scholarly journals State Mindfulness Scale (SMS)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liad Ruimi ◽  
Yuval Hadash ◽  
Galia Tanay ◽  
Amit Bernstein
Keyword(s):  
Mindfulness Meditation ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Present Moment ◽  
Psychometric Study ◽  
Mindful Awareness ◽  
State Mindfulness ◽  
Theoretical Perspectives ◽  
Bodily Sensations ◽  
Mental Events ◽  
Theoretical Foundations

The Satipatṭhāna Sutta describes mindfulness as a mental state characterized by the objects of mindful awareness (i.e., what experience a person attends to) and mental qualities of that mindful awareness (i.e., how a person attends to experience). In contemporary psychology, mindfulness is often similarly conceptualized as a trait or a state characterized by two components: attention of physical/bodily and mental present moment experience (i.e., what experience a person attends to) and a mental attitude characterized by curiosity and acceptance of present moment experience (i.e., how a person attends to experience) (Bishop et al., 2004; Lindsay & Creswell, 2017). Integrating these canonical and contemporary theoretical perspectives, Tanay and Bernstein (2013) developed the State Mindfulness Scale (SMS). The SMS is a 21-item self-report measure designed to assess state mindfulness. More specifically, the SMS is designed to quantify subjective levels of present moment attention to and awareness of two domains of experiential events or objects of which one may be mindful, bodily sensations and mental events, during a specific period of time (e.g., past 15 minutes) and context (e.g., mindfulness meditation or other activity). In this chapter, we review the theoretical foundations, development, initial validation and subsequent psychometric study of the SMS. We also describe the SMS administration and scoring, and briefly, the limitations and possible next steps for the psychometric study of the SMS and the measurement of state mindfulness more broadly.

scholarly journals “And Now Close Your Eyes or Lower Your Gaze”: Exploring Novice Meditators and Their Attentional Processes During Meditation

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 369-378 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabella Sprawson ◽  
Jeffrey Wood ◽  
Michail Mantzios
Keyword(s):  
Mindfulness Meditation ◽  
Personality Types ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Attentional Processes ◽  
Blank Screen ◽  
State Mindfulness ◽  
Eyes Open ◽  
Report Measure ◽  
Screen Condition ◽  
Reduced State

Abstract Brief mindfulness meditation practices are associated with a wealth of benefits; however, factors that may influence the success of meditation sessions have rarely been explored. The present study explored the effects of the visual environment as a factor of successful meditation. Eye-tracking techniques were employed to objectively measure attention within three attention-deviating conditions with basic meditation instructions, and the potential influence of personality traits as assessed through administering the HEXACO-60-PI, a self-report measure, to participants. Statistically significant results were uncovered regarding decreased fixation durations and increased state mindfulness scores of participants within the blank screen conditions over the two eyes-open conditions. No significant effect was found regarding fixation counts, which decreased within the blank screen condition. The findings regarding reduced state anxiety did not reach significance and there were no significant differences regarding the six personality types between conditions. The present study offers a step towards understanding how brief mindfulness meditation sessions can be optimised.

Mindfulness meditation experience is associated with increased ability to monitor covert somatosensory attention

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Whitmarsh ◽  
Ole Jensen ◽  
Henk Barendregt
Keyword(s):  
Mindfulness Meditation ◽  
Attentional Focus ◽  
Alpha Activity ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Present Moment ◽  
Alpha Power ◽  
Attentional State ◽  
Meditation Experience ◽  
Temporal Profiles

AbstractThe distinguishing practice of mindfulness meditation is the intentional regulation of attention towards the present moment. Mindfulness meditation therefore emphasizes metacognitive functions, in particular the ability to monitor the attentional focus on a moment-by-moment basis. In this study we set out to test whether mindfulness meditation experience is associated with an increased ability to monitor moment-by-moment fluctuation in the attentional state. In response to auditory cues, participants maintained somatosensory attention to either their left or right hand. At random moments, trials were terminated by a probe sound to which participants reported their level of attention at that moment. MEG was recorded during the attention interval preceding probe onset. Using a beamformer approach, alpha activity in contralateral primary somatosensory regions was quantified. Alpha activity for self-reported high versus low attention trials was compared both within and between groups of either highly experienced experienced mindfulness meditators, novice meditators or meditation-naive participants (controls). As predicted, generally contralateral alpha power was associated with self-reported attention. Novice meditators (< 1000 h of meditation) showed temporal profiles similar to controls, displaying a correspondence between self-report and alpha power preceding probe onset. Expert meditators (≫ 1000 h) showed a strikingly different pattern, however. Their self-reported attentional state corresponded with alpha power during a more extended time interval preceding those of controls and novice meditators. In addition, self-reported low attention trials showed a distinctive alpha suppression preceding probe onset, suggesting that the ability for moment-by-moment monitoring of the attentional state permitted greater attentional control.

Mindfulness Meditation – From Traditional Approaches to Mobile Applications (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magnus Liebher ◽  
Yi-Yuan Tang
Keyword(s):  
Executive Functions ◽  
Mobile Applications ◽  
Mindfulness Meditation ◽  
Neural Mechanisms ◽  
Present Moment ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Traditional Programs ◽  
Temporal Flexibility ◽  
Individual Use ◽  
Traditional Approaches

BACKGROUND Since the 1970s, psychological and neuroscientific research has had an increasing interest in mindfulness meditation. The resulting findings were followed by various programs which are based on the same idea: mindfulness meditation is a process of openly attending, with awareness to one’s present moment experience. In recent years the traditional programs have been turned more and more into digital applications, which promise increased spatial and temporal flexibility as well as an individual use. However, the large number of mobile applications offered contrasts with few evidence-based programs. OBJECTIVE The present review aims to consider the potential of mobile but also traditional programs to improve executive functions and alter neural mechanisms, in order to meet the growing demands of our digitized everyday life. METHODS - RESULTS By reviewing previous empirical findings and theoretical considerations, we describe short-term and long-term effects of both types as well as challenges and limitations with which they are faced. CONCLUSIONS Furthermore, we provide potential solutions for future programs with a specific focus of improving executive functions and underlying neural mechanisms. CLINICALTRIAL -

scholarly journals Mindfulness meditation training in an occupational setting: Effects of a 12-weeks mindfulness-based intervention on wellbeing

Work ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Teresa Fazia ◽  
Francesco Bubbico ◽  
Giovanni Berzuini ◽  
Laura Dalla Tezza ◽  
Carolina Cortellini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mindfulness Meditation ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Emotional Awareness ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Psychological Wellbeing ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
Occupational Setting ◽  
Professional Outcomes

BACKGROUND: Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are known for their beneficial effects on positive and negative psychological factors. When applied in an occupational context, MBIs might help workers to cope with stress, increase their professional outcomes and wellbeing. OBJECTIVE: In this two-groups pre-post experimental design we tested the effect of our MBI, called Integral Meditation (IM), among the employers of an Italian service company by measuring positive and negative aspects of psychological wellbeing related to mindfulness and workplace functioning through eight self-report questionnaires (CORE-OM, FFMQ, WEMWBS, MAIA, PSS, PANAS, STAI-X1, SCS). METHOD: Forty-two voluntary non-clinical employers of the company, randomly assigned to the experimental or the control group, were analyzed. The experimental group underwent our IM program, which consists of 12 weekly meditation classes given after the afternoon shift, while the control group did not receive any intervention. Data was analyzed via linear mixed models. RESULTS: Statistically significant results were obtained for FFMQ observing subscale (β= 0.49, p = 0.014), WEMWBS (β= 5.31, p = 0.02), PSS (β= –3.31, p = 0.03), the whole scale of SCS (β= 0.47, p = 0.01) and self-judgment (β= 0.68, p = 0.003) and isolation (β= –0.66, p = 0.01) SCS subscales. Statistically significant results were also found in four out of eight subscales of MAIA: emotional awareness (β= 1.26, p <  0.001), self-regulation (β= 1.28, p <  0.001), body listening (β= 1.08, p <  0.001) and trusting (β= 1.1, p <  0.001). CONCLUSION: Our intervention has demonstrated to bring beneficial effects in a mindfulness subdomain, in perceived stress, self-compassion, interoception and psychological wellbeing. Based on our results, we conclude that our intervention was effective in increasing the positive aspects of wellbeing and in reducing stress.

scholarly journals Predicting Individual Preferences in Mindfulness Techniques Using Personality Traits

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rongxiang Tang ◽  
Todd Samuel Braver
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Predictor Variables ◽  
Focused Attention ◽  
Present Moment ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Loving Kindness ◽  
Individual Preferences ◽  
State Mindfulness ◽  
Open Monitoring

The growing popularity of mindfulness-based interventions has prompted exciting scientific research regarding their beneficial effects on well-being and health. Most mindfulness programs are provided as multi-faceted packages encompassing a set of different mindfulness techniques, each with distinct focus and mechanisms. However, this approach overlooks potential individual differences which may arise in response to practicing various mindfulness techniques. The present study investigated preferences for four prototypical mindfulness techniques (focused attention, open monitoring, loving-kindness, and body scan) and identified factors that may contribute to individual differences in these preferences. Participants without prior mindfulness experiences were exposed to each technique through audio-guided instructions and were asked to rank their preferences at the end of all practices. Results indicated that preferences for loving-kindness were predicted by empathy, and that females tended to prefer loving-kindness more than males. Conversely, preferences for open monitoring were predicted by nonreactivity and nonjudgment of present moment experiences. Additionally, higher state mindfulness was detected for individuals’ preferred technique relative to other alternatives. These findings suggest that individuals tend to prefer techniques compatible with their personalities, as the predictor variables encompass trait capacities specifically relevant to practicing these techniques. Together, our results suggest the possibility that assessing individual difference and then tailoring mindfulness-based interventions to individual needs could be a useful way to improve intervention effectiveness and subsequent outcomes.

scholarly journals Vulnerability and Primary Health Care: An Integrative Literature Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 215013272110497
Author(s):  
Janise Braga Barros Ferreira ◽  
Luciane Loures dos Santos ◽  
Luciana Cisoto Ribeiro ◽  
Belkiss Rolim Rodrigues Fracon ◽  
Sabrina Wong
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Scientific Literature ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Primary Health ◽  
Theoretical Perspectives ◽  
Final Sample ◽  
Theoretical Foundations

The objective was to analyze the evidence available in the scientific literature on the concept of vulnerability, in theoretical perspectives and its use, in Primary Health Care. An integrative literature review was carried out with the inclusion criteria: articles in English, full text, peerreviewed, related to vulnerability and primary health care, with the explicit concept of vulnerability, and published until July 31, 2020. The electronic databases accessed were by crossing the descriptors “vulnerability,” “vulnerabilities,” “primary health care,” “primary healthcare,” and “primary care.” The final sample consisted of 19 articles. The thematic analysis produced 2 themes: “Theoretical foundations of the concept of vulnerability” and “The use of the concept of vulnerability in PHC.” In the second theme, 2 sub-themes emerged: Evaluation of health policies, programs, and services and Classification of individuals, groups, and families. There was a plurality of theoretical foundations for the concept of vulnerability and a smaller scope of its use in Primary Health Care. It is expected that the study will subsidize public policymakers and health teams in the design of services and actions aimed at vulnerable populations and in situations of vulnerability.

Mindful Emotion Awareness

2021 ◽  
pp. 95-110
Author(s):  
Heather Thompson-Brenner ◽  
Melanie Smith ◽  
Gayle Brooks ◽  
Dee Ross Franklin ◽  
Hallie Espel-Huynh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Initial Reaction ◽  
Present Moment ◽  
Mindful Awareness ◽  
The Past ◽  
Different Parts

During this session, clients learn the concepts involved in mindfulness. One concept include the awareness of two types of emotion, primary and secondary. Primary is the initial reaction to the event, whereas secondary is a reaction to that emotion. Another concept is that mindful awareness is present-focused, not focused on the past or future. A third concept is that mindful awareness is involves being accepting of emotion rather than judgmental. It takes practice to develop awareness of the different parts of emotion, to develop a focus on the present moment, and to develop non-judgment of emotion. Clients participate in a guided mindfulness exercise as well as a nonjudgmental emotion awareness exercise.

scholarly journals Hair pulling antecedents in trichotillomania: Their relationship with experiential avoidance

2020 ◽  
Vol 84 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-52
Author(s):  
Chad Wetterneck ◽  
R. Sonia Singh ◽  
Douglas W. Woods
Keyword(s):  
Experiential Avoidance ◽  
Physical Symptoms ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Hair Pulling ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Bodily Sensations ◽  
Unwanted Thoughts

In this study, 285 adults who met criteria for trichotillomania (TTM) via self-report completed an online, cross-sectional survey examining antecedent phenomenological experiences pertaining to hair pulling along with measures of TTM severity and experiential avoidance (i.e., avoidance of or escape from unwanted thoughts or feelings). Results showed a heterogeneous depiction of antecedent experiences. Subsequent analyses revealed that certain antecedents were not significantly related to TTM severity but were significantly correlated with higher levels of experiential avoidance. In particular, four of five classes of antecedents (i.e., bodily sensations, physical symptoms, mental anxiety, and general uncomfortableness) were significantly related to greater experiential avoidance. The authors conclude that treatments may need to be designed to address specific private antecedents, and that this may be done through targeting experiential avoidance.

Sexual Identity

Sociology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clare Forstie
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Identity ◽  
Queer Theory ◽  
The United States ◽  
Social Contexts ◽  
Sexual Identities ◽  
Theoretical Perspectives ◽  
The Social ◽  
And Behavior ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Theoretical Foundations

Sexual identity research within sociology has largely examined the social contexts of sexuality as a central part of how we think about ourselves. While much of this research focuses on the experiences of marginalized people (gay, lesbian, bisexual, queer, and other identities), critical attention has also been paid to the social construction of heterosexual or straight identities. Theoretical perspectives from fields like queer theory and psychology have informed this thinking, and activism and research specifically from queer theory has significantly influenced how researchers understand sexual identities. Intersections with other identities are also critical to understanding sexual identities, and much forward-thinking work on sexual identities examines gender, race, class, and ability simultaneously. This bibliography outlines research on sexual identity, beginning with key sources like Journals, Edited Volumes, and Online and Popular Sources. The Theoretical Foundations section includes classic works, best for those seeking an introduction to the field. The Studying Identity: Research Methods section addresses how sexual identities might be best studied, as well as ongoing methodological challenges. Also included are sections discussing how sexual identities have been defined, including histories of sexual identities, intersections with other identities and changing identity categories, research on sexual identity and the self, research that examines the relationship between sexual identity and behavior, and works discussing how sexual identities are understood in relationships and religion. Sections addressing collective sexual identities and identities in spaces examine how identities are used in social movements and how sexual identities shape and are shaped by communities. Finally, a section focused on the political economy of sexual identities addresses the relationships between sexualities, nations, economies, and policy. While the bulk of this bibliography focuses on sexual identities within the United States, sources examining sexual identities in a variety of national and transnational contexts are included in a number of sections.

scholarly journals Characterizing the social diversity of bilingualism using language entropy

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 283-294 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason W. Gullifer ◽  
Debra Titone
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Language Use ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Social Diversity ◽  
Language Experience ◽  
Language History ◽  
Theoretical Perspectives ◽  
The Social ◽  
And Control

AbstractBilingual and multilingual individuals exhibit variation in everyday language experience. Studies on bilingualism account for individual differences with measures such as L2 age of acquisition, exposure, or language proficiency, but recent theoretical perspectives posit that the relative balance between the two or more languages throughout daily life (i.e., interactional context) is a crucial determinant for language representation, access, and control. We propose an innovative measure to characterize this construct by using entropy to estimate the social diversity of language use. Language entropy is computed from commonly-collected language history data and generalizes to multilingual communicative contexts. We show how language entropy relates to other indices of bilingual experience and that it predicts self-report L2 outcome measures over and above classic measures of language experience. Thus, we proffer language entropy as a means to characterize individual differences in bilingual (and multilingual) language experience related to the social diversity of language use.

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