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Background: Depression and anxiety are prevalent psychological symptoms among COVID‐19 survivors. This study compared the efficacy of mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy (MBCT) and Beck cognitive therapy (BCT) in addressing these issues. Methods: Forty‐five COVID‐19 survivors were randomly assigned to one of three groups: MBCT, BCT or a control. Pre‐ and postintervention assessments, using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), were conducted. Both interventions consisted of eight 90‐minute sessions. Results: An ANCOVA analysis revealed that BCT was more effective than MBCT in reducing depression and anxiety symptoms. Both interventions led to significant improvements, but no significant differences were observed between post‐test and follow‐up. Conclusion: BCT is a promising intervention for depression and anxiety in COVID‐19 survivors. Facilities providing cognitive therapy should be integrated into healthcare settings to support mental health recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Mindfulness‐based interventions have been tested as preventive programs for childhood internalizing difficulties, but most research has been at a 'universal' level with small to null effects. Mindfulness‐Based Cognitive Therapy for Children (MBCT‐C) has similar effects to Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) when used as a small‐group, targeted preventive program. Knowledge gaps include the longer‐term effectiveness of MBCT‐C relative to CBT and the benefits of adding a parent module. This trial aims to compare MCBT‐C to traditional CBT, including a parent module, to 15‐months post‐intervention and to test the feasibility and acceptability of adding a parent module. Methods: Participants will be recruited from primary schools in areas of socio‐economic disadvantage in South Australia (n = 194). Children (aged 9–12) years with signs of internalizing difficulties (e.g., shy, withdrawn, worried), and their parents, will be eligible for this two‐armed randomized controlled non‐inferiority trial (RCT). Children will participate in 10 group sessions of MBCT‐C or CBT, facilitated by psychologists, and parents from both conditions will participate in two parent‐only group sessions. Child self‐report measures include depression and anxiety, as well as attention, mindfulness and self‐compassion. Parent measures include symptoms of depression and anxiety, mindfulness, and parent–child relationship strength. The primary outcome will be child anxiety and depression (Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale‐25). Measures will be collected pre and post intervention, and at 3, 6, 12 and 15‐month follow up. Results: Schools will be recruited from October 2022. Nomination of children will commence from February 2023. Program implementation will begin May 2023. Conclusions: This trial will have implications for the feasibility of involving parents in preventative programs, as well as whether mindfulness‐based interventions prevent internalizing difficulties over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Although mindfulness‐based interventions (MBIs) show promise for promoting positive youth development, little is known about student engagement in MBIs. Initial research presents mixed findings in MBI engagement related to participant characteristics, and there is a lack of research examining the influence of context on engagement, despite the critical role context plays in academic engagement. This study examines the contribution of student demographic characteristics and classroom context to MBI engagement. Methods: Survey engagement data were collected at three time points from 106 ninth grade students (Mage = 14.17 years, 60.4% female, 44.2% Black, 24.8% Hispanic/Latino) who participated in the Be CALM program during the 2021–2022 school year. Latent growth curve modeling was used to examine trajectory of student engagement and assess student and classroom predictors of engagement. Results: There was no overall change in the trajectory of student engagement, although variability was observed across classes. Identifying as Hispanic/Latino was associated with lower engagement (β = −.25, p =.008), although this did not appear to be related to program experience. Peer connections predicted engagement at the end of the program (β =.39, p <.001). Post hoc analyses suggested that student engagement may be related to teacher program delivery quality. Conclusions: Student engagement in MBIs appears related to classroom context more than student characteristics, although further research with larger samples is needed to assess the link between engagement and program outcomes. Findings have implications for designing school‐based MBIs and training school staff to deliver them in culturally responsive ways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high prevalence of psychological problems observed among healthcare workers (HCWs) during the COVID‐19 pandemic called for interventions to safeguard their mental health. We assessed the effectiveness of a 6‐week online mindfulness‐based intervention in improving well‐being and reducing stress among HCWs in Sri Lanka. Eighty HCWs were recruited and randomised into two groups: waitlist‐control (WLC) and intervention groups. In the intervention, 1‐hour online sessions were conducted at weekly intervals and participants were encouraged to do daily home practice. Stress and well‐being were measured pre‐ and post‐intervention using the Perceived Stress Scale and WHO‐5 Well‐being Index, respectively. One‐way analysis of covariance was used to evaluate the effectiveness, in both intention‐to‐treat (ITT) and complete‐case (CC) analyses. A significantly greater improvement in well‐being occurred in the intervention arm compared to WLC on both ITT (p =.002) and CC analyses (p <.001), with medium‐to‐large effect sizes (partial η2 =.117–.278). However, the reduction in stress following the intervention was not significant compared to the WLC group on both ITT (p =.636) and CC analyses (p =.262). In the intervention arm, the median number of sessions attended by participants was 3. Low adherence to the intervention may have contributed to the apparent non‐significant effect on stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rumination and worry are common risk factors of depression and anxiety. Internet‐based transdiagnostic interventions targeting individuals with these specific risks may be an effective way to prevent depression and anxiety. This three‐arm randomized controlled trial compared the efficacy of Internet‐based rumination‐focused cognitive behavioral therapy (RFCBT), mindfulness‐based intervention (MBI), and psychoeducation (EDU) control among 256 at‐risk individuals. Participants' levels of rumination, worry, depressive, and anxiety symptoms were assessed at post‐intervention (6 weeks), 3‐month, and 9‐month follow‐ups. Linear mixed model analysis results showed similar levels of improvement in all outcomes across the three conditions. Changes in rumination differed comparing RFCBT and MBI, where a significant reduction in rumination was noted at a 3‐month follow‐up among participants in RFCBT, and no significant long‐term effect among participants in MBI was noted at a 9‐month follow‐up. All three conditions showed similar reductions in risks and symptoms, implying that the two active interventions were not superior to EDU control. The high attrition at follow‐ups suggested a need to exercise caution when interpreting the findings. Future studies should tease apart placebo effect and identify ways to improve adherence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Examen is a 500‐year‐old Jesuit introspective prayer and reflection. Recent research has indicated that it has utility in psychotherapy. This study implemented the Examen as a secular cognitive–behavioral tool in the first longitudinal clinical trial of the intervention with an addiction treatment population, comparing it directly to a treatment‐as‐usual mindfulness intervention. The study found that Examen and mindfulness are equivalent in outcomes on depression, anxiety, stress, and substance craving. Further research should continue to investigate the Examen as an alternative to mindfulness for religious and secular populations and the factors responsible for the success of these practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Aim of this study was to assess the cost‐effectiveness and cost‐utility of mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy (MBCT) and treatment as usual (TAU) compared to TAU alone in adults with Bipolar disorder (BD). Methods: An economic evaluation with a time horizon of 15 months was conducted from a societal perspective. Outcomes were expressed in costs per quality adjusted life years (QALYs) and costs per responder using the inventory of depressive symptomatology clinician rating score. Results: People with BD (N = 144) were included in this study. From a societal perspective, the difference of total costs between MBCT + TAU and TAU was €615, with lower costs in the MBCT + TAU group. Only healthcare costs differed significantly between the two groups. A small difference in QALYs in favor of MBCT + TAU was found combined with lower costs (−€836; baseline adjusted) for MBCT + TAU compared to TAU, resulting in a dominant incremental cost‐utility ratio. The probability that the MBCT + TAU was cost‐effective was 65%. All sensitivity analyses attested to the robustness of the base case analyses. Conclusion: Concludingly, MBCT + TAU seems to be cost‐effective compared to TAU alone, indicated by a small or neglectable difference in effect, in favor of MBCT + TAU, while resulting in lower costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Assess the feasibility of conducting a cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing technology‐delivered mindfulness‐based intervention (MBI) programs against a waitlist control arm targeting advanced cancer patients and their informal caregivers. Methods: Two‐arm cluster RCT within Kaiser Permanente Northern California. We recruited patients with metastatic solid malignancies or hematological cancers and their informal caregivers. Intervention‐group participants chose to use either a commercially available mindfulness app (10–20 min/day) or a webinar‐based mindfulness course for 6 weeks. The waitlist control group received usual care. We assessed feasibility measures and obtained participant‐reported data on quality of life (QoL; primary outcome) and distress outcomes (secondary) pre‐ and postintervention. Results: A hundred and three patients (median age 67 years; 70% female; 81% White) and 39 caregivers (median age 66 years; 79% female; 69% White) were enrolled. Nearly all participants chose the mindfulness app over the webinar‐based program. Among the participants in the intervention arm who chose the mobile‐app program and completed the postintervention (6‐week) survey, 21 (68%) patients and 7 (47%) caregivers practiced mindfulness at least 50% of the days during the 6‐week study period. Seventy‐four percent of intervention participants were "very" or "extremely" satisfied with the mindfulness program. We observed improvements in anxiety, QoL, and mindfulness among patients in the intervention arm compared to those in the control group. Conclusions: We demonstrated the feasibility of conducting a cluster RCT of mHealth MBI for advanced cancer patients and their caregivers. Such remote interventions can be helpful particularly during the COVID‐19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: A brief, valid, and comprehensive measure of mindfulness is needed for cancer populations. This study examined the factor structure, internal consistency, construct validity, and measurement invariance of the 10‐item Cognitive Affective Mindfulness Scale‐Revised (CAMS‐R) in patients with cancer. Methods: Patients with breast, gastrointestinal, lung, or prostate cancer (N = 404, 50% stage IV cancer, 51% women) were recruited from academic and public clinics in Indianapolis, IN. Patients completed the CAMS‐R and other psychological measures at one time point. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to examine the dimensionality of the CAMS‐R. Internal consistency and construct validity were also assessed. Measurement invariance was examined for gender, cancer type, and cancer stage. Results: CFA showed that the original CAMS‐R structure with four first‐order factors (attention, present focus, awareness, and acceptance) and one second‐order factor (mindfulness) had a reasonable fit (RMSEA = 0.09, CFI = 0.95, SRMR = 0.04). Internal consistency was excellent (α = 0.90). The CAMS‐R total score showed significant positive associations with several subscales of a widely used mindfulness questionnaire and self‐compassion (rs = 0.61–0.66) and significant negative associations with anxiety, depressive symptoms, rumination, psychological inflexibility, and avoidant coping (rs = −0.35–0.58). Measurement invariance testing indicated that the CAMS‐R was invariant across populations of varying genders, cancer types, and stages. Conclusions: Findings provide preliminary support for using the CAMS‐R in cancer populations. Future research should assess the responsiveness of the CAMS‐R to intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: Older adults experiencing subjective cognitive decline (SCD) have a higher risk of dementia. Reducing this risk through behavioral interventions, which can increase emotional well‐being (mindfulness and compassion) and physical activity, is crucial in SCD. METHODS: SCD‐Well is a multicenter, observer‐blind, randomized, controlled, superiority trial. Three hundred forty‐seven participants (mean [standard deviation] age: 72.7 [6.9] years; 64.6% women) were recruited from memory clinics in four European sites to assess the impact of an 8‐week caring mindfulness‐based approach for seniors (CMBAS) and a health self‐management program (HSMP) on mindfulness, self‐compassion, and physical activity. RESULTS: CMBAS showed a significant within‐group increase in self‐compassion from baseline to post‐intervention and both a within‐ and between‐group increase to follow‐up visit (24 weeks). HSMP showed a significant within‐ and between‐group increase in physical activity from baseline to post‐intervention and to follow‐up visit. DISCUSSION: Non‐pharmacological interventions can differentially promote modifiable factors linked to healthy aging in older adults with SCD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder worldwide. Mindfulness and meditation therapies have been demonstrated as effective alternative treatments for patients with neurological disorders. However, the effects of mindfulness and meditation therapies on PD remain unclear. This meta‐analysis investigated the effects of mindfulness and meditation therapies in PD patients. Methods: A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov for randomized controlled trials comparing mindfulness and meditation therapies with control treatments in patients with PD. Results: Nine articles involving eight trials were included, with a total of 337 patients. Our meta‐analysis revealed that mindfulness and meditation therapies significantly improved Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale‐Part III score (mean difference [MD] = −6.31, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = −8.57 to −4.05) and cognitive function (standard mean difference [SMD] = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.23 to 1.02). However, no significant differences were discovered between mindfulness therapies and control in gait velocity (MD = 0.05, 95% CI = −0.23 to 0.34), Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire‐39 Summary Index (MD = 0.51, 95% CI = −1.12 to 2.14), activities of daily living (SMD = −1.65, 95% CI = −3.74 to 0.45), depression (SMD = −0.43, 95% CI = −0.97 to 0.11), anxiety (SMD = −0.80, 95% CI = −1.78 to 0.19), pain (SMD = 0.79, 95% CI = −1.06 to 2.63), or sleep disturbance (SMD = −0.67, 95% CI = −1.58 to 0.24). Conclusion: Mindfulness and meditation therapies may serve as complementary and alternative treatments for PD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mindfulness‐based interventions have a positive impact on pain, craving, and well‐being in both patients with chronic pain and those with opioid use disorder (OUD). Although data are limited, mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy (MBCT) might be a promising treatment for patients with chronic noncancer pain combined with OUD. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the feasibility and process of change during MBCT in this particular population. Methods: In this qualitative pilot study, 21 patients who were hospitalized for rotation to buprenorphine/naloxone as agonist treatment for chronic pain and OUD were offered MBCT. Semistructured interviews were conducted to explore experienced barriers and facilitators to MBCT. Patients who participated in MBCT were also interviewed on their perceived process of change. Results: Of 21 patients invited to participate in MBCT, 12 initially expressed interest but only four eventually participated in MBCT. The timing of the intervention, group format, somatic complaints, and practical difficulties were identified as the main barriers to participation. Facilitating factors included having a positive attribution toward MBCT, an intrinsic motivation to change, and practical support. The four MBCT participants mentioned several important mechanisms of change, including reduction of opioid craving and improved coping with pain. Conclusions: MBCT offered in the current study was not feasible for the majority of patients with pain and OUD. Changing the timing of MBCT by providing it at an earlier stage of the treatment and offering MBCT in an online format may facilitate participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There have been rich debates about whether and how mindfulness alters prosocial behaviour. Nevertheless, few empirical studies have touched on how mindfulness training (MT) influences altruistic behaviour under high‐ and low‐cost situations in a real‐life scenario. The present study aimed to examine the effect of mindfulness training on altruistic willingness at different cost levels. A total of 41 females participated in our study and were randomly assigned to the MT and control groups. They completed the empathy‐altruism task and Five‐Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) before and after an 8‐week experimental intervention, during which the MT group attended the Mindfulness‐Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) programme, while the control group remained as usual. The MT group presented a significant increase in overall FFMQ scores after the 8 weeks of MBCT. However, their willingness to help declined in the low‐cost situation at post‐test. Further analysis revealed a positive correlation between the increase in the scores of the observing facet and willingness to help in the high‐cost situation in the MT group. The changes in describing facet were a negative predictor of the change in empathy in the low‐cost situation. Taken together, 8‐week MBCT enhanced the level of mindfulness but reduced people's willingness to help in the low‐cost situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: We aimed to examine the long‐term benefits of mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy (MBCT) on white matter plasticity in the cortical midline structures (CMS) for a period of 2 years in patients with panic disorder and the relationships between white matter changes in the CMS and severity of state and trait symptoms. Methods: Seventy‐one participants were enrolled and underwent diffusion tensor imaging at baseline and after 2 years (26 who received MBCT as an adjunct to pharmacotherapy [MBCT+PT], 20 treated with pharmacotherapy alone [PT‐alone], and 25 healthy controls [HCs]). The severity of symptoms and fractional anisotropy (FA) in white matter regions underlying the CMS were assessed at baseline and 2‐year follow‐up. Results: The MBCT+PT group showed better outcomes after 2 years than the PT‐alone group. The groups showed different FA changes: the MBCT+PT group showed decreased FA in the left anterior cingulate cortex (ACC); the PT‐alone group showed increased FA in the bilateral dorsomedial prefrontal cortex, posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), and precuneus. Decreased white matter FA in the ACC, PCC, and precuneus was associated with improvements in the severity of state and trait symptoms in patients with panic disorder. Conclusion: Alleviation of excessive white matter connectivity in the CMS after MBCT leads to improvements in clinical symptoms and trait vulnerability in patients with panic disorder. Our study provides new evidence for the long‐term benefits of MBCT on white matter plasticity and its clinical applicability as a robust treatment for panic disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Mindfulness‐Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) can improve the lives of those with a chronic condition and psychological distress, however, high drop‐out rates limit benefits. MBCT might be a candidate treatment for this population if nonadherence can be overcome. This review explores the existing literature on the barriers and facilitators to adherence to MBCT for those with chronic conditions. Method: Databases MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Scopus were searched between 28th May and 11th June 2021. We included empirical papers that identified barriers and/or facilitators to MBCT adherence in patients with chronic conditions—excluding non‐English and grey literature. Papers were screened and duplicates removed. Extracted data included: setting, design, aim, sample‐size, population and identified barriers/facilitators to MBCT adherence. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) was adapted and used to appraise the quality of studies Results: Twenty papers were eligible for review. Synthesis identified six themes (in prevalence order): (1) Practical Factors (e.g., time and other commitments), (2) Motivation (e.g., change‐readiness), (3) Patient clinical and demographic characteristics (e.g., current physical health), (4) Connection with Others (facilitators and group members), (5) Credibility (perception of the intervention) and (6) Content difficulty (intervention accessibility). Findings highlight potential adaptations to implementation (e.g., clear treatment rationale, preference matching, and eliciting and responding to individual concerns or obstructive assumptions) that could address barriers and harness facilitators. Conclusion: This review contributes a higher order understanding of factors that may support/obstruct client adherence to MBCT with implications for future implementation in research and practice. Future research should prioritize open exploration of barriers/facilitators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Interventions that target cancer‐related cognitive impairment (CRCI) to improve the quality of life of cancer survivors are needed. In this study, the potential of a mindfulness‐based intervention to reduce CRCI in breast cancer survivors, compared with physical training and a wait list control group, was investigated. Methods: Breast cancer survivors with cognitive complaints (N = 117) were randomly allocated to a mindfulness (n = 43), physical training (n = 36), or wait list control condition (n = 38). Participants completed neuropsychological tests and questionnaires before the intervention, immediately after, and 3 months after intervention. The primary outcome measure was the change in cognitive complaints over time. Secondary outcomes were objective cognitive impairment and psychological well‐being. All outcomes were compared between groups over time using linear mixed models, including participants with missing values. Results: Of the 117 included participants, 96 completed the three assessments. Participants in the three groups reported decreased cognitive complaints after intervention, without group differences. There were no between‐group differences in objective cognitive impairment after intervention compared with baseline. Compared with the wait list control group, participants reported increased mindfulness skills and reduced emotional distress after mindfulness and reduced emotional distress and fatigue after physical training. Conclusion: Contrary to the hypothesis, all groups reported an improvement in cognitive complaints over time. It is suggested that priming and acknowledgment of CRCI might alter the experience of cognitive impairment. Additionally, both mindfulness‐based intervention and physical training can improve psychological well‐being of breast cancer survivors with cognitive complaints. Because all groups reported an improvement in cognitive complaints over time, it is suggested that priming and acknowledgment of cancer‐related cognitive impairment might alter the experience of cognitive impairment. Additionally, both mindfulness‐based interventions and physical training can improve psychological well‐being of breast cancer survivors with cognitive complaints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Previous research confirmed the benefits of mindfulness for cancer patients' psychological well‐being, but few studies considered the value of possible distinct combinations of mindfulness skills. This study aimed to (1) identify distinct mindfulness profiles in cancer patients, (2) examine socio‐demographic predictors of patients with distinct profiles, and (3) examine associations of mindfulness profiles with psychological outcomes and coping strategies. Methods: This cross‐sectional study included 245 people with heterogeneous types of cancer. Latent profile analysis was applied to identify distinct profiles of mindfulness. The Bolck–Croon–Hagenaars method was used to examine how mindfulness profiles related to socio‐demographic characteristics, psychological outcomes, and coping strategies. Results: Four mindfulness profiles were identified: "average mindfulness" (50%), "judgmentally observing" (20%), "high mindfulness" (15%), and "non‐judgmentally aware" (15%). Patients with "high mindfulness" profile tended to have higher educational attainment, and reported better psychological outcomes (i.e., low on depression and negative affect and high on positive affect) as well as better coping strategies (i.e., high positive reappraisal and low rumination). Conclusion: This study confirms the existence of distinct mindfulness profiles in cancer patients and suggest that patients high in mindfulness are the most adaptive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cancer diagnosis and treatment can cause fatigue, stress and anxiety which can have a detrimental effect on patients, families and the wider community. Mindfulness‐based interventions appear to have positive effects on managing these cancer‐related symptoms. Objective: To investigate the efficacy of mindfulness on cancer related fatigue (CRF) and psychological well‐being in female cancer patients. Methods: Five databases (CINHAL, Ovid Medline, Ovid Psych Info, Scopus, and Cochrane), and two trial registers (WHO and Clinicaltrials.gov) were searched for randomised control trials from inception to April 2021 and updated in August 2022. Meta‐analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4. The standardised mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to determine the intervention effect. Subgroup analysis was performed for adaptation to types of mindfulness, length of intervention and types of comparator used. Results: Twenty‐one studies with a total of 2326 participants were identified. Mindfulness significantly improved CRF (SMD −0.81, 95% CI −1.17 to −0.44), depression (SMD−0.74, 95% CI −1.08 to −0.39) and anxiety (SMD −0.92, 95% CI −1.50 to −0.33). No effect was observed for quality of life (SMD 0.32, 95% CI −0.13–0.87) and sleep (SMD −0.65, 95% CI −1.34–0.04). Subgroup analysis revealed that there was little difference in SMD for adapted type of mindfulness (p = 0.42), wait list control compared to active comparator (p = 0.05) or length of intervention (p = 0.29). Conclusion: Mindfulness appears to be effective in reducing CRF and other cancer related symptoms in women. Adaptations to mindfulness delivery did not have negative impact on results which may aid delivery in the clinical settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The neurocognitive mechanisms associated with mindfulness training in children are not well understood. This randomised controlled study with active and passive control groups examined the impact of an 18‐week mindfulness curriculum delivered by schoolteachers on emotion processing in Vietnamese 7‐ to 11‐year‐olds. Event‐related potential markers indexed emotion processing while children were completing emotional Go/No‐Go tasks before and after mindfulness training, and at 6‐month follow‐up. In an oddball Go/No‐Go task with Caucasian faces no changes in P3b and LPP components were detected, but in a Go/No‐Go task with Caucasian and Japanese faces changes were observed in P3b latencies and LPP mean amplitudes. Specifically, the P3b in response to angry non‐targets for Japanese faces peaked later in the mindfulness training group (TG) at 6‐months follow‐up in comparison to the non‐intervention control group (NCG). The LPP mean amplitudes for averaged Caucasian and Japanese angry non‐targets were also attenuated in the TG at 6‐month follow‐up. In contrast, no changes in the LPP mean amplitudes were observed for the NCG over time. Together, these findings may indicate that mindfulness training in pre‐adolescents enhances emotional non‐reactivity to negative distractors. A fluctuating pattern of LPP mean amplitude modulations for angry targets was observed in the active control group (ACG) receiving social‐emotional learning (SEL) training. Overall, findings from this study suggest that mindfulness training in pre‐adolescents enhances emotional non‐reactivity to negative distractors and some of the effects are culturally sensitive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy for children (MBCT‐C), as a psychotherapeutic intervention, has been shown to be effective for treating mood dysregulation (MD). While previous neuroimaging studies of MD have reported both pre‐treatment structural and functional alterations, the effects of MBCT‐C on brain morphological network organisation has not been investigated. Methods: We investigated brain morphological network organisation in 10 mood‐dysregulated youth with familial risk for bipolar disorder and 15 matched healthy comparison youth (HC). Effects of 12 weeks of MBCT‐C were examined in the mood‐dysregulated youth. Topological properties of brain networks used for analyses were constructed based on morphological similarities in regional grey matter using a graph‐theory approach using MRI data. Results: At baseline, compared with the HC group, the mood‐dysregulated group exhibited increased global efficiency (Eglob), decreased path length (Lp), and abnormal nodal properties, mainly in the limbic system. Right temporal pole alterations at baseline predicted change in Child and Adolescent Mindfulness Measure scores after treatment. The mood‐dysregulated group showed significant decreases in both the Eglob and Lp metrics after MBCT‐C, suggesting an improved capacity for optimal information processing. Changes in Lp were correlated with changes in Emotion Regulation Checklist scores. Our results show significant topological alterations in the mood‐dysregulated group as compared to controls at baseline. After MBCT‐C, disrupted topological properties in the mood‐dysregulated group were significantly reduced. Conclusion: MBCT‐C may facilitate clinically meaningful changes in the brain structural network in mood‐dysregulated individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mindfulness‐based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is a relapse‐prevention intervention for people experiencing major depression. Three qualitative meta‐syntheses investigating experiences of taking part in MBCT and/or Mindfulness‐based Stress Reduction (MBSR) across different diagnostic populations reported themes including control, choice, group processes, relationships and struggles. As multiple studies have been published since, we aimed to update, systematically review and synthesize the experiences of participants with depression taking part in MBCT. Methods: Four databases were searched systematically (PsycInfo, Web of Science, Medline and CINAHL) up to and including 12 November 2021. Twenty‐one qualitative studies met the review criteria. All papers were rated as fair using a quality appraisal tool. Meta‐ethnography was applied. Results: Across 21 studies of participants with current or previous depression who had participated in MBCT, three overarching themes were developed: 'Becoming skilled and taking action', 'Acceptance' and 'Ambivalence and Variability'. Participants became skilled through engagement in mindfulness practices, reporting increased awareness, perspective and agency over their experiences. Participants developed acceptance towards their experiences, self and others. There was variability and ambivalence regarding participants' expectations and difficulties within mindfulness practices. Limitations: Many studies were conducted in MBCT‐research centres that may hold conflicts of interest. Many studies did not address the impact of the participant–researcher relationship thus potentially affecting their interpretations. Studies were skewed towards the experiences of female participants. Conclusions: Our findings help to enhance participant confidence in MBCT, alongside understanding the processes of change and the potential for difficulties. MBCT is beneficial and provides meaningful change for many but remains challenging for some. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Adolescence is a period of vulnerability to stress. Increased anxiety during this period has been associated with the later development of mental disorders, hence the growing interest for interventions that could decrease stress reactivity and improve cognitive control in adolescents. Mindfulness‐based interventions have demonstrated their efficacy on stress reactivity and anxiety in adults, but evidence is lacking in youth. Methods: The Mindfulteen Study is a 3‐year longitudinal cohort with a nested randomized controlled trial examining the effectiveness of mindfulness‐based interventions for adolescents. Young adolescents from the general population, aged between 13 and 15 years old, with no history of current mental health disorder (apart from past mood disorders or current anxiety disorders) are included and stratified into low or high anxiety based on trait anxiety scores before being randomized to early or late 8‐week intervention groups. Primary outcomes are based on neuroimaging data (i.e., structural and functional measures in the cortico‐limbic network) while secondary outcomes are psychological (i.e., anxiety and stress‐associated dimensions) and biological (i.e., cortisol, inflammatory and redox markers). Assessments are performed at baseline, immediately after intervention or waiting time and after 18 months of intervention. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first randomized controlled trail examining the effect of a mindfulness‐based intervention in young adolescents from the general population based on the measurement and analyses of psychological, neuroimaging and biological data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Commonly conducted mindfulness‐based trainings such as Mindfulness‐based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness‐based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) highlight training in two key forms of meditation: focused attention (FA) and open monitoring (OM). Largely unknown is what each of these mindfulness practices contributes to emotional and other important training outcomes. This dismantling trial compared the effects of structurally equivalent trainings in MBCT, FA, and OM on neural and subjective markers of emotional reactivity and regulation among community adults, with the aim to better understand which forms of training represent active ingredients in mindfulness trainings. Participants with varying levels of depressive symptoms were randomized to one of the three trainings. Before and after each 8‐week training, N = 89 participants completed a modified version of the Emotional Reactivity and Regulation Task while electroencephalographic (EEG) and self‐reported emotional responses to negative, positive, and neutral photographic images were collected. Examination of EEG‐based frontal alpha band asymmetry during passive viewing (reactivity) and active regulation phases of the task showed that FA and MBCT trainings produced significant leftward hemispheric shifts in frontal alpha asymmetry, commonly associated with a shift toward approach‐based positive affect. Self‐reported emotional responses to negative images corroborated these results, suggesting salutary changes in both emotional reactivity and regulation. OM training had limited beneficial effects, restricted to the subjective outcomes. The findings suggest that MBCT may derive its greatest benefit from training in FA rather than OM. Discussion highlights the potential value of FA training for emotional health. In the first report comparing emotion‐relevant impacts of focused attention meditation (FA), open awareness meditation (OM), and Mindfulness‐based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) among those with depressive symptoms, we show that FA and MBCT produced leftward hemispheric shifts in frontal alpha asymmetry, consistent with approach‐based positive affect, during an emotion reactivity and regulation task. Self‐reported emotional responses to negative images corroborated these results. The findings highlight the potential value of FA and MBCT training for emotional health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Young adults experiencing homelessness (YAEH) are at elevated risk for violence victimization and perpetration. However, there are no evidence‐based violence prevention interventions for homeless populations. This study is an evaluation of a novel mindfulness‐based peer‐leader intervention designed to reduce violence and improve mindfulness in YAEH. A social network of YAEH receiving services at a drop‐in agency was recruited in Summer 2018 (n = 106) and peer‐leaders identified at baseline (n = 12). Peer leaders were trained in mindfulness and yoga skills during a 1‐day intensive workshop and seven 1‐h weekly follow‐up workshops and encouraged to share their knowledge with in‐network peers. Postintervention data were collected 2 and 3 months after baseline. Two one‐way repeated‐measures analyses of variance (ANOVAs) tested differences in means for mindfulness and fighting. ANOVA models showed significant increases in group mean mindfulness F(2, 110) = 3.42, p < 0.05 and significant decreases in group mean violent behavior F(2, 112) = 5.23, p < 0.01 at the network level. Findings indicate a network‐based, peer‐leader model can be effective for influencing complex, socially conditioned attitudes and behaviors among YAEH. Additional advantages of the peer‐leader model include relatively few direct‐service person‐hours required from providers and convenience to participants able practice skills in their relevant social contexts. HIGHLIGHTS: This article is evaluates the effectiveness of MYPATH, a novel mindfulness and yoga based peer‐leader intervention to reduce violence in young adults experiencing homelessness.There are no existing evidence based interventions to reduce violence in this population, but violence is a barrier to exiting homelessness and impedes access to services and resources.Results of the present study show that MYPATH is associated with increased mindfulness and decreased violence behaviors in the study sample from baseline to posttest and follow‐upMYPATH presents a template for decentralized, peer‐leader driven, social network interventions which may be effective for engaging difficult to reach but well‐networked populations like the young adults experiencing homelessness in this sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is an 8‐week relapse‐prevention intervention designed for people who have experienced multiple episodes of depression and remain vulnerable to relapse. Previous qualitative explorations of the effects of MBCT for people in remission from depression have suggested a number of themes regarding changes arising from participating in MBCT ranging from awareness, agency, perspective, group processes, self‐related change, and new ways of understanding depression. We aimed to qualitatively explore how participants in remission from depression experienced MBCT both post‐MBCT and during a follow‐up period. Methods: In a preference‐choice trial design, 35 participants took part in qualitative interviews and assessments post‐MBCT and at three time points during a 12‐month follow‐up. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Two overarching themes were developed as follows: (1) 'reconnection with experience, self, and others' and (2) 'acknowledging an ongoing process of change'. In theme one, sub‐themes captured participants' experiences of increasing levels of awareness of their experience (e.g., thoughts, emotions, sensations, and present moment) from which they described changes in their relationship with experience describing increases in control, choice, acceptance, and calm. Participants described shifts towards reconnection with aspects of the self and relationships with others. In theme two, sub‐themes reflected participants' conflict between avoidance and engagement in mindfulness practices, and the recognition of the gradual change following MBCT and long‐term investment needed in mindfulness practices. Conclusions: Our findings have clinical implications in terms of facilitating MBCT and point to important themes around recognizing the ongoing process of reconnection with experiences, self, and others. Practitioner points: Participants with histories of depression may have experienced disconnection and isolation from internal experiences (e.g., thoughts and emotions), self, and others; MBCT encourages a deliberate shift towards reconnection with these experiences.Practitioners could encourage more psychoeducation and discussions around depression during MBCT to encourage reflections on the process of reconnection.Practitioners should maintain an awareness of the ongoing, gradual processes of change and potential for conflict experienced during MBCTPractitioners could provide a stronger emphasis on building awareness of body sensations during MBCT, with suggestions provided in the discussion section. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As incarcerated populations report significantly higher prevalence rates for psychological distress than community populations, it is important to have an evidence‐based perspective on what reduces psychological distress among people in prison or jail. Aims: To examine effects of mindfulness‐based interventions (MBIs) on psychological distress, including anxiety, depressive symptoms, stress and overall psychological distress, and on mindfulness in incarcerated populations. Methods: This systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) involved a comprehensive search within the PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and SCOPUS databases to identify relevant RCTs. The quality of the included RCTs was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool. Depending on I2 statistic values for heterogeneity, either a random effects model or fixed effects model was used. Subgroup analyses for each outcome were conducted to see whether effects differed when compared MBIs to active control groups, provided with other comparable interventions, or passive control groups, provided with no intervention (i.e., treatment as usual [TAU] control groups or waiting list controls). Results: Thirteen RCTs met the eligibility criteria. Meta‐analyses showed moderate effects of MBIs on depressive symptoms and overall psychological distress, large effects on stress, and small effects on anxiety and mindfulness. The overall risk of bias across studies was unclear. Fewer studies were conducted to compare effects of MBIs to other interventions than TAU. Conclusions: Future high‐quality studies comparing MBIs to other active interventions are needed to understand better whether the former are comparable or superior to other evidence‐based treatments in decreasing distress and improving mindfulness in incarcerated populations and/or in which circumstances one may be preferable to the other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given that time pressure is a widespread and straining phenomenon in modern societies, strategies to alleviate it are increasingly required. Employing a quasi‐experimental longitudinal design with an active control group, the present study examined whether practicing mindfulness may attenuate time pressure and lead to more time affluence. Corroborating and extending findings on positive effects of mindfulness practice, the presented longitudinal study suggests that compared with a physically exercising control group, participation in a mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR) program leads to increases in time affluence and subjective well‐being. Further, a mediation analysis revealed that the effect of increased mindfulness on subjective well‐being is partially mediated through this increase in time affluence. As the first longitudinal study suggesting a change of time affluence as a result of participation in an MBSR program, this work enriches the research on mindfulness and time affluence and provides important impetus for future research. Moreover, this research provides an explanation for the well‐established effects of mindfulness practice on well‐being: increased subjective time affluence plays a mediating role. The paper underlines the importance of considering time affluence as an element of well‐being in mindfulness and general psychology research alike. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This exploratory study examined the impact of Heroes Circle, a martial arts‐based curriculum on stress, emotional, and behavioral problems in elementary school children. While students completed classroom surveys at baseline, post‐curriculum surveys were collected from teachers, students, and parents/guardians 2 and 5 months after COVID‐19‐related school shutdowns. Satisfaction with the curriculum was high among those who received the intervention. Children reported increased mindfulness and decreased stress over the school year. Most children (77%) were still using the program's techniques and reporting benefits 5 months later, including lower internalizing symptoms and COVID‐19‐related fears. These patterns were not observed at the control school. This exploratory study examined the impact of a martial arts‐based curriculum—the Heroes Circle—on stress, emotional and behavioral problems in elementary schoolchildren. Heroes Circle participants reported increased mindfulness and decreased perceived stress over the academic year. Most children were still using the program's techniques and reporting benefits (e.g., lower anxiety/depression, lower COVID‐19‐related fears) up to 5 months after COVID‐19‐related school shutdowns. Martial arts may be a promising approach for improving child well‐being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High levels of math anxiety combined with low levels of mindfulness may contribute to disproportionate failure rates in introductory college mathematics classes. Although research has confirmed benefits of mindfulness in reducing anxiety and stress, findings have been less clear regarding links between mindfulness and achievement outcomes. The current study used an adapted version of the Five Factor Mindfulness Questionnaire, with items reworded specifically for activities related to math, to investigate roles of both math anxiety and mindfulness on midterm course grades. Undergraduate math students completed a brief test of math skills, and questionnaires about math anxiety, general mindfulness, and mindfulness about math during the first week of the semester. Course grades were collected at midterm. Results revealed that math skills and the act with awareness facet of mindfulness were significantly associated with course grades. Supporting mindful awareness during introductory college math classes may also enhance achievement outcomes. We investigated how math skills, math anxiety, and mindfulness about math contributed to college students' midterm grades in introductory math courses. The results showed that students who received higher grades at midterm began the semester with better math skills and were more mindful about math. These findings help identify students at risk for failure and suggest that mindfulness interventions may help improve students' performance in entry level college math courses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Depression symptoms are common for older adults with memory difficulties and their caregivers. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) reduces the risk of relapse in recurrent depression and improves depression symptoms. We explored recruitment and retention success and preliminary effect sizes of MBCT on depression and anxiety symptoms, as well as mindfulness facets, in individuals with memory difficulties and their caregivers. Methods:Adifficultywithmemory group (DG) and caregiver group (CG) were randomized into either the MBCT intervention or waitlist control. After serving as controls, participants received the intervention. Mean pre-post changes by group were compared and effect sizes computed. Correlations between mindfulness facets and depression symptoms are also presented. Results: Only 47% of the initial participants completed the study. The intervention did not have an effect on the outcome variables examined. However, improvements in non-judgmental scores were associated with reductions in the number of depression symptoms reported by DG participants (r = -0.90, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.98, -0.52) and CG participants (r = -0.76, 95% CI: -0.95, -0.19). Furthermore, improvements in awareness scores (r = -0.69, 95% CI: -0.93, -0.05) and level of burden (r = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.49, 0.97) also significantly correlated with reduced depression symptoms in the CG group. Conclusions: By determining preliminary MBCT effect sizes in individuals with memory difficulties and their caregivers, research with larger, controlled samples is now justified to determine the true effects of MBCT in these populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key points: Although mindfulness practices have originated in East Asia, including non‐English literature in systematic reviews of mindfulness interventions for cancer care will enable researchers to explore its application in various cultural contexts.A systematic analysis of online bibliographic databases: AMED, Embase, CINHAL, LILACS, MEDLINE, ProQuest Central, PsycINFO, PsycArticles, and WoS revealed that non‐English literature accounted for 2.72% of original research papers on mindfulness where no language restriction was applied.This suggests that the exclusion of non‐English literature in systematic reviews on mindfulness interventions for cancer care may not lead to a biased effect size if a search is restricted to articles indexed in an English language‐specific database.In comparison, an exploratory analysis of the China National Knowledge Infrastructure database revealed a higher percentage, up to 19.2% of indexed non‐English language literature.The authors caution that results of systematic reviews of mindfulness interventions that exclude non‐English databases may still constitute a biased generalizability because most literature published in non‐English journals are not indexed in major research databases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the impact of Mindfulness‐Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) for bipolar disorders on emotional responses by using skin conductance recording, and to investigate a mediating or predictive effect of cognitive reactivity. Methods: Sixty‐seven patients with bipolar disorder were assessed at baseline, pre‐MBCT and post‐MBCT. After answering inventories regarding depression and dysfunctional attitudes, they were instructed to focus on emotional pictures from the International Affective Pictures System while electrodermal recording. Results: For a subgroup of patients having a significant change of the electrodermal response, MBCT reduced dysfunctional attitudes and the amplitude of the physiological response to negative stimuli. Findings also show that lower dysfunctional attitudes at baseline predicted a larger reduction of physiological reactivity. Conclusions: MBCT could decrease patient's reactivity to negative stimuli by decreasing its physiological component, which is coherent with its aim to facilitate disengaging from affective stimuli. Further studies are needed to better understand the mechanisms involved and how this could translate in reducing the risk of relapse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lockdown due to the coronavirus outbreak in 2019 (COVID‐19) has caused psychological distress and cognitive discomfort for emerging adults, who have experienced increased rumination, intrusive thoughts and cognitive failures. States of mindfulness and being in the moment can prevent anxiety and fear associated with the lockdown and alleviate ruminative and automatic negative thinking. This longitudinal study investigated the role of mindfulness before and during the COVID‐19 lockdown in protecting a sample of emerging adults from experiencing cognitive failures, intrusive thoughts and rumination and examined how lockdown‐related variables—emotions, socio‐economic status and housing conditions—influenced this mindfulness profile. The results showed overall more cognitive failures and rumination during lockdown, especially in participants whose mindfulness status diminished. However, these signs of cognitive distress remained stable or decreased among participants who reported improved changes in mindfulness. Financial difficulties and a reduced sense of privacy associated with the lockdown predicted lower stability in mindfulness profiles. The state of being fully aware of what is happening in the present moment may be helpful in reducing cognitive discomfort and psychological maladjustment, especially during stressful times such as lockdowns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fear of losing control over one's emotions has gained increased research interest. Mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR) has been found to improve emotional disturbance in clinical and nonclinical samples. However, no studies have concurrently examined the direct effects of MBSR on reduced fear of emotions among university students in Chinese culture, as well as its indirect effects on reduced fear of emotions via improvements in the cognitive‐behavioral processes. A total of 106 college students were randomly assigned to MBSR or to a control group. Assignment to the MBSR intervention led to increases in mindfulness and decentering, and decreases in rumination, emotion regulation difficulties, Affective Control Scale (ACS)‐anger, ACS‐depression, ACS‐anxiety, ACS‐positive emotion and total ACS score, as compared to the control group. The reduction of fear of positive emotion was less than that in fear of anger, depression and anxiety. MBSR was effective to reduce the fear of emotions in college students. Moreover, college students in Chinese culture tended to have a more moderate experience of positive emotions. Attention (mindfulness) and thought (decentering and rumination) may be possible cognitive mechanisms for explaining how MBSR may reduce fear of emotions in college students. Our findings provide important information that can be applied to the design of future studies or mental health resources for reducing fear of emotions in university programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study explored the multiple mediating effects of cancer threat appraisal, functional status, and symptom distress on the association between mindfulness and depression in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients at the transition stage after completing cancer treatments. Methods: A total of 90 CRC survivors who received cancer treatments within 3 months participated in this cross‐sectional study. The functional status and symptom distress (EORTC‐C30 and EORTC CR29), dispositional mindfulness (Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire), cancer threat appraisal (Constructed Meaning Scale), and depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory‐II scale) were collected. The mediation and moderation analyses were conducted using the PROCESS macros for SPSS. Results: Survivors' dispositional mindfulness (γ = −0.49, p < 0.001) and cancer threat appraisal (γ = −0.59, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with depressive symptoms. Simple mediation analysis indicated that cancer threat appraisal mediated the relationship between dispositional mindfulness and depression (β = −0.02, 95% CI = −0.04 to −0.001). The multiple mediated analysis identified the path between dispositional mindfulness and depression via cancer threat appraisal and colorectal symptom distress (β = −0.01, 95% CI = −0.03 to −0.01). In the mediated moderation model, the path between dispositional mindfulness and depression via colorectal function was moderated by cancer threat appraisal (β = −0.02, 95% CI = −0.05 to −0.004). Conclusions: The two cognitive mechanisms of reducing CRC survivors' depression are as follows: (1) dispositional mindfulness reducing the appraisal of cancer as a threat and increasing positive perceptions of CRC symptoms and (2) the cancer threat appraisal buffered the impacts of CRC's mindfulness and colorectal function on depressive symptoms. Developing mindfulness with cognitive training is recommended for improving depressive symptoms among CRC patients in the transition period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the effects of a 6‐week smartphone compassion training intervention on mental health. Method: Fifty‐seven Swedish university students (mean age = 25, SD = 5) reporting high levels of stress were randomized to compassion training (n = 23), mindfulness (n = 19), or waitlist (n = 15). Result: Multilevel models indicated that both compassion and mindfulness training increased self‐compassion compared to the waitlist, while only compassion significantly reduced stress. Between‐group effect sizes for compassion compared to waitlist were large for both self‐compassion (d = 1.61) and stress (d = 0.94). Compassion and mindfulness did not differ significantly, but effect sizes were in favor of compassion. Secondary outcomes indicated positive effects on emotional awareness, while no effect was found for global psychological distress. Conclusions: Our results suggest that compassion training via a smartphone application can improve self‐compassion and reduce stress among university students. Future studies in larger clinical samples are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study examined the differences in first‐year college students' daily change trajectories in subjective happiness, depression, anxiety, stress, and state mindfulness. Method: A 5‐day, online mindfulness‐based intervention (MI) condition and stress management (SM) condition were employed in 247 first‐year college students. Results: Students in both the MI and SM conditions displayed similar significant linear declines in anxiety and stress, but there were significant differences between the two conditions, including: (1) the MI condition showing a significant linear increase in subjective happiness compared with no change in the SM condition and (2) the SM condition showed a significant linear decrease in depression compared to no significant change in the MI condition. Conclusion: Brief online interventions—whether MI or SM—can promote better mental health and reduce psychological distress. The results also lend support for MI's differential influence on first‐year college students' happiness and SM's differential influence on their depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bereavement, the experience of losing a loved one, is one of the most catastrophic but inevitable events in life. It causes grief and intense depression‐like sadness. Recent studies have revealed the effectiveness and proficiency of mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy (MBCT) in emotional regulation among bereavement populations. MBCT improves the well‐being of the bereaved by enhancing cognitive performances. Regarding the neural correlates of bereavement grief, previous studies focused on the alleviation of emotion–cognition interferences at specific brain regions. Here, we hypothesized that the bereavement grief fundamentally triggers global alterations in the resting‐state brain networks and part of the internetwork connectivity could be reformed after MBCT intervention. We recruited 19 bereaved individuals who participated the 8‐week MBCT program. We evaluated (a) the large‐scale changes in brain connectivity affected by the MBCT program; as well as (b) the association between connectivity changes and self‐rated questionnaire. First, after MBCT, the bereaved individuals showed the reduction of the internetwork connectivity in the salience, default‐mode and fronto‐parietal networks in the resting state but not under emotional arousal, implying the alleviated attention to spontaneous mind wandering after MBCT. Second, the alterations of functional connectivity between subcortical (e.g., caudate) and cortical networks (e.g., cingulo‐opercular/sensorimotor) were associated with the changes of the mindfulness scale, the anxiety and the emotion regulation ability. In summary, MBCT could enhance spontaneous emotion regulation among the bereaved individuals through the internetwork reorganizations in the resting state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic symptoms of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) vary greatly and are difficult to treat; we investigate the impact of meditation, yoga, and mindfulness‐based interventions on this treatment group. Method: Search included four databases, allowing studies of any design containing pre/post outcomes for meditation, yoga, or mindfulness‐based interventions in people suffering from brain injury acquired by mechanical force. Analyses used robust variance estimation to assess overall effects and random‐effects models for selected outcomes; we evaluated both between‐ and within‐group changes. Results: Twenty studies (N = 539) were included. Results revealed significant improvement of overall symptoms compared to controls (d = 0.41; 95% CI [0.04, 0.77]; τ2 = 0.06), with significant within‐group improvements in mental health (d = 0.39), physical health (d = 0.39), cognitive performance (d = 0.24), quality of life (d = 0.39), and self‐related processing (d = 0.38). Symptoms showing greatest improvement were fatigue (d = 0.96) and depression (d = 0.40). Findings were homogeneous across studies. Study quality concerns include lack of randomisation, blinding, and recording of adverse events. Conclusions: This first‐ever meta‐analysis on meditation, yoga, and mindfulness‐based interventions for chronic symptoms of mTBI offers hope but highlights the need for rigorous new trials to advance clinical applications and to explore mechanistic pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mindfulness‐based programs have been shown to be effective in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms, and enhancing well‐being. However, it remains unclear whether longer formal mindfulness practices are necessary to obtain such results. We therefore aimed to assess the effectiveness of a program (FOVEA, 8 weeks, 2h/week) which was only based on brief and informal practices. Methods: Using a switching replication design, participants (N = 139) were assigned to a FOVEA or a wait‐list group, and completed the following self‐report questionnaires online at three time points: perceived stress, anxiety, depression, satisfaction with life (dependent variables), and mindfulness (mediating variable). They also completed a daily practice diary. Results: Relative to the wait‐list group, FOVEA participants showed significantly reduced perceived stress, anxiety, and depression, and increased satisfaction with life. These changes were completely mediated by increased mindfulness, and were maintained 2.5 months after the end of the program. The effect sizes were moderate to large. Conclusions: These results underline the potential benefits of a mindfulness informal practices program for the general population. This type of program could constitute a first step towards more formal practices once the motivation to practice has been enhanced by the perceived benefits of brief practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To perform a network meta‐analysis (NMA) to compare the long‐term effectiveness of mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy (MBCT) with available strategies for prevention and time to depressive relapse. Methods: Seven electronic databases were searched up to June 2019. Studies evaluated MBCT for the management of depression‐related outcomes and follow‐up assessments occurred at 12 months or longer. Results: Twenty‐three publications were included, 17 of which were randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Data from 14 RCTs including 2077 participants contributed to meta‐analysis (MA) and NMA to assess relapse of depression and 13 RCTs with 2017 participants contributed to MA and NMA for time to relapse of depression. NMAs showed statistically significant advantages for MBCT over treatment as usual (TAU) for relapse of depression (RR = 0.73, 95% CI 0.54 to 0.98) and for MBCT over TAU and placebo for time to relapse of depression (MBCT vs TAU: HR = 0.57, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.88; MBCT vs placebo: HR = 0.23, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.67). Subgroup meta‐analysis of relapse of depression by previous number of depressive episodes showed similar results between subgroups. Subgroup meta‐analysis by the use or not of booster sessions suggests these may lead to improved effectiveness. Conclusions: MBCT is more effective than TAU in the long‐term in preventing relapse of depression and has statistically significant advantages over TAU and placebo for time to relapse of depression. No statistically significant differences were observed between MBCT and active treatment strategies for rate of relapse or time to relapse of depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Burnout is a state of emotional and physical exhaustion associated with internal and external stressors. Drivers of burnout include the expectation that we as physicians place our patients first, ahead of our own self‐care; that seeking help is a sign of weakness in the culture of medicine; practice inefficiencies, including those imposed by electronic medical records; and a lack of personal resilience suffered by many physicians. The costs of burnout are high, including a decrement in the quality of care, increased turnover, and physician suicide. Changes in the culture of medicine and practice efficiency will rely on excellent leadership. On the other hand, we are individually responsible for our personal resilience. We can enhance our resilience with a variety of tools, including meditation and mindfulness practice. Fortunately, these practices are becoming more mainstream and readily available to us. This article will briefly review the problem of burnout, including drivers and costs, and then focus on meditation and mindfulness practices that we may embrace in order to become more resilient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Focusing on the place of "embodiment" for therapists in mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy, this paper reveals that care often requires an on‐going commitment to "being with" forms of uncomfortable self‐experience. This work challenges the valorization of caregiving (as "natural," "good," or "rewarding") in anthropology by revealing the unsettled nature of lived experience, replete with difficult and changeable affective relations. Care emerges as a necessarily unsettled practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Researchers have rarely examined mindfulness and meaning in a way that informs the causality and directionality of this relationship. The current research examines this relationship across time, further validates the Self‐Connection Scale (SCS), and examines the role of self‐connection in both moderating and mediating this relationship. This allows for researchers and practitioners alike to utilise self‐connection to help increase their own and others' well‐being. Methods: One hundred and fifty‐four participants completed measures of mindfulness, self‐connection, and meaning over 4 weeks. We also included various measures related to well‐being to further examine the nomological network of the SCS. Results: Multi‐level models examined a total of 432 observations across 108 participants. Mindfulness predicted an increase in the presence of but not search for meaning. Self‐connection partially mediated the effect on the presence of meaning and moderated the effect on the search for meaning. Furthermore, the SCS demonstrated good validity and reliability across time. Conclusions: Self‐connection, as measured by the SCS, has an important role in positive psychology, and those with a deficit are likely to benefit the most from increased mindfulness. Together, this provides several implications for using mindfulness and self‐connection research in personal and professional practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Test anxiety is prevalent among adolescents. Some potentially successful mindfulness‐based coloring interventions have been identified in previous research, however, conclusions have been based on self‐report measures only. In the current study, 150 17‐ to 18‐years‐olds taking final school exam completed measures of state anxiety (STAI) and Mindfulness (SMS) prior to and directly after completing 12 min of either (1) free drawing, (2) mandala coloring, (3) mandala coloring paired with pre‐recorded mindfulness instructions. Heart rate (HR) was recorded prior to and directly after the 12‐min coloring intervention. Lay abstract: Many adolescents feel anxiety about final school examinations, this can have a negative effect of their performance. Mindfulness‐based colouring had been found to help reduce this anxiety for some adolescents. The current study looked at whether mindfulness instruction, alongside the colouring activity, could improve its effectiveness at reducing anxiety in 17‐ and 18‐year‐olds preparing for their final school exams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]