Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are efficacious and effective for a variety of mental and physical health problems. Mindfulness meditation is a primary therapeutic strategy employed within MBIs and is hypothesized to increase mindfulness and, in turn, lead to positive outcomes. However, evidence in support of mindfulness meditation practice as a key treatment component in MBIs is mixed, in part because little is known about how prescribed meditation practice times and adherence to home-based meditation practice relate to one another and outcomes. The present study evaluated relations among adherence, meditation practice time, and psychiatric symptoms following two 2-week mindfulness meditation interventions: one that prescribed 10-min daily meditation and another that prescribed 20-min daily meditation. Participants (N = 77; female = 56, M age = 20.16; White = 51.9%; African American = 14.3%; Hispanic = 14.3%; Asian = 10.4%; other = 6.5%; multiethnic = 2.6%) also completed daily diaries to assess adherence. Results indicated no significant group difference in total days meditated or overall time spent meditating. Stress declined and mindfulness increased over the 2 weeks for both groups. Despite no difference in adherence, participants in the 20-min group reported larger increases in self-compassion relative to those in the 10-min group. Implications for enhancing adherence within MBIs are discussed.
Using a common set of mindfulness exercises, mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR) and mindfulness based cognitive therapy (MBCT) have been shown to reduce distress in chronic pain and decrease risk of depression relapse. These standardized mindfulness (ST-Mindfulness) practices predominantly require attending to breath and body sensations. Here, we offer a novel view of ST-Mindfulness's somatic focus as a form of training for optimizing attentional modulation of 7–14 Hz alpha rhythms that play a key role in filtering inputs to primary sensory neocortex and organizing the flow of sensory information in the brain. In support of the framework, we describe our previous finding that ST-Mindfulness enhanced attentional regulation of alpha in primary somatosensory cortex (SI). The framework allows us to make several predictions. In chronic pain, we predict somatic attention in ST-Mindfulness “de-biases” alpha in SI, freeing up pain-focused attentional resources. In depression relapse, we predict ST-Mindfulness's somatic attention competes with internally focused rumination, as internally focused cognitive processes (including working memory) rely on alpha filtering of sensory input. Our computational model predicts ST-Mindfulness enhances top-down modulation of alpha by facilitating precise alterations in timing and efficacy of SI thalamocortical inputs. We conclude by considering how the framework aligns with Buddhist teachings that mindfulness starts with “mindfulness of the body.” Translating this theory into neurophysiology, we hypothesize that with its somatic focus, mindfulness' top-down alpha rhythm modulation in SI enhances gain control which, in turn, sensitizes practitioners to better detect and regulate when the mind wanders from its somatic focus. This enhanced regulation of somatic mind-wandering may be an important early stage of mindfulness training that leads to enhanced cognitive regulation and metacognition.
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Using a common set of mindfulness exercises, mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR) and mindfulness based cognitive therapy (MBCT) have been shown to reduce distress in chronic pain and decrease risk of depression relapse. These standardized mindfulness (ST-Mindfulness) practices predominantly require attending to breath and body sensations. Here, we offer a novel view of ST-Mindfulness's somatic focus as a form of training for optimizing attentional modulation of 7-14 Hz alpha rhythms that play a key role in filtering inputs to primary sensory neocortex and organizing the flow of sensory information in the brain. In support of the framework, we describe our previous finding that ST-Mindfulness enhanced attentional regulation of alpha in primary somatosensory cortex (SI). The framework allows us to make several predictions. In chronic pain, we predict somatic attention in ST-Mindfulness "de-biases" alpha in SI, freeing up pain-focused attentional resources. In depression relapse, we predict ST-Mindfulness's somatic attention competes with internally focused rumination, as internally focused cognitive processes (including working memory) rely on alpha filtering of sensory input. Our computational model predicts ST-Mindfulness enhances top-down modulation of alpha by facilitating precise alterations in timing and efficacy of SI thalamocortical inputs. We conclude by considering how the framework aligns with Buddhist teachings that mindfulness starts with "mindfulness of the body." Translating this theory into neurophysiology, we hypothesize that with its somatic focus, mindfulness' top-down alpha rhythm modulation in SI enhances gain control which, in turn, sensitizes practitioners to better detect and regulate when the mind wanders from its somatic focus. This enhanced regulation of somatic mind-wandering may be an important early stage of mindfulness training that leads to enhanced cognitive regulation and metacognition.
Give kids tools to recognize and work with their difficult emotions and impulses. Promote mindfulness practice outside the clinical hour - Techniques to engage the most resistant and reluctant kids. Adapt mindfulness exercises to all kinds of minds. Use technology to support practice Mindfulness to complement play, CBT, expressive, dynamic and other therapies. Techniques for challenges at home, the classroom, performances and social situations. Discover proven techniques for depression, ADHD, anxiety, anger, acting out, trauma and more. Mood boosters for depression include movement such as mindful walking, mindful yoga, and mindful qi-gong. Proven practices for ADHD, executive function and impulse control disorders include "urge surfing, STOP, SLOW, SIFT and more. Skills to soothe trauma and anxiety like seeking stillness, touchpoints, and four elements practices will be taught and practiced as a group. We will practice skills that build emotional and social intelligence, including mindfulness of music, listening and body awareness exercises. Mindfulness is more than just breathing, and so is this workshop. Participants should be prepared for an experiential day practicing a variety of mindfulness techniques including awareness, movement, games, play, and creative/expressive activities that can be practiced by young people and adults alike. Special attention will also be given to harnessing the power of technology and social media. Learning will take the form of lecture, video, case presentations, small group and dyad activities as well as experiential activities and ample time for question and answer and discussion with colleagues. Join author and psychologist Dr. Christopher Willard in this engaging day! He will share personal and professional anecdotes from his experience as a working psychologist from inner-city schools to college campuses, from Harvard Medical School to teen meditation retreats. This workshop inspires, but more importantly empowers you with the tools you need to offer mindfulness practices to young people in practical yet engaging ways.
<p>The study and practice of mindfulness is rapidly expanding in Western psychology. Recently developed self-report measures of mindfulness were derived from Western operationalizations and cross-cultural validation of many of these measures is lacking, particularly in Buddhist cultures. Therefore, this study examined the measurement equivalence of the Kentucky Inventory of Mindfulness Skills (KIMS) and Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) among Thai (n=385) and American (n=365) college students. Multigroup confirmatory factor analysis models fit to the data revealed that the KIMS lacked configural invariance across groups, which precluded subsequent invariance tests, and although the MAAS demonstrated configural, metric, and partial scalar invariance, there was no significant latent mean MAAS difference between Thais and Americans. These findings suggest that Eastern and Western conceptualizations of mindfulness may have important differences. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 65: 1–23, 2009.</p>
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The study and practice of mindfulness is rapidly expanding in Western psychology. Recently developed self-report measures of mindfulness were derived from Western operationalizations and cross-cultural validation of many of these measures is lacking, particularly in Buddhist cultures. Therefore, this study examined the measurement equivalence of the Kentucky Inventory of Mindfulness Skills (KIMS) and Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) among Thai (n=385) and American (n=365) college students. Multigroup confirmatory factor analysis models fit to the data revealed that the KIMS lacked configural invariance across groups, which precluded subsequent invariance tests, and although the MAAS demonstrated configural, metric, and partial scalar invariance, there was no significant latent mean MAAS difference between Thais and Americans. These findings suggest that Eastern and Western conceptualizations of mindfulness may have important differences.
The study and practice of mindfulness is rapidly expanding in Western psychology. Recently developed self‐report measures of mindfulness were derived from Western operationalizations and cross‐cultural validation of many of these measures is lacking, particularly in Buddhist cultures. Therefore, this study examined the measurement equivalence of the Kentucky Inventory of Mindfulness Skills (KIMS) and Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) among Thai (n=385) and American (n=365) college students. Multigroup confirmatory factor analysis models fit to the data revealed that the KIMS lacked configural invariance across groups, which precluded subsequent invariance tests, and although the MAAS demonstrated configural, metric, and partial scalar invariance, there was no significant latent mean MAAS difference between Thais and Americans. These findings suggest that Eastern and Western conceptualizations of mindfulness may have important differences.
This chapter opens with a discussion of the relationship of mindfulness to suffering and offers definitions of mindfulness. Next, various applications of mindfulness in psychotherapeutic practice are highlighted. The author also discusses the possible emergence of a mindfulness-oriented model of psychotherapy and the worldview of mindfulness. The chapter closes with discussion of the question "Does mindfulness matter to therapists?". (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
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When you are anxious, sad, angry, or lonely, do you hear this self-critical voice? What would happen if, instead of fighting difficult emotions, we accepted them? Over his decades of experience as a therapist and mindfulness meditation practitioner, Chris Germer has learned a paradoxical lesson: We all want to avoid pain, but letting it in–and responding compassionately to our own imperfections, without judgment or self-blame–are essential steps on the path to healing. This wise and eloquent book illuminates the power of self-compassion and offers creative, scientifically grounded strategies for putting it into action. You’ll master practical techniques for living more fully in the present moment — especially when hard-to-bear emotions arise — and for being kind to yourself when you need it the most.
“Buck up.” “Stop feeling sorry for yourself.” “Don’t ruin everything.” When you are anxious, sad, angry, or lonely, do you hear this self-critical voice? What would happen if, instead of fighting difficult emotions, we accepted them? Over his decades of experience as a therapist and mindfulness meditation practitioner, Dr. Christopher Germer has learned a paradoxical lesson: We all want to avoid pain, but letting it in--and responding compassionately to our own imperfections, without judgment or self-blame--are essential steps on the path to healing. This wise and eloquent book illuminates the power of self-compassion and offers creative, scientifically grounded strategies for putting it into action. Free audio downloads of the meditation exercises are available at the author's website: www.chrisgermer.com.
From the age of Darwin to the present day, biologists have been grappling with the origins of our moral sense. Why, if the human instinct to survive and repr...
With Esraa Bani, Albert Bartlett, Lester Brown, Martha Campbell. Mother, the film, breaks a 40-year taboo by bringing to light an issue that silently fuels our largest environmental, humanitarian and social crises - population growth. Since the 1960s the world population has nearly doubled, adding more than 3 billion people. At the same time, talking about population has become politically incorrect because of the sensitivity of the issues surrounding the ...
In 2 daily experience studies and a laboratory study, the authors test predictions from approach-avoidance motivational theory to understand how dating couples can maintain feelings of relationship satisfaction in their daily lives and over the course of time. Approach goals were associated with increased relationship satisfaction on a daily basis and over time, particularly when both partners were high in approach goals. Avoidance goals were associated with decreases in relationship satisfaction over time, and people were particularly dissatisfied when they were involved with a partner with high avoidance goals. People high in approach goals and their partners were rated as relatively more satisfied and responsive to a partner's needs by outside observers in the lab, whereas people with high avoidance goals and their partners were rated as less satisfied and responsive. Positive emotions mediated the link between approach goals and daily satisfaction in both studies, and responsiveness to the partner's needs was an additional behavioral mechanism in Study 2. Implications of these findings for approach-avoidance motivational theory and for the maintenance of satisfying relationships over time are discussed.
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This is a ground-breaking journey across India, Tibet and China, to explore traditional medicine and natural ways of healing. In this comprehensive look into traditional medicine we connect all three countries through the core philosophy of the Five Elements, Yin and Yang and the common belief that a life-force or energy called Chi (Prana) exists that is vital to sustain a healthy life.
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Nepal is a hotspot for cultural and biological diversities. The tremendous diversity of ecosystems and climates and the blend of medicinal practices inherited from Ayurvedic and Traditional Tibetan Medicine are well suited to a study aimed at discovering information about medicinal plants to treat Parkinson's disease (PD). In addition, this study across Nepal's altitudinal range is relevant to understanding how cultural and ecological environments influence local traditional medicines. The aim of the study is to document the uses of medicinal plants in three different eco-geographical areas of Nepal (Chitwan-Panchase-Mustang) to treat symptoms related to PD. A second goal is to analyze the impact of culture and environment on the evolution of traditional medicine.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted in five communities located in three different eco-geographical environments and at altitudes ranging from 300m to 3700m. We interviewed a total of 56 participants (local people, folk, Ayurvedic and Amchi healers) across the three research areas. We conducted open-ended interviews to document the uses of medicinal plants to treat PD-related symptoms. Information provided by the interviewees suggested that the medicinal plants are also used to treat symptoms related to other disorders. We determined the informant consensus factor as well as the importance of specific plant species to (i) identify plants that are the best candidates to be analyzed experimentally for their potential to treat PD and (ii) perform a cross-cultural comparison of the three areas of study.
RESULTS: This study reports the local uses of 35 different plant species along the Chitwan-Panchase-Mustang altitudinal range. We identify a total of eight plant species that were used in all three research areas, and more specifically one species used to treat PD-like symptoms. We identify a potential dual protective activity of medicinal plants used to treat PD-related symptoms as recent literature suggests that these plants also have anti-cancer properties. In addition, we document that the presence of Ayurvedic healers could influence local practices and that local practices could influence local Ayurvedic practices.
CONCLUSIONS: This study documents the uses of medicinal plants to treat symptoms related to PD and other disorders across the Chitwan-Panchase-Mustang altitudinal range. PD is a neurodegenerative disease affecting a growing number of people worldwide. No cures are available to slow the death of the neurons, and there is a critical need to work towards innovative therapeutic strategies. We identify medicinal plants based on traditional practices to help develop a cure for PD. The three areas of study were chosen for their ecological and cultural diversities, and two of these are included in conservation programs (Panchase Protected Forest and Annapurna Conservation Area). The documentation of community-natural resource relationships is another step in the preservation of traditional practices and local biodiversity and a reflection of communities' rights in the design of conservation programs.
Nepal is a hotspot for cultural and biological diversities. The tremendous diversity of ecosystems and climates and the blend of medicinal practices inherited from Ayurvedic and Traditional Tibetan Medicine are well suited to a study aimed at discovering information about medicinal plants to treat Parkinson’s disease (PD). In addition, this study across Nepal’s altitudinal range is relevant to understanding how cultural and ecological environments influence local traditional medicines. The aim of the study is to document the uses of medicinal plants in three different eco-geographical areas of Nepal (Chitwan-Panchase-Mustang) to treat symptoms related to PD. A second goal is to analyze the impact of culture and environment on the evolution of traditional medicine. The study was conducted in five communities located in three different eco-geographical environments and at altitudes ranging from 300<ce:hsp sp="0.5"/>m to 3700<ce:hsp sp="0.5"/>m. We interviewed a total of 56 participants (local people, folk, Ayurvedic and Amchi healers) across the three research areas. We conducted open-ended interviews to document the uses of medicinal plants to treat PD-related symptoms. Information provided by the interviewees suggested that the medicinal plants are also used to treat symptoms related to other disorders. We determined the informant consensus factor as well as the importance of specific plant species to (i) identify plants that are the best candidates to be analyzed experimentally for their potential to treat PD and (ii) perform a cross-cultural comparison of the three areas of study. This study reports the local uses of 35 different plant species along the Chitwan-Panchase-Mustang altitudinal range. We identify a total of eight plant species that were used in all three research areas, and more specifically one species used to treat PD-like symptoms. We identify a potential dual protective activity of medicinal plants used to treat PD-related symptoms as recent literature suggests that these plants also have anti-cancer properties. In addition, we document that the presence of Ayurvedic healers could influence local practices and that local practices could influence local Ayurvedic practices. This study documents the uses of medicinal plants to treat symptoms related to PD and other disorders across the Chitwan-Panchase-Mustang altitudinal range. PD is a neurodegenerative disease affecting a growing number of people worldwide. No cures are available to slow the death of the neurons, and there is a critical need to work towards innovative therapeutic strategies. We identify medicinal plants based on traditional practices to help develop a cure for PD. The three areas of study were chosen for their ecological and cultural diversities, and two of these are included in conservation programs (Panchase Protected Forest and Annapurna Conservation Area). The documentation of community-natural resource relationships is another step in the preservation of traditional practices and local biodiversity and a reflection of communities’ rights in the design of conservation programs.
The impact of the Internet across multiple aspects of modern society is clear. However, the influence that it may have on our brain structure and functioning remains a central topic of investigation. Here we draw on recent psychological, psychiatric and neuroimaging findings to examine several key hypotheses on how the Internet may be changing our cognition. Specifically, we explore how unique features of the online world may be influencing: a) attentional capacities, as the constantly evolving stream of online information encourages our divided attention across multiple media sources, at the expense of sustained concentration; b) memory processes, as this vast and ubiquitous source of online information begins to shift the way we retrieve, store, and even value knowledge; and c) social cognition, as the ability for online social settings to resemble and evoke real-world social processes creates a new interplay between the Internet and our social lives, including our self-concepts and self-esteem. Overall, the available evidence indicates that the Internet can produce both acute and sustained alterations in each of these areas of cognition, which may be reflected in changes in the brain. However, an emerging priority for future research is to determine the effects of extensive online media usage on cognitive development in youth, and examine how this may differ from cognitive outcomes and brain impact of uses of Internet in the elderly. We conclude by proposing how Internet research could be integrated into broader research settings to study how this unprecedented new facet of society can affect our cognition and the brain across the life course.
About 50% of cancer patients use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Women with breast cancer use CAM more frequently than others. We linked a questionnaire to the largest internet portal for cancer patients in Germany. The questionnaire addresses attitude towards CAM, disclosure to the oncologist, source of information, and objectives for use of CAM. 80 patients with breast cancer took part in our study, 61 currently using CAM. Most frequently used CAM methods were selenium, relaxation techniques, prayer, vitamin C, and meditation. Satisfaction was highest with relaxation techniques, vitamin C, homeopathy, yoga and Chinese herbs, lowest with mistletoe and acupuncture. 70% of participants did not think their oncologist took time to discuss CAM. Only 16% believed that their oncologist was well-informed about CAM. 46% relied on naturopaths and non-medical practitioners concerning CAM. Objectives for the use of CAM were to reduce side effects, boost the immune system, and become active.
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Objective(1) Evaluate feasibility and acceptability of a mindfulness-based group in adolescent girls at-risk for type 2 diabetes (T2D) with depressive symptoms, and (2) compare efficacy of a mindfulness-based versus cognitive-behavioral group for decreasing depressive symptoms and improving insulin resistance.
Design and setting
Parallel-group, randomized controlled pilot trial conducted at a university.
Participants
Thirty-three girls 12–17y with overweight/obesity, family history of diabetes, and elevated depressive symptoms were randomized to a six-week mindfulness-based (n = 17) or cognitive-behavioral program (n = 16).
Interventions
Both interventions included six, one-hour weekly group sessions. The mindfulness-based program included guided mindfulness awareness practices. The cognitive-behavioral program involved cognitive restructuring and behavioral activation.
Main outcome measures
Adolescents were evaluated at baseline, post-intervention, and six-months. Feasibility/acceptability were measured by attendance and program ratings. Depressive symptoms were assessed by validated survey. Insulin resistance was determined from fasting insulin and glucose, and dual energy x-ray absorptiometry was used to assess body composition.
Results
Most adolescents attended ≥80% sessions (mindfulness: 92% versus cognitive-behavioral: 87%, p = 1.00). Acceptability ratings were strong. At post-treatment and six-months, adolescents in the mindfulness condition had greater decreases in depressive symptoms than adolescents in the cognitive-behavioral condition (ps < .05). Compared to the cognitive-behavioral condition, adolescents in the mindfulness-based intervention also had greater decreases in insulin resistance and fasting insulin at post-treatment, adjusting for fat mass and other covariates (ps < .05).
Conclusions
A mindfulness-based intervention shows feasibility and acceptability in girls at-risk for T2D with depressive symptoms. Compared to a cognitive-behavioral program, after the intervention, adolescents who received mindfulness showed greater reductions in depressive symptoms and better insulin resistance.
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