Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction for Executives: Results from a Field Experiment

Mindfulness-based meditation has been reported to produce positive effects on psychological and physiological well-being, and to reduce stress levels. The present study examined the effects of a 16-week mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program on stress levels and self-compassion of 22 executives of a large public sector oil company located in the south of India. The study was a pre- and post-test experimental design in which participants were tested for physiological and psychological parameters, both before and after the intervention. Physiological assessment was carried out through the testing of blood cortisol and measurement of systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Participants also reported on variables such as self-compassion, and various stress indicators such as physical indicators, sleep indicators, behavioral indicators, emotional indicators, and personal habits. Results from the present study suggest that a 16-week MBSR intervention not only had a positive impact on various stress indicators (physical, sleep, behavioral, emotional, and personal habits) and self-compassion but also reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure and blood cortisol levels. The findings suggest that MBSR can be a useful stress management intervention for addressing the issues of high stress for senior executives in Indian organizations.

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How to Relax in Stressful Situations: A Smart Stress Reduction System

Healthcare ◽

10.3390/healthcare8020100 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (2) ◽

pp. 100 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Yekta Said Can ◽

Heather Iles-Smith ◽

Niaz Chalabianloo ◽

Deniz Ekiz ◽

Javier Fernández-Álvarez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Stress Management ◽

Stress Level ◽

Stress Reduction ◽

Detection System ◽

High Stress ◽

Well Being ◽

Smart Devices ◽

Relaxation Methods ◽

Stress Levels

Stress is an inescapable element of the modern age. Instances of untreated stress may lead to a reduction in the individual’s health, well-being and socio-economic situation. Stress management application development for wearable smart devices is a growing market. The use of wearable smart devices and biofeedback for individualized real-life stress reduction interventions has received less attention. By using our unobtrusive automatic stress detection system for use with consumer-grade smart bands, we first detected stress levels. When a high stress level is detected, our system suggests the most appropriate relaxation method by analyzing the physical activity-based contextual information. In more restricted contexts, physical activity is lower and mobile relaxation methods might be more appropriate, whereas in free contexts traditional methods might be useful. We further compared traditional and mobile relaxation methods by using our stress level detection system during an eight day EU project training event involving 15 early stage researchers (mean age 28; gender 9 Male, 6 Female). Participants’ daily stress levels were monitored and a range of traditional and mobile stress management techniques was applied. On day eight, participants were exposed to a ‘stressful’ event by being required to give an oral presentation. Insights about the success of both traditional and mobile relaxation methods by using the physiological signals and collected self-reports were provided.

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Self-Compassion Mediates Improvement in Well-being in a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program in a Community-Based Sample

Mindfulness ◽

10.1007/s12671-017-0872-1 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 9 (4) ◽

pp. 1280-1287 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Susan Evans ◽

Katarzyna Wyka ◽

Katherine Thorpe Blaha ◽

Elizabeth S. Allen

Keyword(s):

Stress Reduction ◽

Well Being ◽

Community Based ◽

Self Compassion ◽

Reduction Program ◽

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

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A Telephone-Adapted Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program: Preliminary Effects among Healthcare Employees

Behavioral Sciences ◽

10.3390/bs11100139 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (10) ◽

pp. 139

Author(s):

Lauren A. Zimmaro ◽

Aleeze Moss ◽

Diane K. Reibel ◽

Elizabeth A. Handorf ◽

Jennifer B. Reese ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stress Reduction ◽

Mode Of Delivery ◽

Pilot Trial ◽

High Stress ◽

Effect Sizes ◽

Common Humanity ◽

Self Compassion ◽

Program Effects ◽

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction ◽

Healthcare Employees

Healthcare employees often experience high stress and may benefit from accessible psychosocial interventions. In this pilot study, we explored preliminary feasibility, acceptability, and psychological effects of a telephone-based adaption of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) for healthcare employees. Eleven participants (M age = 49.9; 27.3% ethnic/racial minority) were enrolled in an eight-session group-based MBSR program adapted for telephone delivery. Feasibility was assessed using rates of program attrition and session completion; acceptability was explored qualitatively via participants’ responses to an open-ended item about their program experience. Participants also completed pre-and post-program assessments on psychosocial outcomes (distress (overall distress, depression, anxiety, somatization), mindfulness, and self-compassion). We characterized mean change scores, 95% confidence intervals, and effect sizes to explore preliminary program effects. With regard to preliminary feasibility, one participant dropped out prior to the intervention; of the remaining 10 participants, 90% completed at least half (≥4) of the sessions; 70% completed at least three-quarters (≥6 sessions). Feedback reflected positive experiences and included suggestions for program delivery. Participants reported reductions in distress post-program (M difference range = −5.0 to −9.4), showing medium to large effect sizes (d range = 0.68 to 1.11). Mindfulness scores increased from pre- to post-intervention (M difference range = 1.0 to 10.4), with small-to-medium effects (d range = 0.18 to 0.55). Almost all aspects of self-compassion remained stable over time, with the exception of common humanity, which increased post-program (M difference = 2.9, CI 95% 0.5 to 5.4, d = 0.91). Preliminary findings from our small pilot trial suggest that telephone-based adaptations of MBSR may be a useful mode of delivery for healthcare employees; however, larger studies are needed to provide further evidence of feasibility, acceptability, and program effects.

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Is Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Effective for People with Hypertension? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 30 Years of Evidence

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18062882 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (6) ◽

pp. 2882

Author(s):

Ciro Conversano ◽

Graziella Orrù ◽

Andrea Pozza ◽

Mario Miccoli ◽

Rebecca Ciacchini ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Stress Reduction ◽

Effect Size ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Well Being ◽

Effect Sizes ◽

Medical Conditions ◽

Antihypertensive Medications ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

Background: Hypertension is among the most important risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, which are considered high mortality risk medical conditions. To date, several studies have reported positive effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) interventions on physical and psychological well-being in other medical conditions, but no meta-analysis on MBSR programs for hypertension has been conducted. Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of MBSR programs for hypertension. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials examining the effects of MBSR on systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP), anxiety, depression, and perceived stress in people with hypertension or pre-hypertension was conducted. The PubMed/MEDLINE and PsycINFO databases were searched in November 2020 to identify relevant studies. Results: Six studies were included. The comparison of MBSR versus control conditions on diastolic BP was associated with a statistically significant mean effect size favoring MBSR over control conditions (MD = −2.029; 95% confidence interval (CI): −3.676 to −0.383, p = 0.016, k = 6; 22 effect sizes overall), without evidence of heterogeneity (I2 = 0.000%). The comparison of MBSR versus control conditions on systolic BP was associated with a mean effect size which was statistically significant only at a marginal level (MD = −3.894; 95% CI: −7.736–0.053, p = 0.047, k = 6; 22 effect sizes overall), without evidence of high heterogeneity (I2 = 20.772%). The higher the proportion of participants on antihypertensive medications was, the larger the effects of MBSR were on systolic BP (B = −0.750, z = −2.73, p = 0.003). Conclusions: MBSR seems to be a promising intervention, particularly effective on the reduction of diastolic BP. More well-conducted trials are required.

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Mindfulness-based stress reduction for medical students: a narrative review

Canadian Medical Education Journal ◽

10.36834/cmej.68406 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Emma Polle ◽

Jane Gair

Keyword(s):

Psychological Distress ◽

Medical Student ◽

Medical Students ◽

Stress Reduction ◽

Well Being ◽

Narrative Review ◽

Undergraduate Medical Students ◽

Mindfulness Skills ◽

Self Compassion ◽

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

Background: Medical students are at high risk of depression, distress and burnout, which may adversely affect patient safety. There has been growing interest in mindfulness in medical education to improve medical student well-being. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is a commonly used, standardized format for teaching mindfulness skills. Previous research has suggested that MBSR may be of particular benefit for medical students. This narrative review aims to further investigate the benefits of MBSR for undergraduate medical students. Methods: A search of the literature was performed using MedLine, Embase, ERIC, PSYCInfo, and CINAHL to identify relevant studies. A total of 102 papers were identified with this search. After review and application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 9 papers were included in the study. Results: MBSR training for medical students was associated with increased measures of psychological well-being and self-compassion, as well as improvements in stress, psychological distress and mood. Evidence for effect on empathy was mixed, and the single paper measuring burnout showed no effect. Two studies identified qualitative themes which provided context for the quantitative results. Conclusions: MBSR benefits medical student well-being and decreases medical student psychological distress and depression.

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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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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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Abstract 469: Residential Lifestyle Interventions Reduce Blood Pressure in 18 Days

Arteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology ◽

10.1161/atvb.36.suppl_1.469 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 36 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Francisco E Ramirez ◽

Jill Siebold ◽

Linda Ivy ◽

Kathelyn Antuna ◽

Albert Sanchez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Diastolic Blood Pressure ◽

Linear Trend ◽

Lifestyle Interventions ◽

Blood Pressure Medication ◽

Significant Linear Trend ◽

Time Points ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Post Hoc

Background: Tight control of blood pressure can have long term positive effects, non-pharmacological interventions to achieve it are documented in this study. Hypothesis: Vegan diets together with other lifestyle changes can safely decrease blood pressure. Methods: Twelve years of data was used, 1196 patients participated in a lifestyle program in Weimar California. The intervention consisted in whole food plant based diet (WFPD), exercise, sleep hygiene, medical, psychological and spiritual therapies. Treatments of massage and hydrotherapy were also given. A physician monitored the progress of each patient during the 18 days. Blood pressure was measured at baseline, at the end of the first week (time 1) and at the end of the second week (time 2) and at the end of 18 days. Some patients need it to decrease their blood pressure medication during the 18 days. Data was process with SPSS statistics package. Results: From 1196 patients, 764 of them were females. Mean age at baseline was 60.7 SD 15. Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure were reduced throughout treatment. For systolic on average (in mm HG) at baseline: 132.21, at time 1: 125.3, at rime 2: 121.96, at the end : 121.4. For diastolic on average (in mm HG) at baseline: 76.1, time 1: 72.2, time 2: 70.86, at the end : 69.9. A repeated measures ANOVA determined that mean systolic blood pressure differed significantly between time points (F(3,3585) = 69.008, P < .001). Post hoc polynomial contrasts revealed a significant linear trend in the data from start to end (F(1,1195 = 206.474. p<.001, partial η 2 = .14)). A similar pattern was found for diastolic blood pressure. The overall ANOVA found a significant difference in time points (F(3,3585) = 34.738, P < .001). Post hoc polynomial contrasts also showed a significant linear trend (F(1,1195 = 109.031. p<.001, partial η 2 = .08). Participants lost 4.8 pounds on average by the end of the program. Conclusion: WFPD together with lifestyle interventions are associated with a significant reduction of systolic and diastolic blood pressures. Many patients reduced their blood pressure medication. Lifestyle interventions options should be offered to patients with hypertension.

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Prevalence of problematic social media use among residents and teaching assistants in Ain Shams University Hospitals and faculty of medicine and its relationship to emotional distress

QJM ◽

10.1093/qjmed/hcab102.009 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 114 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

H Allam ◽

G ELNahas ◽

M El-Habiby ◽

H Elkholy

Keyword(s):

Social Media ◽

Media Use ◽

High Stress ◽

Well Being ◽

World Health ◽

University Hospitals ◽

Social Media Use ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Stress Levels ◽

Problematic Social Media Use

Abstract Background Social media use becomes pervasive and universal among young adults including medical personnel. Furthermore, it become established that more frequent use of the social media is associated with negative psychological well-being, anxiety which represents the second leading cause of disability among all psychiatric disorders and depression which represents the single largest contributor to global disability according to the World Health Organization. The Aim of this study To analyze the relationship between the use of social media, stress level, anxiety and depression among residents in Ain Shams University Hospitals (ASUH) and academic demonstrators in faculty of medicine. Patients and Methods This is an observational cross-sectional study, Conducted in Ain Shams University hospitals (ASUH), we included 200 of staff and medical school academics in faculty of medicine, starting from February 2018 till August 2019. Results 33 participants showed average social media use representing 16.5% while 167 participants showed problematic social media use representing 83.5%. 11 participants showed low stress levels representing 5.5%, 127 participants showed moderate stress levels representing 63.5% while 62 participants showed high stress levels representing 31%. Conclusion Social media use by clinicians is widespread, especially by younger clinicians for personal and reference purposes. Use of multiple SM platforms is independently associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety, even when controlling for overall time spent in their use.

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