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Winkelmair A, Jansen P. Can mindfulness-based training impact explicit and implicit attitudes and sustainable nutrition behavior? A focus on vegetarianism. Appetite 2024; 200:107554. [PMID: 38876151 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2024.107554] [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: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of a mindfulness intervention (IG) compared to an inactive control group (CG) on explicit and implicit attitudes toward vegetarian and meat-based foods, nutrition behavior measures, trait mindfulness and wellbeing. METHODS In the IG (N = 66), we implemented a mindfulness-based intervention consisting of eight weekly group sessions online, along with an additional half-day session held on campus. The CG (N = 71) received no intervention or training. We employed a pre-/post-intervention design involving questionnaires (trait mindfulness, wellbeing, sustainable nutrition behavior scale), an online supermarket scenario, as well as an explicit rating task and an implicit association task using pictures of vegetarian and meat-based foods. Additionally, a voluntary follow-up testing was conducted two months after the final group session. RESULTS No intervention effects were observed on explicit and implicit attitudes, wellbeing, or nutrition behavior measures. However, there was an increase in trait mindfulness within the IG. Exploratory cross-sectional findings indicated that trait mindfulness facets such as "Acting with Awareness" and "Outer Awareness", along with explicit attitudes, were significant predictors of self-reported sustainable consumption behavior. Additionally, sex and explicit attitudes were identified as significant predictors of vegetarian consumption behavior in the online supermarket task. CONCLUSION Our findings could not substantiate previous claims regarding the potential causal effects of mindfulness practice on sustainable consumption behavior, specifically in the realm of sustainable and vegetarian nutrition, as well as subjective wellbeing. Future studies may benefit from implementing longer-term mindfulness-based interventions and considering other potential decisive factors, such as connectedness to nature and others. Integrating training elements focusing on these specific variables into the intervention could be valuable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annica Winkelmair
- University of Regensburg, Faculty of Human Sciences, Universitätsstraße 31, Regensburg, 93053, Germany.
| | - Petra Jansen
- University of Regensburg, Faculty of Human Sciences, Universitätsstraße 31, Regensburg, 93053, Germany.
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Saracutu OI, Manfredini D, Bracci A, Ferrari Cagidiaco E, Ferrari M, Colonna A. Awake bruxism behaviors frequency in a group of healthy young adults with different psychological scores. Cranio 2024:1-8. [PMID: 38850025 DOI: 10.1080/08869634.2024.2357199] [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: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the frequency of awake bruxism (AB) behaviors in a group of undergraduate dentistry students and correlate it with the status of anxiety and depression. MATERIALS AND METHODS The frequency of five oral behaviors (i.e., relaxed jaw muscle, teeth contact, mandible bracing, teeth clenching, teeth grinding) was evaluated using a smartphone-based ecological momentary assessment (EMA) approach. The anxiety and depression status was investigated with the four-item patient health questionnaire for anxiety and depression (PHQ-4). ANOVA with Tukey post-hoc test was used to assess the difference in frequency of AB behaviors among the four PHQ-4 groups. RESULTS Among the four groups, there was a statistically significant difference in the frequency of relaxed jaw muscle, teeth contact, mandible bracing, and teeth clenching, but not for teeth grinding. CONCLUSION Based on this cross-sectional study's findings, psyche seems to have a determinant impact on AB behaviors, which is significantly higher in individuals with anxiety and depression traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ovidiu Ionut Saracutu
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, School of Dentistry, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Daniele Manfredini
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, School of Dentistry, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bracci
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Dentistry, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Marco Ferrari
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, School of Dentistry, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Anna Colonna
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, School of Dentistry, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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Maloney S, Montero-Marin J, Kuyken W. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy-Taking it Further (MBCT-TiF) compared to Ongoing Mindfulness Practice (OMP) in the promotion of well-being and mental health: A randomised controlled trial with graduates of MBCT and MBSR. Behav Res Ther 2024; 173:104478. [PMID: 38244384 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2024.104478] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness and acceptability of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy-Taking it Further (MBCT-TiF), as an adapted programme for graduates of MBCT and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). MBCT-TiF sits within a global mental health approach, which aims to help shift a wider distribution of the population towards mental well-being and away from mental ill health using a family of MBCT curricula. The primary hypothesis was that MBCT-TiF, compared to Ongoing Mindfulness Practice (OMP), would help MBCT/MBSR graduates improve their mental well-being. METHOD A parallel RCT with repeated measures was conducted. 164 graduates of MBCT/MBSR were randomly assigned (1:1) to either MBCT-TiF or OMP. REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05154266). RESULTS Of the 164 graduates recruited, 83 were randomly assigned to MBCT-TiF and 81 to OMP. MBCT-TiF was significantly more effective than OMP at improving mental well-being, with large effects post-intervention (B = 6.25; 95% CI = [4.20, 8.29]; Cohen's d = 0.78). No serious adverse effects were reported. CONCLUSIONS The findings support MBCT-TiF, in the context of the proposed global mental health approach, to help MBCT/MBSR graduates sustain mental health benefits and experience further gains in mental well-being after completing an introductory MBCT/MBSR programme. Future work should consider mechanisms and longer follow-up measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Maloney
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX37JX, UK
| | - Jesus Montero-Marin
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX37JX, UK; Teaching, Research & Innovation Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health - CIBERESP), 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Willem Kuyken
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX37JX, UK.
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González-Martín AM, Aibar-Almazán A, Rivas-Campo Y, Castellote-Caballero Y, Carcelén-Fraile MDC. Mindfulness to improve the mental health of university students. A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1284632. [PMID: 38111480 PMCID: PMC10726040 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1284632] [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: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives This systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyze the effects of a mindfulness program on mental health in university students. Methods A systematic review was conducted using the databases Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science and CINAHL. The selected studies had to incorporate a mindfulness intervention in university students. The methodological quality of the collected articles was evaluated using the PEDro scale. Results We initially identified 321 studies, of which 21 were included in this review. The interventions focused on mindfulness with durations ranging from 8 weeks to 3 months. The results demonstrated significant effects of a mindfulness intervention on mental health in university students. Conclusion This systematic review and meta-analysis found that mindfulness is effective for improving the mental health of college students. Systematic Review Registration identifier: CRD42023441453.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana María González-Martín
- Department of Education and Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Atlántico Medio, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
- Department of Psychology, Higher Education Center for Teaching and Educational Research, Madrid, Spain
| | - Agustín Aibar-Almazán
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, Jaén, Spain
| | - Yulieth Rivas-Campo
- Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, University of San Buenaventura-Cali, Santiago de Cali, Colombia
| | | | - María del Carmen Carcelén-Fraile
- Department of Education and Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Atlántico Medio, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
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Montero-Marin J, Hinze V, Crane C, Dalrymple N, Kempnich MEJ, Lord L, Slaghekke Y, Tudor K, Byford S, Dalgleish T, Ford TJ, Greenberg MT, Ukoumunne OC, Williams JMG, Kuyken W. Do Adolescents Like School-Based Mindfulness Training? Predictors of Mindfulness Practice and Responsiveness in the MYRIAD Trial. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2023; 62:1256-1269. [PMID: 37236303 PMCID: PMC10935541 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2023.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We explored what predicts secondary school students' mindfulness practice and responsiveness to universal school-based mindfulness training (SBMT), and how students experience SBMT. METHOD A mixed-methods design was used. Participants were 4,232 students (11-13 years of age), in 43 UK secondary schools, who received universal SBMT (ie, ".b" program), within the MYRIAD trial (ISRCTN86619085). Following previous research, student, teacher, school, and implementation factors were evaluated as potential predictors of students' out-of-school mindfulness practice and responsiveness (ie, interest in and attitudes toward SBMT), using mixed-effects linear regression. We explored pupils' SBMT experiences using thematic content analysis of their answers to 2 free-response questions, 1 question focused on positive experiences and 1 question on difficulties/challenges. RESULTS Students reported practicing out-of-school mindfulness exercises on average once during the intervention (mean [SD] = 1.16 [1.07]; range, 0-5). Students' average ratings of responsiveness were intermediate (mean [SD] = 4.72 [2.88]; range, 0-10). Girls reported more responsiveness. High risk of mental health problems was associated with lower responsiveness. Asian ethnicity and higher school-level economic deprivation were related to greater responsiveness. More SBMT sessions and better quality of delivery were associated with both greater mindfulness practice and responsiveness. In terms of students' experiences of SBMT, the most frequent themes (60% of the minimally elaborated responses) were an increased awareness of bodily feelings/sensations and increased ability to regulate emotions. CONCLUSION Most students did not engage with mindfulness practice. Although responsiveness to the SMBT was intermediate on average, there was substantial variation, with some youth rating it negatively and others rating it positively. Future SBMT developers should consider co-designing curricula with students, carefully assessing the student characteristics, aspects of the school environment, and implementation factors associated with mindfulness practice and responsiveness. SBMT teacher training is key, as more observed proficiency in SBMT teaching is associated with greater student mindfulness practice and responsiveness to SBMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesus Montero-Marin
- University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Teaching, Research & Innovation Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health - CIBERESP), Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Liz Lord
- University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Kate Tudor
- University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Byford
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health - CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Tim Dalgleish
- Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
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Beltrán-Ruiz M, Fernández S, García-Campayo J, Puebla-Guedea M, López-del-Hoyo Y, Navarro-Gil M, Montero-Marin J. Effectiveness of attachment-based compassion therapy to reduce psychological distress in university students: a randomised controlled trial protocol. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1185445. [PMID: 37691796 PMCID: PMC10484595 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1185445] [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: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Higher education, particularly university, is a challenge for many students that can lead to their mental health being seriously affected. The stress to which they are subject throughout their time at university can lead to anxiety and depression. "Third wave" psychotherapies, including compassion-based therapy, have been used to improve psychological outcomes, such as stress, anxiety, emotional distress and well-being. There are some signs that third wave psychotherapies reduce psychological distress in university students, but more and higher-quality studies are needed. In this randomised controlled trial (RCT), we hypothesise that the provision of attachment-based compassion therapy (ABCT) will be more effective than an active control group based on relaxation therapy for improving psychological distress in university students. Methods and analysis A two-arm RCT will be conducted involving 140 university undergraduate and postgraduate students from the University of Zaragoza and the National University of Distance Education (UNED) who reside in the autonomous community of Aragon, Spain. Interventions with either ABCT or relaxation therapy will be implemented, with an allocation ratio of 1:1 between groups. Both interventions will last six weeks and consist of six weekly group sessions lasting 1.5 h each. Data will be collected before and after the intervention, and there will be a follow-up at six months. The primary outcome will be psychological distress at post-intervention. Secondary outcomes will be depression, anxiety, stress and burnout symptoms, affectivity and emotional regulation. Attachment style, experiential avoidance, compassion (for others/oneself) and mindfulness skills will be measured as potential mechanistic variables. Intention-to-treat analysis will be performed using linear mixed regression models. The clinical significance of improvements will be calculated. Potential side effects will be monitored by an independent clinical psychologist. Ethics and dissemination This study was approved by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of Aragón. Participant data will remain anonymous, and results will be submitted to peer-reviewed open-access journals and disseminated via conferences. Clinical Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT05197595.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Beltrán-Ruiz
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Research Network on Chronicity, Primary Care and Health Promotion (RICAPPS), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Selene Fernández
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Javier García-Campayo
- Research Network on Chronicity, Primary Care and Health Promotion (RICAPPS), Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Aragonese Institute of Health Research, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Marta Puebla-Guedea
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Research Network on Chronicity, Primary Care and Health Promotion (RICAPPS), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Yolanda López-del-Hoyo
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Research Network on Chronicity, Primary Care and Health Promotion (RICAPPS), Zaragoza, Spain
- Aragonese Institute of Health Research, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Mayte Navarro-Gil
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Research Network on Chronicity, Primary Care and Health Promotion (RICAPPS), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Jesus Montero-Marin
- Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Teaching, Research & Innovation Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
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Maloney S, Surawy C, Martin M, Montero-Marin J, Kuyken W. The State- and Trait-Level Effects and Candidate Mechanisms of Four Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) Practices: Two Exploratory Studies. Mindfulness (N Y) 2023; 14:2155-2171. [PMID: 37795338 PMCID: PMC10545571 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-023-02193-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Objectives The primary aim was to explore state- and trait-level effects and candidate mechanisms of four Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) practices. Method One hundred sixty adults self-selected from the general population were randomized to one of four mindfulness practices: body scan, mindful movement, breath and body, and befriending. Study 1 explored state-level self-compassion, mindfulness, decentering (mechanisms), and pleasantness of thoughts, emotions, and body sensations at multiple time points using two single mindfulness sessions. Study 2 explored trait-level self-compassion, mindfulness, decentering, interoceptive awareness, attentional control (mechanisms), anxiety, depression, and psychological quality of life pre-post 2 weeks of daily practice. Results In study 1, state-level effects were demonstrated in all candidate mechanisms and outcomes within the whole sample across time points (d = 0.27 to 0.86), except for state decentering. After controlling for pre-scores and additional covariates, no between-group effects were found (p = 0.050 to 0.973). In study 2, trait-level effects were demonstrated in psychological quality of life and most candidate mechanisms within the whole sample (d = 0.26 to 0.64) but no between-group effects were found (p = 0.080 to 0.805). Within the whole sample, after controlling for pre-scores, changes in mindfulness, self-compassion, decentering, and interoceptive awareness (i.e. body listening) were associated with improvements in psychological quality of life (r = 0.23 to 0.40) and self-led mindfulness practice (r = 0.18 to 0.23). Conclusions Future research should test the generated hypotheses using well-designed, adequately powered, and theory-driven studies that address universal and specific mechanisms in different populations and contexts. Pre-registration This study is not pre-registered. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12671-023-02193-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Maloney
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX37JX UK
| | - Christina Surawy
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX37JX UK
| | - Maryanne Martin
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Anna Watts Building, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG UK
| | - Jesus Montero-Marin
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX37JX UK
- Teaching, Research & Innovation Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health - CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Willem Kuyken
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX37JX UK
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Bitar Z, Rogoza R, Hallit S, Obeid S. Mindfulness among lebanese university students and its indirect effect between mental health and wellbeing. BMC Psychol 2023; 11:114. [PMID: 37055857 PMCID: PMC10100626 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01155-w] [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: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND University students are a high-risk population for developing mental health issues. Mindfulness, the non-judgmental awareness of the present moment, has an effective role in numerous psychological contexts among students. However, no previous studies have investigated the association between mindfulness, mental health and wellbeing among Lebanese university students. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the mediating effect of mindfulness in the association between mental health and wellbeing in this population. METHODS This cross-sectional study enrolled 363 Lebanese university students recruited through convenience sampling (July-September 2021). The Wellbeing Index Scale, Lebanese Anxiety Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire and Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory were used to assess subjective well-being, anxiety, depression and mindfulness respectively. RESULTS Our findings showed that higher mindfulness (Beta = 0.18; p < 0.001) was significantly correlated with a higher wellbeing, whereas more depression (Beta=-0.36; p < 0.001) was significantly associated with a lower wellbeing. The results of the indirect effect analysis showed that mindfulness mediated the association between anxiety and wellbeing and between depression and wellbeing. Higher anxiety/depression were significantly associated with lower mindfulness and a lower wellbeing (direct effect). Moreover, higher mindfulness was significantly associated with a higher wellbeing. CONCLUSION Mindfulness is associated with improved wellbeing and plays an indirect role between mental health issues and wellbeing. Our results suggest that mindfulness presents an adaptive approach and coping method associated with improved students' wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Bitar
- Faculty of Medicine, Paris-Saclay university, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Radosław Rogoza
- Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University, Warsaw, Poland
- Social Innovation Chair, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon.
- Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan.
- Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon.
| | - Sahar Obeid
- Social and Education Sciences Department, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Jbeil, Lebanon.
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Garcia-Toro M, Aguilar-Latorre A, Garcia A, Navarro-Guzmán C, Gervilla E, Seguí A, Gazquez F, Marino JA, Gomez-Juanes R, Serrano-Ripoll MJ, Oliván-Blázquez B, Garcia-Campayo J, Maloney S, Montero-Marin J. Mindfulness skills and experiential avoidance as therapeutic mechanisms for treatment-resistant depression through mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and lifestyle modification. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1008891. [PMID: 36968708 PMCID: PMC10033944 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1008891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background/objectiveThe COVID-19 pandemic and consequent physical distancing has made it difficult to provide care for those with Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD). As a secondary analysis of a clinical trial, the aim of this study was to explore potential mechanisms through which three online-delivered approaches, added to treatment as usual, improve depressive symptoms in TRD patients.MethodsThe three approaches included (a) Minimal Lifestyle Intervention (MLI), (b) Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), and (c) Lifestyle Modification Program (LMP). Sixty-six participants with TRD completed assessments pre-post intervention (mindfulness skills [FFMQ]; self-compassion [SCS]; and experiential avoidance [AAQ-II]) and pre-intervention to follow-up (depressive symptoms [BDI-II]). Data were analyzed using within-subjects regression models to test mediation.ResultsMindfulness skills mediated the effect of MBCT on depressive symptoms (ab = −4.69, 95% CI = −12.93 to−0.32), whereas the lack of experiential avoidance mediated the effect of LMP on depressive symptoms (ab = −3.22, 95% CI = −7.03 to−0.14).ConclusionStrengthening mindfulness skills and decreasing experiential avoidance may promote recovery in patients with TRD, MBCT, and LMP have demonstrated that they may help increase mindfulness skills and decrease experiential avoidance, respectively. Future work will need to unpick the components of these interventions to help isolate active ingredients and increase optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Garcia-Toro
- University Institute of Health Science Research (IUNICS), University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain
- Department of Medicine, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain
- Research Network on Chronicity, Primary Care and Health Promotion (RICAPPS), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandra Aguilar-Latorre
- Research Network on Chronicity, Primary Care and Health Promotion (RICAPPS), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
- Institute for Health Research Aragón (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain
- *Correspondence: Alejandra Aguilar-Latorre,
| | - Aurora Garcia
- University Institute of Health Science Research (IUNICS), University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain
| | | | - Elena Gervilla
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain
- Department of Psychology, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain
| | - Andrea Seguí
- University Institute of Health Science Research (IUNICS), University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain
| | - Francisco Gazquez
- University Institute of Health Science Research (IUNICS), University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain
| | - Jose Antonio Marino
- University Institute of Health Science Research (IUNICS), University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain
| | - Rocío Gomez-Juanes
- University Institute of Health Science Research (IUNICS), University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain
| | - María J. Serrano-Ripoll
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain
- Research Network on Chronicity, Primary Care and Health Promotion (RICAPPS), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
- Primary Care Research Unit of Mallorca, Balearic Islands Health Services, Palma, Spain
| | - Bárbara Oliván-Blázquez
- Research Network on Chronicity, Primary Care and Health Promotion (RICAPPS), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
- Institute for Health Research Aragón (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Javier Garcia-Campayo
- Research Network on Chronicity, Primary Care and Health Promotion (RICAPPS), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
- Institute for Health Research Aragón (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Psychiatry and Dermatology, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Shannon Maloney
- Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Jesús Montero-Marin
- Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Teaching, Research and Innovation Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health-CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
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Martínez-Rubio D, Colomer-Carbonell A, Sanabria-Mazo JP, Pérez-Aranda A, Navarrete J, Martínez-Brotóns C, Escamilla C, Muro A, Montero-Marín J, Luciano JV, Feliu-Soler A. How mindfulness, self-compassion, and experiential avoidance are related to perceived stress in a sample of university students. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280791. [PMID: 36735700 PMCID: PMC9897529 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
University students constitute a population that is highly vulnerable to developing mental health problems, such as distress. The role of different variables associated with the development of states of stress has been studied in order to identify potential risk and protective factors. This study explored whether mindfulness, self-compassion, and experiential avoidance, while controlling for specific sociodemographic and academic variables, were potential significant protective or risk factors explaining perceived stress in a sample of 589 Spanish university students (81.2% female, age range 18-48 years). A hierarchical multiple regression analysis was performed using an exploratory cross-sectional design. Higher experiential avoidance, lower self-compassion, lower mindfulness, not perceiving family support, higher total study hours per week, having a partner (vs. being single), being female (vs. being male), and being older were significantly associated with higher levels of perceived stress. In conclusion, perceived stress in our sample was positively associated with experiential avoidance, which could be regarded as a potential psychological risk variable. In contrast, perceived stress was negatively correlated with self-compassion and mindfulness, which, in turn, could be seen as protective factors. Accordingly, it is concluded that programmes aimed at reducing stress and at improving well-being among university students should include experiential avoidance, self-compassion, and mindfulness as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Martínez-Rubio
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Psychology, Universidad Europea de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Psicoforma, Integral Psychology Center, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ariadna Colomer-Carbonell
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Psychology, Universidad Europea de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
- Teaching, Research & Innovation Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, St. Boi de Llobregat, Spain
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan P. Sanabria-Mazo
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Psychology, Universidad Europea de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
- Teaching, Research & Innovation Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, St. Boi de Llobregat, Spain
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Adrián Pérez-Aranda
- Faculty of Psychology, Department of Basic, Developmental, and Educational Psychology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
- Aragon Institute for Health Research, IIS Aragon, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Jaime Navarrete
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Psychology, Universidad Europea de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
- Teaching, Research & Innovation Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, St. Boi de Llobregat, Spain
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Martínez-Brotóns
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Psychology, Universidad Europea de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Psicoforma, Integral Psychology Center, Valencia, Spain
| | - Cristina Escamilla
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Psychology, Universidad Europea de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Anna Muro
- Faculty of Psychology, Department of Basic, Developmental, and Educational Psychology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Jesús Montero-Marín
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Psychology, Universidad Europea de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
- Teaching, Research & Innovation Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, St. Boi de Llobregat, Spain
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Juan V. Luciano
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
- Teaching, Research & Innovation Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, St. Boi de Llobregat, Spain
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Albert Feliu-Soler
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
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11
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Park JH, Bui K. Mental health of undergraduates one year after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic: Findings from the national college health assessment III. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2023:1-4. [PMID: 36596231 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2022.2161822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the mental health of undergraduates before the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown to their mental health one year later. PARTICIPANTS Data from the American College Health Association (ACHA)'s National College Health Assessment III (ACHA-NCHAIII) were used, averaging a sample size of 54,844 undergraduate students and 106 schools nationwide per time point of assessment in the study. METHODS Secondary analyses of the ACHA-NCHAIII compared undergraduates' scores on five measures of mental health measures (loneliness, psychological distress, suicidality, flourishing, and resilience) from Spring 2020 to Spring 2021. RESULTS Undergraduates' responses showed an increase in loneliness, psychological distress, and suicidality as well as a decrease in flourishing and resilience. CONCLUSIONS The worsening of undergraduates' mental health calls for greater action by schools to alleviate students' distress and improve their wellbeing.
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12
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Siira V, Petäjäniemi M, Lutovac S, Kaasila R. The role of mind-body bridging-based university psychology course for students’ well-being. NORDIC PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/19012276.2022.2159867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Virva Siira
- Research Unit Values, Ideologies and Social Contexts of Education, Faculty of Education, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Maria Petäjäniemi
- Department of Educational Sciences and Teacher Education, Faculty of Education, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Sonja Lutovac
- Department of Educational Sciences and Teacher Education, Faculty of Education, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Raimo Kaasila
- Professor of Teacher Education and Higher Education, Faculty of Education, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
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13
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Martínez-Rubio D, Navarrete J, Montero-Marin J. Feasibility, Effectiveness, and Mechanisms of a Brief Mindfulness- and Compassion-Based Program to Reduce Stress in University Students: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 19:154. [PMID: 35010414 PMCID: PMC8750204 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19010154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The mental health of university students is a public health concern, as psychopathology has significantly risen among this population. Mindfulness-based programs may support their mental health, though more research is needed. We used a two-armed pilot randomized controlled trial to study the feasibility, preliminary effectiveness, and potential mechanisms of a brief 6-week instructor-led mindfulness- and compassion-based program (MCBP for University Life) on perceived stress and psychological distress. Thirty undergraduate psychology students participated (15 in the intervention group, and 15 as wait-list controls). Those in the intervention arm engaged well with the course and formal at-home practice, attending at least five sessions and meditating between 4-6 days per week. Significant improvements in perceived stress, psychological distress, mindfulness skills, decentering, self-compassion, and experiential avoidance were found at the end of the intervention, while the wait-list group remained unchanged. There were significant differences between the two groups in those variables at post-test, favoring the intervention arm with major effects. Reductions in stress were mediated by improvements in mindfulness skills, decentering, and self-compassion; meanwhile reductions in psychological distress were mediated by improvements in decentering. These results suggest that this intervention might be feasible and effective for university students, but more high-quality research is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Martínez-Rubio
- Psicoforma, Integral Psychology Center, C/Maestro Clavé, 3, 2°, 3a, 46001 Valencia, Spain;
- Excellence Research Network PROMOSAM (PSI2014-56303-REDT), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Europea de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Jaime Navarrete
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
- Teaching, Research & Innovation Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, 08830 Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Jesus Montero-Marin
- Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7JX, UK;
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14
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Hepburn SJ, Carroll A, McCuaig L. The Relationship between Mindful Attention Awareness, Perceived Stress and Subjective Wellbeing. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182312290. [PMID: 34886026 PMCID: PMC8656828 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182312290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
It has been suggested that mindfulness is a predictive factor in self-reported perceived stress. The present study aimed to investigate the link between mindful attention awareness, perceived stress and subjective wellbeing without the presence of a complementary intervention to promote mindfulness-based strategies. METHODS The online survey participants (N = 257) were university students enrolled in initial teacher training. Self-report measures included the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Personal Wellbeing Index (PWI). RESULTS PWI was negatively correlated with PSS (r = -0.550, p = .001), MAAS was negatively correlated with PSS (r = -0.567, p = .001) and positively correlated with PWI (r = 0.336, p = .001). The mean score for PSS (M = 20.61, SD = 6.62) was above the reported norm (14.2). CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that higher levels of mindful attention awareness may be associated with lower levels of perceived stress and higher subjective wellbeing levels and lower levels of perceived stress may be associated with higher subjective wellbeing. The findings confirm that pre-service teachers are a demographic that experiences elevated levels of perceived stress regardless of the stage in initial teacher training programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stevie-Jae Hepburn
- School of Education, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4067, Australia;
- Correspondence:
| | - Annemaree Carroll
- School of Education, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4067, Australia;
| | - Louise McCuaig
- Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4067, Australia;
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