Mindfulness training and employee well-being

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess the effects of mindfulness training (MT) on employee well-being. Mindfulness is the awareness of one’s thoughts, emotions, sensations, actions and surroundings in the present moment. Design/methodology/approach – The authors used pre-post training measures and a four-week follow-up on a sample of 23 employees from a UK-based organization. The MT group (n=12) received a weekly two-hour training over eight weeks whilst the control group (n=11) received no training. Qualitative interviews (n=36) were conducted with the MT group at three time points to further assess the subjective experiences of training participants. Findings – Compared to the control group, the MT group significantly increased their mindfulness skills including observing and acting with awareness. Scores on well-being, i.e. satisfaction with life, hope and anxiety also improved and were generally maintained at follow-up. Some improvements were seen in the control group too but there was a larger difference in change scores in the MT group on most variables. Qualitative data show additional benefits of MT such as improved concentration at work and better interpersonal relationships. More practice at home led to greater benefits suggesting a dose-response relationship between the amount of practice and substantial benefits. Research limitations/implications – Inviting participants to have a greater amount of practice between sessions may further increase the benefits of mindfulness. Future research should consider a longer follow-up period to further explore the sustainability of the training benefits. Originality/value – Employing a mixed-method approach, this study showed that MT is a viable psychological intervention for enhancing employee well-being.

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Healthy Mind Healthy You: An Online Study Comparing Standard Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy with a Brief Mindfulness Program to Improve Well-Being (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.35620 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Louisa G Sylvia ◽

Mitchell R Lunn ◽

Juno Obedin-Maliver ◽

Robert N McBurney ◽

W Benjamin Nowell ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Therapy ◽

Well Being ◽

Mindfulness Training ◽

Mindfulness Practice ◽

World Health ◽

Present Moment ◽

Intervention Period ◽

Model Based ◽

Health Organization

BACKGROUND Mindfulness can improve overall well-being by training individuals to focus on the present moment without judging their thoughts. However, it is unknown how much mindfulness practice and training are necessary to improve well-being. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to compare standard with brief mindfulness training to improve overall well-being. METHODS Participants were recruited from 17 Patient-Powered Research Networks, online communities of stakeholders interested in a common area of research. Participants were randomized to either a standard 8-session mindfulness based cognitive therapy (MBCT) or a brief 3-session mindfulness training intervention accessed online. Participants were followed for 12 weeks. The primary outcome of the study was well-being as measured by the World Health Organization (WHO)-5 Index. We hypothesized that MBCT would be superior to brief mindfulness training. RESULTS We randomized 4,411 participants, 88% of whom were white and 80% female sex assigned at birth. Baseline WHO-5 score mean was 50.3 (SD = 20.7). Average self-reported well-being in each group increased over the intervention period (baseline to 8 weeks) (model-based slope [95% CI] for MBCT group: 0.78 [0.63, 0.93]; brief mindfulness group: 0.76 [0.60, 0.91]) as well as the full study period (i.e., intervention plus follow-up; baseline to 20 weeks) (model-based slope [95% CI] for MBCT group: 0.41 [0.34, 0.48]; brief mindfulness group: 0.33 [0.26, 0.40]). Change in self-reported well-being was not statistically significantly different between MBCT and brief mindfulness during the intervention period (model-based difference in slopes [95% CI]: -0.02 [-0.24, 0.19], P = .80) or during the intervention period plus 12-week follow-up (-0.08 [-0.18, 0.02], P = .10). During the intervention period, younger participants (P = .05) and participants who completed a higher percentage of intervention sessions (P = .005) experienced greater improvements in well-being across both interventions, effects that were stronger for participants in the MBCT condition. CONCLUSIONS Standard MBCT improved well-being but was not superior to a brief mindfulness intervention. Younger patients and those able to complete more training sessions improved the most. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03844321, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03844321

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Putting your mind at ease: findings from the Mindfulness Ambassador Council programme in Toronto area schools

Journal of Children s Services ◽

10.1108/jcs-10-2014-0046 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 10 (4) ◽

pp. 376-392 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Tracy Smith-Carrier ◽

Theo Koffler ◽

Faye Mishna ◽

Anna Wallwork ◽

Joanne Daciuk ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Secondary School ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Well Being ◽

Mindfulness Training ◽

Mindfulness Practice ◽

Future Research ◽

School Students ◽

Case Study Methodology ◽

Content Type ◽

School Settings

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to gain understanding of the benefits and limitations of mindfulness training among secondary school students and teachers in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Design/methodology/approach – Using a case study methodology, the authors analysed programme evaluation forms and conducted thematic analyses of focus groups with Catholic secondary school teachers and students that participated in the Mindfulness Ambassador Council programme. Findings – The findings suggest that mindfulness training may provide participants with opportunities for personal growth, specifically in the areas of stress reduction, relaxation, social awareness, self-discovery and relationship building. Research limitations/implications – This study confirms existing literature that training in mindfulness practice may be beneficial in strengthening relationships, reducing stress and anxiety and promoting inner well-being and social-emotional learning in youth. To test these findings empirically, future research should examine mindfulness training in schools using a robust randomised controlled trial design. Practical implications – Given the current state of research on mindfulness-based interventions specifically with the adolescent population, the study provides useful and timely data on participants ' experiences with mindfulness training, and discusses how such training can be effectively harnessed within secondary school settings. Originality/value – There is growing evidence that the regular practice of mindfulness has myriad psychological, therapeutic and health benefits, and contributes to heightened emotional intelligence and improved performance in a host of activities. Relatively little is known, however, about the effects of mindfulness interventions on child and adolescent populations. The study contributes to the emerging evidence on mindfulness practice with students in school settings.

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Development and implementation of a multifaceted well-being intervention

Journal of Organizational Effectiveness People and Performance ◽

10.1108/joepp-02-2016-0013 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 3 (4) ◽

pp. 360-375 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Maura J. Mills ◽

Clive J. Fullagar ◽

Satoris S. Culbertson

Keyword(s):

Personal Growth ◽

Professional Growth ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Well Being ◽

Control Group ◽

Extension Agents ◽

Content Type ◽

Cognitive Reframing ◽

The One

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop and implement an intervention to increase individuals’ hedonic well-being (HWB) and/or eudaimonic well-being (EWB) via cognitive reframing and action-based behaviors. Design/methodology/approach Time 1 and Time 2 data were collected two weeks apart from 76 participants (comprised of city employees, extension agents, and students) in an intervention group (23) and a characteristically similar control group (53). The intervention included an in-person facilitated meeting with a series of follow-up e-mails designed to focus participants on well-being improvement strategies and provide them resources for continued well-being development. Findings Intervention participants evidenced a significant increase in EWB after two weeks, particularly the personal growth dimension. No significant increase resulted for HWB. Research limitations/implications The present intervention indicates the importance of targeting well-being at a facet level, including a focus on multidimensional EWB. The intervention also serves to guide the informed development of future well-being programs. Practical implications These findings have important implications for organizations in light of increased employee desire for personal and professional growth opportunities supported by their employer. Group interventions such as the one reported herein are an important way for organizations to develop and invest in employees. Originality/value This paper traces the development of prior well-being interventions, evaluating their successes and failures and using those to guide the informed development of the present intervention. By utilizing both in-person and follow-up components, and incorporating both hedonic and multidimensional eudaimonic components, the proposed intervention serves as an important step toward a feasible organizational intervention that can benefit many.

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A College Freshman Mindfulness Seminar to Enhance Psychological Well-being and Cognitive Function

10.31231/osf.io/nx8v4 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Rongxiang Tang ◽

Patricia Broderick ◽

Timothy Bono ◽

Kamila Dvořáková ◽

Todd Samuel Braver

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Function ◽

Psychological Health ◽

Well Being ◽

Lifestyle Changes ◽

Mindfulness Training ◽

Control Group ◽

First Year ◽

College Curriculum ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Mindfulness Skills

Mindfulness training has shown promise in improving psychological health and cognitive function. Mindfulness skills may be particularly beneficial in helping first-year students’ transition to college, as this can be a time period of considerable lifestyle changes and increased stress. Previous research has demonstrated positive effects of mindfulness training in college populations, but primarily by providing standardized mindfulness programs that are distinct from the college curriculum. Such programs may pose greater challenges for student participation, as they require a strong extracurricular time commitment. The present study examined the effects of mindfulness training incorporated into a semester-long college seminar dedicated to both practical learning of mindfulness skills and scientific understanding of mindfulness theory, based on the evidence-based Learning to BREATHE (L2B) curriculum. In a quasi-experimental design, first-year undergraduate students in the mindfulness seminar were compared with a control group enrolled in a positive psychology and study skills seminar. Students in the mindfulness seminar exhibited more improvement in satisfaction with life and trait mindfulness, as well as less anxiety; in contrast, no differences were observed in cognitive function. These results demonstrate the feasibility and potential psychological benefits of integrating mindfulness training into standard college curriculum.

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Efficacy of a Smartphone App Intervention for Reducing Caregiver Stress: Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.17541 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Matthew Fuller-Tyszkiewicz ◽

Ben Richardson ◽

Keriann Little ◽

Samantha Teague ◽

Linda Hartley-Clark ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Active Control ◽

Psychological Intervention ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Well Being ◽

Self Esteem ◽

Mobile App ◽

Control Group ◽

Self Monitoring

BACKGROUND Caregivers play a pivotal role in maintaining an economically viable health care system, yet they are characterized by low levels of psychological well-being and consistently report unmet needs for psychological support. Mobile app–based (mobile health [mHealth]) interventions present a novel approach to both reducing stress and improving well-being. OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a self-guided mobile app–based psychological intervention for people providing care to family or friends with a physical or mental disability. METHODS In a randomized, single-blind, controlled trial, 183 caregivers recruited through the web were randomly allocated to either an intervention (n=73) or active control (n=110) condition. The intervention app contained treatment modules combining daily self-monitoring with third-wave (mindfulness-based) cognitive-behavioral therapies, whereas the active control app contained only self-monitoring features. Both programs were completed over a 5-week period. It was hypothesized that intervention app exposure would be associated with decreases in depression, anxiety, and stress, and increases in well-being, self-esteem, optimism, primary and secondary control, and social support. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, postintervention, and 3-4 months postintervention. App quality was also assessed. RESULTS In total, 25% (18/73) of the intervention participants were lost to follow-up at 3 months, and 30.9% (34/110) of the participants from the wait-list control group dropped out before the postintervention survey. The intervention group experienced reductions in stress (b=−2.07; P=.04) and depressive symptoms (b=−1.36; P=.05) from baseline to postintervention. These changes were further enhanced from postintervention to follow-up, with the intervention group continuing to report lower levels of depression (b=−1.82; P=.03) and higher levels of emotional well-being (b=6.13; P<.001), optimism (b=0.78; P=.007), self-esteem (b=−0.84; P=.005), support from family (b=2.15; P=.001), support from significant others (b=2.66; P<.001), and subjective well-being (b=4.82; P<.001). On average, participants completed 2.5 (SD 1.05) out of 5 treatment modules. The overall quality of the app was also rated highly, with a mean score of 3.94 out of a maximum score of 5 (SD 0.58). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that mHealth psychological interventions are an effective treatment option for caregivers experiencing high levels of stress. Recommendations for improving mHealth interventions for caregivers include offering flexibility and customization in the treatment design. CLINICALTRIAL Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry ACTRN12616000996460; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=371170

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A closer look into the materialism construct: the antecedents and consequences of materialism and its three facets

Journal of Consumer Marketing ◽

10.1108/jcm-07-2014-1082 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 32 (2) ◽

pp. 85-98 ◽

Cited By ~ 28

Author(s):

Sigal Segev ◽

Aviv Shoham ◽

Yossi Gavish

Keyword(s):

Positive Emotions ◽

Satisfaction With Life ◽

Well Being ◽

Future Research ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

Psychological Variables ◽

Content Type ◽

Depth Analysis ◽

Personal Consequences ◽

Antecedents And Consequences

Purpose – This study aims to unbundle the materialism construct into its three facets – centrality, success and happiness – to provide a fine-grained model that delineates the relationship between some of its antecedents (i.e. depression, anxiety, self esteem and affect) and consequences (life satisfaction, innovativeness, time spent shopping and environmentalism). Design/methodology/approach – Using a convenience sample of 568 adult consumers, this study tests a model in which a set of psychological variables serve as antecedents of materialism and its three facets, which in turn affect a set of cognitive, psychological and behavioral consequences. Findings – Results indicate that specific facets have more weight than others, depending on the nature of the needs individuals seek to fulfill through possessions, or their resulting behaviors and cognitions. Results validate the view of materialism as a coping mechanism, but also show that the consequences of materialism can be both positive and negative depending on their underlying facet. Research limitations/implications – This study used a convenience sample, which might affect the generalizability of its findings. The materialism centrality subscale showed a lower than desirable level of reliability. Future research might consider using the longer, 6-item version of this sub-scale. Practical implications – This study helps marketers identify the circumstances under which materialism can lead to negative or positive consequences. Marketers should be careful when designing messages that make unrealistically strong associations between consumption and happiness, positive emotions, self-worth and satisfaction with life. Social implications – The negative social and personal consequences of materialism call for the formulation of policies designed to reduce them, and marketers’ responsibility to consumers’ well-being, especially among potentially vulnerable segments of the population. Originality/value – This study provides an in-depth analysis of the materialism construct, its antecedents and outcomes. It advances our understanding of how materialism works by examining each facet separately and how it is related to the various psychological antecedents and consumer behavior outcomes.

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Mindfulness-based Online Training Increases Well-being and Decreases Stress After Covid-19 Lockdown (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.29949 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Francesco Bossi ◽

Francesca Zaninotto ◽

Sonia D’Arcangelo ◽

Nicola Lattanzi ◽

Andrea Patricelli Malizia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Negative Affect ◽

Positive Affect ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Training Group ◽

Well Being ◽

Mindfulness Training ◽

Mindfulness Practice ◽

Control Group ◽

Present Moment ◽

Expressive Suppression

BACKGROUND Mindfulness practice consists of “paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally to the unfolding of experience moment by moment”. Mindfulness training was shown to be effective in improving well-being and reducing perceived stress in several conditions. These effects were also found in online mindfulness-based training, especially on employees in organizational environments. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to test the effectiveness of online mindfulness training on healthy employees especially after the first Italian Covid-19 lockdown, when the measures to prevent contagion were loosened, but the second wave was starting again to emerge. METHODS Participants in the training group underwent an 8-week mindfulness training based on the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) protocol compared to a control (no-intervention) group. A new practice was presented each week by two trainers, who were also available for Q&A on a weekly basis. All participants filled in weekly surveys for the whole training duration via online questionnaires to measure their habits, mindfulness (FFMQ-15), emotion regulation (ERQ), positive and negative affect (PANAS), depression, anxiety and stress (DASS-21), resilience (RSA) and insomnia (ISI). 46 participants in the training group and 54 in the control group completed at least half of the weekly questionnaires and were considered in the longitudinal analyses. RESULTS We found significant differences between the training and control groups over time in the measures of mindfulness (in particular the nonreactivity subscale), positive affect, depression, and insomnia. Moreover, we found that the frequency of practice and ease perceived in practicing were positively correlated to several indices of well-being (mindfulness, positive affect, cognitive reappraisal) and negatively correlated to several indices of stress (negative affect, depression, anxiety, stress, insomnia, expressive suppression). CONCLUSIONS These results show the importance and effectiveness of online mindfulness training to cope with stress among employees, especially after the Covid-19 lockdown, a period of great uncertainties and psychological tension.

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Three good things in nature: a nature-based positive psychological intervention to improve mood and well-being for depression and anxiety

Journal of Public Mental Health ◽

10.1108/jpmh-02-2021-0029 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 20 (4) ◽

pp. 243-250

Author(s):

Rosaline Keenan ◽

Ryan Lumber ◽

Miles Richardson ◽

David Sheffield

Keyword(s):

Negative Affect ◽

Positive Affect ◽

Psychological Intervention ◽

Well Being ◽

Urban Environments ◽

Post Intervention ◽

Content Type ◽

Nature Connectedness ◽

Post Hoc

Purpose Visiting and connecting with nature through psychological interventions improves well-being within the general population. However, few such interventions have been conducted in clinically relevant populations. This paper aims to address this gap by investigating the effectiveness of a nature-based psychological intervention within a clinically relevant sample. Design/methodology/approach An experimental design using a noticing Three Good Things in Nature (TGTiN) task during a nature based or urban (control) walk was conducted with nature connectedness, well-being, positive and negative affect measured at baseline, post and six-week follow-up. Individuals living with depression and/or anxiety (n = 50; 39 having a diagnosis) were randomly allocated to 30 min walking in nature or urban environments for five consecutive days. Findings An ANCOVA, with age as co-variate, showed a significant effect of time by condition on all variables: nature connectedness ηp2 = 0.34; positive affect ηp2 = 0.42; negative affect ηp2 = 0.66; well-being ηp2 = 0.29. Post-hoc tests indicated a significant increase in nature connectedness and positive affect in the nature versus an urban walk at post and follow-up. Negative affect decreased in the nature walk at post intervention, while well-being was significantly greater in the nature walk at follow-up. Originality/value The TGTiN intervention effectively improves positive affect, and well-being in clinically relevant populations, although replication with a larger sample is warranted.

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Inquiry Based Stress Reduction (IBSR) Improves Overall Stuttering Experience among Adults Who Stutter: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm10102187 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (10) ◽

pp. 2187

Author(s):

Omrit Feldman ◽

Eran Goldstien ◽

Benjamin Rolnik ◽

Ariel B. Ganz ◽

Shahar Lev-Ari

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Stress Reduction ◽

Satisfaction With Life ◽

Psychological Flexibility ◽

Well Being ◽

The United States ◽

Control Group ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Adults Who Stutter

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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The Congregational Character Questionnaire: An Initial Empirical Examination of the Significance of Collective Church Character Traits

Journal of Psychology and Theology ◽

10.1177/00916471211021923 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 009164712110219

Author(s):

T. Ryan Byerly ◽

Keith J. Edwards ◽

Peter C. Hill

Keyword(s):

Meaning In Life ◽

Satisfaction With Life ◽

Empirical Studies ◽

Well Being ◽

Character Traits ◽

Academic Disciplines ◽

Future Research ◽

Religious Congregations ◽

Empirical Examination ◽

Christian Churches

Researchers in several academic disciplines have begun to take an interest in group character traits, including the character traits of religious congregations. This article reports the first empirical studies of congregational virtues. The Congregational Character Questionnaire was developed for measuring 12 different virtues of Christian churches: clinging to apostolic teaching, honoring teachers, prayerfulness, hopefulness, discipleship, emotional supportiveness, material supportiveness, spiritual equality, unity, submission, peace with the world, and spreading the faith. The instrument was then used with an online sample ( N = 530) to study how congregants’ perceptions of their congregation’s virtuousness related to congregants’ evaluations of their congregation, participation in their congregation, as well as congregants’ satisfaction with life, presence of meaning in life, and religious well-being. Results indicated that congregants’ overall perceptions of congregational virtuousness were significantly positively related to all of these dependent variables. These results help to reveal the important role that congregational character may play in the experience of congregants. Directions for future research in this area are outlined.

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