Efficacy of a university offered mindfulness training on perceived stress

BackgroundPrimary care physicians are subjected to a high workload, which can lead to stress and a high incidence of burnout. A mindfulness training course was developed and implemented for primary care physicians to better cope with stress and improve job functioning.AimTo gain insight into the effects of the mindfulness training on perceived stress, self-compassion, and self-reflection of primary care physicians.Design & settingA pragmatic mixed-methods pre–post design in which physicians received 8 weeks of mindfulness training.MethodParticipants completed validated questionnaires on perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale [PSS]), self-compassion (Self-Compassion Scale [SCS]), and self-reflection (Groningen Reflection Ability Scale [GRAS]) before the training, directly after, and 6 months later. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six participants after the training and a content analysis was performed to gain in depth understanding of experiences.ResultsA total of 54 physicians participated in the study. PSS was reduced (mean difference [MD] -4.5, P<0.001), SCS improved (MD = 0.5, P<0.001), and GRAS improved (MD = 3.3, P<0.001), directly after the 8-week training compared with before training. Six months later, PSS was still reduced (MD = -2.9, P = 0.025) and SCS improved (MD = 0.7, P<0.001). GRAS did not remain significant (MD = 2.5, P = 0.120). Qualitative analysis revealed four themes: being more aware of their own feelings and thoughts; being better able to accept situations; experiencing more peacefulness; and having more openness to the self and others.ConclusionMindfulness training might be an effective approach for improving stress resilience, self-compassion, and self-reflection in primary care physicians.

Download Full-text

The Rural Clinical School of Western Australia Mindfulness Project

International Journal of Whole Person Care ◽

10.26443/ijwpc.v7i1.237 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

pp. 51

Author(s):

Sarah Moore ◽

Rita Barbour ◽

Hanh Ngo ◽

Craig Sinclair ◽

Richard Chambers ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Medical Students ◽

Training Program ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

Western Australia ◽

Mindfulness Meditation ◽

Mindfulness Training ◽

Face To Face ◽

Self Compassion ◽

Professional Impact

Background: Medical students experience high levels of stress during their training. Literature suggests that mindfulness can reduce stress and increase self-compassion levels in medical students. Most mindfulness training programs are delivered face-to-face and require significant time commitments, which can be difficult to achieve for rurally-based students with heavy academic workloads.Aim: We sought to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of a mindfulness training program delivered online to medical students at a Rural Clinical School.Methods: An 8-week online training program was delivered to third year medical students at the Rural Clinical School of Western Australia in 2016.Using quantitative-qualitative mixed-methods approach, we measured the frequency and duration of the participants’ mindfulness meditation practice, and assessed changes in their perceived stress, self-compassion and compassion levels, as well as personal and professional attitudes and behaviours.Results: 47 students were recruited to the study. 50% of participants were practising at least weekly by the end of the 8-week program, and 32% of responding students reported practising at least weekly 6 months following the intervention. There was a statistically significant reduction in participants’ perceived stress levels and a significant increase in self-compassion at 6 month follow up. Participants reported qualitative insights about the personal and professional impact of mindfulness meditation training as well as barriers to practice.

Download Full-text

Who Can Get More Benefits? Effects of Mindfulness Training in Long-Term and Short-Term Male Prisoners

International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology ◽

10.1177/0306624x19846771 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 63 (13) ◽

pp. 2318-2337 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Yuanyuan An ◽

Qi Huang ◽

Yucheng Zhou ◽

Yuyang Zhou ◽

Wei Xu

Keyword(s):

Perceived Stress ◽

Training Group ◽

Mindfulness Training ◽

Mood Disturbance ◽

Control Group ◽

Short Term ◽

Total Mood Disturbance ◽

Waitlist Control Group ◽

Male Prisoners

The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of a 6-week mindfulness training program on mental health, anxiety, depression, aggression, sleep quality, mood states, total mood disturbance, and perceived stress among male Chinese prisoners, and to explore whether the intervention effects differed in long-term and short-term prisoners. Eighty-three male prisoners completed the study, including 39 in the mindfulness training group and 44 in the waitlist control group. Results showed that, compared with the waitlist control group, mindfulness training group showed a significant improvement in mindfulness level ( p < .0l), Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90; p < .00l), aggression ( p < .05), sleep quality ( p < .05), and total mood disturbance ( p < .0l). Moreover, compared with the short-term prisoners, mindfulness training was more effective on the long-term prisoners in mindfulness level ( p < .05), SCL-90 ( p < .001), anxiety ( p < .05), depression ( p < .05), aggression ( p < .05), total mood disturbance ( p < .0l), and perceived stress ( p < .0l). Given the study’s innovation, we discussed its significance and limitations.

Download Full-text

Protocol for Research on a Model Focused on Mindfulness Training to Support Weight Management after Bariatric Surgery

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzaa065_004 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. 1739-1739

Author(s):

Preciosa Martinez-Motta ◽

Adriana Campa ◽

Valerie George ◽

Agustin Castellanos

Keyword(s):

Bariatric Surgery ◽

Weight Management ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

Mindfulness Meditation ◽

Psychological Flexibility ◽

Mindfulness Training ◽

Intuitive Eating ◽

Acceptance And Commitment ◽

Bariatric Patients ◽

The Impact

Abstract Objectives Bariatric surgery has been proposed as a potential treatment for individuals who are severely obese. However, the literature indicates that 20–50% of bariatric patients, experience weight regain 18–24 months after surgery. In addition, some studies suggest that a large percentage of bariatric patients present with inability to respond appropriately to hunger and satiety cues and have difficulty dealing with stress. These factors might ultimately impact successful long-term weight management. Mindfulness meditation has been proposed as an approach that can reduce stress and increase awareness of physical sensations, such as hunger and satiety, while promoting increases in psychological flexibility. Based on these factors and research on the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), we developed a model: The Mindfulness Meditation/Acceptance and Commitment Approach (MMACT), to support successful weight management in bariatric patients. This study will evaluate the impact of a mindfulness training, based on the MMACT model, on the constructs of mindfulness, psychological flexibility, perceived stress, and intuitive eating in adults post-bariatric surgery. We hypothesized that such intervention will increase mindfulness and psychological flexibility, which will lead to a decrease in perceived stress and an increase in intuitive eating. Methods Individuals 12 to 36 months post-bariatric surgery will be recruited to participate in a 6-session mindfulness training program. The training will take place in group settings of 8–10 participants (final n = 45) and outcome measurements will be assessed at three time points, baseline, six and ten weeks. Results The impact of the training on outcome measurements (i.e., mindfulness, psychological flexibility, perceived stress, and intuitive eating) will be evaluated through four validated questionnaires, the Short Form Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire II, the Perceived Stress Questionnaire, and the Intuitive Eating Scale – 2. Conclusions Evaluation of the MMACT will provide further insight into what factors may impact perceived stress and intuitive eating in bariatric patients and determine the feasibility of mindfulness-based trainings in this population. Funding Sources C.V. Starr Scholarship.

Download Full-text

A Six-Session Mindfulness-Based Training to Support Weight Management After Bariatric Surgery in Clients of Hispanic Origin

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzab055_041 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. 1231-1231

Author(s):

Motta Preciosa Martinez ◽

Valerie George ◽

Adriana Campa ◽

Agustin Castellanos

Keyword(s):

Bariatric Surgery ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

Mindfulness Meditation ◽

Mindfulness Training ◽

Intuitive Eating ◽

Dispositional Mindfulness ◽

Hispanic Origin ◽

Bariatric Patients ◽

Post Bariatric Surgery ◽

The Impact

Abstract Objectives Objective: To understand more about the impact of mindfulness training on perceived stress levels, dispositional mindfulness, intuitive eating, and psychological flexibility.in bariatric patients of Hispanic origin, 12–36 months post-bariatric surgery. Background: Mindfulness meditation has been proposed as an approach to reduce stress and increase awareness of physical sensations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of a six-session mindfulness-based training on dispositional mindfulness, perceived stress levels, intuitive eating, and psychological flexibility in bariatric patients of Hispanic origin 12–36 months post surgery. Methods The mindfulness group training was based on The Mindfulness Meditation/Acceptance Commitment Approach (MMACT) and focused on the following topics: mind body connection, stress management, intuitive eating, self-compassion, and acceptance & commitment. Participants were recruited from flyers posted in a private dietitian's practice and snowball sampling. Results For the first group, sixty potential participants were screened and seven (12%, 3 males and 4 females, mean age 50.6 ± 6, mean BMI 34.7 ± 6) agreed to participate. The mean scores at baseline, six, and ten weeks were: Five Factor Mindfulness Questionnaire (80.1 ± 8, 84 ± 11, 83 ± 14), Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II (18 ± 8, 17 ± 10, 17 ± 11), Perceived Stress Questionnaire (0.4 ± 0.2, 0.4 ± 0.2, 0.3 ± 0.2), and Intuitive Eating Scale-2 (2.7 ± 0.3, 2.9 ± 0.4, 3.1 ± 0.5), this last one with significant difference (P < 0.01) between baseline and week ten. Conclusions This research provides preliminary data on how mindfulness training may affect factors that influence weight stability post bariatric surgery in clients of Hispanic origin. Funding Sources None.

Download Full-text

Mindfulness training reduces PTSD symptoms and other stress-related health outcomes in police officers

10.31231/osf.io/jk4e6 ◽

2019 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Daniel W Grupe ◽

Chad McGehee ◽

Chris Smith ◽

Andrew Francis ◽

Jeanette Mumford ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Outcomes ◽

Training Program ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

Police Officers ◽

Sleep Disturbances ◽

Mindfulness Training ◽

Self Report ◽

Ptsd Symptoms ◽

Physical And Mental Health

BACKGROUND. Police officers are exposed daily to high levels of organizational and operational stressors that have a negative impact on health and well-being outcomes. This population has elevated rates of cardiovascular disease, sleep disorders, symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and suicide. Although there are few empirically supported effective stress reduction interventions in police officers, recent evidence suggests that an 8-week training program in mindfulness meditation, specifically tailored for this group, has promise in reducing perceived stress and improving stress-related physical and mental health outcomes including sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression, and burnout. The primary aims of the current study were to 1) demonstrate the feasibility, acceptability, and adherence of a similar mindfulness training program in a new population of police officers; 2) replicate previously demonstrated improvements in perceived stress and stress-related health outcomes, and 3) provide novel evidence of hypothesized reductions in symptoms of PTSD.METHODS. We enrolled 30 sworn law enforcement personnel from a mid-sized, Midwestern U.S. police department in an 8-week, group-based mindfulness training program. We conducted in-person assessments immediately before and after the training program, consisting of self-report measures of perceived stress, sleep quality, physical and mental health symptoms, and burnout and the assessment of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and other physical health measures. An abbreviated remote assessment at 5-month follow-up included self-report measures only.RESULTS. All 30 officers completed the 8-week program and both in-person assessments, with high rates of class attendance, substantial out-of-class practice time, and uniformly positive evaluations of the training program and instructors. Replicating previous studies, we identified post-training reductions in perceived organizational and operational stress, global sleep disturbances, anxiety, and burnout, with significant reductions in anxiety and perceived stress observed at 5-month follow-up. We also identified novel evidence for reduced PTSD hyperarousal symptoms that persisted at 5-month follow-up, and reduced re-experiencing PTSD symptoms at 5-month follow-up only. There was no evidence for changes in self-reported physical health symptoms or hs-CRP.CONCLUSIONS. Successful adaptation, delivery, and acceptance of this mindfulness-based intervention demonstrates the generalizability of mindfulness training across law enforcement populations. The replication of improved stress-related outcomes, and novel evidence for reduced PTSD symptoms, indicate important targets to be further investigated in larger, mechanistic, randomized controlled trials of mindfulness training in police officers.

Download Full-text

Determining the feasibility and effectiveness of brief online mindfulness training for rural medical students: a pilot study

10.21203/rs.2.13728/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Sarah Jane Moore ◽

Rita Barbour ◽

Hanh Ngo ◽

Craig Sinclair ◽

Richard Chambers ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Medical Students ◽

Training Program ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

Mindfulness Meditation ◽

Online Training ◽

Preliminary Evidence ◽

Mindfulness Training ◽

Self Compassion ◽

Rigorous Research

Abstract Background We sought to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of a mindfulness training program, delivered online to medical students at a Rural Clinical School.Methods An 8-week online training program was delivered to penultimate-year medical students at an Australian Rural Clinical School during 2016. Using a mixed methods approach, we measured the frequency and duration of participants’ mindfulness meditation practice, and assessed changes in their perceived stress, self-compassion and compassion levels, as well as personal and professional attitudes and behaviours.Results 47 participants were recruited to the study. 50% of participants were practising mindfulness meditation at least weekly by the end of the 8-week program, and 32% reported practising at least weekly 4 months following completion of the intervention. There was a statistically significant reduction in participants’ perceived stress levels and a significant increase in self-compassion at 4-month follow-up. Participants reported insights about the personal and professional impact of mindfulness meditation training as well as barriers to practice.Conclusions The results provide preliminary evidence that online training in mindfulness meditation can be associated with reduced stress and increased self-compassion in rural medical students. More rigorous research is required to establish concrete measures of feasibility of a mindfulness meditation program.

Download Full-text

Mindfulness Intervention With a U.S. Women’s NCAA Division I Basketball Team: Impact on Stress, Athletic Coping Skills and Perceptions of Intervention

The Sport Psychologist ◽

10.1123/tsp.2016-0077 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 31 (2) ◽

pp. 147-159 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Zeljka Vidic ◽

Mark St. Martin ◽

Richard Oxhandler

Keyword(s):

Perceived Stress ◽

Ncaa Division I ◽

Coping Skills ◽

Coping Resources ◽

Mindfulness Training ◽

Division I ◽

Mixed Methodology ◽

Progressive Decrease ◽

Mindfulness Intervention ◽

Quantitative Results

This mixed methodology study investigated the effects of a ten session mindfulness-based intervention on a women’s collegiate basketball team’s (n = 13) perceived stress, athletic coping resources, and perceptions of the mindfulness intervention. Quantitative results showed a progressive decrease in stress and an increase in athletic coping skills over the course of the intervention. Qualitative results indicated the mindfulness intervention was beneficial in various aspects of the athletes’ lives in the form of improved awareness, control, focus, presence and relaxation. These results suggest that mindfulness training may be an effective approach in assisting college athletes attain benefits in both sport and life.

Download Full-text

Interpersonal Mindfulness Training for Well-Being: A Pilot Study with Psychology Graduate Students

Teachers College Record ◽

10.1177/016146810911101202 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 111 (12) ◽

pp. 2760-2774

Author(s):

Jeanette Sawyer Cohen ◽

Lisa J. Miller

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Pilot Study ◽

Graduate Students ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

Mental Health Professionals ◽

Clinical Psychology ◽

Health Professionals ◽

Well Being ◽

Mindfulness Training ◽

Interpersonal Mindfulness

Background/Context Although mindfulness originated in Eastern meditation traditions, notably Buddhism, researchers, clinicians, and, more recently, educators suggest that the cultivation of mindfulness may be beneficial to Westerners uninterested in adopting Buddhist or other Eastern spiritual traditions. Mindfulness is understood as sets of skills that can be developed with practice and taught independently of spiritual origins as a way of being or relating to present-moment experience. Purpose/Objective/Research Question/Focus of Study This pilot study adds to this literature on mindfulness training for nascent mental health professionals, who may be at risk for occupational stress and burnout. This study aims to (1) expand on preliminary research supporting the helpfulness of mindfulness interventions for graduate students in psychology and (2) investigate the feasibility and helpfulness of a novel adaptation of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) that emphasizes relational awareness. Population/Participants/Subjects This sample consisted of clinicians-in-training (N = 21) within a graduate department of counseling and clinical psychology at an urban university. All students were in their first or second year of graduate school; 20 participants were enrolled in a psychology master's program, and 1 participant was a doctoral student in clinical psychology. Intervention/Program/Practice The authors investigated a novel 6-week interpersonal mindfulness training (IMT) program modeled after the manualized MBSR intervention, with an added emphasis placed on relational awareness. IMT aims to reduce perceived stress and enhance interpersonal well-being and, as such, may be particularly well-suited for psychotherapy trainees. IMT was integrated into a semester-long graduate course in psychology. Research Design A pre-post design was used to examine outcomes associated with participation in IMT. Findings/Results Results suggest that IMT with psychology graduate students is a feasible intervention that positively affects mindfulness, perceived stress, social connectedness, emotional intelligence, and anxiety. Of special interest are changes in interpersonal well-being that suggest potential benefits for future mental health professionals. Conclusions/Recommendations High attendance rate and positive program evaluations suggest that IMT can be successfully taught within a graduate psychology curriculum. We suggest that mindfulness training may be a useful complement to the standard training of future clinicians.

Download Full-text