scholarly journals The Contribution of Common and Specific Therapeutic Factors to Mindfulness-Based Intervention Outcomes

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas K. Canby ◽  
Kristina Eichel ◽  
Jared Lindahl ◽  
Sathiarith Chau ◽  
James Cordova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mindfulness Meditation ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Common Factors ◽  
Severe Depression ◽  
Mindfulness Practice ◽  
Therapeutic Factors ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Growth Curve Models ◽  
Specific Effects ◽  
Therapeutic Trajectories

While Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs) have been shown to be effective for a range of patient populations and outcomes, a question remains as to the role of common therapeutic factors, as opposed to the specific effects of mindfulness practice, in contributing to patient improvements. This project used a mixed-method design to investigate the contribution of specific (mindfulness practice-related) and common (instructor and group related) therapeutic factors to client improvements within an MBI. Participants with mild-severe depression (N = 104; 73% female, M age = 40.28) participated in an 8-week MBI. Specific therapeutic factors (formal out-of-class meditation minutes and informal mindfulness practice frequency) and social common factors (instructor and group ratings) were entered into multilevel growth curve models to predict changes in depression, anxiety, stress, and mindfulness at six timepoints from baseline to 3-month follow-up. Qualitative interviews with participants provided rich descriptions of how instructor and group related factors played a role in therapeutic trajectories. Findings indicated that instructor ratings predicted changes in depression and stress, group ratings predicted changes in stress and self-reported mindfulness, and formal meditation predicted changes in anxiety and stress, while informal mindfulness practice did not predict client improvements. Social common factors were stronger predictors of improvements in depression, stress, and self-reported mindfulness than specific mindfulness practice-related factors. Qualitative data supported the importance of relationships with instructor and group members, involving bonding, expressing feelings, and instilling hope. Our findings dispel the myth that MBI outcomes are exclusively the result of mindfulness meditation practice, and suggest that social common factors may account for much of the effects of these interventions. Further research on meditation should take into consideration the effects of social context and other common therapeutic factors.

scholarly journals Mindfulness Research Update: 2008

2009 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey M. Greeson
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Mindfulness Meditation ◽  
Stress Hormones ◽  
Theoretical Work ◽  
The Body ◽  
Mindfulness Practice ◽  
Optimal Health ◽  
The Brain

Objective: To briefly review the effects of mindfulness on the mind, the brain, the body, and behavior. Methods: Selective review of MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar databases (2003—2008) using the terms ``mindfulness,'' ``meditation,'' ``mental health,'' ``physical health,'' ``quality of life,'' and ``stress reduction.'' A total of 52 exemplars of empirical and theoretical work were selected for review. Results: Both basic and clinical research indicate that cultivating a more mindful way of being is associated with less emotional distress, more positive states of mind, and better quality of life. In addition, mindfulness practice can influence the brain, the autonomic nervous system, stress hormones, the immune system, and health behaviors, including eating, sleeping, and substance use, in salutary ways. Conclusion: The application of cutting-edge technology toward understanding mindfulness— an ``inner technology''—is elucidating new ways in which attention, awareness, acceptance, and compassion may promote optimal health—in mind, body, relationships, and spirit.

scholarly journals Depressive Symptoms in Older African Immigrants: A Descriptive Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 335-335
Author(s):  
Manka Nkimbeng ◽  
Zachary Baker ◽  
Janiece Taylor ◽  
Sarah Szanton ◽  
Tetyana Shippee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Insurance Coverage ◽  
Severe Depression ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
African Immigrants ◽  
Health Insurance Coverage ◽  
The United States ◽  
Health Study ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract In FY 2018-2019, the National Institutes of Health devoted $2,387,505,711 to projects studying depression. Before and following their arrival into the United States stressful life circumstances may render African immigrants particularly at risk for depression. The objective of this study is to provide an estimate and identify correlates of depressive symptoms in older (≥50 years) African immigrants. We performed secondary data analyses of the Older African Immigrant Health study (n = 148). Bivariate analyses evaluated associations between depressive symptoms and sociodemographic and immigration-related factors. Depressive symptoms were measured with the PHQ-8 scale and scores of ≥ 5 were considered indicative of depressive symptoms. The mean age of participants was 62 years (SD:8.2), 61% were female, 30% had less than high school education, and 58% reported having health insurance coverage. Thirty percent of the sample had depressive symptoms (PHQ-8 score of ≥ 5) but only one individual would be classified as having moderately severe or severe depression (PHQ-8 ≥15). Depressive symptoms did not differ by age, marital status, education, or income. There was a statistically significant difference in depressive symptoms by reason for migration, recruitment location, and employment status. Although only one participant would be classified as severely depressive, a large proportion of this sample had depressive symptoms. Mental health concerns were reported as a significant health problem for African immigrants visiting a community service organization in New York. More research is needed to examine the prevalence, immigration-related correlates, predictors, and health ramifications of depression in older African immigrants.

The Voice of Experience: Diet and Weight Change in Women with Breast Cancer Associate with Psychosocial and Treatment-Related Challenges

2017 ◽  
Vol 78 (2) ◽  
pp. 74-80 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vivienne Vance ◽  
Sharon Campbell ◽  
Linda Mccargar ◽  
Marina Mourtzakis ◽  
Rhona Hanning
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Food Intake ◽  
Weight Change ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Dietary Interventions ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Food Cravings ◽  
Psychosocial Challenges ◽  
The Voice

Purpose: This study investigated relationships between psychosocial and treatment-related factors, diet, and weight change in women treated with chemotherapy for early-stage breast cancer. Methods: Comprehensive qualitative interviews were conducted with 28 women who were within 12 months of completing chemotherapy treatment. Results: Changes in food intake and eating patterns were universal over the course of chemotherapy, with broad variability in treatment effects and associated dietary responses linked to weight change. Increased appetite, food cravings, and intake of energy-dense comfort foods were more common among women who gained weight during treatment (n = 11). Changes in taste, nausea, and emotional distress were central in promoting these dietary responses. Women who lost weight during treatment (n = 6) tended to report more severe and persistent side effects of treatment leading to poor appetite and lower food intake, and they were more likely to live alone. Conclusions: While the etiology of weight change in this population is complex, this study suggests that changes in food intake related to treatment and psychosocial challenges may play an important role for some women. These findings may help to identify women who are most at risk of weight change during treatment and may inform the development of tailored dietary interventions.

scholarly journals Experiences with a universal mindfulness and well-being programme at a UK medical school

2018 ◽  
Vol 118 (4) ◽  
pp. 304-319 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Stewart-Brown ◽  
Mizaya Cader ◽  
Thomas Walker ◽  
Sabah Janjua ◽  
Emma Hanson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical School ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Evaluation Studies ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mindfulness Practice ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Graduate Entry ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Mental Well Being

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the evaluation of a universal, mental well-being and mindfulness programme in a UK graduate entry medical school. Design/methodology/approach Mixed methods used in the paper were the measurement of mental well-being and mindfulness in two cohorts at three time points over 15 months; descriptive, regression and repeated measures analysis with post hoc pairwise comparisons; qualitative interviews with purposive sample of 13 students after one year analysed thematically; and spontaneous anonymous feedback on the course. Findings The course was a surprise to students, and reactions were mixed. Respect for its contents grew over the first year. Most students had actively implemented a well-being strategy by the end of the course, and an estimated quarter was practicing some mindful activity. In the context of an overall decline in well-being and limited engagement with mindfulness practice, increases in mindfulness were protective against this decline in both cohorts (p<001). A small minority of students thought that the course was a waste of time. Their attitudes influenced engagement by their peers. The mindfulness and well-being practices of the facilitators were evident to students and influenced perceived effects. Research limitations/implications The uncontrolled nature of this observational study and low response rates to the survey limit conclusions. Further research in other medical education settings is needed. Practical implications Results are encouraging, suggesting modest benefit in terms of changing attitudes and practices and a modest protective effect on the well-being of students who engaged. Originality/value This is the first study of a universal well-being and mindfulness programme in a UK medical school. Universal programmes are rare and evaluation studies are scarce.

Mechanisms of change of traditional mindfulness practice in Thai adolescent students: a cross-sectional mediation study

2018 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Somboon Jarukasemthawee ◽  
Kullaya Pisitsungkagarn ◽  
Thanapol Leangsuksant ◽  
Natalia Lara González
Keyword(s):  
Emotional Regulation ◽  
Mindfulness Meditation ◽  
Mindfulness Practice ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Research Attention ◽  
Adolescent Students ◽  
Difficulties In Emotion Regulation ◽  
Eastern Cultures ◽  
Positive Correlations ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Given the substantial evidence for the efficacy of secular mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) for reducing psychological distress and increasing wellbeing, research attention has more recently turned to investigating the mechanisms by which this is achieved and has revealed that MBI works not only directly on reducing distress, but also indirectly through a reduction in mediating problems such as rumination and emotional regulation difficulty. However, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, no studies have yet been undertaken to evaluate the effect on such mediating conditions, of traditional Buddhist mindfulness meditation, as practiced in Eastern cultures and increasingly in the West, from which MBIs have been derived but remain distinctly different. The current study was therefore designed to examine the effect of traditional mindfulness on mediating conditions in participants who were born into and were experienced in this approach. Specifically, the study examines the relationship between traditional mindfulness and distress, and between traditional mindfulness and the mediating conditions of rumination and emotional regulation difficulty, in Thai adolescent students experienced in Buddhist meditation practices. The results resonate well with the findings from MBI studies, showing significant negative correlations between rumination and distress and emotional regulation difficulty and distress, and significant positive correlations between mindfulness and the mediators. The implications of the benefits of traditional mindfulness for reducing non-clinical distress, rumination and difficulties in emotion regulation are discussed.

scholarly journals A Patient Flow Analysis: Identification of Process Inefficiencies and Workflow Metrics at an Ambulatory Endoscopy Unit

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rowena Almeida ◽  
William G. Paterson ◽  
Nancy Craig ◽  
Lawrence Hookey
Keyword(s):  
Care Delivery ◽  
Patient Flow ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Flow Analysis ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Endoscopy Unit ◽  
Time And Motion ◽  
Operational Characteristics ◽  
Increasing Demand ◽  
The Impact

Background. The increasing demand for endoscopic procedures coincides with the paradigm shift in health care delivery that emphasizes efficient use of existing resources. However, there is limited literature on the range of endoscopy unit efficiencies.Methods. A time and motion analysis of patient flow through the Hotel-Dieu Hospital (Kingston, Ontario) endoscopy unit was followed by qualitative interviews. Procedures were directly observed in three segments: individual endoscopy room use, preprocedure/recovery room, and overall endoscopy unit utilization.Results. Data were collected for 137 procedures in the endoscopy room, 139 procedures in the preprocedure room, and 143 procedures for overall room utilization. The mean duration spent in the endoscopy room was 31.47 min for an esophagogastroduodenoscopy, 52.93 min for a colonoscopy, 30.47 min for a flexible sigmoidoscopy, and 66.88 min for a double procedure. The procedure itself accounted for 8.11 min, 34.24 min, 9.02 min, and 39.13 min for the above procedures, respectively. The focused interviews identified the scheduling template as a major area of operational inefficiency.Conclusions. Despite reasonable procedure times for all except colonoscopies, the endoscopy room durations exceed the allocated times, reflecting the impact of non-procedure-related factors and the need for a revised scheduling template. Endoscopy units have unique operational characteristics and identification of process inefficiencies can lead to targeted quality improvement initiatives.

Mental Illness through the Lens of Mindfulness

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia Lynn Dobkin ◽  
Kaveh Monshat
Keyword(s):  
Mental Illness ◽  
Mindfulness Meditation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Self ◽  
Mindfulness Practice ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Middle Way ◽  
Western Psychology ◽  
Essential Components

The intention of this chapter is to re-envision mental illness within a paradigm that unites the biopsychosocial paradigm with a modern Buddhist spirituality, particularly associated with mindfulness. Emotion regulation, a balanced relationship with one’s self-concept, and social connection are usually regarded as essential components of well-being within both systems of thought. Western psychology and mindfulness practice have, at times, been seen to have fundamentally opposing aims: one to strengthen the self and the other to arrive at “no-self” or “emptiness.” This chapter purports that the two approaches may overlap and can be complementary both in their contribution to understanding the self and the regulation of emotions. Clinical narratives of depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and psychosis are included to exemplify the application of a whole-person outlook to understand mental illness. While an orientation to well-being through a mindfulness perspective may be generally helpful, mindfulness meditation is not a panacea: for some patients, it may be contraindicated, applied in a modified format, or used alongside medication and/or psychotherapy. This chapter presents a “middle way” between the views of suffering that informs mindfulness practice and that which is drawn from psychology and psychiatry.

scholarly journals 884. Title: Factors Associated with Lack of Viral Suppression Among Women Living with HIV in the United States: An Integrative Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S533-S534
Author(s):  
Titilola Labisi ◽  
Nada Fadul ◽  
Jason Coleman ◽  
Anthony Podany ◽  
Keyonna King
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Health Insurance ◽  
Viral Suppression ◽  
Common Factors ◽  
The United States ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Women Living With Hiv ◽  
Living With Hiv

Abstract Background Women account for 19% of new HIV cases in the United States (US). Transgender women are 49 times more likely than other groups to be diagnosed with HIV. HIV is one of the top ten causes of death among women between 25 to 44 years. Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and consequent viral suppression (VS) are keys to preventing sexual transmission, risk of drug resistance, and improving health outcomes. Hence, it is essential to identify factors behind VS in women living with HIV (WLWH). Methods This review identified and synthesized peer-reviewed studies describing reasons for lack of VS among WLWH in the US. : Using the PRISMA model, we searched CINAHL, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and PsycINFO, then selected US studies published from 2010 to April 2021. Studies that included men, non-adults, ongoing studies, and foreign studies were excluded. 1,359 studies were assessed and screened for duplicate and eligibility. PRISMA Model Results 15 studies were eligible for review; 8 included all WLWH, 5 focused on pregnant WLWH, 1 included only African American WLWH and 1 included only transgender WLWH. Based on study participants and findings, results were divided into pregnancy and non-pregnancy-related factors. Pregnancy-related factors: Early ART initiation and group prenatal care improved care retention and VS. WLWH in cities were more likely to be virally suppressed at delivery than those in rural regions. Intimate partner violence (IPV) was associated with poor ART adherence and time to achieve stable VS. Also, being postpartum was associated with high viral load regardless of ART. Non-pregnancy-related factors: The most reported common factors were substance use and IPV. Other factors included social determinants of health, age, race, health insurance, income, number of pills, and regimen. Transgender-specific factors were stress, race, age, relationship, transphobic experiences, gender satisfaction, and adherence to hormone therapy. Conclusion Substance use, income, mental health, health insurance, race, and ART regimen were the most common factors associated with VS in WLWH. There was paucity of data on transgender-specific VS factors. More research is needed to explore VS and treatment adherence amongWLWH, especially transgender women. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

scholarly journals Qualitative Study of an mHealth Mindfulness intervention with Caregivers of Older Adults with MCI or Dementia

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 812-813
Author(s):  
Danielle Llaneza ◽  
XinQi Dong ◽  
Paul Duberstein ◽  
Elissa Kozlov
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Application ◽  
Mindfulness Meditation ◽  
Research Study ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Perceived Barriers ◽  
Time Constraints ◽  
Perceived Benefits ◽  
Qualitative Research Study ◽  
Growing Body ◽  
Future Work

Abstract Caregivers of patients with dementia experience high levels of emotional distress. mHealth interventions have the potential to feasibly address some needs of caregivers and reduce stress. This qualitative research study of (n = 15) caregivers of patients with dementia explored caregivers’ experience using a mindfulness meditation mobile application. The qualitative interviews were guided and structured to allow participants to share their perceived benefits, drawbacks, likes, and dislikes of using mHealth strategies to manage stress and anxiety. We asked about the caregivers' experience with mindfulness before the study, use of the app, their positive/helpful and negative/unhelpful app experiences, the perceived value of the app, and potential enhancements of the app. Caregivers reported that the app was easy to use, engaging and that there were many perceived benefits. They also noted multiple barriers to using the app including time constraints and implementation of mindfulness techniques outside of direct app use. Most of the caregivers recommended using the app to increase knowledge of mindfulness and to reduce stress. Our findings support the growing body of literature on the practical use of mHealth strategies for caregivers. Future work should address the perceived barriers caregivers encounter when using mHealth strategies.

Mindfulness in workplaces : could it be more spiritual ?

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guillaume Perocheau
Keyword(s):  
Collective Action ◽  
Research Method ◽  
Mindfulness Meditation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mindfulness Practice ◽  
Meditation Practice ◽  
Altruistic Motivation ◽  
Spiritual Dimension ◽  
The World ◽  
And Performance

Recently, mindfulness meditation has become very popular in workplaces. Proposed as lay practice, it has been proven to be a well-being tool having an impact on efficiency and performance. But cut from its Buddhist roots, mindfulness has lost its spiritual dimension. In this paper, we try to define contemporary concepts useful to build more spiritual narrations for collective action and mindfulness practice in the workplaces. Our research method is based on a theoretical exploration of the traditional Buddhist spiritual context for meditation practice, and on the analysis of the discourses of altruistic leaders. Our intermediary results show that a spiritual mindfulness practice is driven by an altruistic motivation, is based on a non dualistic vision of the world, and is a transformation tool for action. More spiritual narrations of collective action should take into account the primacy of altruism in human experience, the universal dimension of work in the Anthropocene, and will be inspired by other altruistic stories.

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