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Difficulties falling asleep are common among adolescents, especially during times of stress. Adolescents may thus benefit from brief techniques (15 min) that decrease pre‐sleep cognitive‐emotional arousal and sleep‐onset latency. The present study used a 3 (intervention: mindfulness bodyscan mp3, constructive worry, control) by 3 (time: baseline, week 1, week 2) mixed‐model design on a school‐based sample of adolescents (N = 232; Mage = 15.9 ± 0.8 years, range = 14–18 years; 19% male), and a sub‐sample of adolescents with prolonged sleep‐onset latency (i.e. ≥30 min; N = 119; Mage = 16.9 ± 0.9 years; 21% male). It was expected that the 15‐min pre‐recorded breath‐based mindfulness bodyscan, and constructive worry, would decrease sleep‐onset latency and pre‐sleep arousal similarly over time, relative to the control condition. A significant interaction was observed among adolescents with prolonged sleep‐onset latency, who completed ≥3 days for at least 1 week (p = .001), where mindfulness decreased sleep‐onset latency relative to constructive worry and the control. Neither technique changed pre‐sleep worry or cognitive‐emotional arousal, or associated daytime functioning (both the whole sample and sub‐sample). A pre‐recorded mp3 breath‐based mindfulness bodyscan technique is a promising means by which adolescents with prolonged sleep‐onset latency can decrease sleep‐onset latency. This simple tool has potential for scalable dissemination by stakeholders (e.g. teachers), unqualified to treat adolescent sleep difficulties. Future studies are needed to determine whether benefits may extend to academic performance and mental health, if performed for a longer time period with increased compliance.
Difficulties falling asleep are common among adolescents, especially during times of stress. Adolescents may thus benefit from brief techniques (15 min) that decrease pre‐sleep cognitive‐emotional arousal and sleep‐onset latency. The present study used a 3 (intervention: mindfulness bodyscan mp3, constructive worry, control) by 3 (time: baseline, week 1, week 2) mixed‐model design on a school‐based sample of adolescents (N = 232; Mage = 15.9 ± 0.8 years, range = 14–18 years; 19% male), and a sub‐sample of adolescents with prolonged sleep‐onset latency (i.e. ≥30 min; N = 119; Mage = 16.9 ± 0.9 years; 21% male). It was expected that the 15‐min pre‐recorded breath‐based mindfulness bodyscan, and constructive worry, would decrease sleep‐onset latency and pre‐sleep arousal similarly over time, relative to the control condition. A significant interaction was observed among adolescents with prolonged sleep‐onset latency, who completed ≥3 days for at least 1 week (p = .001), where mindfulness decreased sleep‐onset latency relative to constructive worry and the control. Neither technique changed pre‐sleep worry or cognitive‐emotional arousal, or associated daytime functioning (both the whole sample and sub‐sample). A pre‐recorded mp3 breath‐based mindfulness bodyscan technique is a promising means by which adolescents with prolonged sleep‐onset latency can decrease sleep‐onset latency. This simple tool has potential for scalable dissemination by stakeholders (e.g. teachers), unqualified to treat adolescent sleep difficulties. Future studies are needed to determine whether benefits may extend to academic performance and mental health, if performed for a longer time period with increased compliance.
ClassDojo is one of the world's most successful educational technologies, currently used by over 3 million teachers and 35 million children globally. It reinforces and enacts emerging governmental "psycho-policies" around the measurement and modification of children's social and emotional learning in schools. This article focuses specifically on the ways ClassDojo facilitates psychological surveillance through gamification techniques, its links to new psychological concepts of "character development," "growth mindsets" and "personal qualities," and its connections to the psychological techniques of Silicon Valley designers. Methodologically, the research mobilizes network analysis to trace the organizational, technical, governmental and scientific relations that are translated together and encoded in the ClassDojo app. Through its alignment with emerging education psycho-policy agendas around the measurement of non-cognitive learning, ClassDojo is a key technology of "fast policy" that functions as a "persuasive technology" of "psycho-compulsion" to reinforce and reward student behaviours that are aligned with governmental strategies around social-emotional learning.
A feasibility study evaluated five adapted Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) groups that were delivered to staff in a National Health Service (NHS) mental health Trust as part of a staff health and wellbeing initiative. Using an uncontrolled design typical of a feasibility study, recruitment, retention and acceptability of the groups were assessed. Effectiveness was also measured at pre- and post-therapy, and at 3-month follow-up, using quantitative methods. In addition, qualitative methods were used to explore staff experiences of the groups. Results demonstrated high levels of feasibility, and significant improvements in staff perceived stress and self-compassion at both post-therapy and follow-up. Qualitative data suggested many staff felt the groups had improved their physical and emotional health, their ability to manage stress at work and the quality of their work with patients and of their relationships with colleagues. Although Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) has typically been used to help manage staff stress, these results are promising for the use of an adapted MBCT with this population. Challenges and factors contributing to these outcomes are discussed.
A feasibility study evaluated five adapted Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) groups that were delivered to staff in a National Health Service (NHS) mental health Trust as part of a staff health and wellbeing initiative. Using an uncontrolled design typical of a feasibility study, recruitment, retention and acceptability of the groups were assessed. Effectiveness was also measured at pre- and post-therapy, and at 3-month follow-up, using quantitative methods. In addition, qualitative methods were used to explore staff experiences of the groups. Results demonstrated high levels of feasibility, and significant improvements in staff perceived stress and self-compassion at both post-therapy and follow-up. Qualitative data suggested many staff felt the groups had improved their physical and emotional health, their ability to manage stress at work and the quality of their work with patients and of their relationships with colleagues. Although Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) has typically been used to help manage staff stress, these results are promising for the use of an adapted MBCT with this population. Challenges and factors contributing to these outcomes are discussed.
Using data for 25,780 species categorized on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List, we present an assessment of the status of the world’s vertebrates. One-fifth of species are classified as Threatened, and we show that this figure is increasing: On average, 52 species of mammals, birds, and amphibians move one category closer to extinction each year. However, this overall pattern conceals the impact of conservation successes, and we show that the rate of deterioration would have been at least one-fifth again as much in the absence of these. Nonetheless, current conservation efforts remain insufficient to offset the main drivers of biodiversity loss in these groups: agricultural expansion, logging, overexploitation, and invasive alien species.Though the threat of extinction is increasing, overall declines would have been worse in the absence of conservation.
Though the threat of extinction is increasing, overall declines would have been worse in the absence of conservation.
A new, year-long, apprenticeship model of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) training within the UK State National Health Service is presented. The model has a strong emphasis on personal practice and on learning to teach in various settings with regular feedback through supervision and from peers. The development of the training programme is discussed in the context of UK training provision in MBCT. A quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the experience of the first intake of trainees is presented, demonstrating a very high level of satisfaction with the training. Issues arising in the continuing development of graduates of the programme and in the development of MBCT provision by graduates, are discussed. Strengths and limitations of the evaluation are considered.
A new, year-long, apprenticeship model of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) training within the UK State National Health Service is presented. The model has a strong emphasis on personal practice and on learning to teach in various settings with regular feedback through supervision and from peers. The development of the training programme is discussed in the context of UK training provision in MBCT. A quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the experience of the first intake of trainees is presented, demonstrating a very high level of satisfaction with the training. Issues arising in the continuing development of graduates of the programme and in the development of MBCT provision by graduates, are discussed. Strengths and limitations of the evaluation are considered.
Introduction: Cancer patients often choose complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in palliative care, often in addition to conventional treatment and without medical advice or approval. Herbal medicines (HM) are the most commonly used type of CAM, but rarely available on an in-patient basis for palliative care. The motivations which lead very ill patients to travel far to receive such therapies are not clear. A qualitative study was therefore carried out to investigate influences on choosing to attend a CAM herbal hospice, to identify cancer patients' main concerns about end-of-life care. Methods: Semi-structured interviews with 32 patients were conducted and analysed using thematic analysis. Patients were recruited from Arokhayasala, a Buddhist cancer hospice in Thailand which provides CAM, in the form of HM, a restricted diet, Thai yoga, deep-breathing exercises, meditation, chanting, Dhamma, laughter and music therapy, free-of-charge. Results: The main factors influencing decision-making were a positive attitude towards HMs and previous use of them, dissatisfaction with conventional treatment, the home environment and their relationships with hospital doctors. Conclusion: Patients' own perceptions and experiences were more important in making the decision to use CAM, and especially HM, in palliative cancer care than referral by healthcare professionals or scientific evidence of efficacy. Patients were prepared to travel far and live away from home to receive such care, especially as it was cost-free. In view of patients' previously stated satisfaction with the regime at the Arokhayasala, these findings may be relevant to the provision of in-patient cancer palliative care to other patients. (C) 2016 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.
More public schools are discovering yoga for kids can benefit classroom management—and learning.