Effect of Inquiry-Based Stress Reduction on Well-being and Views on Risk-Reducing Surgery Among Women With BRCA Variants in Israel

Stuttering is a speech disorder that can cause disturbances in the timing and flow of speech. In addition to being a communication disorder, stuttering is often accompanied by a reduction in the quality of life and has impacts on social status, mental well-being, self-acceptance, and the chances of integration into the labor market. The Inquiry Based Stress Reduction (IBSR) program, developed in the United States by Byron Katie in 1986, is the clinical application of “The Work” method (Thework.com) and represents an emerging mindfulness and cognitive-reframing method. IBSR has been demonstrated to improve mental health and well-being in adults and may alleviate psychological and psychosocial symptoms of stuttering. The purpose of this trial was to examine the effect of a 12-week IBSR intervention on the overall stuttering experience and indicators of anxiety, psychological flexibility, and well-being among adults who stutter (AWS). This study was a randomized controlled clinical trial. Participants were randomized to IBSR (n = 28) and control (n = 28) groups. Validated questionnaires of overall stuttering experience (OASES-A), anxiety (STAI), psychological flexibility (PFQ), and satisfaction with life (SWLS) were completed before, after, and one month after the intervention. An intention-to-treat approach was implemented for analysis. Our results show that participants in the IBSR intervention group exhibited a greater improvement in their overall stuttering experience as compared to the control group, as well as in general information on stuttering awareness and perception, reactions to stuttering, communication in daily situations, and quality of life. In addition, we found a greater reduction in anxiety levels and an increase in satisfaction-with-life scores in the IBSR group. These results indicate that IBSR can improve the overall stuttering experience.

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Virtual reality-based relaxation for enhancement of perioperative well-being and quality of life: protocol for a randomised pilot trial

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-044193 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. e044193

Author(s):

Matthias Christian Schrempf ◽

Julian Quirin Petzold ◽

Hugo Vachon ◽

Morten Aagaard Petersen ◽

Johanna Gutschon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Virtual Reality ◽

Sample Size ◽

Stress Reduction ◽

Pilot Trial ◽

Well Being ◽

Coping Resources ◽

Patients With Cancer ◽

Sample Size Calculations

IntroductionPatients with cancer undergoing surgery often suffer from reduced quality of life and various forms of distress. Untreated distress can negatively affect coping resources as well as surgical and oncological outcomes. A virtual reality-based stress reduction intervention may increase quality of life and well-being and reduce distress in the perioperative phase for patients with cancer. This pilot trial aims to explore the feasibility of the proposed intervention, assess patient acceptability and obtain estimates of effect to provide data for sample size calculations.Methods and analysisPatients with colorectal cancer and liver metastasis undergoing elective surgery will be recruited for this single-centre, randomised pilot trial with a three-arm design. A total of 54 participants will be randomised at 1:1:1 ratio to one of two intervention groups or a control receiving standard treatment. Those randomised to an intervention group will either receive perioperative virtual reality-based stress reduction exercises twice daily or listen to classical music twice daily. Primary feasibility outcomes are number and proportions of participants recruited, screened, consented and randomised. Furthermore, adherence to the intervention, compliance with the completion of the quality of life questionnaires and feasibility of implementing the trial procedures will be assessed. Secondary clinical outcomes are measurements of the effectiveness of the interventions to inform sample size calculations.Ethics and disseminationThe study protocol, the patient information and the informed consent form have been approved by the ethics committee of the Ludwigs-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany (Reference Number: 19–915). Study findings will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberDRKS00020909.

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Effect of Inquiry-Based Stress Reduction (IBSR) Intervention on Well-Being, Resilience and Burnout of Teachers during the COVID-19 Pandemic

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18073689 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (7) ◽

pp. 3689

Author(s):

Tzofnat Zadok-Gurman ◽

Ronit Jakobovich ◽

Eti Dvash ◽

Keren Zafrani ◽

Benjamin Rolnik ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stress Reduction ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Well Being ◽

Stressful Events ◽

Control Group ◽

Subjective Well Being ◽

Intention To Treat ◽

School Year ◽

Blended Intervention

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on teachers professional and personal lives. Our primary aim was to assess the effect of a blended Inquiry-Based Stress Reduction (IBSR), an emerging mindfulness and cognitive reframing intervention on teacher’s well-being. Our secondary aims were to assess the effect of IBSR on resilience, burnout, mindfulness, and stress among teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The study was a prospective controlled trial with an intervention group (N = 35) and a comparison control group (N = 32). The intervention took place in the Jerusalem District throughout the school year from November 2019 to May 2020. The sessions were conducted in blended learning that included traditional learning (face-to-face) and online learning. Data was analyzed on an intention-to-treat basis. Results: IBSR blended intervention enhanced the resilience and improved the subjective and psychological well-being of teachers in spite of the breakout of the COVID-19 pandemic and the first lockdown in Israel. Simultaneously the control group suffered from enhanced burnout levels and a decline in psychological and subjective well-being. Conclusions: Implementation of IBSR blended intervention during the school year may benefit teachers’ well-being and ability to flourish, even during stressful events such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Rolling out a mindfulness-based stress reduction intervention for parents of children with ADHD: a feasibility study

Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine ◽

10.1017/ipm.2020.121 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

R. Rice ◽

A. Ni Bhearra ◽

K. Kilbride ◽

C. Lynch ◽

F. McNicholas

Keyword(s):

Stress Reduction ◽

Parental Stress ◽

Well Being ◽

Children With Adhd ◽

Hyperactivity Disorder ◽

The Social ◽

Strengths And Difficulties ◽

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction ◽

Frequent Reason

Background: Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the single most frequent reason for attendance at Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in Ireland. Research has suggested that parents of children with ADHD experience more parenting stress than parents of non-clinical controls, yet routine treatment for ADHD rarely addresses parental well-being. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have been found to result in a reduction in parental stress. Method: An adapted Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) intervention was delivered to parents (n = 23) of children with ADHD recruited from CAMHS and ADHD Ireland. Results: Following the intervention a significant improvement was documented within the social relationships domain of quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF) and a significant reduction on the child hyperactivity scale of the Strengths and Difficulties (SDQ) questionnaire. Conclusion: This pilot study suggests that an MBSR intervention is both feasible and effective for parents whose children have ADHD. Larger scale studies need to be conducted before inclusion in routine CAMHS.

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The Effects of Different Natural Environment Influences on Health and Psychological Well-Being of People: A Case Study in Selangor

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su13158597 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (15) ◽

pp. 8597

Author(s):

Thivya Laxshmy Raman ◽

Nor Akmar Abdul Aziz ◽

Sam Shor Nahar Yaakob

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Stress Reduction ◽

Urban Forest ◽

Well Being ◽

Natural Environments ◽

Restorative Environments ◽

Urban Green ◽

Recreational Services ◽

Forested Areas ◽

Green Corridor

Background: People benefit from the recreational services provided by an urban corridor, urban park, and urban forest. Due to ongoing land-use interest and urban development, however, these natural environments are coming under increasing pressure. Simultaneously, the world is becoming increasingly urbanised, and living in cities has been linked to mental health issues. On the other hand, different natural environments are known to create healthier environments, and the need for effective restorative environments has never been greater. The purpose of the study was to compare the impacts of walking in different natural environments. Methods: I) Kota Damansara Community Forest Reserve, II) Mutiara Damansara Recreational Park, and III) the Urban Green Corridor along Jalan PJU 7/7 were used as control study sites in this study. Each site was visited only once by the study participants (40 women and 40 men). Walking for 30 min was a part of the experiment. To identify the psychological effects of different natural environments, the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS21), Profile of Mood States (POMS), Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), and Restoration Outcome Scale (ROS) were utilised. Results: In all three natural environments, the restorative effects were found to increase significantly. Conclusion: The overall conclusion of the field experiment is that being in an urban green corridor can also provide a refreshing environment. In terms of stress reduction among working adults, the recreational park is sufficient, while urban-forested areas are more effective in improving mental health by minimising stress, anxiety, and depression.

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Mindfulness-based stress reduction for people with chronic diseases

Australian Journal of Primary Health ◽

10.1071/py09063 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 16 (3) ◽

pp. 200 ◽

Cited By ~ 59

Author(s):

Monika Merkes

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Chronic Diseases ◽

Stress Reduction ◽

Well Being ◽

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity ◽

Self Report ◽

Original Research ◽

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction ◽

The Impact

Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is a structured group program that uses mindfulness meditation to improve well-being and alleviate suffering. This article reviews the impact of MBSR for people with chronic diseases. The review includes original research that was published in English and peer-reviewed and reported outcomes for adults with chronic diseases who had participated in an MBSR program. Fifteen studies were identified. Outcomes related to mental and physical health, well-being, and quality of life. The studies included different research designs, and used self-report and physiological outcome measures. Participants’ clinical diagnoses included fibromyalgia, chronic pain, rheumatoid arthritis, type 2 diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple chemical sensitivity, and cardiovascular diagnoses. All 15 studies found that participation in an MBSR program resulted in improvements. No negative change was reported between baseline and follow up. Outcomes in regard to specific variables were difficult to compare and equivocal. Overall, positive change predominated. Chronic diseases are associated with a range of unwelcome psychological and physical consequences. Participation in an MBSR program is likely to result in coping better with symptoms, improved overall well-being and quality of life, and enhanced health outcomes. As an adjunct to standard care, MBSR has potential for much wider application in Australian primary care settings.

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Quality of life of patients living with psoriasis: a qualitative study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-42042/v4 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

silmara Meneguin ◽

Natalia Godoy ◽

Camila Fernandes Pollo ◽

Helio Amante Miot ◽

Cesar Oliveira

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Stress Reduction ◽

Financial Stability ◽

Social Stigma ◽

Public Awareness ◽

Disease Process ◽

Multidisciplinary Care ◽

Well Being ◽

Professional Activities

Abstract Background: Psoriasis is a multifactorial inflammatory disease prevalent in dermatology. We aimed to understand the perceptions of patients living with psoriasis in relation to their quality of life and to identify aspects to improve it. Methods: This is qualitative research carried out in a dermatology outpatient clinic of the São Paulo State University (UNESP) medical school, Botucatu, Brazil, with 81 psoriasis patients. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using the Discourse of the Collective Subject method (DCS). Results: Quality of life was linked to well-being, happiness, leisure, good food and financial stability. However, disease symptoms, social and clothing restrictions, impairment of professional activities and the absence of a cure, negatively influenced their perceptions. Suggestions for improvements included an increase of public awareness, stress reduction, disease acceptance and multidisciplinary care. Conclusion: The meanings of quality of life revealed by the participants are subjective, multidimensional, linked to moments experienced by them and to the health-disease process. Public health policies promoting reduction in social stigma and stress as well as multidisciplinary approaches towards care can contribute to improvements of QoL in psoriasis.

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Can Machine Learning Predict Stress Reduction Based on Wearable Sensors’ Data Following Relaxation at Workplace? A Pilot Study

Processes ◽

10.3390/pr8040448 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (4) ◽

pp. 448

Author(s):

Alessandro Tonacci ◽

Alessandro Dellabate ◽

Andrea Dieni ◽

Lorenzo Bachi ◽

Francesco Sansone ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Machine Learning ◽

Stress Reduction ◽

Wearable Sensors ◽

Well Being ◽

Significant Heterogeneity ◽

Learning Approaches ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Group A ◽

Group B ◽

Audio Video

Nowadays, psychological stress represents a burdensome condition affecting an increasing number of subjects, in turn putting into practice several strategies to cope with this issue, including the administration of relaxation protocols, often performed in non-structured environments, like workplaces, and constrained within short times. Here, we performed a quick relaxation protocol based on a short audio and video, and analyzed physiological signals related to the autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity, including electrocardiogram (ECG) and galvanic skin response (GSR). Based on the features extracted, machine learning was applied to discriminate between subjects benefitting from the protocol and those with negative or no effects. Twenty-four healthy volunteers were enrolled for the protocol, equally and randomly divided into Group A, performing an audio-video + video-only relaxation, and Group B, performing an audio-video + audio-only protocol. From the ANS point of view, Group A subjects displayed a significant difference in the heart rate variability-related parameter SDNN across the test phases, whereas both groups displayed a different GSR response, albeit at different levels, with Group A displaying greater differences across phases with respect to Group B. Overall, the majority of the volunteers enrolled self-reported an improvement of their well-being status, according to structured questionnaires. The use of neural networks helped in discriminating those with a positive effect of the relaxation protocol from those with a negative/neutral impact based on basal autonomic features with a 79.2% accuracy. The results obtained demonstrated a significant heterogeneity in autonomic effects of the relaxation, highlighting the importance of maintaining a structured, well-defined protocol to produce significant benefits at the ANS level. Machine learning approaches can be useful to predict the outcome of such protocols, therefore providing subjects less prone to positive responses with personalized advice that could improve the effect of such protocols on self-relaxation perception.

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“Recovering With Nature”: A Review of Ecotherapy and Implications for the COVID-19 Pandemic

Frontiers in Public Health ◽

10.3389/fpubh.2020.604440 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

Author(s):

Pourabi Chaudhury ◽

Debanjan Banerjee

Keyword(s):

Stress Reduction ◽

Well Being ◽

Environmental Conservation ◽

Post Traumatic Stress ◽

Medical Disorders ◽

Psychotherapeutic Techniques ◽

Post Traumatic ◽

Psychosocial Conditions ◽

Surgical Recovery ◽

Care Farming

Connection with nature has been considered beneficial for psychological well-being since times of evolution. Differences in Indian and Western thoughts have viewed natural elements in different lights, varying between eco-centrism to anthropocentrism. The intrusion of technology and digitalized lives as a result of globalization has decreased connectedness with nature. Ecotherapy is a novel form of psychotherapeutic technique based on explicit environmental or ecological interventions. Social and therapeutic horticulture, animal-assisted interventions, care farming, green exercise, environmental conservation and wilderness therapy are some of the ecosystem-based approaches used in mental health. Based on the principles of positive and client-centered psychology, ecotherapy-related techniques have been shown to be effective in medical disorders like hypertension, obesity, post-surgical recovery and psychosocial conditions like depression, stress reduction, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), attention deficit hyperkinetic disorder (ADHD) and adjustment disorders. The principles of ecotherapy have been integrated into other psychotherapeutic techniques for better efficacy. This review attempts provides an overview of techniques, applications and challenges related to ecotherapy in psychology. The implications of its use during the ongoing Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) crisis, social isolation and consequent psychosocial aftermath are also discussed.

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Quality of life of patients living with psoriasis: a qualitative study

BMC Dermatology ◽

10.1186/s12895-020-00116-9 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Silmara Meneguin ◽

Natália Aparecida de Godoy ◽

Camila Fernandes Pollo ◽

Hélio Amante Miot ◽

Cesar de Oliveira

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Stress Reduction ◽

Financial Stability ◽

Social Stigma ◽

Public Awareness ◽

Disease Process ◽

Multidisciplinary Care ◽

Well Being ◽

Professional Activities

Abstract Background Psoriasis is a multifactorial inflammatory disease prevalent in dermatology. We aimed to understand the perceptions of patients living with psoriasis in relation to their quality of life and to identify aspects to improve it. Methods This is qualitative research carried out in a dermatology outpatient clinic of the São Paulo State University (UNESP) medical school, Botucatu, Brazil, with 81 psoriasis patients. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using the Discourse of the Collective Subject method (DCS). Results Quality of life was linked to well-being, happiness, leisure, good food and financial stability. However, disease symptoms, social and clothing restrictions, impairment of professional activities and the absence of a cure, negatively influenced their perceptions. Suggestions for improvements included an increase of public awareness, stress reduction, disease acceptance and multidisciplinary care. Conclusion The meanings of quality of life revealed by the participants are subjective, multidimensional, linked to moments experienced by them and to the health-disease process. Public health policies promoting reduction in social stigma and stress as well as multidisciplinary approaches towards care can contribute to improvements of QoL in psoriasis.

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