Search Results (94)

Background: Schizophrenia affects patients’ organizational thinking, as well as their ability to identify problems. The main objective of this study was to explore healthcare consultants’ application of AI mind maps to educate patients with schizophrenia regarding their perceptions of family function, social support, quality of life, and loneliness, and to help these patients think more organizationally and understand problems more effectively. Methods: The study used a survey research design and purposive sampling method to recruit 66 participants with schizophrenia who attended the psychiatric outpatient clinic of a hospital in central Taiwan. They needed to be literate, able to respond to the topic, and over 18 years old (inclusive), and they attended individual and group health education using AI mind maps over a 3-month period during regular outpatient clinic visits. Results: The study results show that patients’ family function directly affects their quality of life (p < 0.05) and loneliness (p < 0.05), satisfaction with social support affects quality of life and loneliness directly (p < 0.05), and satisfaction with social support is a mediating factor between family function and quality of life (p < 0.05), as well as a mediating factor between family function and loneliness (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Therefore, this study confirms the need to provide holistic, integrated mental health social care support for patients with schizophrenia, showing that healthcare consultants can apply AI mind maps to empower patients with schizophrenia to think more effectively about how to mobilize their social supports. Full article

Dance encompasses physical, emotional, and social elements, creating a dynamic platform for the exploration of well-being. As a therapeutic approach, dance movement further applies these dimensions to enhance emotional resilience, foster mindfulness, and improve overall mental health. This study examined the relationship between self-compassion and life satisfaction among 912 recreational dancers (80% female and 20% male) in Greece. Participants completed the Self-Compassion Scale and Satisfaction with Life Scale. Confirmatory Factor Analysis validated the five-factor self-compassion model, and regression analysis identified predictors of life satisfaction. Self-kindness emerged as a strong positive predictor (β = 0.258, p < 0.001), while isolation (β = −0.307, p < 0.001) and self-judgment (β = −0.083, p = 0.029) negatively predicted life satisfaction. Common humanity (β = 0.064, p = 0.066) and mindfulness (β = 0.004, p = 0.907) showed no significant predictive effect. The model explained 21.7% of the variance in life satisfaction (R² = 0.217). Small but statistically significant differences in self-compassion dimensions were observed across dance styles. Partner-oriented dancers such as those practicing tango reported slightly higher self-kindness and mindfulness, while ballet dancers showed a small increase in self-judgment and isolation. Life satisfaction remained consistent across styles, highlighting dance’s overall contribution to well-being. These findings suggest that integrating self-compassion training into dance education and psychotherapy, particularly within a Therapeutic-Based Art Pedagogy framework, may contribute to emotional resilience, foster social connection, and promote mental health, positioning dance as a potentially transformative tool for holistic development. Full article

Health and wellness tourism is a rapidly expanding segment of the global tourism industry, driven by increasing consumer awareness of well-being and lifestyle enhancement. As the demand for wellness travel grows, destinations are expected to offer high standards of safety, hygiene, rehabilitation, and holistic experiences. This study aims to identify and evaluate the key attributes and determinants for developing health and wellness tourism destinations by applying the 6As Tourism Development framework: Attractions, Accessibility, Amenities, Activities, Available Packages, and Ancillary Services. A multi-criteria decision-making approach, specifically the TOPSIS, was employed to assess destination potential through a case study of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand. The results indicate that Attractions, Accessibility, and Amenities are the top three priorities for wellness tourists. Sub-criteria such as natural scenery, cultural significance, accessibility for all, safety, and accommodation quality are particularly influential. Three districts in Nakhon Ratchasima were found to exhibit distinct strengths—Pak Chong is best suited for rehabilitative tourism (e.g., aroma and water therapy), aligning with mind and nutrition wellness components; Wang Nam Khiao is ideal for ecotourism and cultural experiences, supporting environmental and nutritional dimensions; while Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima excels in sports tourism, supporting physical and nutritional well-being. The study offers practical insights for policymakers and tourism stakeholders to design sustainable, visitor-centered wellness destinations. The proposed framework supports strategic planning and resource allocation for health-focused tourism development. Full article

Background and Objectives: Breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent malignancies affecting women and one of the most emotionally distressing diagnoses. Emerging evidence suggests that chronic psychological stress may influence cancer progression via neuroendocrine and immune mechanisms. This rapid narrative review explores three key arguments for integrating psycho-oncologists into the multidisciplinary care of breast cancer patients: (1) early detection and reduction of psychological distress, (2) improvement of treatment adherence, and (3) enhancement of quality of life through personalized psychological interventions. Materials and Methods: The review was conducted through comprehensive searches in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for peer-reviewed articles published between 2010 and 2025. Inclusion criteria comprised randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and theoretical papers. Of 246 identified articles, 50 met the inclusion criteria. Results: Selected studies show that psycho-oncological interventions—including cognitive–behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based techniques, narrative therapy, and guided imagery—significantly reduce anxiety, depression, and fear of recurrence. These approaches improve adherence to endocrine therapy and chemotherapy, enhance emotional resilience, and promote overall well-being. Also, recent research concepts emphasize the role of psycho-oncologists in encouraging post-traumatic growth and helping patients redefine cancer as an opportunity for transformation. Conclusions: Integrating psycho-oncologists into standard breast cancer care improves psychological and clinical outcomes. By addressing emotional distress, strengthening coping mechanisms, and supporting existential resilience, psycho-oncologists contribute to a holistic, patient-centered model of oncology care. Wider implementation of psycho-oncological services is warranted as a core component of comprehensive cancer management. Full article

Burn injuries lead to significant physical and psychological consequences, including chronic pain, post-traumatic stress, depression, and social isolation. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have been proposed as a holistic approach to address these challenges in burn rehabilitation. This systematic review evaluates the efficacy of dispositional mindfulness and MBIs, including mindfulness meditation, yoga, and self-compassion training, in managing pain, emotional distress, and psychosocial adaptation in burn survivors. A comprehensive literature search was conducted through MEDLINE and Web of Science, covering studies up to February 2025, with additional papers retrieved from Google Scholar and Semantic Scholar. Studies were included if they reported quantitative data on the effects of MBIs in burn patients and/or their families, excluding opinion pieces, editorials, reviews, and qualitative studies. After screening 91 studies retrieved from the databases and adding a compelling paper retrieved from the other sources explored, 12 studies were included in the final pool, categorized into cross-sectional studies (n = 6), and intervention studies (n = 6). The extracted data included publication year, research design, sample characteristics, intervention details, main findings, and data for quality assessment. The synthesis of the results suggests that mindfulness is associated with reduced psychological symptoms, improved emotional regulation, and enhanced self-compassion, leading to better coping strategies and social reintegration. However, the long-term efficacy of MBIs remains inconclusive, and further research is needed to differentiate mindfulness-specific effects from those of general physical exercise. Evidence also suggests that mindfulness interventions may reduce anxiety and secondary trauma in children with burns and their caregivers. This review highlights the potential of MBIs as adjuncts to conventional burn rehabilitation programs, but further high-quality trials are needed to establish their sustained efficacy and to understand the specific benefits of mindfulness. Full article

This review examines the relationship between tennis participation and mental health, highlighting both the psychological benefits and challenges associated with the sport. Using a retrospective, citation-based methodology, peer-reviewed studies published in English, French, and Greek between 2000 and March 2025 were included. The findings indicate that tennis participation is associated with reductions in depressive and anxiety symptoms, improved self-confidence, and enhanced resilience. However, competitive tennis also presents significant psychological demands, including elevated stress levels and susceptibility to maladaptive coping behaviors. To address these complexities, this review introduces the Resilience Racket Model, a conceptual framework representing the integration of physical readiness, psychological resilience, and systemic support. The model uses the metaphor of a tennis racket: the handle reflects foundational physical skills; the strings represent resilience components; the frame denotes environmental and organizational support; and the sweet spot signifies the optimal balance between physical and mental readiness. The review also highlights the effectiveness of psychological interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness, in supporting athlete well-being. These findings advocate for a holistic approach to athlete development, emphasizing parity between mental health and physical training, and call for further research into tailored, sport-specific mental health interventions in tennis. Full article

On behalf of the Canadian Association of Psychosocial Oncology, we are pleased to present the Abstracts from the 2025 Annual Conference, titled “Responding to the Human Experience of Cancer and Caring for the Soul: Building on 40 years of global leadership in psychosocial oncology”. The 40th Annual CAPO Conference was held in Toronto from 23 April 2025 to 25 April 2025. In an era marked by the rapid advancement of biologically focused precision medicine, it is imperative to redirect our attention towards the human experience of illness and the soul of medicine. Biomedicine has conceptualized illness in ways that have proved profoundly productive from a curative and biological point of view. But it cannot—and it does not pretend to—illuminate the experience of living with it. (Hurwitz 2009). This conference aims to delve into the intricate interplay between cutting-edge biomedical technologies inclusive of artificial intelligence and big data and the deeply personal narratives of individuals navigating illness. By shifting the focus from mere disease pathology to encompassing the holistic human experience, we aspire to foster a more compassionate and patient-centered approach to healthcare with psychosocial support at the core of humanistic care that can improve survival and well-being in all aspects of a whole-person approach to illness. Through interdisciplinary dialogue and introspection, we endeavor to illuminate the profound connection between mind, body, and spirit in the practice of medicine, reaffirming the timeless significance of empathy, understanding, and human connection in healing and psychosocial aspects of care as fundamental to living well with cancer. This conference brought together key stakeholders including multidisciplinary professionals from nursing, psychology, psychiatry, social work, spiritual care, nutrition, medicine, rehabilitation medicine, occupational health and radiation therapy for both adult and pediatric populations. Participants included clinicians, researchers, educators in cancer care, community-based organizations and patient representatives. Patients, caregivers and family members presented abstracts that speak to their role in managing cancer experiences and care. Over two hundred (200) abstracts were submitted for presentation as symposia, 20-minute oral presentations, 10-minute oral presentations, 90-minute workshops and poster presentations. We congratulate all the presenters on their research work and contribution. Full article

Background: Musculoskeletal conditions with multisystem comorbidities present significant challenges in terms of prevention and rehabilitation. Despite advances in instrumental technologies for diagnosis and treatment, a gap remains between biomedical research and practical application. Strengthening the therapeutic alliance involves improving patients’ understanding of diagnostics and treatment, while emphasizing face-to-face interactions. A team of healthcare professionals, promoting an integrated approach combining manual and movement therapies—such as physiotherapy, chiropractic, and osteopathic care—can bridge this gap, promoting well-being through a person-centered framework. Emerging research highlights the role of cognitive, neurophysiological, and sociocultural factors in body perception and health, emphasizing the need for inclusive, culturally sensitive care within osteopathic practice. Methods: We synthesize the available evidence and expert insights to address gaps in the literature. Our approach integrates conceptual analysis with emerging research, applying Driscoll’s reflective model to generate a practical framework rooted in osteopathic principles and clinical experiences. Results: We propose an integrative model incorporating narrative-based sense-making, shared decision-making, mindfulness, and active participation. By blending historical osteopathic principles with modern evidence, the model aims to enhance health resilience, reduce unnecessary interventions, and establish a holistic framework for prevention and rehabilitation. Conclusions: Integrating diverse approaches within osteopathic care refines clinical practices, ensuring a more person-centered, culturally sensitive, and holistic approach to musculoskeletal rehabilitation. This model bridges the gap between tradition and modern evidence, enhancing therapeutic outcomes and fostering an inclusive healthcare system. Full article

Obesity is a complex chronic condition with multifactorial causes. Among these, psychological stress and mental health have emerged as significant contributors to the development and maintenance of obesity in adults. Chronic stress can influence eating behaviors, metabolic processes, and lifestyle habits in ways that promote weight gain. Likewise, mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and poor emotional regulation, often intertwine with obesity, creating a vicious cycle. This opinion paper discusses the psychological mechanisms linking stress and obesity, including stress-induced eating and impaired self-regulation, and examines the role of mental health and emotional regulation in eating behaviors. Interventions addressing stress and psychological well-being—ranging from cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based techniques to stress management and other therapeutic approaches—are explored as essential components of effective obesity treatment. The evidence suggests that incorporating stress reduction and mental health support into obesity interventions can improve outcomes. Ultimately, obesity management requires a holistic approach that includes not only diet and exercise, but also the crucial psychological dimensions of stress and emotional health. Full article

Theories of consciousness grounded in neuroscience must explain the phenomenal binding problem, e.g., how micro-units of information are combined to create the macro-scale conscious experience common to human phenomenology. An example is how single ‘pixels’ of a visual scene are experienced as a single holistic image in the ‘mind’s eye’, rather than as individual, separate, and massively parallel experiences, corresponding perhaps to individual neuron activations, neural ensembles, or foveal saccades, any of which could conceivably deliver identical functionality from an information processing point of view. There are multiple contested candidate solutions to the phenomenal binding problem. This paper explores how the metaphysical infrastructure of Integrated Information Theory (IIT) v4.0 can provide a distinctive solution. The solution—that particular entities aggregable from multiple units (‘complexes’) define existence—might work in a static picture, but introduces issues in a dynamic system. We ask what happens to our phenomenal self as the main complex moves around a biological neural network. Our account of conscious entities developing through time leads to an apparent dilemma for IIT theorists between non-local entity transitions and contiguous selves: the ‘dynamic entity evolution problem’. As well as specifying the dilemma, we describe three ways IIT might dissolve the dilemma before it gains traction. Clarifying IIT’s position on the phenomenal binding problem, potentially underpinned with novel empirical or theoretical research, helps researchers understand IIT and assess its plausibility. We see our paper as contributing to IIT’s current research emphasis on the shift from static to dynamic analysis. Full article

Endometriosis is a chronic, inflammatory condition where endometrial-like tissue grows outside the uterus, affecting around 10% of women of reproductive age. This condition is associated with debilitating symptoms, including dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, chronic pelvic pain, fatigue, and infertility. Adolescents with endometriosis face unique challenges, as the disease is often misdiagnosed or undiagnosed for an average of 7–10 years due to its complex and multifactorial nature. Consequently, patients frequently suffer from worsening symptoms and significant psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal. While there is no definitive cure for endometriosis, treatment approaches typically involve hormonal therapies, lifestyle adjustments (such as diet and exercise), and psychological support. Recent studies emphasize the profound impact of endometriosis on the mental health of adolescents, highlighting the need for a more holistic treatment approach that integrates both medical and psychological care. This narrative review explores the psychological and psychosocial effects of endometriosis in adolescents, examining the biological and psychological mechanisms linking the disease to mental health outcomes. It also discusses current therapeutic strategies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and peer support, and underscores the importance of early diagnosis and multidisciplinary care to mitigate both the physical and emotional burdens of the condition. This integrated approach is critical in improving the overall well-being and quality of life for adolescents living with endometriosis. Full article

Background and Objectives: Cancer imposes a profound burden on both physical and psychological health, particularly at advanced stages, which are associated with a poor prognosis and heightened emotional distress. Psychotherapeutic interventions have gained recognition for their role in alleviating distress, enhancing the quality of life, and supporting a holistic approach to cancer care. This review examines the effectiveness of psychotherapeutic interventions in improving psychological well-being in cancer patients. Materials and Methods: Conducted as a literature review following PRISMA guidelines, this study analyzed experimental research on psychotherapeutic interventions for cancer patients published in the past decade. Literature searches were performed in PubMed, Google Scholar, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Consensus, supplemented by manual reference checks. The inclusion criteria focused on randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Results: The analysis included 20 RCTs spanning over three decades, evaluating interventions such as individual meaning-centered psychotherapy (IMCP), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), and supportive–expressive group therapy (SEGT). IMCP emerged as being particularly effective in reducing depression, anxiety, and demoralization while enhancing spiritual well-being. MBCT demonstrated significant reductions in the fear of recurrence, while SEGT effectively addressed traumatic stress and fostered social support. Although the survival benefits were inconsistently reported, psychosocial improvements, including an enhanced quality of life and emotional resilience, were consistently observed. The methodological quality varied, with nine studies meeting high-quality standards. Conclusions: Psychotherapeutic interventions, particularly IMCP and MBCT, play a critical role in oncology by alleviating distress, fostering resilience, and improving the quality of life. Integrating these approaches into routine cancer care can ensure a more holistic treatment framework that prioritizes the emotional and psychological needs of patients. Full article

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) encompasses a variety of ancient therapies with origins in cultures such as those of China, Egypt, Greece, Iran, India, and Rome. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) classifies these integrative therapies into five categories: (1) mind–body therapies, (2) biological practices, (3) manipulative and body practices, (4) energy medicine, and (5) whole medical systems, including traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine. This review explores the role of biological practices utilizing aromatic plants, particularly through inhalation aromatherapy and massage with essential oils, as effective complementary strategies within health systems. The review compiles information on the most commonly used plants and essential oils for holistic health maintenance from a complementary and alternative perspective. Given their accessibility and relative safety compared to conventional treatments, these therapies have gained popularity worldwide. Furthermore, the integration of essential oils has been shown to alleviate various psychological and physiological symptoms, including anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep disorders, neuropathic pain, nausea, and menopausal symptoms. Among the studied plants, lavender has emerged as being particularly notable due to its broad spectrum of therapeutic effects and its designation by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as “Generally Recognized as Safe”. Other essential oils under investigation include eucalyptus, damask rose, sandalwood, vetiver, calamus, frankincense, chamomile, lemon, grapefruit, tangerine, orange, sage, rosemary, garlic, and black pepper. This study emphasizes the potential benefits of these aromatic plants in enhancing patient well-being. Additionally, it underscores the importance of conducting further research to ensure the safety and efficacy of these therapies. Full article

This study delves into the intricate interplay between mindfulness, the Mediterranean lifestyle, burnout, job satisfaction, and well-being among employees, offering compelling insights for workplace interventions. Through a cross-sectional survey comprising 407 employees in Greece, we unravel the profound associations among these variables, shedding light on novel pathways to mitigate burnout and enhance overall employee satisfaction and health. Our findings unveil not only the negative associations between mindfulness, the Mediterranean lifestyle, and burnout but also the pivotal role of mindfulness as a predicting factor of burnout. Moreover, our research underscores the significant impact of burnout on job satisfaction, emphasizing the need for organizational strategies to address employee well-being. Notably, our mediation analyses illuminate the potential benefits of mindfulness and the Mediterranean lifestyle on burnout, accentuating the importance of fostering a workplace culture that embraces holistic well-being practices. With practical implications for designing evidence-based workplace wellness programs, our study advocates for the integration of mindfulness techniques and the adoption of Mediterranean lifestyle principles to cultivate resilient, engaged employees, and foster thriving organizational cultures. By delving into these dynamic relationships, our research not only advances theoretical frameworks but also offers actionable strategies to navigate burnout and promote flourishing in the modern workplace. Full article

In this cross-sectional study, the interactions between demographic characteristics and the body, mind, and social dimensions among participants of a holistic training program for social and personal development were examined and compared to a control group. The sample involved 223 adults from Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, with 80 (37.2%) participants in the training group already having finished the training. To explore the variable relationships and compare group structures, advanced network analyses and a network comparison test were applied. The network analysis identified the training as a central variable, being linked to aspirations for societal impact and personal growth (0.31), aspirations for the pursuit of fame and wealth (0.29), transcendence (0.19), the desire to improve the quality of relationships (0.19), aspirations for personal wellbeing and relationships (0.15), and the presence of social resources (0.13). The group comparison revealed that the control group primarily connected through the “Sense of Coherence—Meaning in Life” axis, whereas the training group showed more complex linkages involving wellbeing, life satisfaction, meaning in life, and transcendence, underlining the training program’s positive effect on personal growth, societal impact aspirations, and transcendence. Overall, the network comparison test revealed significant differences in network structure and overall connectivity between the training and the control group. Full article