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Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs): Mechanisms and Effects

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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Mental Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2023) | Viewed by 44296

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Special Issue Editor

Dr. Dexing Zhang

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Guest Editor

The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
Interests: mental health; mindfulness; positive psychology; primary health care

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have become increasingly popular in the recent 40 years, in various settings such as healthcare settings, schools, and workplaces. Many studies have shown that MBIs are effective among both clinical and non-clinical populations. However, much is still unknown, in terms of its effects for many health problems and among subgroup populations. It is also appealing to observe the effects of MBIs during COVID-19, and ways in which to boost its effects and compliance.

In this Special Issue, we would like to include papers on the following (both original studies and reviews are welcome):

Mechanisms of MBIs (how and why they are effective);
Effects and cost effectiveness of MBIs on mental health, physical health (e.g., common chronic conditions and COVID-19 symptoms), and social health (e.g., loneliness, prosocial behaviors, altruism, and nature-friendly behaviors);
Application and effects of MBIs in the education system;
Application and effects of MBIs in workplaces;
Application and effects of MBIs during the COVID-19 pandemic;
Combination of MBIs with other effective interventional components (mindfulness+);
Factors associated with better MBI compliance and effects, and strategies that elevate MBI compliance and effects.

Dr. Dexing Zhang
Guest Editor

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Keywords

mindfulness-based interventions
meditation
mechanism
physical, mental and social health

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 618 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of a Mindfulness-Based Family Psychoeducation Intervention for the Caregivers of Young Adults with First-Episode Psychosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

by Zoe Jiwen Zhang, Herman Hay Ming Lo, Siu Man Ng, Winnie W. S. Mak, Samuel Yeung Shan Wong, Karen S. Y. Hung, Cola Siu Lin Lo, Jessica Oi Yin Wong, Simon S. Y. Lui, Edmund Lin, Clara Man Wah Siu, Eric Wai Ching Yan, Sunny Ho Wan Chan, Annie Yip, Man Fai Poon, Gloria Oi Chi Wong, Jonathan Wai Hung Mak, Hillman Shiu Wah Tam, Iris Huen Hung Tse and Bobby Fook Hin Leung

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(2), 1018; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20021018 - 5 Jan 2023

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4226

Abstract

Objective: In this study, we investigated the effects of a mindfulness-based family psychoeducation (MBFPE) program on the mental-health outcomes of both caregivers and young adults with first-episode psychosis with an onset in the past three years through a multi-site randomized controlled trial. We also studied the outcomes of three potential mediating effects of interpersonal mindfulness, expressed emotions, and non-attachment on the program. Method: We randomly assigned 65 caregivers of young adults with psychosis to MBFPE (n = 33) or an ordinary family psychoeducation (FPE) program (n = 32); among them, 18 young adults in recovery also participated in the evaluation of outcomes. Results: Intent-to-treat analyses were conducted. No significant time × group interaction effects of MBFPE and FPE programs were found in any of the caregivers’ outcomes. However, the young adults with psychosis reported higher levels of recovery after the MBFPE program than after the ordinary FPE program (F = 8.268, p = 0.012, d = 1.484). They also reported a larger reduction in over-involvement of their caregivers (F = 4.846, p = 0.044, d = 1.136), showing that MBFPE had a superior effect to FPE in promoting recovery and reducing over-involvement. Conclusions: A brief psychoeducation program may not reduce the burden on or improve the mental-health outcome of caregivers of individuals with recent-onset psychosis. However, integrating mindfulness into a conventional family psychoeducation program may reduce the expressed emotions of caregivers, especially over-involvement. Further studies should explore how psychoeducation programs can reduce the impact of psychosis on family through sustainable effects in terms of reducing their burden and expressed emotions, using a rigorous study and adequate sample size. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs): Mechanisms and Effects)

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13 pages, 1500 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effectiveness Evaluation of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy Combined with Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for People with Post-Stroke Depression: A Randomized Controlled Trial

by Haoran Duan, Xin Yan, Shifeng Meng, Lixia Qiu, Jiayu Zhang, Chunxia Yang and Sha Liu

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(2), 930; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20020930 - 4 Jan 2023

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4551

Abstract

Background: Post-stroke depression (PSD) is most prevalent during the rehabilitative period following a stroke. Recent studies verified the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy (rTMS) and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) in patients with depression. However, the effectiveness and prospect of application in PSD patients remain unclear. This study sought to evaluate the effectiveness of a combined intervention based on rTMS and MBSR for the physical and mental state of PSD patients. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled study design was employed. Participants were recruited from the Rehabilitation Medicine Centre and randomly assigned to receive either MBSR combined with active or sham rTMS or sham rTMS combined with general psychological care. We used a 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17), a mini-mental state examination (MMSE), the Modified Barthel Index (MBI), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to evaluate depressed symptoms, cognitive function, activities of daily living (ADL), and sleep quality at baseline, post-intervention, and the 8-week follow-up. A two-factor analysis of variance was used to compare differences between groups, and Pearson’s linear correlation was used to analyze the possible relationship between variables and potential predictors of depression improvement. Results: Seventy-two participants were randomized to rTMS–MBSR (n = 24), sham rTMS–MBSR (n = 24), or sham rTMS–general psychological care (n = 24). A total of 71 patients completed the questionnaire, a 99% response rate. There were significant time and group interaction effects in HAMD-17, MMSE, MBI, and PSQI scores (p < 0.001). The repeated-measure ANOVA showed a significant improvement of all variables in rTMS–MBSR compared to sham rTMS–MBSR and sham rTMS combined with general psychological care (p < 0.05). Additional results demonstrated that cognitive function, sleep quality, and activities of daily living are associated with depressive symptoms, and cognitive function is a potential variable for improved depression. Conclusion: Depressive symptoms can be identified early by assessing cognitive function, and rTMS–MBSR might be considered a potentially helpful treatment for PSD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs): Mechanisms and Effects)

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20 pages, 8925 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Using Photovoice in a Mindfulness-Based Program to Understand the Experiences of Caregivers of Young Adults with Psychosis

by Herman Hay Ming Lo, Ken Ho Kan Liu, Wing Chung Ho, Elsa Ngar Sze Lau, Man Fai Poon, Cola Siu Lin Lo and Hillman Shiu Wah Tam

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(23), 15461; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192315461 - 22 Nov 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2776

Abstract

Studies have consistently shown that family caregivers experience caregiver burden and depression when they provide care for family members with psychosis. Photovoice is a participatory action research method of fostering dialogues about personal experiences by sharing and discussing photographs that may improve our understanding about how a mindfulness-based family psychoeducation program (MBFPE) can reduce the caregiver burden and improve their caregiving experience. We explored the experiences of the participants in their use of photovoice in a MBFPE. We investigated whether the MBFPE program generated positive changes for caregivers of young adults with psychosis. Using photovoice, we collected qualitative data to help develop a unique contextual understanding of MBFPE program outcomes and generate novel ideas, insights, suggestions, and questions on the basis of participant’s perceptions. Participants in our pilot study and randomized controlled study of MBFPE were invited to participate in this photovoice activity. On the basis of a procedure developed for MBFPE, caregivers were invited to use photographs to express how mindfulness contributed to caregivers’ management of their caregiving stress and burden. Caregiver’s inquiry with the MBFPE instructors were transcribed for analysis together with the photographs. A grounded theory approach was adopted to analyze the photovoice images, participants’ reflections, and inquiries of photographs. Six themes were developed in understanding the lived experience of caregivers in participation of MBFPE: (1) I pay attention to the present moment; (2) I care about my family; (3) I trust my children; (4) I appreciate the connection with and support from nature and the universe; (5) I observe my worries and guilt and learn not to be reactive; and (6) I find space in offering care and exercising self-care. The application of photovoice can offer an additional approach to enhance the awareness and insights of participants in a mindfulness-based program. Specific guidelines may be developed to enhance the learning of participants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs): Mechanisms and Effects)

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13 pages, 1049 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Do You Mind? Examining the Impact of Psychoeducation Specificity on Perceptions of Mindfulness-Based Programs

by Nicole Del Rosario and Shadi Beshai

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(15), 9621; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19159621 - 4 Aug 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2095

Abstract

Objective: Mindfulness-based programs (MBPs) cultivate the capacity for mindfulness, defined as nonjudgmental acceptance and awareness of present-moment experience. Mindfulness has been associated with a host of benefits for users, such as improved indices of mental well-being. We examined public perceptions of acceptability (i.e., how appropriate the treatment is for a given problem) and credibility (i.e., how logical and convincing a treatment seems) of MBPs as a form of mental health intervention. The main objective of this study was to examine whether higher specificity of psychoeducational content improved perceptions of the acceptability and credibility of MBPs. Methods: Participants (n = 188; female% = 39.4) were recruited online and randomly assigned to one of two conditions. In one condition, participants received balanced and evidence-based psychoeducation specific to MBPs for mental health. In the other condition, participants received general information about psychological treatments for mental health. Acceptability and credibility perceptions were measured by questionnaires across time (pre-and post-psychoeducation) and across specificity conditions (specific vs. general psychoeducation). Results: Participants randomized to the general, but not the specific, psychoeducation-endorsed higher scores of acceptability of MBPs post-psychoeducation. Further, participants endorsed higher scores of MBP credibility post-psychoeducation, regardless of the specificity of psychoeducation provided. Conclusions: Perceptions of the acceptability of MBPs were improved following exposure to general psychoeducation, and perceptions of the credibility of MBPs were improved following psychoeducation, regardless of specificity. Examining public perceptions of MBPs is important for informing strategies to support access to and use of MBPs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs): Mechanisms and Effects)

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Review

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15 pages, 711 KiB

Open AccessReview

Autogenic Training in Mental Disorders: What Can We Expect?

by Dagmar Breznoscakova, Milana Kovanicova, Eva Sedlakova and Maria Pallayova

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(5), 4344; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20054344 - 28 Feb 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 6508

Abstract

Autogenic training (AT) is a well-established self-induced relaxation technique based on autosuggestion. From the past two decades, an increasing number of AT studies strongly suggests the practical usefulness of psychophysiological relaxation in the area of medicine. Despite this interest, to date, limited critical clinical reflection on the application and effects of AT in mental disorders exists. The present paper reviews psychophysiological, psychopathological, and clinical aspects of AT in persons with mental disorders with emphasis on implications for future research and practice. Based on a formal literature search, 29 reported studies (7 meta-analyses/systematic reviews) were identified that examined the effects and impact of AT on mental disorders. The main psychophysiological effects of AT include autonomic cardiorespiratory changes paralleled by central nervous system activity modifications and psychological outputs. Studies demonstrate consistent efficacy of AT in reducing anxiety and medium range positive effects for mild-to-moderate depression. The impact on bipolar disorders, psychotic disorders, and acute stress disorder remains unexplored. As an add-on intervention psychotherapy technique with beneficial outcome on psychophysiological functioning, AT represents a promising avenue towards expanding research findings of brain–body links beyond the current limits of the prevention and clinical management of number of mental disorders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs): Mechanisms and Effects)

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16 pages, 1401 KiB

Open AccessReview

Effects of Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Promoting Athletic Performance and Related Factors among Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trial

by Yan Wang, Si-Man Lei and Jingjing Fan

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(3), 2038; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20032038 - 22 Jan 2023

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 16351

Abstract

In recent years, mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have been widely applied in competition sports with respect to athletic performance and mental health promotion, whereas evidence of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) has not been well summarized. Therefore, this study aimed to systematically review and meta-analyze the existing evidence on the effects of MBIs on improving athletic performance, mindfulness level, mindfulness-related psychological components (e.g., acceptance, self-compassion, flow), and mental health (e.g., burnout, stress, psychological well-being) among athletes. Following the PRISMA guidelines, a literature search was implemented on five electronic databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, and ScienceDirect) and relevant review papers. The article selection, risk of bias assessment, and data extraction were performed by two investigators independently. The standardized mean difference (SMD) was calculated to evaluate the effects of interventions using the random effect model. Among the 1897 original hits, thirty-two eligible RCT studies were included in the systematic review, of which seven were involved in the meta-analysis. The results showed that MBIs were effective in promoting athletes’ athletic performances (by narrative synthesis), mindfulness-level (n = 3; SMD = 0.50, 95% CI = [0.17, 0.83]; I² = 45%, p = 0.16), and mindfulness-related psychological components (n = 5; SMD = 0.81, 95% CI = [0.53, 1.10], I² = 77%, p =0.001), while no significant intervention effects were found on the mental health of athletes (n = 4; SMD = −0.03, 95% CI = [−0.35, 0.29], I² = 89%, p < 0.001). Our findings preliminarily support the potential effectiveness of MBIs, whereas more high-quality RCTs were needed in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs): Mechanisms and Effects)

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15 pages, 1700 KiB

Open AccessReview

How Effective Are Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Reducing Stress and Weight? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Elena Sosa-Cordobés, Juan Diego Ramos-Pichardo, José Luis Sánchez-Ramos, Francisca María García-Padilla, Elia Fernández-Martínez and Almudena Garrido-Fernández

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(1), 446; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20010446 - 27 Dec 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 6650

Abstract

Stress contributes to the development and maintenance of obesity. Mindfulness-based therapies are being used to reduce stress and promote weight reduction and maintenance. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions for stress and weight reduction in the short, medium, and long term. Searches on PsycINFO, Medline, CINAHL, Scopus, WOS, and Science Direct were conducted until March 2021. Intervention studies with a sample of adults were included; these evaluated a mindfulness-based intervention and used stress and weight or body mass index as outcome variables. These criteria were met by 13 articles. A meta-analysis of 8 of the 13 articles was performed with a random-effects or fixed-effects model, depending on the level of heterogeneity between studies. Mindfulness-based interventions had a small effect on stress reduction over a 3-month period: effect size (standardized mean difference) = −0.29 (95% CI: −0.49, −0.10). However, no significant evidence was found for stress reduction from 3 months onwards, nor for weight or body mass index reduction in any period. Mindfulness-based interventions are effective in reducing stress in the short term, but not in the medium or long term, nor are they effective for weight or body mass index. More robust and longer study designs are needed to determine their effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs): Mechanisms and Effects)

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