<p>Psychological interest in the impact of mental states on biological functioning is growing rapidly, driving a need for new methods for inducing mental states that last long enough, and are sufficiently impactful, to have significant effects on physical health. The many traditions of meditative practice are one potential pathway for studying mind-body interactions. The purpose of this review is to introduce personality and social psychologists to the field of meditation research. Beginning with a brief introduction to meditation and the heterogeneity of meditative practices, we showcase research linking meditative practice to changes in immune and cardiovascular functioning and pain perception. We then discuss theoretical and empirical evidence that meditation works by inducing changes in psychological capacities such as emotion regulation and self-regulation or through repeated induction of specific mental states such as love or meta-cognitive awareness. At the frontier of the science of meditation is the need to empirically test whether meditation-driven changes in cognitive and affective processes are the cause of improvements in physical health. Emerging challenges in meditation research include a need for large studies using randomized controlled and dual-blind designs with active control groups and an increased focus on measuring mechanisms of action as well as outcomes. Meditation represents a potentially powerful tool for generating new knowledge of mind-body interactions.</p>
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Mindfulness practice is beneficial for emotion regulation; however, the neural mechanisms underlying this effect are poorly understood. The current study focuses on effects of attention-to-breath (ATB) as a basic mindfulness practice on aversive emotions at behavioral and brain levels. A key finding across different emotion regulation strategies is the modulation of amygdala and prefrontal activity. It is unclear how ATB relevant brain areas in the prefrontal cortex integrate with amygdala activation during emotional stimulation. We proposed that, during emotional stimulation, ATB down-regulates activation in the amygdala and increases its integration with prefrontal regions. To address this hypothesis, 26 healthy controls were trained in mindfulness-based attention-to-breath meditation for two weeks and then stimulated with aversive pictures during both attention-to-breath and passive viewing while undergoing fMRI. Data were controlled for breathing frequency. Results indicate that (1) ATB was effective in regulating aversive emotions. (2) Left dorso-medial prefrontal cortex was associated with ATB in general. (3) A fronto-parietal network was additionally recruited during emotional stimulation. (4) ATB down regulated amygdala activation and increased amygdala-prefrontal integration, with such increased integration being associated with mindfulness ability. Results suggest amygdala-dorsal prefrontal cortex integration as a potential neural pathway of emotion regulation by mindfulness practice.
BACKGROUND:Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a condition characterized by recurrent, self-reported symptoms from multiple organ systems, attributable to exposure to a wide range of chemically unrelated substances at low levels. The pathophysiology is unknown, and affected individuals generally favor avoidance of the symptom triggering substances as a coping strategy. The impact of MCS on daily life may thus be severe. An intervention that may effectively reduce the impact of MCS, alleviate the symptoms and the psychological distress associated with the condition is therefore highly needed. In this study we will assess the effects of a mindfulness-based cognitive (MBCT) program on MCS.
METHODS/DESIGN:
Using a randomized controlled design (RCT), we will compare MBCT with treatment as usual (TAU). The MBCT intervention will include 8 weekly 2.5 hour sessions, and 45 minutes of mindfulness home practice 6 days each week. Participants will be asked to complete questionnaires at baseline, post-treatment, and at 6 and 12 months' follow-up. Based on sample size estimation, 82 participants will be randomized to either the MBCT intervention or to TAU. The primary outcome will be a measure of the impact of MCS on the participants' lives. The secondary outcome measures are physical symptoms of psychological distress, perceived stress, illness perceptions, QOL, and work ability. Lastly, we will assess whether any effect of MBCT on the primary effect measure is mediated by level of mindfulness, self-compassion, perceived stress, and rumination.
DISCUSSION:
This trial will provide important information on the effects of MBCT on MCS.
TRIALS REGISTRATION:
Clinical trials identifier NCT01240395.
Stress among parents and other primary caregivers of children with developmental disabilities is pervasive and linked to lower quality of life, unhealthy family functioning, and negative psychological consequences. However, few programs address the needs of parents or caregivers of children with developmental disabilities. A mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program is a well-suited approach for these parents and caregivers, who may be overwhelmed by their children’s situation, anticipating future challenges and reliving past traumas. We aimed to develop, implement, and evaluate the feasibility of an MBSR program designed for this population in a community-based participatory setting. Parents and caregivers were equal partners with researchers in curriculum development, recruitment, implementation and evaluation. Two concurrent classes, morning and evening, were conducted weekly in English with simultaneous Spanish translation over 8-weeks. Classes consisted of meditation practice, supported discussion of stressors affecting parents/caregivers, and gentle stretching. Of 76 participants recruited, 66 (87 %) completed the program. All participants experienced a significant reduction (33 %) in perceived stress (p < 0.001) and parents (n = 59) experienced a 22 % reduction (p < 0.001) in parental stress. Parents/caregivers also reported significantly increased mindfulness, self-compassion, and well-being (p < 0.05). Participants continued to report significant reduction in stress 2 months after the program. Our study suggests that a community-based MBSR program can be an effective intervention to reduce stress and improve psychological well-being for parents and caregivers of children with developmental disabilities. Additional research should assess the effect of cultural or socioeconomic factors on the outcomes of the intervention and further expand MBSR programs to include community-based participatory settings.
The goal of the study was to explore the effects of mindfulness-based touch therapy, a passive body-therapy intervention, in combination with the practice of mindfulness as an active meditative discipline, in patients with moderate recurring or episodic depression. The method under study is seen as a possible adjunct to psychotherapy and psychopharmacotherapy. The degree of depression before and after the therapy phase was determined according to Hamilton's scale. The outcome was a highly significant improvement in depressive illness, with a general alleviation of depressed mood, reduction in feelings of guilt, in suicidal thoughts and in sleep maintenance insomnia; increase in motivation in carrying out everyday activities; reduction in feelings of anxiety at both psychological and somatic levels and easing of general somatic symptoms. The results show that the method under study can serve persons suffering from depression as an adjunct to conventional therapeutic measures.
The goal of the study was to explore the effects of mindfulness-based touch therapy, a passive body-therapy intervention, in combination with the practice of mindfulness as an active meditative discipline, in patients with moderate recurring or episodic depression. The method under study is seen as a possible adjunct to psychotherapy and psychopharmacotherapy. The degree of depression before and after the therapy phase was determined according to Hamilton's scale. The outcome was a highly significant improvement in depressive illness, with a general alleviation of depressed mood, reduction in feelings of guilt, in suicidal thoughts and in sleep maintenance insomnia; increase in motivation in carrying out everyday activities; reduction in feelings of anxiety at both psychological and somatic levels and easing of general somatic symptoms. The results show that the method under study can serve persons suffering from depression as an adjunct to conventional therapeutic measures.
We investigate the role of mindfulness as a regulatory factor by examining whether it mitigates the relationship between justice and retaliation. Drawing on theories of self-regulation, we integrate work on justice with emerging frameworks that identify mindfulness as an important work-related regulatory variable (Glomb, Duffy, Bono, & Yang, 2011). Specifically, we identify the role of mindfulness as a buffer of the ruminative thoughts and negative emotions that link injustice to retaliation. We test mediated moderation hypotheses in 2 samples. In Sample 1, two behavioral measures of retaliation are assessed in an experiment that manipulated both injustice and mindfulness. In Sample 2, we generalize our model to the field, examining employee responses regarding experiences with workplace injustice and retaliation. Results of both studies converge to support the proposed mediated moderation model that mindfulness buffers the effect of injustice on rumination and negative emotions, thus reducing retaliation. Our findings contribute to the broader literatures on self-regulation, organizational justice, and retaliation.
We investigate the role of mindfulness as a regulatory factor by examining whether it mitigates the relationship between justice and retaliation. Drawing on theories of self-regulation, we integrate work on justice with emerging frameworks that identify mindfulness as an important work-related regulatory variable (Glomb, Duffy, Bono, & Yang, 2011). Specifically, we identify the role of mindfulness as a buffer of the ruminative thoughts and negative emotions that link injustice to retaliation. We test mediated moderation hypotheses in 2 samples. In Sample 1, two behavioral measures of retaliation are assessed in an experiment that manipulated both injustice and mindfulness. In Sample 2, we generalize our model to the field, examining employee responses regarding experiences with workplace injustice and retaliation. Results of both studies converge to support the proposed mediated moderation model that mindfulness buffers the effect of injustice on rumination and negative emotions, thus reducing retaliation. Our findings contribute to the broader literatures on self-regulation, organizational justice, and retaliation.
The beneficial clinical effects of mindfulness practices are receiving increasing support from empirical studies. However, the functional neural mechanisms underlying these benefits have not been thoroughly investigated. Some authors suggest that mindfulness should be described as a ‘top–down’ emotion regulation strategy, while others suggest that mindfulness should be described as a ‘bottom–up’ emotion regulation strategy. Current discrepancies might derive from the many different descriptions and applications of mindfulness. The present review aims to discuss current descriptions of mindfulness and the relationship existing between mindfulness practice and most commonly investigated emotion regulation strategies. Recent results from functional neuro-imaging studies investigating mindfulness training within the context of emotion regulation are presented. We suggest that mindfulness training is associated with ‘top–down’ emotion regulation in short-term practitioners and with ‘bottom–up’ emotion regulation in long-term practitioners. Limitations of current evidence and suggestions for future research on this topic are discussed.
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Peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) is in about 90% of the cases caused by atherosclerosis. Since this can affect all arteries of the body, PAOD is considered an important indicator of cardiovascular events such as heart attack or stroke, and thus of the leading cause of death in the Western world. With the measurement of the ankle/brachial pressure index (ABI), a practicable method is available to diagnose the disease in routine practice. Besides lifestyle modifications, the mainstay of treatment of atherosclerosis includes also drug treatment of known risk factors. In case of a severe circulatory disorder with critical ischemia, a revascularization by angioplasty or surgical methods is imperative. If the walking distance is limited due to PAOD, we speak of intermittent claudication. Here, in addition to the interventional treatment (percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) / surgery), a conservative walking exercise can be performed. The supportive use of Padma 28 in the conservative treatment has a measurable effect with a significant extension of the maximum walking distance and poses an additive treatment option.
The question of the relation between human and non-human animals in theoretical, ethical and political regards has become a prominent topic within the philosophical debates of the last two decades. This volume explores in substantial ways how phenomenology can contribute to these debates. It offers specific insights into the description and interpretation of the experience of the non-human animal, the relation between phenomenology and anthropology, the relation between phenomenology and psychology, as well as ethical considerations.
The question of the relation between human and non-human animals in theoretical, ethical and political regards has become a prominent topic within the philosophical debates of the last two decades. This volume explores in substantial ways how phenomenology can contribute to these debates. It offers specific insights into the description and interpretation of the experience of the non-human animal, the relation between phenomenology and anthropology, the relation between phenomenology and psychology, as well as ethical considerations.
<p><strong>Creator's Description</strong>: This article investigates the relationships between political space and socio-economic organization in the lower Spiti Valley, a Tibetan-speaking area in Himachal Pradesh, India. Of main concern are the periods between 1846 and 1947 when Spiti was under British rule and the development after India gained its independence in 1947. The paper traces the changes in the system of land law as they affected the taxpayer (<em>khral pa</em>) households in the nineteenth century and in particular since the mid-twentieth century led to the emergence of a subordinate stratum of a continuously growing number of independent permanent households (<em>khang chung</em>) with relatively small amounts of land. In particular an attempt is made to reconstruct the socio-economic organization and the taxation system in the nineteenth-twentieth century as well as the development of the administrative and socio-economic structure between 1947 and 2000. This is followed by a comparative analysis of the growth of the population and number of households which is concluded by observations on inheritance and marriage patterns.</p>
<p>The article looks at the architectural features of Khumbo communities. The Khumbo are a Tibetan speaking group living in northeast Nepal. (Mark Premo-Hopkins 2004-04-26)</p>
<p><strong>Creator's Description</strong>: This paper examines the nature of the Tibetan Buddhist canonical collections with particular attention to the issues raised by the presence of a significant number of pseudepigrapha (falsely attributed works, including many penned by Tibetans) in the Bstan 'gyur (Śāstra). A detailed case is made for one particular work—the commentary on Āryadeva's Lamp that Integrates the Practices (Caryāmelāpakapradīpa) attributed to Śākyamitra—being of Tibetan authorship, and an attempt is made to identify its author. On the basis of this evidence and the writings of Bu ston rin po che (1290-1364) concerning the policies followed in editing the canonical collections, it is argued that these corpora cannot be considered "canonical" in the sense of being intended to serve as criteria for religious authenticity. Rather, the Bstan 'gyur in particular is characterized by an ad hoc nature, a deference to precedent regarding inclusion of works of dubious provenance, and a drive toward inclusivity—aiming for comprehensiveness, rather than authority.</p>
Calls for humanity to 'reconnect to nature' have grown increasingly louder from both scholars and civil society. Yet, there is relatively little coherence about what reconnecting to nature means, why it should happen and how it can be achieved. We present a conceptual framework to organise existing literature and direct future research on human-nature connections. Five types of connections to nature are identified: material, experiential, cognitive, emotional, and philosophical. These various types have been presented as causes, consequences, or treatments of social and environmental problems. From this conceptual base, we discuss how reconnecting people with nature can function as a treatment for the global environmental crisis. Adopting a social-ecological systems perspective, we draw upon the emerging concept of 'leverage points'-places in complex systems to intervene to generate change-and explore examples of how actions to reconnect people with nature can help transform society towards sustainability.
The Relapse Prevention (RP) model has been a mainstay of addictions theory and treatment since its introduction three decades ago. This paper provides an overview and update of RP for addictive behaviors with a focus on developments over the last decade (2000-2010). Major treatment outcome studies and meta-analyses are summarized, as are selected empirical findings relevant to the tenets of the RP model. Notable advances in RP in the last decade include the introduction of a reformulated cognitive-behavioral model of relapse, the application of advanced statistical methods to model relapse in large randomized trials, and the development of mindfulness-based relapse prevention. We also review the emergent literature on genetic correlates of relapse following pharmacological and behavioral treatments. The continued influence of RP is evidenced by its integration in most cognitive-behavioral substance use interventions. However, the tendency to subsume RP within other treatment modalities has posed a barrier to systematic evaluation of the RP model. Overall, RP remains an influential cognitive-behavioral framework that can inform both theoretical and clinical approaches to understanding and facilitating behavior change.
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