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Reangsing C, Moonpanane K, Pittchalard K, Schneider JK. Efficacy of a Mind Space Application intervention on psychological outcomes in Thai university students with depression: A pilot randomized controlled trial. J Affect Disord 2024; 362:317-322. [PMID: 38986875 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.07.006] [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: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of the Mind Space Application on psychological outcomes among Thai-university students with depression. METHOD Thai-university students with depression (N = 50) were recruited between November 2021 and January 2022. Participants were randomly assigned to either an 8-week mindfulness-based intervention via the Mind Space Application intervention or a waitlist control group. Stress, anxiety, depression, and mindfulness were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. RESULTS Post-intervention, compared to waitlist control group, participants using the Mind Space Application reported large effects in the reduction of stress (d = 1.46, p < .001) and depression (d = 1.88, p < .001), small to moderate effects in reduction of anxiety (d = 0.35, p = .35), but no significant. Also, mindfulness scores were significantly higher (d = 1.90, p < .001) compared to the waitlist control group. CONCLUSION Thai-university students with depression who used the Mind Space Application showed lower stress and depression and higher mindfulness compared to the waitlist group among. Similar applications may be useful as an alternative or combined with other treatments to improve psychological outcomes in other university student populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuntana Reangsing
- School of Nursing, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiangrai, Thailand; Nursing Innovation Research and Resource Unit, Mae Fah Luaung University, Thailand.
| | - Katemanee Moonpanane
- School of Nursing, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiangrai, Thailand; Nursing Innovation Research and Resource Unit, Mae Fah Luaung University, Thailand
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Farhi M, Rubinsten O. Emotion regulation skills as a mediator of STEM teachers' stress, well-being, and burnout. Sci Rep 2024; 14:15615. [PMID: 38971803 PMCID: PMC11227537 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63228-z] [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: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The teaching profession highly stressful, and teachers are often faced with challenging situations. This is particularly the case in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education, which is a uniquely demanding and challenging field. This study examined the role of emotional regulation (ER) skills in STEM teachers' stress, well-being, and burnout. The sample included 165 STEM teachers in middle and high schools who completed standard online questionnaires on ER, stress, well-being, and burnout. They were also asked to comment on three videos depicting authentic mathematical and pedagogical situations. The results indicated that contrary to popular belief, seniority was not linked with levels of stress, difficulties in ER, lower levels of well-being, or higher levels of burnout. A structural equation model and bootstrapping analysis showed teachers' levels of stress predicted their well-being, and this link between stress and well-being was mediated by teachers' level of difficulty in ER. The study highlights the importance of STEM teachers' well-being and suggests the need to reduce stress and burnout by providing tools for teachers to regulate their emotions in the classroom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moran Farhi
- The MOFET Institute, Tel Aviv, Israel.
- David Yellin College, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Orly Rubinsten
- Department of Learning Disabilities, Edmond J. Safra Brain Research Center for the Study of Learning Disabilities, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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Lu CP, Dijk SW, Pandit A, Kranenburg L, Luik AI, Hunink MGM. The effect of mindfulness-based interventions on reducing stress in future health professionals: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Appl Psychol Health Well Being 2024; 16:765-792. [PMID: 37527644 DOI: 10.1111/aphw.12472] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Students in health professions often face high levels of stress due to demanding academic schedules, heavy workloads, disrupted work-life balance, and sleep deprivation. Addressing stress during their education can prevent negative consequences for their mental health and the well-being of their future patients. Previous reviews on the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) focused on working health professionals or included a wide range of intervention types and durations. This study aims to investigate the effect of 6- to 12-week MBIs with 1- to 2-h weekly sessions on stress in future health professionals. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials published in English by searching Embase, Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and PsycINFO. We used post-intervention stress levels and standard deviations to assess the ability of MBIs to reduce stress, summarized by the standardized mean difference (SMD). This review is reported according to the PRISMA checklist (2020). We identified 2932 studies, of which 11 were included in the systematic review and 10 had sufficient data for inclusion in the meta-analysis. The overall effect of MBIs on reducing stress was a SMD of 0.60 (95% CI [0.27, 0.94]). Our study provides evidence that MBIs have a moderate reducing effect on stress in students in health professions; however, given the high risk of bias, these findings should be interpreted with caution, and further high-quality studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Ping Lu
- Netherlands Institute for Health Sciences (NIHES), Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Stijntje W Dijk
- Netherlands Institute for Health Sciences (NIHES), Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Aradhana Pandit
- Netherlands Institute for Health Sciences (NIHES), Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Leonieke Kranenburg
- Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Annemarie I Luik
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Trimbos Institute, The Netherlands Institute of Mental Health and Addiction, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - M G Myriam Hunink
- Netherlands Institute for Health Sciences (NIHES), Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre for Health Decision Science, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Zainal NH, Tan HH, Hong RYS, Newman MG. Testing the Efficacy of a Brief, Self-Guided Mindfulness Ecological Momentary Intervention on Emotion Regulation and Self-Compassion in Social Anxiety Disorder: Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Ment Health 2024; 11:e53712. [PMID: 38640015 PMCID: PMC11069101 DOI: 10.2196/53712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Theories propose that brief, mobile, self-guided mindfulness ecological momentary interventions (MEMIs) could enhance emotion regulation (ER) and self-compassion. Such changes are posited to be mechanisms of change. However, rigorous tests of these theories have not been conducted. OBJECTIVE In this assessor-blinded, parallel-group randomized controlled trial, we aimed to test these theories in social anxiety disorder (SAD). METHODS Participants with SAD (defined as having a prerandomization cut-off score ≥20 on the Social Phobia Inventory self-report) were randomized to a 14-day fully self-guided MEMI (96/191, 50.3%) or self-monitoring app (95/191, 49.7%) arm. They completed web-based self-reports of 6 clinical outcome measures at prerandomization, 15-day postintervention (administered the day after the intervention ended), and 1-month follow-up time points. ER and self-compassion were assessed at preintervention and 7-day midintervention time points. Multilevel modeling determined the efficacy of MEMI on ER and self-compassion domains from pretrial to midintervention time points. Bootstrapped parallel multilevel mediation analysis examined the mediating role of pretrial to midintervention ER and self-compassion domains on the efficacy of MEMI on 6 clinical outcomes. RESULTS Participants demonstrated strong compliance, with 78% (149/191) engaging in at least 80% of the MEMI and self-monitoring prompts. MEMI was more efficacious than the self-monitoring app in decreasing ER goal-directed behavior difficulties (between-group Cohen d=-0.24) and lack of emotional clarity (Cohen d=0.16) and increasing self-compassion social connectedness (Cohen d=0.19), nonidentification with emotions (Cohen d=0.16), and self-kindness (Cohen d=0.19) from pretrial to midintervention time points. The within-group effect sizes from pretrial to midintervention were larger in the MEMI arm than in the self-monitoring app arm (ER goal-directed behavior difficulties: Cohen d=-0.73 vs -0.29, lack of emotional clarity: Cohen d=-0.39 vs -0.21, self-compassion domains of social connectedness: Cohen d=0.45 vs 0.19, nonidentification with emotions: Cohen d=0.63 vs 0.48, and self-kindness: Cohen d=0.36 vs 0.10). Self-monitoring, but not MEMI, alleviated ER emotional awareness issues (between-group Cohen d=0.11 and within-group: Cohen d=-0.29 vs -0.13) and reduced self-compassion acknowledging shared human struggles (between-group Cohen d=0.26 and within-group: Cohen d=-0.23 vs 0.13). No ER and self-compassion domains were mediators of the effect of MEMI on SAD symptoms (P=.07-<.99), generalized anxiety symptoms (P=.16-.98), depression severity (P=.20-.94), repetitive negative thinking (P=.12-.96), and trait mindfulness (P=.18-.99) from pretrial to postintervention time points. Similar nonsignificant mediation effects emerged for all of these clinical outcomes from pretrial to 1-month follow-up time points (P=.11-.98). CONCLUSIONS Brief, fully self-guided, mobile MEMIs efficaciously increased specific self-compassion domains and decreased ER difficulties associated with goal pursuit and clarity of emotions from pretrial to midintervention time points. Higher-intensity MEMIs may be required to pinpoint the specific change mechanisms in ER and self-compassion domains of SAD. TRIAL REGISTRATION Open Science Framework (OSF) Registries; osf.io/m3kxz https://osf.io/m3kxz.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Hani Zainal
- Department of Psychology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Health Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Hui Han Tan
- Department of Psychology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ryan Yee Shiun Hong
- Department of Psychology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Michelle Gayle Newman
- Department of Psychology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
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Riordan KM, Simonsson O, Frye C, Vack NJ, Sachs J, Fitch D, Goldman RI, Chiang ES, Dahl CJ, Davidson RJ, Goldberg SB. How often should I meditate? A randomized trial examining the role of meditation frequency when total amount of meditation is held constant. J Couns Psychol 2024; 71:104-114. [PMID: 38376930 PMCID: PMC10883600 DOI: 10.1037/cou0000725] [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: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Meditation apps are the most commonly used mental health apps. However, the optimal dosing of app-delivered meditation practice has not been established. We examined whether the distribution of meditation practices across a day impacted outcomes in a distressed population. We investigated the effects of meditation practice frequency in a 2-week compassion-based meditation intervention delivered via the Healthy Minds Program app. Undergraduates with clinically elevated depression and/or anxiety (N = 351) were randomized to a massed (one 20-min meditation per day) or distributed condition (two 10-min meditations per day). Psychological distress (primary outcome; composite of depression and anxiety), experiential avoidance, fear of missing out, loneliness, and self-compassion were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Psychological distress, loneliness, and informal meditation practice were also assessed daily. Practice time and frequency were assessed using app data. Results support feasibility of the study design, success of the manipulation, and acceptability of the intervention. Pooled across conditions, participants exhibited pre-post improvements on all outcomes (absolute value of ds = 0.12-0.63, p ≤ .010) and trajectories of improvement on daily distress and loneliness (p ≤ .010). No between-group differences were observed on changes in pre-post or daily measures (ps = .158-.729). When total amount of meditation practice per day is held constant, the distribution of practice may not influence outcomes for distressed beginners. Although only a first test of dose frequency effects, findings support flexibility in the distribution of meditation throughout the day, which may increase accessibility. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin M. Riordan
- Center for Healthy Minds; University of Wisconsin – Madison; Madison, WI
- Department of Counseling Psychology; University of Wisconsin – Madison; Madison, WI
| | - Otto Simonsson
- Center for Healthy Minds; University of Wisconsin – Madison; Madison, WI
- Department of Sociology, University of Oxford; Oxford, England
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience; Karolinska Institute; Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Corrina Frye
- Center for Healthy Minds; University of Wisconsin – Madison; Madison, WI
| | - Nathan J. Vack
- Center for Healthy Minds; University of Wisconsin – Madison; Madison, WI
| | - Jane Sachs
- Center for Healthy Minds; University of Wisconsin – Madison; Madison, WI
| | - Dan Fitch
- Center for Healthy Minds; University of Wisconsin – Madison; Madison, WI
| | - Robin I. Goldman
- Center for Healthy Minds; University of Wisconsin – Madison; Madison, WI
| | - Evelyn S. Chiang
- Department of Psychology; University of North Carolina – Asheville; Asheville, NC
| | - Cortland J. Dahl
- Center for Healthy Minds; University of Wisconsin – Madison; Madison, WI
| | - Richard J. Davidson
- Center for Healthy Minds; University of Wisconsin – Madison; Madison, WI
- Department of Psychology; University of Wisconsin – Madison; Madison, WI
- Department of Psychiatry; University of Wisconsin – Madison; Madison, WI
| | - Simon B. Goldberg
- Center for Healthy Minds; University of Wisconsin – Madison; Madison, WI
- Department of Counseling Psychology; University of Wisconsin – Madison; Madison, WI
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Pan Y, Li F, Liang H, Shen X, Bing Z, Cheng L, Dong Y. Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Mental Health and Psychological Quality of Life among University Students: A GRADE-Assessed Systematic Review. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2024; 2024:8872685. [PMID: 38414520 PMCID: PMC10898947 DOI: 10.1155/2024/8872685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Background Psychological distress is a progressive health problem that has been linked to decreased quality of life among university students. This meta-analysis reviews existing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that have examined the effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) on the relief of psychosomatic stress-related outcomes and quality of life among university students. Methods The PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, PsycINFO (formerly PsychLit), Ovid MEDLINE, ERIC, Scopus, Google Scholar, ProQuest, and Cochrane Library databases were searched in November 2023 to identify the RCTs for analysis. Data on pathology (anxiety, depression, and perceived stress), physical capacity (sleep quality and physical health), and well-being (mindfulness, self-kindness, social function, and subjective well-being) were analyzed. Results Of the 276 articles retrieved, 29 met the inclusion criteria. Compared with control therapies, the pooled results suggested that MBSR had significant effects, reducing anxiety (SMD = -0.29; 95% CI: -0.49 to -0.09), depression (SMD = -0.32; 95% CI: -0.62 to -0.02), and perceived stress (SMD = -0.41; 95% CI: -0.60 to -0.29) and improving mindfulness (SMD = 0.34; 95% CI: 0.08 to 0.59), self-kindness (SMD = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.30 to 1.12), and physical health (SMD = -0.59; 95% CI: -1.14 to -0.04). No significant differences were observed in sleep quality (SMD = -0.20; 95% CI: -0.06 to 0.20), social function (SMD = -0.71; 95% CI: -2.40 to 0.97), or subjective well-being (SMD = 0.07; 95% CI: -0.18 to 0.32). The quality of the evidence regarding sleep quality and physical health outcomes was low. Conclusions MBSR therapy appears to be potentially useful in relieving functional emotional disorders. However, additional evidence-based large-sample trials are required to definitively determine the forms of mindfulness-based therapy that may be effective in this context and ensure that the benefits obtained are ongoing. Future studies should investigate more personalized approaches involving interventions that are tailored to various barriers and students' clinical characteristics. To optimize the effects of such interventions, they should be developed and evaluated using various designs such as the multiphase optimization strategy, which allows for the identification and tailoring of the most valuable intervention components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanqing Pan
- Tianjin Vocational and Technical Normal University, Campbell China Network, Dagu Nan Lu, Hexi, Tianjin 300222, China
| | - Fusen Li
- Tianjin Vocational and Technical Normal University, Campbell China Network, Dagu Nan Lu, Hexi, Tianjin 300222, China
| | - Haiqian Liang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Characteristic Medical Center of Chinese People's Armed Police Force, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiping Shen
- Institute of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, China
| | - Zhitong Bing
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 509 Nanchang Road, Chengguan 730000, Lanzhou, China
| | - Liang Cheng
- School of Computer Science, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Xitucheng Road, Haidian 100876, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Dong
- Tianjin Medical College, School of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Liulin Road, Hexi, Tianjin 300222, China
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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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Han A, Kim TH. Effects of Self-Compassion Interventions on Reducing Depressive Symptoms, Anxiety, and Stress: A Meta-Analysis. Mindfulness (N Y) 2023; 14:1-29. [PMID: 37362192 PMCID: PMC10239723 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-023-02148-x] [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: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Objectives A growing body of evidence shows self-compassion can play a key role in alleviating depressive symptoms, anxiety, and stress in various populations. Interventions fostering self-compassion have recently received increased attention. This meta-analysis aimed to identify studies that measured effects of self-compassion focused interventions on reducing depressive symptoms, anxiety, and stress. Methods A comprehensive search was conducted within four databases to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The quality of the included RCTs was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration risk-of-bias tool. Either a random-effects model or fixed-effects model was used. Subgroup analyses were conducted according to types of control groups, intervention delivery modes, and the involvement of directly targeted populations with psychological distress symptoms. Results Fifty-six RCTs met the eligibility criteria. Meta-analyses showed self-compassion focused interventions had small to medium effects on reducing depressive symptoms, anxiety, and stress at the immediate posttest and small effects on reducing depressive symptoms and stress at follow-up compared to control conditions. The overall risk of bias across included RCTs was high. Conclusions Fewer studies were conducted to compare effects of self-compassion interventions to active control conditions. Also, fewer studies involved online self-compassion interventions than in-person interventions and directly targeted people with distress symptoms. Further high-quality studies are needed to verify effects of self-compassion interventions on depressive symptoms, anxiety, and stress. As more studies are implemented, future meta-analyses of self-compassion interventions may consider conducting subgroup analyses according to intervention doses, specific self-compassion intervention techniques involved, and specific comparison or control groups. Preregistration This study is not preregistered. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12671-023-02148-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Areum Han
- Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Alabama at Birmingham, SHPB 339, 1720 2Nd Ave South, Birmingham, AL 35294 USA
| | - Tae Hui Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, 20 Ilsan-RoGangwon Province, Wonju, 26426 South Korea
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Zaidi FZ, Lai MM, Jumaat A, Lee Y. Modelling Well-Being with Mindfulness Intervention on Bottom- and Middle-40% Income Earners in Malaysia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3480. [PMID: 36834173 PMCID: PMC9959708 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This paper examines mindfulness as a costless cognitive asset in reducing stress and improving subjective well-being and psychological well-being among Malaysian bottom-forty-percent and middle-forty-percent income earners, known as B40 and M40, respectively. The participants recruited for this experimental study were divided into intervention and control groups and completed pre- and post-assessment questionnaires. The leveraging on digital technologies during pandemic times from May to June 2021 enabled participants in the intervention group (n = 95) to undergo four weekly online mindfulness intervention sessions through Google Meet and completed daily home mindfulness practices using the mobile application for mindfulness: the MindFi version 3.8.0 mobile app. Based on the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, the intervention group's mindfulness and well-being levels increased significantly after four weeks. This outcome contrasted to those in the control group (n = 31), who exhibited lower mindfulness and well-being levels. The PLS-SEM structural model consists of mindfulness as an independent variable, subjective and psychological well-being as dependent variables, and perceived stress and financial desire discrepancies as the mediators. This model has a goodness-of-fit of 0.076, proving that it is a fit and strong model. There is a positive relationship between mindfulness and subjective well-being (β = 0.162, p-value < 0.01). This model supports the mediation effect of perceived stress between mindfulness and subjective well-being variables (β = 0.152, p-value < 0.05). The overall structural model implies that the effectiveness of mindfulness intervention training not only enhanced bottom- and middle-income earners' well-being but also lowered the perceived stress level that, henceforth, brought the mind and body together in the present moment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yvonne Lee
- Faculty of Management, Multimedia University, Cyberjaya 63100, Malaysia
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10
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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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Berta-Otero T, Barceló-Soler A, Montero-Marin J, Maloney S, Pérez-Aranda A, López-Montoyo A, Salvo V, Sussumu M, García-Campayo J, Demarzo M. Experiential Avoidance in Primary Care Providers: Psychometric Properties of the Brazilian "Acceptance and Action Questionnaire" (AAQ-II) and Its Criterion Validity on Mood Disorder-Related Psychological Distress. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:225. [PMID: 36612546 PMCID: PMC9819638 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010225] [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: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A sizeable proportion of Brazilian Primary Care (PC) providers suffer from common mental disorders, such as anxiety and depression. In an effort to cope with job-related distress, PC workers are likely to implement maladaptive strategies such as experiential avoidance (EA). The Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ-II) is a widely used instrument that evaluates EA but has shown questionable internal consistency in specific populations. This study assesses the psychometric properties of the AAQ-II among Brazilian PC providers, evaluates its convergence and divergence with self-criticism and mindfulness skills, and explores its criterion validity on anxiety and depressive symptoms. METHODS A cross-sectional design was conducted in Brazilian PC services, and the sample included 407 PC workers. The measures evaluated EA, self-criticism, mindfulness, depression, and anxiety. RESULTS The one-factor model of the AAQ-II replicated the original version structure. The AAQ-II presented good internal consistency among Brazilian PC providers. A multiple regression model demonstrated higher relationships with self-criticism than mindfulness skills. The criterion validity of the AAQ-II on anxiety and depression was stronger in the context of more severe symptoms. CONCLUSIONS The AAQ-II is an appropriate questionnaire to measure the lack of psychological flexibility among Brazilian PC workers in the sense of EA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Berta-Otero
- Centro Mente Aberta (Brazilian Center for Mindfulness and Health Promotion), Department of Preventive Medicine, UNIFESP, São Paulo 04753-060, Brazil
| | - Alberto Barceló-Soler
- Institute of Health Research of Aragon (IIS), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Primary Care Prevention and Health Promotion Research Network (RedIAPP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesus Montero-Marin
- Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7JX, UK
- Teaching, Research & Innovation Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, 08830 Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health—CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Shannon Maloney
- Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7JX, UK
| | | | - Alba López-Montoyo
- Department of Basic, Clinical Psychology, and Psychobiology, Universitat Jaume I, 12006 Castellón de la Plana, Spain
| | - Vera Salvo
- Centro Mente Aberta (Brazilian Center for Mindfulness and Health Promotion), Department of Preventive Medicine, UNIFESP, São Paulo 04753-060, Brazil
| | - Marcio Sussumu
- Centro Mente Aberta (Brazilian Center for Mindfulness and Health Promotion), Department of Preventive Medicine, UNIFESP, São Paulo 04753-060, Brazil
| | - Javier García-Campayo
- Institute of Health Research of Aragon (IIS), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Primary Care Prevention and Health Promotion Research Network (RedIAPP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Psychiatric Service, Hospital Miguel Servet, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Marcelo Demarzo
- Centro Mente Aberta (Brazilian Center for Mindfulness and Health Promotion), Department of Preventive Medicine, UNIFESP, São Paulo 04753-060, Brazil
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