β = -0.453, P = 0.001) was negative and significant. The path coefficient between cognitive flexibility and mindfulness (β = 0.273, P = 0.009) was positive and significant. The indirect path coefficient between the adaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies and mindfulness (β = 0.094, P = 0.007) was positive and significant, and the indirect path coefficient between the maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies and mindfulness (β = -0.117, P = 0.009) was negative and significant. CONCLUSION Improving emotion regulation skills increases cognitive flexibility and mindfulness in patients with type 2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeid Motevalli
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences & Liberal Arts, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | | | - Richard Peter Bailey
- Department of Education, Faculty of Social Sciences & Liberal Arts, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Lachaud L, Jacquet B, Bourlier M, Baratgin J. Mindfulness-based stress reduction is linked with an improved Cognitive Reflection Test score. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1272324. [PMID: 37854134 PMCID: PMC10579896 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1272324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Initially, dual-process theories suggested that the existence of two different cognitive systems explained why many participants do not find the correct answer in many reasoning tasks. The Cognitive Reflection Test (CRT) is one such task. It contains three questions with incorrect answers (typically associated with intuition and thus system 1 which processes information automatically) and correct answers (typically associated with deliberate thinking and thus system 2 which involves the conscious processing of information). More recent theories suggest system 1 is responsible for both incorrect and correct responses, with system 2 being used to resolve the conflict between these different intuitions. Since mindfulness training improves self-regulation and cognitive flexibility, we believe it could improve CRT scores by reducing the relative weight of initial intuitions by strengthening alternative intuitions, thus increasing the probability of triggering deliberate reasoning. To test this hypothesis, we recruited 36 participants, all registered in the same Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) training. Of those 36 participants, 18 answered the CRT before the training and 18 answered it after 8 weeks of training. Results show that participants who followed MBSR training had better CRT scores than those without training. This is coherent with our hypothesis that mindfulness training could reduce the relative weight of initial intuitions and facilitate deliberate thinking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Léa Lachaud
- Université Paris 8 (UP8), Laboratoire Cognitions Humaine et Artificielle (CHArt), Saint-Denis, France
- Université de Paris-Est Créteil, Laboratoire CHArt-UPEC, Créteil, France
| | - Baptiste Jacquet
- Université Paris 8 (UP8), Laboratoire Cognitions Humaine et Artificielle (CHArt), Saint-Denis, France
- Probability, Assessment, Reasoning and Inferences Studies (P-A-R-I-S) Association, Paris, France
| | - Maxime Bourlier
- Université Paris 8 (UP8), Laboratoire Cognitions Humaine et Artificielle (CHArt), Saint-Denis, France
| | - Jean Baratgin
- Université Paris 8 (UP8), Laboratoire Cognitions Humaine et Artificielle (CHArt), Saint-Denis, France
- Probability, Assessment, Reasoning and Inferences Studies (P-A-R-I-S) Association, Paris, France
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21
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Mantzios M. Mindful eating: A conceptual critical review of the literature, measurement and intervention development. Nutr Health 2023; 29:435-441. [PMID: 36703297 DOI: 10.1177/02601060231153427] [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] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Background: Defining mindful eating and discussing all it entails has proven to be abstract, open-ended and biased to the interpretation of the researchers and authors in the field. Despite some consensus, different interpretations have led to different psychometric tools and practices not descriptive of mindful eating, contributing towards a replication crisis. Aim/Method: This narrative review will draw on the most appropriate definition of mindful eating in the framework of traditional secular mindfulness literature and discuss how mindful eating psychometrics and practices are unsuitable for precise research. Results/Discussion: A proposal and directive of separation between eating behaviours and decision-making in mindful eating as a way of developing evidence-based practices and psychometric tools are proposed for both clinical and non-clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michail Mantzios
- Department of Psychology, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK
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22
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Vieth E, von Stockhausen L. Effects of short mindful breathing meditations on executive functioning in two randomized controlled double-blinded experiments. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2023; 239:104006. [PMID: 37591155 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2023.104006] [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: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
While current models of mindfulness propose benefits to the executive functions of inhibition, updating and shifting through mindful breathing meditations, empirical findings on the effects of short mindful breathing meditations are inconclusive regarding their specificity and dose-response relations. Therefore, we compared short mindful breathing meditations (Experiment 1, 45 min over three sessions; Experiment 2, 80 min over four sessions) with relaxation trainings (progressive muscle relaxation; active control) and listening to podcasts (passive control) in two randomized controlled double-blinded trials. Reaction time tasks were used to assess the executive functions of updating (N-Back), inhibition (CPT-II), and shifting (Number-Letter Task). Results of both experiments suggest no mindfulness-specific improvements in executive functions. We conclude that effects following the first stages of mindfulness training may not be specific to the practice or too transient to be reliably measured in pre-post intervention designs. Implications for research in the field are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Vieth
- Department of Psychology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstraße 2, 45141 Essen, Germany.
| | - Lisa von Stockhausen
- Department of Psychology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstraße 2, 45141 Essen, Germany
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23
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Paley CA, Johnson MI. Perspective on salutogenic approaches to persistent pain with a focus on mindfulness interventions. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2023; 4:1188758. [PMID: 37706030 PMCID: PMC10495576 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2023.1188758] [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: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In this article, we provide a unique perspective on the use of mindfulness interventions in a whole health framework embedded within the theory of salutogenesis and the concept of painogenic environments. We argue that mindfulness is a valuable tool to bridge exploration of inner experiences of bodily pain with socio-ecological influences on thoughts and emotions. We outline research from neuroimaging studies that mindfulness techniques mediate neural processing and neuroplastic changes that alleviate pain and related symptoms. We also review evidence examining behavioural changes associated with mindfulness meditation providing evidence that it promotes self-regulatory activity, including the regulation and control of emotion and catalysation of health behaviour changes; both of which are important in chronic illness. Our viewpoint is that mindfulness could be a core element of salutogenic approaches to promote health and well-being for people living with pain because it rebuilds a fractured sense of cohesion. Mindfulness empowers people in pain to embrace their existence; shifting the focus away from pain and giving their lives meaning. We propose that integrating mindfulness into activities of daily living and individual or community-based activities will promote living well in the modern world, with or without pain; thus, promoting individual potential for fulfilment. Future research should consider the effects of mindfulness on people with pain in real-life settings, considering social, environmental, and economic factors using a broader set of outcomes, including self-efficacy, sense of coherence and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carole A. Paley
- Centre for Pain Research, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Academic Unit of Palliative Care, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Mark I. Johnson
- Centre for Pain Research, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, United Kingdom
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Kwok JYY, Auyeung M, Pang SYY, Ho PWL, Yu DSF, Fong DYT, Lin CC, Walker R, Wong SYS, Ho RTH. A randomized controlled trial on the effects and acceptability of individual mindfulness techniques - meditation and yoga - on anxiety and depression in people with Parkinson's disease: a study protocol. BMC Complement Med Ther 2023; 23:241. [PMID: 37461018 PMCID: PMC10351114 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-023-04049-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Between 40 and 50% of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) experience anxiety and depression, associated with impaired physical function, high care dependency and mortality. Recently, the United States National Institutes of Health has urged the implementation of mindfulness practices in chronic illness care. Most research to date has examined the effects on chronically ill patients of complex interventions using a combination of mindfulness techniques. In PD patients, however, such complex modalities appear to hinder the technique mastery. Hence, the aim of this trial is to investigate the effects and underlying mechanism of individual mindfulness techniques among PD patients, as well as exploring participants' experience in using individual mindfulness techniques as a lifestyle intervention for stress and symptom management. METHODS We will conduct an assessor-blind three-arm randomized waitlist-controlled trial with a descriptive qualitative evaluation. Up to 168 PD patients will be recruited from community settings and out-patient clinics, and randomized to meditation, yoga, or usual care group. Meditation and yoga sessions of 90-minute are held weekly for 8 weeks. Primary outcomes include anxiety and depression. Secondary outcomes include PD-related motor and non-motor symptoms and quality-of-life; and level of mindfulness and biomarkers of stress and inflammatory responses will be measured as mediating variables. All outcome evaluations will be assessed at baseline, 8 weeks, and 24 weeks. Following the intention-to-treat principle, generalized estimating equation models and path analysis will be used to identify the treatment effects and the mediating mechanisms. A subsample of 30 participants from each intervention group will be invited for qualitative interviews. DISCUSSION The study would also generate important insights to enhance the patients' adaptation to debilitating disease. More specifically, symptom management and stress adaptation are highly prioritized healthcare agenda in managing PD. The research evidence will further inform the development of community-based, nurse-led compassionate care models for neurodegenerative conditions, which is complementary to existing health services. TRIAL REGISTRATION WHO Primary Registry - Chinese Clinical Trials Registry number: ChiCTR2100045939; registered on 2021/04/29 ( https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=125878 ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jojo Yan Yan Kwok
- School of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Man Auyeung
- Department of Medicine, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Chai Wan, Hong Kong SAR
| | | | - Philip Wing Lok Ho
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong SAR
- The State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Doris Sau Fung Yu
- School of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Daniel Yee Tak Fong
- School of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Chia-chin Lin
- School of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Richard Walker
- Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, North Tyneside General Hospital, Newcastle, UK
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
| | - Samuel Yeung-shan Wong
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR
- CUHK Thomas Jing Centre for Mindfulness Research and Training, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Rainbow Tin Hung Ho
- Centre on Behavioral Health, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR
- Department of Social Work & Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR
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Zemla K, Sedek G, Wróbel K, Postepski F, Wojcik GM. Investigating the Impact of Guided Imagery on Stress, Brain Functions, and Attention: A Randomized Trial. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:6210. [PMID: 37448060 PMCID: PMC10346678 DOI: 10.3390/s23136210] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the potential impact of guided imagery (GI) on attentional control and cognitive performance and to explore the relationship between guided imagery, stress reduction, alpha brainwave activity, and attentional control using common cognitive performance tests. Executive function was assessed through the use of attentional control tests, including the anti-saccade, Stroop, and Go/No-go tasks. Participants underwent a guided imagery session while their brainwave activity was measured, followed by attentional control tests. The study's outcomes provide fresh insights into the influence of guided imagery on brain wave activity, particularly in terms of attentional control. The findings suggest that guided imagery has the potential to enhance attentional control by augmenting the alpha power and reducing stress levels. Given the limited existing research on the specific impact of guided imagery on attention control, the study's findings carry notable significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Zemla
- Institute of Psychology, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, 03-815 Warsaw, Poland; (K.Z.)
| | - Grzegorz Sedek
- Institute of Psychology, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, 03-815 Warsaw, Poland; (K.Z.)
| | - Krzysztof Wróbel
- Department of Neuroinformatics and Biomedical Engineering, Institute of Computer Science, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, 20-033 Lublin, Poland (F.P.)
| | - Filip Postepski
- Department of Neuroinformatics and Biomedical Engineering, Institute of Computer Science, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, 20-033 Lublin, Poland (F.P.)
| | - Grzegorz M. Wojcik
- Department of Neuroinformatics and Biomedical Engineering, Institute of Computer Science, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, 20-033 Lublin, Poland (F.P.)
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Devillers-Réolon L, Temprado JJ, Sleimen-Malkoun R. Mindfulness meditation and bimanual coordination control: study of acute effects and the mediating role of cognition. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1162390. [PMID: 37255524 PMCID: PMC10225655 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1162390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Mindfulness meditation (MM) involves and benefits cognitive functioning, especially attention and inhibition processes, which are also implicated in the control of complex motor skills, such as bimanual coordination. Thus, MM practice could potentially enhance bimanual coordination control through its cognitive benefits. Accordingly, in this study, we investigated the acute effects of a brief MM session on bimanual coordination dynamics, attention, and inhibition abilities, as well as the mediation link between MM's cognitive and motor improvements. Methods Healthy meditation-naïve (novices, n = 29) and meditation-experienced participants (meditators, n = 26) were randomly assigned to either an active control intervention (attentive listening to a documentary podcast) or a MM intervention (breathing and open monitoring exercise), both lasting 15 min. In the motor domain, pre- and post-tests assessed participants' ability to intentionally maintain the anti-phase coordination pattern at maximal movement frequency and resist the spontaneous transition to the in-phase pattern. In the cognitive domain, the participants' attentional, perceptual inhibition and motor inhibition abilities were assessed. Results Following both interventions, meditators and novices improved the stability of their anti-phase coordination pattern (p = 0.034, ηp2 = 0.10) and their attentional performance (p's < 0.001, ηp2 > 0.40). Only following the MM intervention, meditators and novices improved their ability to intentionally maintain the anti-phase pattern by delaying or even suppressing the spontaneous transition to in-phase (p's < 0.05, ηp2 ≥ 0.11), and improved concomitantly their motor inhibition scores (p = 0.011, ηp2 = 0.13). No effects were found on perceptual inhibition. The increase in motor inhibition capacities did not however statistically mediate the observed acute effects of MM on bimanual coordination control. Conclusion We showed that a single MM session may have acute benefits in the motor domain regardless of the familiarity with MM practice. Although these benefits were concomitant to enhanced attentional and motor inhibition abilities, no formal mediation link could be established between the observed motor and cognitive benefits. This study paves the way for the investigation of the mechanisms underlying MM effects on motor control, as well as longer-term benefits.
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Laukkonen RE, Sacchet MD, Barendregt H, Devaney KJ, Chowdhury A, Slagter HA. Cessations of consciousness in meditation: Advancing a scientific understanding of nirodha samāpatti. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2023; 280:61-87. [PMID: 37714573 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2022.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Absence of consciousness can occur due to a concussion, anesthetization, intoxication, epileptic seizure, or other fainting/syncope episode caused by lack of blood flow to the brain. However, some meditation practitioners also report that it is possible to undergo a total absence of consciousness during meditation, lasting up to 7 days, and that these "cessations" can be consistently induced. One form of extended cessation (i.e., nirodha samāpatti) is thought to be different from sleep because practitioners are said to be completely impervious to external stimulation. That is, they cannot be 'woken up' from the cessation state as one might be from a dream. Cessations are also associated with the absence of any time experience or tiredness, and are said to involve a stiff rather than a relaxed body. Emergence from meditation-induced cessations is said to have profound effects on subsequent cognition and experience (e.g., resulting in a sudden sense of clarity, openness, and possibly insights). In this paper, we briefly outline the historical context for cessation events, present preliminary data from two labs, set a research agenda for their study, and provide an initial framework for understanding what meditation induced cessation may reveal about the mind and brain. We conclude by integrating these so-called nirodha and nirodha samāpatti experiences-as they are known in classical Buddhism-into current cognitive-neurocomputational and active inference frameworks of meditation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben E Laukkonen
- Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia.
| | - Matthew D Sacchet
- Meditation Research Program, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Henk Barendregt
- Faculty of Science, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Kathryn J Devaney
- UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Avijit Chowdhury
- Meditation Research Program, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Heleen A Slagter
- Department of Experimental and Applied Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands & Institute for Brain and Behavior, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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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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Bitton S, Chatburn A, Immink MA. The Influence of Focused Attention and Open Monitoring Mindfulness Meditation States on True and False Memory. JOURNAL OF COGNITIVE ENHANCEMENT 2023; 7:1-16. [PMID: 37363054 PMCID: PMC10061380 DOI: 10.1007/s41465-023-00259-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Previous investigations into the effect of mindfulness meditation on false memory have reported mixed findings. One potential issue is that mindfulness meditation involves different styles that establish distinct cognitive control states. The present work aimed to address this issue by comparing the effects of single-session focused attention (FAM) and open monitoring (OMM) mindfulness meditation styles on true and false memory recall. Strengthened cognitive control states associated with FAM were predicted to increase true memory recall and decrease false memory recall. Conversely, weakened cognitive control established by OMM was predicted to increase false memory recall. Thirty-four meditation-naïve participants (23 females, mean age = 23.4 years, range = 18-33) first completed pre-meditation learning and recall phases of the Deese-Roediger-McDermott (DRM) task. Participants then completed a single session of FAM or OMM prior to a second, post-meditation, round of DRM task learning and recall phases with a novel word list. Finally, participants completed a recognition test with true and false memory, and distractor words. Both FAM and OMM groups demonstrated significant increase in false memory recall between pre- and post-meditation recall tests but these groups did not differ with respect to true and false memory recall and recognition. The present findings are consistent with previous reports of increased false memory arising from mindfulness meditation. Distinct cognitive control states associated with FAM and OMM states do not result in distinct true and false memory formation, at least in meditation-naïve adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Bitton
- University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | | | - Maarten A. Immink
- University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
- Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
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Costa MDA, Russell TA, Gosmann NP, Gonçalves F, Tatton-Ramos T, de Oliveira FB, Manfro GG. Mechanisms of improvement in generalized anxiety disorder: A mediation and moderated mediation analysis from a randomized controlled trial. BRITISH JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 62:196-208. [PMID: 36447332 DOI: 10.1111/bjc.12402] [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: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is associated with the lowest treatment response rate among all anxiety disorders. Understanding mechanisms of improvement may help to develop more effective and personalized treatments. AIM The objective of the study was to investigate different improvement mechanisms in the treatment of individuals diagnosed with GAD. DESIGN We reported data from a randomized controlled trial that evaluated three different GAD treatments (mindfulness-based intervention, BMT; fluoxetine, FLX; and an active comparison group, QoL) for 8 weeks. METHOD Mediation analyses were performed evaluating the association between worry symptoms at baseline and anxiety scoring at the endpoint, considering self-compassion or mindfulness or its dimensions at mid-treatment as mediators for the whole sample (assessing GAD improvement mechanism) and the different interventions as moderators. RESULTS Contrary to mindfulness state scoring (C = .06; 95% CI = -.05 to .20), self-compassion (C = .11; 95% CI = .01 to .28) and non-judgement of inner experience (C = .10; 95% CI = .004 to .21) mediated the association between worry symptoms at baseline and anxiety at the endpoint. When comparing BMT to FLX, the intervention modality did not moderate these associations. CONCLUSION Self-compassion and non-judgement of inner experience seem to be essential targets in GAD treatment, contrary to the mindfulness state itself. Although no difference was found considering the intervention modality, future research may assess how to boost these dimensions in specific treatments for GAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna de Abreu Costa
- Anxiety Disorders Outpatient Program (PROTAN), Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Tamara A Russell
- Neuroimaging Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.,British Psychological Society, London, UK
| | - Natan Pereira Gosmann
- Anxiety Disorders Outpatient Program (PROTAN), Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Section of Negative Affect and Social Processes, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Francine Gonçalves
- Anxiety Disorders Outpatient Program (PROTAN), Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Felipe Borges de Oliveira
- Anxiety Disorders Outpatient Program (PROTAN), Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Gisele Gus Manfro
- Anxiety Disorders Outpatient Program (PROTAN), Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Kondracki AJ, Riedel MC, Crooks K, Perez PV, Flannery JS, Laird AR, Sutherland MT. The Link Between Neuroticism and Everyday Cognitive Failures is Mediated by Self-Reported Mindfulness Among College Students. Psychol Rep 2023; 126:265-287. [PMID: 34772304 DOI: 10.1177/00332941211048467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Neuroticism has been linked to an increased likelihood of cognitive failures, including episodes of inattentiveness, forgetfulness, or accidents causing difficulties in successfully executing everyday tasks and impacting health and quality of life. Cognitive failures associated with trait neuroticism can prompt some negative psychological outcomes and risky behaviors. Accumulating evidence shows that augmenting mindfulness can benefit cognitive health and general well-being. However, little is known regarding potential cognitive-behavioral pathways through which individual differences in trait neuroticism could influence the propensity to cognitive failures. Using a sample of 1003 undergraduate college students (females: n = 779) consisting of self-reported questionnaire data, we conducted correlational and mediational analyses to investigate the interrelationship between neuroticism, mindfulness, and cognitive failures. Higher neuroticism scores (females: r = -0.388, males: r = -0.390) and higher cognitive failures scores (females: r = -0.339, males: r = -0.407, p < .001) were significantly correlated with lower self-reported mindfulness scores. Mindfulness significantly mediated the relationship between neuroticism and cognitive failures (β = 0.50, 95%, CI: 0.37, 0.65). These findings indicate that higher mindfulness may help ameliorate negative effects of neuroticism on everyday cognitive failures. Future research will determine how college students may benefit from positive impact of mindfulness to improve their psychological and physical health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony J Kondracki
- Center for Children and Families, 5450Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Michael C Riedel
- Department of Physics, 5450Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Katharine Crooks
- Department of Psychology, 5450Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | - Jessica S Flannery
- Department of Psychology, 5450Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Angela R Laird
- Department of Physics, 5450Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
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Shemesh L, Mendelsohn A, Panitz DY, Berkovich-Ohana A. Enhanced declarative memory in long-term mindfulness practitioners. PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2023; 87:294-307. [PMID: 35226153 DOI: 10.1007/s00426-022-01642-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Mindfulness meditation (MM) practice is considered to benefit physical and mental health. In particular, several studies have shown a beneficial effect of MM practice on memory performance. However, it is still not clear how long-term training affects long-term declarative memory. In this study we aimed to examine whether long-term MM training impacts declarative memory formation for diverse memoranda types, as well as the role of trait mindfulness, and the possible mediating role of anxiety. METHODS We examined long-term memory performance in 23 experienced MM practitioners and 22 meditation-naïve age-matched individuals, by administering a variety of declarative memory tests, ranging from item recognition to narrative and autobiographical memory recollection and future projection. The participants also filled the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). RESULTS Compared to the control group, long-term MM practitioners exhibited heightened memory performance for the picture recognition test and experienced enhanced vividness during autobiographic memory retrieval and future simulations. We also report a significant trait mindfulness and memory performance correlation, stemming exclusively from the Mm group. CONCLUSIONS Our findings extend previous reports of the beneficial effect of a short-term MM training on memory performance, by showing the beneficial effect of long-term training on declarative memory. We also provide initial evidence that trait mindfulness is positively correlated with declarative memory performance, as a function of MM practice, and discuss these findings in light of the role of self-mode and cognitive diffusion, as well as attention and emotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limor Shemesh
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Avi Mendelsohn
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.,The Institute of Information Processing and Decision Making (IIPDM), University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.,The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBRC), University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Daniel Yochai Panitz
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.,The Institute of Information Processing and Decision Making (IIPDM), University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Aviva Berkovich-Ohana
- The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBRC), University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel. .,Faculty of Education, Department of Learning, Instruction and Teacher Education, Department of Counseling and Human Development, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel. .,Edmond Safra Brain Research Center, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel. .,Faculty of Education, The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center, The Edmond J. Safra Brain Research Center for the Study of Learning Disabilities, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
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Knock yourself out: Brief mindfulness-based meditation eliminates self-prioritization. Psychon Bull Rev 2023; 30:341-349. [PMID: 35879594 DOI: 10.3758/s13423-022-02111-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Recent research has asserted that self-prioritization is an inescapable facet of mental life, but is this viewpoint correct? Acknowledging the flexibility of social-cognitive functioning, here we considered the extent to which mindfulness-based meditation-an intervention known to reduce egocentric responding-attenuates self-bias. Across two experiments (Expt. 1, N = 160; Expt. 2, N = 160), using an object-classification task, participants reported the ownership of previously assigned items (i.e., owned-by-self vs. owned-by-friend) following a 5-minute period of mindfulness-based meditation compared with control meditation (Expt. 1) or no meditation (Expt. 2). The results revealed that mindfulness meditation abolished the emergence of the self-ownership effect during decision-making. An additional computational (i.e., drift diffusion model) analysis indicated that mindfulness meditation eliminated a prestimulus bias toward self-relevant (vs. friend-relevant) responses, increased response caution, and facilitated the rate at which evidence was accumulated from friend-related (vs. self-related) objects. Collectively, these findings elucidate the stimulus and response-related operations through which brief mindfulness-based meditation tempers self-prioritization.
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Kao SC, Baumgartner NW, Pritt T, Wu S, Schmitt S, Ullrich-French S, Wang CH. Acute effects of mindful interval exercise on cognitive performance in a higher education setting. PSYCHOLOGY OF SPORT AND EXERCISE 2023; 64:102326. [PMID: 37665811 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2022.102326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Interval exercise (IE) has been shown to have acute facilitating effects on cognition; however, the existing literature has been limited to laboratory settings and has focused on manipulating the parameters of exercise bouts during IE. This study included two classroom-based experiments to (1) investigate the effect of an acute bout of IE delivering mindfulness activity during its recovery intervals (mindful IE) on cognitive performance, and (2) compare cognitive performance following acute bouts of mindful IE with non-mindful IE. Experiment 1: Using a class-based within-subject crossover design, 59 participants completed the Stroop, d2, and trail-making tests to measure inhibitory control, attention, and cognitive flexibility, after a 30-min non-exercise or mindful IE session on separate counterbalanced days. Experiment 2: Using a similar design, 70 participants were assigned to two groups to receive a non-exercise and an IE session with (mindful) or without (non-mindful) mindfulness-based recovery intervals on separate counterbalanced days. Results from Experiment 1 showed superior d2 performance following the mindful IE than the non-exercise session. Although Experiment 2 found exercise-related decreases in commission error rate during the d2 test in both groups, the non-mindful group showed additional decreases in omission and total error rates. Further, higher scores on the nonreactivity facet of dispositional mindfulness were correlated with larger decreases in omission and total error rates during the d2 test for the mindful IE group. No exercise-related effect was found for outcomes of the Stroop and trail-making tests in both experiments. These findings in the selective improvements in d2 test performance are the first to suggest the feasibility of integrating mindfulness activity into the recovery intervals of IE for enhanced cognitive performance that may depend on individual differences in dispositional mindfulness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Chun Kao
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Purdue University, United States.
| | | | - Tyler Pritt
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Purdue University, United States
| | - Sabrina Wu
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Purdue University, United States
| | - Sara Schmitt
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Purdue University, United States
| | - Sarah Ullrich-French
- Department of Kinesiology and Educational Psychology, Washington State University, United States
| | - Chun-Hao Wang
- Institute of Physical Education, Health & Leisure Studies, National Cheng-Kung University, Taiwan
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Guu SF, Chao YP, Huang FY, Cheng YT, Ng HYH, Hsu CF, Chuang CH, Huang CM, Wu CW. Interoceptive awareness: MBSR training alters information processing of salience network. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1008086. [PMID: 37025109 PMCID: PMC10070746 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1008086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Mindfulness refers to a mental state of awareness of internal experience without judgment. Studies have suggested that each mindfulness practice may involve a unique mental state, but the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms remain unknown. Here we examined how distinct mindfulness practices after mindfulness-based intervention alter brain functionality. Specifically, we investigated the functional alterations of the salience network (SN) using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) among the two interoceptive mindfulness practices-breathing and body scan-associated with interoceptive awareness in fixed attention and shifted attention, respectively. Long-distance functional connectivity (FC) and regional homogeneity (ReHo) approaches were applied to measure distant and local neural information processing across various mental states. We hypothesized that mindful breathing and body scan would yield a unique information processing pattern in terms of long-range and local functional connectivity (FC). A total of 18 meditation-naïve participants were enrolled in an 8-week mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program alongside a waitlist control group (n = 14), with both groups undergoing multiple fMRI sessions during breathing, body scan and resting state for comparison. We demonstrated that two mindfulness practices affect both the long-distance FC SN and the local ReHo, only apparent after the MBSR program. Three functional distinctions between the mindfulness practices and the resting state are noted: (1) distant SN connectivity to occipital regions increased during the breathing practice (fixed attention), whereas the SN increased connection with the frontal/central gyri during the body scan (shifting attention); (2) local ReHo increased only in the parietal lobe during the body scan (shifting attention); (3) distant and local connections turned into a positive correlation only during the mindfulness practices after the MBSR training, indicating a global enhancement of the SN information processing during mindfulness practices. Though with limited sample size, the functional specificity of mindfulness practices offers a potential research direction on neuroimaging of mindfulness, awaiting further studies for verification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiao-Fei Guu
- Graduate Institute of Mind, Brain and Consciousness, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ping Chao
- Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Feng-Ying Huang
- Department of Education, National Taipei University of Education, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ting Cheng
- Graduate Institute of Mind, Brain and Consciousness, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Hei-Yin Hydra Ng
- Department of Educational Psychology and Counseling, College of Education, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Research Center for Education and Mind Sciences, College of Education, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Fen Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Behavioral Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Child Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Hsiang Chuang
- Research Center for Education and Mind Sciences, College of Education, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Mao Huang
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Center for Intelligent Drug Systems and Smart Bio-Devices (IDS2B), National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- *Correspondence: Chih-Mao Huang,
| | - Changwei W. Wu
- Graduate Institute of Mind, Brain and Consciousness, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Brain and Consciousness Research Center, Shuang Ho Hospital-Taipei Medical University, New Taipei, Taiwan
- Changwei W. Wu,
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Liu Q, Zhao X, Liu W, Liu Q. Empathy and depression among a Chinese sample: The moderating role of rumination and attentional shift. Front Psychol 2022; 13:1027298. [PMID: 36507000 PMCID: PMC9729700 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1027298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although previous studies have explored the moderating role of emotional regulation strategies in the relationship between empathy and depression, no studies have studied the moderating role of attentional control in the relationship between empathy and depression. To address this research gap, the present study investigated the moderating roles of rumination and attentional control in the relationship between empathy and depression. Methods 423 participants filled out questionnaires anonymously, including Interpersonal Reactivity Index, Attention Control Scale, Self-rating Depression Scale, and Rumination Response Scale. PROCESS macro for SPSS was used for moderating effect analysis. Results Rumination and attentional shift moderated the relationship between emotional empathy and depression. Specifically, the lower rumination or the higher attentional shift, the stronger the negative association between emotional empathy and depression. Attentional shift moderated the relationship between cognitive empathy and depression, and cognitive empathy was significantly associated with depression only among participants whose attentional shift is high. Conclusion The study showed that rumination and attentional shift play important roles in the relationship between empathy and depression. The findings implicated that the positive role of good emotional regulation strategies and executive function for individuals in the relationship between empathy and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qipeng Liu
- School of Education, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei, China
| | - Xiaoyun Zhao
- School of Education, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei, China,Anhui Engineering Research Center for Intelligent Computing and Application on Cognitive Behavior, Huaibei, China,*Correspondence: Xiaoyun Zhao,
| | - Weidi Liu
- School of Education, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei, China
| | - Qianchen Liu
- School of Education, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei, China
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Examining socio-cognitive factors and beliefs about mindful eating in healthy adults with differing practice experience: a cross-sectional study. BMC Psychol 2022; 10:268. [PMCID: PMC9664610 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-022-00977-4] [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: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mindful eating (ME), defined as a “non-judgmental awareness of bodily and emotional sensations regarding food consumption”, may be a promising strategy to promote healthy eating behaviors. However, little is known about the psychosocial factors and underlying beliefs that explain ME adoption.
Methods Participants (N = 282; Mage = 43.2) responded to an online questionnaire based on the I-Change Model. Groups with different frequencies of prior engagement in ME, i.e., low (n = 82; LME), medium (n = 96), and high (n = 104), were compared via (M)ANOVAs on factors and individual beliefs regarding predisposing (i.e., habits, experience with mindfulness, emotional eating, facets of ME), pre-motivational (i.e., knowledge, behavioral cognizance, risk perception, cues to action), and motivational factors (i.e., attitudes, self-efficacy, social influence) as well as their intentions and action planning. Bivariate correlations and a forward-stepwise regression with ICM constructs were conducted to examine model fit. Results LME had a greater habit of mindless eating and significantly lower internal awareness, cognizance, cues, and less favorable attitudes, self-efficacy, engagement and support by their social environment, intention, and action plans about engaging in ME than the other two groups. Less habitual mindless eating, and greater experience, internal awareness, cognizance, susceptibility, support, and intention explained 54% of the variance in ME. Discussion and conclusion Results indicate that individuals need to be treated differently when promoting ME with respect to their psychosocial characteristics, rather than as a single group with homogenous baseline beliefs, abilities, support, and motivation. Future longitudinal research should examine which determinants are predictors of ME to better tailor program contents. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40359-022-00977-4.
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Lachaud L, Jacquet B, Baratgin J. Reducing Choice-Blindness? An Experimental Study Comparing Experienced Meditators to Non-Meditators. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ 2022; 12:1607-1620. [PMID: 36354592 PMCID: PMC9689841 DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe12110113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The mindfulness trait is an intrinsic characteristic of one's disposition that facilitates awareness of the present moment. Meditation has proven to enhance situational awareness. In this study, we compared the performance of participants that were split into two groups depending on their experience in mindfulness meditation (a control group naive to mindfulness meditation and a group of experienced mindfulness meditators). Choice-blindness happens when people fail to notice mismatches between their intentions and the consequences of decisions. Our task consisted of decisions where participants chose one preferred female facial image from a pair of images for a total of 15 decisions. By reversing the decisions, unbeknownst to the participants, three discrepancies were introduced in an online experimental design. Our results indicate that the likelihood of detecting one or more manipulations was higher in the mindful group compared to the control group. The higher FMI scores of the mindful group did not contribute to this observation; only the practice of mindfulness meditation itself did. Thus, this could be explained by better introspective access and control of reasoning processes acquired during practice and not by the latent characteristics that are attributed to the mindfulness trait.
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Affiliation(s)
- Léa Lachaud
- CHArt RNSR 200515259U, Université Paris 8, 93200 Saint-Denis, France
- Lutin Userlab, Université Paris 8, 75930 Paris, France
| | - Baptiste Jacquet
- CHArt RNSR 200515259U, Université Paris 8, 93200 Saint-Denis, France
- P-A-R-I-S Association, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Jean Baratgin
- CHArt RNSR 200515259U, Université Paris 8, 93200 Saint-Denis, France
- P-A-R-I-S Association, 75005 Paris, France
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ADHD Symptoms and Procrastination in College Students: The Roles of Emotion Dysregulation and Self-Esteem. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND BEHAVIORAL ASSESSMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10862-022-09996-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Gu YQ, Zhu Y. Underlying mechanisms of mindfulness meditation: Genomics, circuits, and networks. World J Psychiatry 2022; 12:1141-1149. [PMID: 36186506 PMCID: PMC9521538 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v12.i9.1141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding neuropsychological mechanisms of mindfulness meditation (MM) has been a hot topic in recent years. This review was conducted with the goal of synthesizing empirical relationships via the genomics, circuits and networks between MM and mental disorders. We describe progress made in assessing the effects of MM on gene expression in immune cells, with particular focus on stress-related inflammatory markers and associated biological pathways. We then focus on key brain circuits associated with mindfulness practices and effects on symptoms of mental disorders, and expand our discussion to identify three key brain networks associated with mindfulness practices including default mode network, central executive network, and salience network. More research efforts need to be devoted into identifying underlying neuropsychological mechanisms of MM on how it alleviates the symptoms of mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Qi Gu
- Department of Psychology, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yi Zhu
- School of Psychology, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, China
- Department of Psychology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou 570102, Hainan Province, China
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Dash S, Bourke M, Parker AG, Trott E, Pascoe MC. Mindfulness is associated with reduced barriers to exercise via decreasing psychological distress in help-seeking young adults: A cross-sectional brief report. Early Interv Psychiatry 2022; 16:1049-1054. [PMID: 34825493 DOI: 10.1111/eip.13249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
AIM Mental illness is common among young people. Exercise has benefits for mental health; however, young people experience a range of barriers to engaging in physical activity, one of which is psychological distress. Mindfulness is a modifiable factor that can reduce distress and may, in turn, reduce perceived barriers to physical activity. The aim of this work was to explore associations between dispositional mindfulness, psychological distress and barriers to engaging in physical activity. METHODS We used cross-sectional survey data from young adults aged 15-25 years who attended youth mental health services (headspace centres). Demographic, mindfulness, exercise barriers and wellbeing data were collected. RESULTS Mediation analysis showed that greater dispositional mindfulness reduced perceived barriers to exercise via reductions in psychological distress among 88 help-seeking young Australians. CONCLUSION Interventions to increase dispositional mindfulness may be helpful in reducing psychological distress and lessening barriers to exercise engagement, therefore promoting mental health among young people experiencing mental health symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Dash
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia.,IMPACT - The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, Food & Mood Centre, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Matthew Bourke
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Alexandra G Parker
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia.,Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health and Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Emma Trott
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Michaela C Pascoe
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
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Beyond mindfulness: Arousal-driven modulation of attentional control during arousal-based practices. CURRENT RESEARCH IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2022; 3:100053. [PMID: 36246552 PMCID: PMC9559070 DOI: 10.1016/j.crneur.2022.100053] [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: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Here we report meditative techniques, which modulate attentional control by arousal-driven influences and not by monitoring continuous thought processes as during mindfulness-related practices. We focus on Vajrayana (Tantric Buddhism) practices, during which a sequence of generation (self-visualization as a deity - Yidam) or completion with sign (inner heat -Tummo) stages necessarily precedes non-dual awareness (NDA) Tantric Mahamudra. We compared the electrocardiographic and electroencephalographic correlates of Mahamudra performed after rest (non-Tantric Mahamudra) with Mahamudra performed after Yidam (Tantric Mahamudra) in 16 highly experienced Vajrayana practitioners, 10 of whom also performed Tummo. Both Yidam and Tummo developed the state of PNS withdrawal (arousal) and phasic alertness, as reflected by HF HRV decreases and Alpha2 power increases, later neurophysiologically employed in Tantric Mahamudra. The latter led to the unique state of high cortical excitability, “non-selective” focused attention, and significantly reduced attentional control, quantified by power reductions in all frequency bands, except Theta. In contrast, similar to mindfulness-related practices, non-Tantric Mahamudra was performed in a state of PNS dominance (relaxation), tonic alertness, and active monitoring, as suggested by Alpha1 power increases and less pronounced decreases in other frequency bands. A neurobiological model of meditation is proposed, differentiating arousal-based and mindfulness-related practices. Arousal-based meditations involve the state of PNS withdrawal and phasic alertness. Top-down control during arousal-based practices is modulated by arousal. Mindfulness-based practices involve the state of PNS dominance and tonic alertness. Top-down control during mindfulness-based practices is regulated by monitoring. NDA practices aim at non-selectivity of attention and reduction of top-down control.
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Asfar T, Alcaide ML, Jones DL, McClure LA, Brewer J, Lee DJ, Carrico A. HIV patients’ perceptions of a potential multi-component mindfulness-based smoking cessation smartphone application intervention. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0271946. [PMID: 36006893 PMCID: PMC9409537 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Cigarette smoking rates among people living with HIV (PLWH) in the US is triple that of the general population. PLWH smokers are a high-risk group for smoking-related health disparities and should be a prime focus for smoking cessation efforts. Our team has developed a novel evidence-based Mindfulness Training (MT) smoking cessation smartphone application (app), “Craving-to-Quit.” Using qualitative focus groups among PLWH smokers, this study aims to tailor and optimize the app’s content and design to PLWH’s unique psychosocial profile and needs. Methods We conducted 8 focus groups among PLWH smokers (n = 59; 47.5% females; ≥18 years) to gain insight into participants’ perceptions about the app, MT, and the feasibility and acceptability of adding two additional strategies (CM: Contingency Management; self-monitoring of anti-retroviral therapies intake [ART]) to further optimize the app. Participants were asked to practice MTs and watch videos from the app presented on a screen in the conference room to discuss their experience. Sessions were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically using NVivo. Results Most participants were non-Hispanic black (67.8%), on a federal health insurance program (61.0%). Participants considered it easy to learn the app and thought that MT is helpful in reducing stress and motivating quit attempts and were supportive of adding CM and recommended providing $20-$50 weekly cash incentives to help in quitting. Participants felt that adding self-monitoring of ART is helpful but were concerned about confidentiality in case they lost their phone. Participants recommended making the app cost-free and adding information about smoking cessation medications and the negative effects of smoking among PLWH. Conclusions Findings will guide the development of a novel multi-component smoking cessation intervention app integrating MT, CM, and ART self-monitoring strategies. This intervention has the potential to address several barriers to quitting in PLWH. Further clinical research is needed to test this intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taghrid Asfar
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Maria Luisa Alcaide
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America
- Internal Medicine, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Deborah L. Jones
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Laura A. McClure
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Judson Brewer
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown Mindfulness Center, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States of America
| | - David J. Lee
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Adam Carrico
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America
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O'Connor EJ, Murphy A, Kohler MJ, Chan RW, Immink MA. Instantaneous effects of mindfulness meditation on tennis return performance in elite junior athletes completing an implicitly sequenced serve return task. Front Sports Act Living 2022; 4:907654. [PMID: 36081619 PMCID: PMC9446240 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2022.907654] [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: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Single-session meditation augmentation of sport-specific skill performance was tested with elite junior tennis athletes. Athletes completed one of two styles of mindfulness meditation (focused-attention or open-monitoring) or a control listening condition prior to performing an implicitly sequenced tennis serve return task involving the goal of hitting a target area placed on the service court. Unbeknownst to athletes, six distinct serves followed a repeating second-order conditional sequence for two task blocks before the sequence was altered in a third transfer block. Task performance was operationalized as serve return outcome and analyzed using beta regression modeling. Models analyzed group by block differences in the proportion of returned serves (i.e., non-aces), returns placed in the service court, and target hits. Contrary to previous laboratory findings, results did not support meditation-related augmentation of performance and/or sequence learning. In fact, compared to control, meditation may have impaired performance improvements and acquisition of serve sequence information. It is possible that the effects of single-session meditation seen in laboratory research may not extend to more complex motor tasks, at least in highly-trained adolescents completing a well-learned skill. Further research is required to elucidate the participant, task, and meditation-related characteristics that might promote single-session meditation performance enhancement.
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Lymeus F, White MP, Lindberg P, Hartig T. Restoration Skills Training in a Natural Setting Compared to Conventional Mindfulness Training: Sustained Advantages at a 6-Month Follow-Up. Front Psychol 2022; 13:763650. [PMID: 35978765 PMCID: PMC9376351 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.763650] [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: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Restoration skills training (ReST) is a mindfulness-based course in which participants draw support from a natural practice setting while they learn to meditate. Well-established conventional mindfulness training (CMT) can improve psychological functioning but many perceive it as demanding and fail to sustain practice habits. Applying non-inferiority logic, previous research indicated that ReST overcomes compliance problems without compromising the benefits gained over 5 weeks’ training. This article applies similar logic in a 6-month follow-up. Of 97 contacted ReST and CMT course completers, 68 responded and 29 were included with multiple imputation data. The online survey included questions about their psychological functioning in three domains (dispositional mindfulness, cognitive lapses, and perceived stress) and the forms and frequencies with which they had continued to practice mindfulness after the course. Former ReST participants continued, on average, to show higher dispositional mindfulness and fewer cognitive lapses compared to pre-course ratings. Improved psychological functioning in one or more domains was demonstrated by 35%, as determined by a reliable change index. Again, analyses detected no indications of any substantive disadvantages compared to the more demanding, established CMT approach. Compared to the CMT group, more ReST participants had also continued to practice at least occasionally (92 vs. 67%). Continued practice was linked to sustained improvements for ReST but not clearly so for CMT. ReST participants thus continued to use the skills and sustained the improvements in psychological functioning that they had gained in the course, further supporting the utility of ReST as a health intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Freddie Lymeus
- Institute for Housing and Urban Research, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- *Correspondence: Freddie Lymeus,
| | - Mathew P. White
- Vienna Cognitive Science Hub, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Per Lindberg
- Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Terry Hartig
- Institute for Housing and Urban Research, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Devillers-Réolon L, Mascret N, Sleimen-Malkoun R. Online Mindfulness Intervention, Mental Health and Attentional Abilities: A Randomized Controlled Trial in University Students During COVID-19 Lockdown. Front Psychol 2022; 13:889807. [PMID: 35874414 PMCID: PMC9301203 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.889807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to worldwide restrictive measures, raising concerns about mental health in young adults who were not particularly vulnerable to the virus itself. This study investigated the impact of these restrictions on mental and cognitive health of university students, and tested the efficacy of a brief online mindfulness meditation intervention in countering psychological distress and improving attentional abilities. Ninety-six university students forced into remote learning due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and with no experience in meditation were randomly assigned to either a passive control group (n = 48) or to an experimental group (n = 48) following daily, for 17 days, an online mindfulness intervention (10–20 min per day). Due to drop-out, 38 participants in each group were finally analyzed. Pre- and post-tests assessed participants’ mental health (psychological well-being, depression, anxiety, stress) and attentional abilities. The analysis of baseline data in comparison with normative scores and pre-pandemic statistics confirmed the expected psychological distress, but it did not reveal any attentional deficits in our participants. Pre-post change scores analyses showed a reduction in stress (p = 0.006, ηp2 = 0.10), anxiety (p = 0.002, ηp2 = 0.13), and depression (p = 0.025, ηp2 = 0.07), and an improvement in well-being (p = 0.013, ηp2 = 0.12) in the experimental group, but not in the control group. In both groups, no significant effect was found on attentional abilities. Our results confirmed the psychological vulnerability of higher education students in the midst of the remote learning period during the second COVID-19 lockdown in France, while suggesting preservation of attentional functioning. Although the tested mindfulness intervention did not enhance the attentional abilities in already good performing students, it did promote their mental health. This study offers additional evidence on the feasibility and efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions in students during psychologically straining periods, like the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Zhu D. English as a Foreign Language Teachers' Identity and Motivation: The Role of Mindfulness. Front Psychol 2022; 13:940372. [PMID: 35837643 PMCID: PMC9274092 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.940372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Teaching is a career with a high rate of anxiety and burnout in all phases of teaching with specific challenges related to the feature of language education. The concept of motivation can be an important basic mechanism since educators who are not motivated are distressed because of the anxious characteristic of the education profession. Moreover, educator identity is a new issue that has built a perspective to examine educators' growth by thinking about who they are as well as how they perform what they perform in a specific situation. Recently, programs that are based on mindfulness are known as efficient interventions enhancing motivation and decreasing tension in people. Given the prominence of mindfulness in educational settings and its neglected role in foreign language learning, the contemporary review attempts to inspect the function of mindfulness on English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers' motivation and identity. Subsequently, some pedagogical recommendations for the educational representatives such as teachers and teacher trainers are offered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dianyong Zhu
- School of Foreign Languages and Literature, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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Lymeus F. Individual Differences in Cognitive Functioning Predict Compliance With Restoration Skills Training but Not With a Brief Conventional Mindfulness Course. Front Psychol 2022; 13:715411. [PMID: 35310259 PMCID: PMC8926983 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.715411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Mindfulness training is often promoted as a method to train cognitive functions and has shown such effects in previous studies. However, many conventional mindfulness exercises for beginners require cognitive effort, which may be prohibitive for some, particularly for people who have more pronounced cognitive problems to begin with. An alternative mindfulness-based approach, called restoration skills training (ReST), draws on a restorative natural practice setting to help regulate attention effortlessly and promote meditative states during exercises. Previous research has shown that a 5-week ReST course requires less effort and is attended by higher compliance with practice recommendations than a conventional mindfulness course, without compromising long-term outcomes. Here, we compare ReST and a formally matched conventional mindfulness course regarding the role that initial individual differences in cognitive functioning play in determining practice compliance and long-term improvements in dispositional mindfulness and cognitive functioning. In line with expectations, ReST participants who had more pronounced cognitive problems to begin with practiced more during the course, which in turn explained much of their improvement in dispositional mindfulness and cognitive functioning. In contrast, initial cognitive functioning did not explain practice and improvement in the conventional mindfulness course. The results provide further support for the potential utility of ReST as a low-effort method for enhancing cognitive functioning among people who would struggle with the demands of conventional mindfulness training. With careful integration of mindfulness practices with a restorative natural setting, these people can develop mindfulness and self-regulation capabilities without relying on effortful training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Freddie Lymeus
- Institute for Housing and Urban Research, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Gan Q, Ding N, Bi G, Liu R, Zhao X, Zhong J, Wu S, Zeng Y, Cui L, Wu K, Fu Y, Chen Z. Enhanced Resting-State Functional Connectivity With Decreased Amplitude of Low-Frequency Fluctuations of the Salience Network in Mindfulness Novices. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:838123. [PMID: 35308619 PMCID: PMC8927720 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.838123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mindfulness and accordant interventions are often used as complementary treatments to psychological or psychosomatic problems. This has also been gradually integrated into daily lives for the promotion of psychological well-being in non-clinical populations. The experience of mindful acceptance in a non-judgmental way brought about the state, which was less interfered by a negative effect. Mindfulness practice often begins with focused attention (FA) meditation restricted to an inner experience. We postulate that the brain areas related to an interoceptive function would demonstrate an intrinsic functional change after mindfulness training for the mindful novices along with paying more attention to internal processes. To further explore the influence of mindfulness on the organization of the brain regions, both functional connectivity (FC) in the voxel and the region of interest (ROI) level were calculated. In the current study, 32 healthy volunteers, without any meditation experiences, were enrolled and randomly assigned to a mindfulness-based stress reduction group (MBSR) or control group (CON). Participants in the MBSR group completed 8 weeks of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and rated their mindfulness skills before and after MBSR. All subjects were evaluated via resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) in both baselines and after 8 weeks. They also completed a self-report measure of their state and trait anxiety as well as a positive and negative affect. Pre- and post-MBSR assessments revealed a decreased amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) in the right anterior cingulate gyrus (ACC.R), left anterior and posterior insula (aIC.L, pIC.L), as well as left superior medial frontal gyrus (SFGmed.L) in MBSR practitioners. Strengthened FC between right anterior cingulate cortex (ACC.R) and aIC.R was observed. The mean ALFF values of those regions were inversely and positively linked to newly acquired mindful abilities. Along with a decreased negative affect score, our results suggest that the brain regions related to attention and interoceptive function were involved at the beginning of mindfulness. This study provides new clues in elucidating the time of evaluating the brain mechanisms of mindfulness novices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan Gan
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Ning Ding
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Guoli Bi
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
- Department of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Ruixiang Liu
- Department of Clinical Psychology, The Second People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Xingrong Zhao
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Jingmei Zhong
- Department of Clinical Psychology, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Shaoyuan Wu
- Department of Clinical Psychology, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Yong Zeng
- Department of Clinical Psychology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yuxi, China
| | - Liqian Cui
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kunhua Wu
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
- Department of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Yunfa Fu
- School of Information Engineering and Automation, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Zhuangfei Chen
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
- *Correspondence: Zhuangfei Chen,
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Prather JG, Baughman B, Alexandrov AW, Grimes Stanfill A. A Conceptual Model of the Influence of Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Stress and Quality of Life in Patients With Chronic Conditions. Holist Nurs Pract 2022; 36:67-75. [PMID: 35166247 DOI: 10.1097/hnp.0000000000000500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Individuals with chronic conditions are susceptible to stress-related health complications. Left unattended, chronic stress exacerbates inflammation, diminishes quality of life (QOL), and increases all-cause mortality. Here, we suggest a theoretical framework promoting the use of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in patients with chronic conditions and a conceptual model of how MBIs may influence stress and QOL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenifer G Prather
- Department of Acute and Tertiary Care, College of Nursing, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis (Ms Prather and Drs Alexandrov and Grimes Stanfill); Semmes Murphy Clinic, Memphis, Tennessee (Dr Baughman); and Departments of Neurosurgery (Dr Baughman) and Neurology (Dr Alexandrov), College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis
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