Month: April 2025

Psychedelic Use and Meditation Complement Each Other’s Impacts

psyjdc Leave a comment

Does the combination of psychedelics and meditation enhance mystical experiences?

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “Associations between psychedelic-related and meditation-related variables: A longitudinal study” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11999004/ )  Simonsson and colleagues examined the relationships between meditation and psychedelic use. They found that psychedelic use was associated with mindfulness and loving-kindness or compassion meditation practice while mindfulness was associated with less severe challenging psychedelic experiences, fewer psychedelic-occasioned thoughts or attempts of self- or other-harm.

 

Meditation and psychedelic use complement the impact of each.

 

CMCS – Center for Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies

 

This and other Contemplative Studies posts are also available on the Contemplative Studies Blog  http://contemplative-studies.org

 

Study Summary

 

Simonsson O, Chaturvedi S, Hendricks PS, et al. Associations between psychedelic-related and meditation-related variables: A longitudinal study. J Psychiatr Res. 2025;184:457-463. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2025.03.025

 

Abstract

Previous research has investigated associations between psychedelic experiences and meditation practice, but knowledge gaps remain. Using a longitudinal research design with a sample of US residents between 18 and 50 years old (N = 13,012), we investigated associations between psychedelic-related and meditation-related variables. The follow-up survey was completed by 7484 respondents, of whom 336 reported psychedelic use during the two-month study. In covariate-adjusted regression models, psychedelic use was associated with greater increases in the number of days of mindfulness and loving-kindness or compassion meditation practice in the past week, especially among those with no prior experience of psychedelics or meditation. Among those who reported psychedelic use, trait mindfulness and trait self-compassion at baseline were associated with less severe challenging psychedelic experiences, as well as lower odds of psychedelic-occasioned thoughts or attempts of self- or other-harm. However, among those who practiced meditation at baseline, psychedelic use was associated with greater increases in past-week frequency of loving-kindness or compassion meditation-related difficulties and impairments. Future research is warranted.

 

Perfectionism is Lower in Mindful People Because of Lower Perfectionism and Anxiety

psyjdc Leave a comment

Fig 2

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “Maladaptive perfectionism can explain the inverse relationship between dispositional mindfulness and procrastination” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11819553/ ) Ibili and colleagues investigated the relationship between mindfulness and lower levels of procrastination. They report that mindfulness is associated with lower levels of procrastination as a result of being associated with lower levels of perfectionism and anxiety and these, in turn, are associated with lower levels of procrastination. Hence, procrastination is lower in mindful individuals because perfectionism and anxiety are lower on mindful individuals.

 

Being mindful is associated with lower anxiety and perfectionism that are associated with less procrastination.

 

CMCS – Center for Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies

 

This and other Contemplative Studies posts are also available on the Contemplative Studies Blog  http://contemplative-studies.org

 

Study Summary

 

Ibili G, Tree JJ, Gurluk YO. Maladaptive perfectionism can explain the inverse relationship between dispositional mindfulness and procrastination [published correction appears in PLoS One. 2025 Apr 4;20(4):e0322030. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0322030.]. PLoS One. 2025;20(2):e0318845. Published 2025 Feb 12. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0318845

 

Abstract

Given the widespread occurrence of procrastination and its adverse association with well-being, investigating the individual variables that influence procrastination is a crucial matter. Previous research has identified dispositional mindfulness to be negatively associated with procrastination, but the underlying mechanisms driving this relationship remain unclear. In this study, the aim was to investigate whether the inverse relationship between dispositional mindfulness and procrastination could be explained by the mediating roles of trait anxiety and maladaptive perfectionism. In a cross-sectional survey, 126 participants (aged 18–33) completed the 15-Item Five-Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-Trait Form, the Almost Perfect Scale-Revised, and the Pure Procrastination Scale. A parallel mediation model was tested to investigate the mediating role of self-reported maladaptive perfectionism and trait anxiety to explain the relationship between dispositional mindfulness and procrastination with a bootstrapped multivariate technique. The results revealed that maladaptive perfectionism significantly mediated the relationship between mindfulness and procrastination -indicating that dispositional mindfulness has a significant indirect effect on procrastination via decreased levels of maladaptive perfectionism. It was determined that 15% of the variance in procrastination was significantly explained by this model (R2 = .15, β =  −.39, B =  −.83, 95% CI =  [−1.18, −.48], p < .001]. As the study highlights the importance of maladaptive perfectionism to explain the link between mindfulness and procrastination, we suggest that future research could investigate the influence of mindfulness on procrastination via mindfulness-based interventions, and include measurements of both trait anxiety and maladaptive perfectionism across longitudinal or experimental designs to unpack causality with respect to our pattern of observed findings.

 

Improve Psychological Well-Being in Patients with Diabetes or Hypertension with Tai Chi and Qigong

psyjdc Leave a comment

graphic file with name 2317-6385-eins-23-eAO1076-gf01.jpg

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “Effects of Tai Chi and Qigong intervention on anxiety and stress in diabetic and hypertensive Brazilian patients: a randomized controlled trial” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12002851/ ) Santos and colleagues examined the psychological impact of Tai Chi and Qigong practice on patients with diabetes and/or hypertension. They found that the practices significantly reduced anxiety and stress in the patients.

 

Tai Chi and Qigong practice reduces anxiety and stress in patients with diabetes and/or hypertension.

 

CMCS – Center for Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies

 

This and other Contemplative Studies posts are also available on the Contemplative Studies Blog  http://contemplative-studies.org

 

Study Summary

 

Santos LRAC, Taíra A, Possobon RDF, et al. Effects of Tai Chi and Qigong intervention on anxiety and stress in diabetic and hypertensive Brazilian patients: a randomized controlled trial. Einstein (Sao Paulo). 2025;23:eAO1076. Published 2025 Mar 17. doi:10.31744/einstein_journal/2025AO1076

 

In Brief

A 13-week Tai Chi/Qigong intervention reduced anxiety and stress in middle-aged and older Brazilian patients with diabetes and hypertension. With significant improvements in the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and PSS14 scores, this practice shows potential as an effective adjunctive therapy in primary care.

ABSTRACT

Objective:

This study investigated the effects of Tai Chi/Qigong practice over 13 weeks on anxiety and perceived stress levels in middle-aged or older Brazilian hypertensive and diabetic individuals assisted in a primary healthcare setting.

Methods:

Ninety-one patients with diabetes mellitus and/or hypertension diagnosed and followed up at a primary care center were randomized to the Tai Chi/Qigong intervention (n = 45) or waitlist (n = 46) group for 13 weeks. Outcome measures were collected at baseline and at 6 and 13 weeks for anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory [STAI]) and stress (Perceived Stress Scale – PSS14). The primary endpoint of the study was 13 weeks. We used a linear mixed-effects model to analyze the primary and secondary outcomes, considering the treatment group and time as covariates and treating the subject as a random effect.

Results:

Of the included 91 participants, 53 completed the 6-week assessment, and 42 completed the 13-week assessment. After 13 weeks, the Tai Chi/Qigong Group had lower scores for anxiety (STAI Estimate = -6.421; SD = 2.679; 95% confidence interval (95%CI) = [-11.615,-1.224]; p = 0.018) and stress (PSS14 Estimate = -9.290; SD= 2.262; 95%CI= [-13.678,-4.906]; p<0.001).

Conclusion:

A 13-week Tai Chi/Qigong intervention was efficacious in lowering anxiety and perceived stress scores in middle-aged and older patients with diabetes mellitus and hypertension and can potentially be used in primary care centers as an adjunct therapy.

 

Postpartum Depression is Improved With Virtual Reality Mindfulness and Yoga Training

psyjdc Leave a comment

Fig. 1

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “Virtual reality enhanced mindfulness and yoga intervention for postpartum depression and anxiety in the post COVID era” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11973155/  ) Liu and colleagues examined the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) enhanced mindfulness meditation and yoga training in comparison to traditional training and a no-training control on the symptoms of postpartum depression. They report that the VR enhanced training produced greater decreases in depression, anxiety, and stress and increases in cognitive control than the traditional training or no-treatment controls.

 

Improve postpartum depression symptoms with virtual reality mindfulness and yoga training.

 

CMCS – Center for Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies

 

This and other Contemplative Studies posts are also available on the Contemplative Studies Blog  http://contemplative-studies.org

 

Study Summary

 

Liu N, Deng J, Lu F, Xiao J. Virtual reality enhanced mindfulness and yoga intervention for postpartum depression and anxiety in the post COVID era. Sci Rep. 2025;15(1):11766. Published 2025 Apr 6. doi:10.1038/s41598-025-96165-6

Abstract

The postpartum period has witnessed increasing rates of depression and anxiety, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, with these conditions often co-occurring and being exacerbated by the lingering effects of long COVID. Traditional interventions, such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and yoga, have demonstrated effectiveness in alleviating these symptoms. However, the limitations of in-person sessions, especially in the context of pandemic-related restrictions, highlight the need for accessible, innovative approaches. Integrating Virtual Reality (VR) technology with these traditional practices presents a novel solution, offering immersive, customizable environments that may enhance engagement and therapeutic outcomes. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a VR-enhanced mindfulness and yoga intervention in treating postpartum depression and anxiety in women affected by long COVID, with additional examination of underlying physiological stress markers and cognitive control mechanisms. In this randomized controlled trial, 111 postpartum women were randomly assigned to experimental (VR-enhanced intervention), control (traditional in-person sessions), or blank groups using computer-generated randomization. The 8-week intervention involved thrice-weekly 60-minute sessions. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and 4-week follow-up using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale, salivary cortisol measurements, and an emotional Stroop task. The VR-enhanced intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in both depression (EPDS: P < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.18) and anxiety symptoms (GAD-7: P < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.17), with these therapeutic effects significantly greater than those observed in the control and blank groups (P < 0.001 for both comparisons). These improvements were strongly correlated (r = 0.68, P < 0.001). Supporting these primary outcomes, salivary cortisol levels showed a significant decrease (P < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.13), and cognitive control improved as evidenced by reduced emotional Stroop task conflict effect (P < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.37). Correlation analysis revealed robust associations between improvements in depression and anxiety symptoms and changes in physiological markers in both short-term and long-term outcomes. This study demonstrates that integrating VR technology with traditional mindfulness and yoga practices effectively reduces both postpartum depression and anxiety symptoms in the post-COVID era. The parallel improvements in physiological stress markers and cognitive control provide insight into potential mechanisms underlying these therapeutic effects. These findings underscore the value of immersive technology in enhancing traditional therapeutic approaches for addressing postpartum depression and anxiety in the post-pandemic context.

 

Improve Cancer Patient Mental Health with Mindfulness Training.

psyjdc Leave a comment

May be an image of 3 people and television

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

In today’s Research News article “Review of Psychological Interventions in Oncology: Current Trends and Future Directions” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11857804/ ) Anghel and colleagues reviewed the published randomized controlled trials of the effectiveness of psychological interventions on the mental health of cancer patients. They found that these interventions including Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) were effective in “alleviating distress, fostering resilience, and improving the quality of life.”
Mindfulness training improves the mental health of cancer patients.
CMCS – Center for Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies
This and other Contemplative Studies posts are also available on the Contemplative Studies Blog http://contemplative-studies.org
Study Summary
Anghel T, Melania BL, Costea I, et al. Review of Psychological Interventions in Oncology: Current Trends and Future Directions. Medicina (Kaunas). 2025;61(2):279. Published 2025 Feb 6. doi:10.3390/medicina61020279
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Cancer imposes a profound burden on both physical and psychological health, particularly at advanced stages, which are associated with a poor prognosis and heightened emotional distress. Psychotherapeutic interventions have gained recognition for their role in alleviating distress, enhancing the quality of life, and supporting a holistic approach to cancer care. This review examines the effectiveness of psychotherapeutic interventions in improving psychological well-being in cancer patients. Materials and Methods: Conducted as a literature review following PRISMA guidelines, this study analyzed experimental research on psychotherapeutic interventions for cancer patients published in the past decade. Literature searches were performed in PubMed, Google Scholar, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Consensus, supplemented by manual reference checks. The inclusion criteria focused on randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Results: The analysis included 20 RCTs spanning over three decades, evaluating interventions such as individual meaning-centered psychotherapy (IMCP), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), and supportive–expressive group therapy (SEGT). IMCP emerged as being particularly effective in reducing depression, anxiety, and demoralization while enhancing spiritual well-being. MBCT demonstrated significant reductions in the fear of recurrence, while SEGT effectively addressed traumatic stress and fostered social support. Although the survival benefits were inconsistently reported, psychosocial improvements, including an enhanced quality of life and emotional resilience, were consistently observed. The methodological quality varied, with nine studies meeting high-quality standards. Conclusions: Psychotherapeutic interventions, particularly IMCP and MBCT, play a critical role in oncology by alleviating distress, fostering resilience, and improving the quality of life. Integrating these approaches into routine cancer care can ensure a more holistic treatment framework that prioritizes the emotional and psychological needs of patients.

Mindfulness Reduces Stress in Parents of Autistic Preschoolers

psyjdc Leave a comment

ABA Programs Guide Shares 30 Things Parents Of Children On The Autism Spectrum Want You To Know - Washington Autism Alliance

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “ Comparative effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction and psychoeducational support on parenting stress in families of autistic preschoolers” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10853488/ ) Neece and colleagues examined the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) treatment for the stress of parents of preschool age autistic children. They found that in comparison to psychoeducational support those parents who received MBSR reported lower and longer lasting reductions in stress levels 1-year later.

 

Mindfulness training significantly reduces parental stress with autistic preschoolers.

 

CMCS – Center for Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies

 

This and other Contemplative Studies posts are also available on the Contemplative Studies Blog  http://contemplative-studies.org

 

Study Summary

 

Neece CL, Fenning RM, Morrell HE, Benjamin LR. Comparative effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction and psychoeducational support on parenting stress in families of autistic preschoolers. Autism. 2024;28(4):985-998. doi:10.1177/13623613231191558

 

Abstract

Relative to parents of children with neurotypical development and other developmental disabilities, parents of autistic children experience higher levels of parenting stress, which are associated with deleterious consequences for parent mental and physical health and child functioning. Despite urgent calls to action, parenting stress is rarely addressed directly in interventions for families of autistic children, and less so in underserved and racial/ethnic minority populations where clinical needs are greater. This study tested the efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), compared to a Psychoeducation and Support (PE) intervention, in reducing parenting stress among diverse families of autistic preschoolers. Participants (N = 117) were randomly assigned to the MBSR or PE groups; assessments were conducted at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and 6- and 12-months post-intervention. Results indicated significant reductions in parenting stress across both the MBSR and PE intervention conditions; however, reductions in parenting stress were greater for parents in MBSR than in PE. Furthermore, the benefit of MBSR relative to PE increased over time, with significant group differences in parenting stress detected at 12-month follow-up.

 

Yoga Meditation Improves Mental Health in Female College Students

psyjdc Leave a comment

Why should college students go for Yoga & Meditation? - Blog | Graphic Era

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “From contemplation to serenity: how yoga meditation improves the mental health of female college students” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11931514/ ) Liu and colleagues studied the effects of yoga meditation on the mental health of female college students. They report that yoga meditation improved the women’s mental health including significantly reduced anxiety, depression, and stress and increased emotional regulation and self-awareness.

 

Improve mental health with yoga meditation.

 

CMCS – Center for Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies

 

This and other Contemplative Studies posts are also available on the Contemplative Studies Blog  http://contemplative-studies.org

 

Study Summary

 

Liu L, Liu C, Tang L, Wang X, Feng Q. From contemplation to serenity: how yoga meditation improves the mental health of female college students?. Front Psychol. 2025;16:1545943. Published 2025 Mar 10. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1545943

Abstract

Objective

This study aims to investigate the impact of yoga meditation on the mental health of female college students, focusing on how meditation improves emotional regulation, alleviates stress and strengthens psychological resilience.

Methods

Employing a combination of quantitative assessment and qualitative analysis, the study measured participants’ emotional states, stress levels, and psychological resilience across multiple time points to track participants’ mental health changes dynamically. In-depth interviews and analysis of meditation journals were also conducted.

Results

Yoga meditation significantly reduced anxiety, depression, and perceived stress while enhancing emotional regulation and self-awareness. Meditation positively influenced neuroplasticity, inducing beneficial changes in brain regions associated with emotional control and cognitive flexibility. Additionally, improved autonomic nervous system function was observed, with increased parasympathetic activity and reduced sympathetic response. Meditation strengthened psychological resilience in female college students, improved stress-coping strategies, and sustained positive mental health benefits even after the intervention.

Conclusion

Yoga meditation is an effective mental health intervention, bolstering emotional regulation and reducing stress among female college students. Integrating yoga meditation into campus mental health programs is recommended to provide students with greater practice opportunities and personalized guidance.

Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms are Improved by Meditation or Yoga

psyjdc Leave a comment

Parkinson's Disease | Contemplative Studies

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “Effects of Meditation and Yoga on Anxiety, Depression and Chronic Inflammation in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11965853/ ) Kwok and colleagues studied the effects of meditation and yoga practice on the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease. They found that these practices significantly relieved a wide variety of symptoms, including anxiety, depression, inflammation, movement problems, and improved quality of life.

 

Meditation and yoga relieve the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

 

CMCS – Center for Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies

 

This and other Contemplative Studies posts are also available on the Contemplative Studies Blog  http://contemplative-studies.org

 

Study Summary

 

Jojo Yan Yan Kwok, Lily Man Lee Chan, Charis Ann Lai, Philip Wing Lok Ho, Zoe Yuen-kiu Choi, Man Auyeung, Shirley Yin Yu Pang, Edmond Pui Hang Choi, Daniel Yee Tak Fong, Doris Sau Fung Yu, Chia-chin Lin, Richard Walker, Samuel Yeung Shan Wong, Rainbow Tin Hung Ho. Effects of Meditation and Yoga on Anxiety, Depression and Chronic Inflammation in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Psychother Psychosom. 2025 Feb 28;94(2):101–118.

Abstract

Introduction

Clinical guidelines recommend a holistic approach to Parkinson’s disease (PD) care, yet randomized trials examining mindfulness-based interventions in this context are scarce. This study investigated the effects of two mindfulness practices – meditation and yoga – on biopsychosocial outcomes in PD patients, including anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, motor/nonmotor symptoms, health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL), mindfulness, and stress and inflammation biomarkers, compared to usual care.

Methods

159 participants with a clinical diagnosis of idiopathic PD and a Hoehn and Yahr stage of 1, 2, and 3, were randomized into meditation (n = 53), yoga (n = 52), and control (n = 54). Meditation and yoga were delivered in 90-min groups for 8 weeks. Primary outcomes included anxiety symptoms and depressive symptoms. Secondary outcomes included motor and nonmotor symptoms, HRQOL, mindfulness, and serum levels of interleukin-6, cortisol and TNF-alpha. Assessments were done at baseline (T0), 2 months (T1), and 6 months (T2). Linear mixed models were conducted following intention-to-treat principle.

Results

Compared to control, both meditation, and yoga groups had significant improvements in anxiety symptoms (meditation: mean difference [MD] = −1.36, 95% CI: −2.46 to−0.26; yoga: MD = −1.61, CI: −2.70 to −0.52), motor symptoms (meditation: MD = −5.35, CI: −8.61 to−2.09; yoga: MD = −6.59, CI: −9.82 to−3.36), HRQOL (meditation: MD = −2.01, CI: −3.41 to−0.62; yoga: MD = −1.45, CI: −2.83 to−0.08), and describing skills (meditation: MD = 0.97, CI: 0.04–1.89; yoga: MD = 0.92, CI: 0.01–1.84) at T1, and significant reductions in serum interleukin-6 levels (meditation: MD = −1.14, CI: −2.18 to−0.10; yoga: MD = −1.11, CI: −2.09 to−0.13) at T2. Only meditation significantly reduced depression (MD = −1.44, CI: −2.57 to−0.30) at T1 and sustained the motor and HRQOL improvements at T2.

Conclusion

Meditation and yoga significantly improved anxiety symptoms, chronic inflammation, motor symptoms, mindfulness-describing facet, and HRQOL in PD patients. Meditation provided additional benefits in reducing depressive symptoms and sustaining motor and HRQOL improvements.