Search Results (73)

Objective: This cross-sectional study examined the associations among physical activity, body dissatisfaction, and mindful eating in adults, while accounting for the influence of demographic and socioeconomic factors. Methods: A total of 9838 adults (60.6% women, 39.4% men; mean age 36.3 ± 16.0 years) were included in the study using a convenience sampling method (women: 34.4 ± 15.1 years; men: 39.2 ± 16.9 years). Physical activity was measured with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), body dissatisfaction was measured with the Stunkard Figure Rating Scale (FRS), and mindful eating was assessed with the Four Facet Mindful Eating Scale (FFaMES). Spearman correlation, Kruskal–Wallis, and hierarchical regression analyses were conducted. Results: Physical activity showed weak but statistically significant positive correlations with body dissatisfaction and mindful eating, while no association was observed between body dissatisfaction and mindful eating. After adjustment for demographic and socioeconomic variables, body dissatisfaction and mindful eating remained associated with physical activity, although the explained variance was small. Participants with moderate physical activity levels had higher mindful eating scores than those with low activity. Conclusions: The findings indicate weak associations among physical activity, body dissatisfaction, and mindful eating among adults. Although statistically significant, these associations were small, suggesting that these psychosocial factors represent only a limited component of the broader determinants of physical activity behaviour. Full article

Crisis management at work refers to how organizational members handle unexpected or unwanted critical events in their current operational (e.g., employees) and strategic (e.g., management) tasks and represents a key factor for the system’s effectiveness and success. The present research aimed to (1) develop and examine the psychometric properties of the Crisis Management at Work Scale (CMWS), including employees’ mastery of five crisis-related facets (preparedness, prevention, problem solving, achievement and helping others), and (2) examine individual-level dispositional mindfulness (i.e., describe, aware, non-judging, and non-reacting) and contextual-level mindful organizing factors (i.e., preoccupation with failure, reluctance to simplify, sensitivity to operations, commitment to resilience, and deference to expertise) as predictors of crisis management. Data (Study 1) from 791 employees in Italy supported the CMWS’s construct validity and reliability. Data (Study 2) from a two-wave design (N = 414) involving 84 Italian organizations and structural equation model results suggest that both employees’ (Time 1) mindfulness traits and mindful organizing contextual factors predict (Time 2) crisis management dimensions, with mindfulness traits exerting stronger effects. Furthermore, crisis management showed the highest association with the “aware” sub-dimension of mindfulness traits and the least association with the “deference to expertise” sub-dimension of mindful organizing. Overall, our multi-wave findings support the CMWS’s validity and provide an overarching conceptual framework for an organizational audit on both individual and contextual factors underpinning multi-faceted crisis management. Results are discussed in light of the relevance of crisis management for sustainable organizational effectiveness as well as thriving and survival in increasingly unstable and uncertain environments. Full article

Grounded in the self-regulated learning model, this research examined the effects of mindfulness on learning burnout among high school students. A survey was administered to 1311 high school students utilizing the following instruments: the Short Form of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, the Future Time Perspective Scale, the Academic Positive Emotions Questionnaire, and the Learning Burnout Scale for Middle School Students. The outcomes implied that (1) mindfulness exhibited an inverse association with learning burnout in high school students, (2) indirect effects consistent with the independent mediating roles of future time perspective and academic positive emotions on learning burnout, and (3) exerted an indirect effect on learning burnout via the sequential mediation of future time perspective and subsequent academic positive emotions. Mindfulness can alleviate learning burnout and promote the physical and mental health of high school students by enhancing future time perspective and academic positive emotions. Full article

Objectives: Mindfulness has been proposed as an important health outcome and an indicator of mental well-being. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ-15) in two samples of mental health service users with diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds (English- and Chinese-speaking). The study addresses the conceptual gap regarding the limited validation of the FFMQ-15 in Chinese-speaking clinical populations and examines the implications of measurement invariance. This study aimed at (1) confirming the reliability and validity of the FFMQ-15 in mental health service users; (2) assessing the validity of the FFMQ-15 in Chinese-speaking populations, where evidence is limited; and (3) examining measurement invariance across English- and Chinese-speaking groups to ensure cross-cultural applicability and comparable score interpretation. Methods: Participants were recruited using snowball sampling and social media advertising, targeting adults aged 18 or older who could read and write English or Chinese and had received mental health services. The English-speaking sample comprised 115 adults, and the Chinese-speaking sample included 118 adults. Exploratory factor analysis was used to identify structural dimensions, while confirmatory factor analysis was conducted for both samples to evaluate the five-factor structure of the FFMQ-15. Results: The EFA showed literature-aligned results supporting the 5-factor structure model, while the CFA model demonstrated acceptable fit: χ²/df = 159.50/80 = 1.99, p < 0.001; CFI = 0.927; TLI = 0.904; RMSEA = 0.065 (90% CI [0.050, 0.080]); SRMR = 0.060, BIC = 10,843.067, meeting established thresholds, and the non-significant measurement variance indicated the measurement model’s consistency among clinical patients and across different cultural contexts. Conclusions: The FFMQ-15 shows strong psychometric properties for measuring mindfulness in English- and Chinese-speaking mental health service users, supporting its value in clinical research and practice. Full article

Psychological distress impacts a large portion of the general population. While effective treatments are available, few seek them out. This lack of treatment seeking may be due to several factors, particularly low mental health literacy (MHL). MHL is the knowledge an individual has regarding psychological disorders and their symptoms, treatments, and where to seek appropriate help when identified. The capacity to pay attention to present-moment experiences in MHL translates to the qualities of dispositional mindfulness (DM), the capacity to pay non-judgmental attention to present-moment experiences. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the reliability and preliminary convergent validity of a newly developed, vignette-based assessment of psychological disorder recognition. A total of N = 299 participants were recruited via TurkPrime and completed measures of DM (FFMQ), MHL (MHLS), depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), and treatment-seeking attitudes (MHSAS). Participants were subsequently asked to read newly created vignettes based on ICD-11 criteria of major depressive, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, bipolar disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and schizophrenia. Participants then responded to questions assessing the recognition of disorder presence and identification. The vignettes with accompanying questions were titled the Psychological Disorder Recognition—Vignette (PDR-V) task. The PDR-V evidenced a Kuder–Richardson Formula 20 (KR-20) of 0.83, indicating excellent internal consistency. Independent sample t-tests indicated that participants with prior psychotherapy exposure, a history of mental health diagnosis, and, unexpectedly, those reporting lower education levels and no current mindfulness practice, scored significantly higher on the PDR-V. Spearman correlations revealed that higher scores on a validated MHL scale and specific facets of DM (describe, act with awareness) were positively correlated with PDR-V scores. Bipolar disorder evidenced the highest recognition as a psychological problem broadly, while social anxiety had the highest specific disorder identification accuracy rates. Generalized anxiety disorder had the lowest recognition and identification accuracy. While the PDR-V demonstrated promising preliminary psychometric properties, it also observed anomalies that warrant further investigation, as findings are limited by its cross-sectional nature. These findings suggest that the PDR-V is a versatile tool for differentiating the presence of a problem and accurately identifying the condition, supporting its potential as a reliable and sound measure. Full article

This study systematically examines the relationship between mindfulness and metacognition among Chinese college students through a person-centered analytical approach. Using latent profile analysis (LPA) of Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) responses, we identified four distinct mindfulness profiles: (1) High Observation/Low Non-reactivity, (2) High Awareness/Judging, (3) Moderately Mindful, and (4) Highly Mindful. Gender differences were observed across profiles, with female students more represented in the Highly Mindful group. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that mindfulness profiles significantly predicted metacognitive ability, with the Highly Mindful group demonstrating superior metacognitive self-regulation and learning strategy application. These findings contribute to the literature by identifying distinct mindfulness subtypes and their differential relationships with metacognition. The results suggest that educational interventions emphasizing non-judgmental present-moment awareness may be particularly effective for fostering students’ metacognitive development, while highlighting the importance of considering individual differences in mindfulness training approaches. Full article

While theoretical frameworks posit mindfulness as a catalyst for wisdom development, longitudinal evidence remains scarce. This study examines the developmental trajectory of wisdom during emerging adulthood and investigates the intra-person and within-person effects of mindfulness on wisdom through a three-wave longitudinal design. A sample of 719 Chinese first-year college students completed assessments of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, the Situated Wise Reasoning Scale, and the Wise Thinking Scale across three timepoints. Longitudinal multilevel analysis (LMA) and random intercepts cross-lagged panel models (RI-CLPMs) were employed to distinguish between stable individual differences and temporary fluctuations. Three key findings emerged: (1) Both wise reasoning and wise thinking exhibited linear growth trajectories. (2) At the between-person level, dispositional mindfulness showed strong positive associations with wisdom. (3) Within-person analyses revealed that mindfulness fluctuations prospectively predicted changes in wise reasoning and thinking, establishing temporal precedence. This study provides new evidence that wisdom can be both a developing ability and a stable trait during emerging adulthood. The observed dynamic links between mindfulness and wisdom highlight the potential of mindfulness-based interventions to foster the growth of wisdom. Full article

Background: Mindfulness and mind wandering are cognitive traits central to attentional control and psychological well-being, yet their neural underpinnings are yet to be elucidated. This study aimed to identify structural brain networks comprising gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) that predict individual differences in mindfulness and distinct mind wandering tendencies (deliberate and spontaneous). Methods: Using structural MRI data and self-report measures from 76 participants, we applied an unsupervised data-fusion machine learning technique (parallel independent component analysis) to identify GM and WM networks associated with mindfulness and mind wandering traits. Results: Our analysis revealed several distinct brain networks linked to these cognitive constructs. Specifically, one GM network involving subcortical regions, including the caudate and thalamus, positively predicted mindfulness and deliberate mind wandering, while negatively influencing spontaneous mind wandering through the mediating role of the mindfulness facet “acting with awareness.” In addition, two separate WM networks, predominantly involving frontoparietal and temporal regions, were directly associated with reduced spontaneous mind wandering. Conclusions: These findings advance our current knowledge by demonstrating that specific GM and WM structures are involved in mindfulness and different forms of mind wandering. Our results also show that the “acting with awareness” facet has a mediating effect on spontaneous mind wandering, which provides supporting evidence for attentional and executive control models. These new insights into the neuroanatomical correlates of mindfulness and mind wandering have implications for ongoing research in the growing topic of mindfulness and mind wandering, mindfulness-based interventions, and other clinical applications. Full article

In light of the increasing interest in integrating mindfulness techniques into educational contexts, it is essential to examine their potential cognitive and emotional benefits for the child population. Pilot investigation, analyzed in this paper, aimed to study and assess the impact of a structured mindfulness-based intervention on executive functioning and dispositional mindfulness in young learners. The intervention sample consisted of 14 fourth-grade pupils (mean age = 10 years), enrolled in a public primary school. Pre-test–intervention–post-test quasi-experimental design with two conditions was adopted. Executive functioning was assessed using the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System subtests (D-KEFS), while trait mindfulness was assessed via the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ). Preliminary findings revealed statistically significant improvements in cognitive flexibility and inhibitory control, as well as qualitative changes in mindfulness trait levels post-intervention. The results suggest that mindfulness-based programs may represent a promising approach for fostering executive and emotional competencies in younger school-aged children, thereby contributing to their overall academic performance and psychological development. Further research employing larger and more heterogeneous samples, including active control conditions, is warranted to replicate these effects and explore the long-term efficacy of mindfulness interventions in school settings. Full article

Addressing climate change requires not only knowledge but also psychological resilience. This study examined whether integrating Mental Mode Management (MMM) self-regulation training with climate education improves pro-environmental outcomes and emotional responses to climate change. In a randomised 2 × 2 design, 44 participants were assigned to either a control group (CG; n = 21), which received a six-week climate education programme, or an experimental group (MMM; n = 23), which received the same education plus MMM training. Pro-environmental attitudes, behaviours, carbon emissions, climate change anxiety, mindfulness, and executive functions were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. A follow-up was also conducted six months later. Both groups showed increased pro-environmental attitudes post-intervention (η² = 0.3) and reduced food-related emissions (η² = 0.107). No changes were observed in pro-environmental behaviour scores or global carbon footprint. While neither intervention affected overall climate anxiety or cognitive impairment, functional impairment increased in the CG and decreased in the MMM group (η² = 0.177), with mindfulness facet acting with awareness moderating this effect. These findings contribute to sustainability research by showing that integrating climate education with psychological training enhances environmental awareness and fosters emotionally resilient engagement with climate challenges, supporting individual-level contributions to broader sustainability goals. Full article

This study aimed to address the dearth of literature on mechanisms of effect of mindfulness-based interventions by investigating metacognitive beliefs as a potential mechanism of symptomology-reduction effects. The Cognitive Attentional Syndrome (CAS) component of the Self-Regulatory Executive Function (S-REF) model was augmented to include subtypes of mind wandering and rumination. One hundred and seventy-eight participants sourced from professional networks (M_age = 53.13; SD = 11.80) completed an online questionnaire measuring dispositional mindfulness, metacognitive beliefs, rumination, mind wandering, worry, anxiety and depression. Effects of meditation frequency on these variables were examined, as were the relationships between them. Dispositional mindfulness was significantly negatively correlated with metacognitive beliefs, which were positively correlated with worry, mind wandering and rumination, all of which were positively correlated with symptomology. Significant correlations were stronger for spontaneous mind wandering and brooding rumination than their counterparts. Those reporting a daily meditation practice scored significantly higher on three of the five facets of mindfulness and significantly lower on anxiety and depression symptomology and several CAS elements than those who rarely meditated. Changes in metacognitive beliefs are a potential pathway for MBI-driven reductions in anxiety and depression symptomology. Increases in dispositional mindfulness through MBIs are likely to reduce metacognitive beliefs, which reduce maladaptive processes of the CAS, flowing on to reductions in symptomology. A daily meditation practice appears to increase the efficacy of this mechanism. Subtypes of mind wandering and rumination differ in their contribution to this pathway, perhaps more accurately represented as extremes on their respective continua rather than the current categorical model of typologies measured independently. Full article

Background and Objectives: Psychological disorders are prevalent and distressing. Early treatment initiation can prevent adverse outcomes and reduce healthcare system impacts. Improving mental health literacy (MHL)—one’s knowledge regarding psychological disorders—and treatment-seeking attitudes (TSAs) is key in early treatment initiation. Examining the facets of dispositional mindfulness—the capacity to pay attention to present-moment experiences with acceptance—may offer more granular insights into understanding MHL and TSAs. This study examined (a) associations between mindfulness facets and MHL and TSAs, (b) facets’ prediction of MHL and TSAs beyond demographics, (c) moderation of the MHL–TSA relationship by mindfulness facets, and (d) mediation of mindfulness–TSA relationships via general self-efficacy (GSE). Methods: A community sample of 299 adults was recruited online (TurkPrime) and completed demographic questions and self-report measures: Five-Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire-15, Mental Health Literacy Scale, Mental Help-Seeking Attitudes Scale, and General Self-Efficacy Scale. Results: Describe, Non-Judgment, and Act with Awareness were modestly associated with MHL; all five facets correlated with TSAs. Hierarchical regressions controlling for demographics showed that Describe and Non-Reactivity predicted MHL, while Act with Awareness uniquely predicted TSAs. Non-Reactivity moderated the MHL–TSA relationship, with higher Non-Reactivity amplifying the relationship. GSE fully mediated relationships between Observe and Non-Judgment with TSAs, suggesting self-efficacy is a key mechanism of these facets. Conclusions: Interventions cultivating Non-Reactivity, Describe, and Act with Awareness may improve the translation of mental health knowledge into treatment-seeking behaviors. Future research should explore how mindfulness facets independently and interactively foster early intervention and treatment engagement. Full article

This study aims to explore the importance of basic psychological needs satisfaction (BPNS) and mindfulness of university students in their career adaptability (CA), career self-efficacy (CSE), and future career choice (CC). The sample consisted of 1026 undergraduate students, of which 495 (48.2%) were female and 531 (51.8%) male, from three public universities in the Amhara Region, Ethiopia. The assessments, such as the Career Decision-Making Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form, the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire Short Form, the Career Adapt-Ability Short Form Five Scale, the Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction Scale, and the Career Choice scale instruments were used. Findings from a parallel mediation model showed that both CA and CSE had a direct positive effect on the BPNS of university students. Additionally, this study found that both BPNS and mindfulness had a substantial and positive direct effect on the students’ CC. Importantly, we found that both CA and CSE significantly and indirectly predicted the future CC through BPNS and mindfulness. In addition, BPNS and mindfulness also partially mediate the relationship between CA, CSE, and the students’ future CC. Importantly, we found that mindfulness and BPNS fully and partially mediated the relationship between CA, CSE, and CC. These results support the notion that both psychological constructs (BPNS and mindfulness) play a crucial role in explaining the relationship between CA, CSE, and CC. By enhancing students’ BPNS and mindfulness, institutions can empower students to make informed decisions about their future career paths, ultimately nurturing their personal and professional growth. Full article

The production of farm bulk milk with low bacterial counts is a key quality index used by industry to help ensure the production of high-quality dairy products. The primary metrics used to determine the microbiological quality of bulk tank milk on a farm are the total bacteria count (TBC) and thermoduric bacteria count. To maintain TBCs and thermoduric counts at the lowest attainable levels, i.e., TBC ≤ 15,000 cfu/mL and thermoduric bacteria ≤ 200 cfu/mL, it is imperative that milk quality management is treated as a multi-faceted endeavor. Milking equipment cleaning, pre-milking teat preparation, milk filtration, cooling and storage, milking equipment maintenance and management of a cow’s environment and diet must each be managed with best practice in mind if farm bulk milk is to consistently attain low TBCs and thermoduric counts. This is especially important when using chlorine-free cleaning protocols, which are more complex than traditional chlorine-based cleaning methods and if not implemented correctly do not offer the confidence of achieving required hygiene standards. Full article

Mind–body practices have shown to be effective in reducing psychological distress and improving well-being and quality of life in clinical samples and healthy populations. We tested the effects of a body-based mindfulness intervention based on alexithymia, distress symptoms, and dispositional mindfulness among healthy adults. A total of seventy-three participants (mean age 40.1) were assigned to a body-based mindfulness program (i.e., experimental group) and the control group (i.e., waiting list). Distress symptoms were assessed with the Symptoms Questionnaire; alexithymia was measured using the Toronto Alexithymia Scale; and dispositional mindfulness was assessed with the Five Facets Mindfulness Questionnaire. Measures were completed at baseline and at one-week post-test. Even when controlling for baseline score, the body-based mindfulness program has shown to be effective in reducing distress symptoms (i.e., anxiety, depression, and somatic symptoms) and alexithymia, as well as improving dispositional mindfulness (i.e., observing, acting with awareness, and non-reacting). The findings from this study provide evidence that the body-based mindfulness program may help individuals to integrate bodily expressions, thoughts, and emotions, keeping an integrated sense of self. Full article