Author: psyjdc

Mindfulness Training Promotes Perinatal Mental Health

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How New Moms Can Have a Positive, Mindful Postpartum JourneyBy John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “Development and Evaluation of a Mindfulness-Based Mobile Intervention for Perinatal Mental Health: Randomized Controlled Trial” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11786135/ ) Park and colleagues performed a randomized clinical trial comparing the effectiveness of a 4-week smartphone-based mindfulness program to a wait-list control condition on the mental health of pregnant women. They found that mindfulness training produced significant reductions in anxiety and increases in emotional well-being, mindfulness, and maternal-fetal attachment.

 

So, mindfulness training improves the mental health of pregnant women.

 

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

 

Park S, Cho HY, Park JY, Chung K, Jhung K. Development and Evaluation of a Mindfulness-Based Mobile Intervention for Perinatal Mental Health: Randomized Controlled Trial. J Med Internet Res. 2025 Jan 17;27:e56601. doi: 10.2196/56601. PMID: 39823585; PMCID: PMC11786135.

 

Abstract

Background

Perinatal mental health problems, such as anxiety, stress, and depression, warrant particularly close monitoring and intervention, but they are often unaddressed in both obstetric and psychiatric clinics, with limited accessibility and treatment resources. Mobile health interventions may provide an effective and more accessible solution for addressing perinatal mental health. Development and evaluation of a mobile mental health intervention specifically for pregnant women are warranted.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a 4-week, self-administered mobile mindfulness intervention in reducing anxiety, depression, and stress, and improving emotional well-being, maternal-fetal attachment, and mindfulness skills in a general population of pregnant women.

Methods

Pregnant women were recruited and randomized to an intervention or a wait-list control group. The intervention group participated in a self-administered 4-week smartphone-based mindfulness program. Anxiety, depression, and stress were assessed as primary outcomes at baseline and postintervention. Secondary outcomes were mental health well-being, maternal-fetal attachment, and skills of mindfulness. The usability of the mobile intervention was also evaluated.

Results

A total of 133 pregnant women were randomly assigned to the intervention (n=66) or the control group (n=67). The overall dropout rate was 30% (39/133). Anxiety scores of the intervention group significantly decreased from baseline to postintervention (P=.03, Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test), whereas no significant changes were observed in the control group. Depression and stress scores showed no significant changes. Emotional well-being significantly improved in the intervention group (P=.01). Improvements were observed in maternal-fetal attachment, particularly in attributing characteristics to the fetus (P=.003) and in differentiating the self from the fetus (P=.006). Mindfulness awareness also showed significant improvement (P=.008). Significant between-group effects were identified for mindfulness awareness (P=.006) and attributing characteristics to the fetus (P=.002). After applying the false discovery rate corrections, within-group improvements in emotional well-being, maternal-fetal attachment, and mindfulness awareness remained significant, while between-group differences for emotional well-being and differentiation were not significant.

Conclusions

A mobile mindfulness program effectively reduced anxiety and improved emotional well-being, maternal-fetal attachment, and mindfulness awareness in the general population of pregnant women. Mobile interventions may offer a cost-effective and feasible method for promoting perinatal mental health.

 

Mindfulness Reduces Stress in Heart Disease Patients

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By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “Brief Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Women With Myocardial Infarction: Results of a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11786073/ ) Spruill and colleagues examined the effectiveness of mindfulness training (Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy – MBCT) on stress levels of women diagnosed with myocardial infarction. They found that in comparison to an active control condition (heart disease education) the women who received mindfulness training had significantly lower perceived stress levels and the more they practiced the greater the reductions in stress, anxiety, and depression.

 

Hence, mindfulness improves the mental health of women with heart 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

 

Spruill TM, Park C, Kalinowski J, Arabadjian ME, Xia Y, Shallcross AJ, Visvanathan P, Smilowitz NR, Hausvater A, Bangalore S, Zhong H, Park K, Mehta PK, Thomas DK, Trost J, Bainey KR, Heydari B, Wei J, Dickson VV, Ogedegbe G, Berger JS, Hochman JS, Reynolds HR. Brief Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Women With Myocardial Infarction: Results of a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial. JACC Adv. 2025 Jan 16;4(2):101530. doi: 10.1016/j.jacadv.2024.101530. PMID: 39898341; PMCID: PMC11786073.

 

Abstract

Background

Elevated perceived stress is associated with adverse outcomes following myocardial infarction (MI) and may account for poorer recovery among women vs men.

Objectives

This randomized controlled trial tested effects of a mindfulness-based intervention on stress levels among women with MI.

Methods

Women with elevated stress (Perceived Stress Scale [PSS-4]≥6) at least 2 months after MI were enrolled from 12 hospitals in the United States and Canada and via community advertising. Participants were randomized to a remotely delivered mindfulness intervention (MBCT-Brief) or heart disease education, both 8 weeks long. Follow-up was 6 months. Changes in stress (PSS-10; primary outcome) and secondary outcomes (depressive symptoms, anxiety, quality of life, disease-specific health status, actigraphy-assessed sleep) were compared between groups.

Results

The sample included 130 women with MI (mean age 59.8 ± 12.8 years, 34% racial/ethnic minorities). In intention-to-treat analysis, PSS-10 scores declined in the MBCT-Brief arm (−0.52 [95% CI: −0.77 to −0.28]) but not the heart disease education arm (−0.19 [95% CI: −0.45 to 0.06]; group×time interaction P = 0.070). The effect was stronger in per-protocol analysis of participants who completed ≥4 intervention sessions (P = 0.049). There were no significant differences in secondary outcomes in intention-to-treat or per-protocol analyses. Within the MBCT-Brief arm, more frequent mindfulness practice was associated with greater reductions in stress (P = 0.007), depressive symptoms (P = 0.017), and anxiety (P = 0.036).

Conclusions

MBCT-Brief was associated with greater 6-month reductions in stress than an active control among adherent participants. More frequent mindfulness practice was associated with greater improvements in psychological outcomes. Strategies to engage women with MI in mindfulness training and support regular home practice may enhance these effects.

 

Adding a Psychedelic Drug to Mindfulness Training Enhances Relief of Burnout and Depression

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Combining psychedelics with meditation increases mindfulness and mystical-type transcendence

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “Psilocybin-Assisted Group Psychotherapy + Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) for Frontline Healthcare Provider COVID-19 Related Depression and Burnout: A Randomized Clinical Trial” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11722457/pdf/nihpp-2024.12.31.24319806v1.pdf )  Lewis and colleagues performed a randomized clinical trial of the effectiveness of Mindfulness training (8-wks of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction – MBSR) with or without an additional Psychedelic drug (psilocybin) on the mental health of healthcare workers suffering from burnout and depression.

 

They found that the addition of the psychedelic drug significantly increased the relief of depression, burnout, and demoralization and the improvement of connectedness produced by the mindfulness training.

 

Hence, psychedelic drugs enhance the effectiveness of mindfulness training on burnout.

 

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

 

Lewis BR, Hendrick J, Byrne K, Odette M, Wu C, Garland EL. Psilocybin-Assisted Group Psychotherapy + Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) for Frontline Healthcare Provider COVID-19 Related Depression and Burnout: A Randomized Clinical Trial. medRxiv [Preprint]. 2025 Jan 1:2024.12.31.24319806. doi: 10.1101/2024.12.31.24319806. PMID: 39802794; PMCID: PMC11722457.

 

Abstract

Objective

This clinical trial sought to evaluate the safety and preliminary efficacy of psilocybin and MBSR for frontline healthcare providers with symptoms of depression and burnout related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

This was a randomized controlled trial that enrolled physicians and nurses with frontline clinical work during the COVID-19 pandemic and symptoms of depression and burnout. Participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either an 8-week MBSR curriculum alone or an 8-week MBSR curriculum plus group psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) with 25mg psilocybin. Symptoms of depression and burnout were assessed at baseline, and 2-weeks and 6-months post intervention utilizing the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptoms (QIDS-SR-16) and Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services Survey for Medical Professionals (MBI-HSS-MP), respectively. Secondary outcome measures included the Demoralization Scale (DS-II) and the Watt’s Connectedness Scale (WCS). Adverse events and suicidality were assessed through 6-month follow-up.

Results

25 participants were enrolled and randomized. There were 12 study-related AEs recorded that were Grade 1-2 and no serious AEs. There was larger decrease in QIDS score for the MBSR+PAP arm compared to MBSR-only from baseline to 2-weeks post-intervention and significant between-group differences favoring MBSR+PAP on subscales of the MBI-HSS-MP as well as the DS-II and WCS.

Conclusions

Group psilocybin-assisted therapy plus MBSR was associated with clinically significant improvement in depressive symptoms without serious adverse events and with greater reduction in symptoms than MBSR alone. Study findings suggest that integrating psilocybin with mindfulness training may represent a promising treatment for depression and burnout among physicians and nurses.

 

Mindfulness and Humor Reduce Stress and Improve Well-Being

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Mindfulness, Communication and Humor: Navigating Remission

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “Mindfulness Interfused with Humor: Insights From a Randomized Controlled Trial of a Humor-Enriched Mindfulness-Based Program” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11785597/ )  Kastner examined the effects of mindfulness training (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction; MBSR) either alone or mixed with humor on participants well-being. They found that whether mixed with humor or not, mindfulness training reduced perceived stress and increased psychological well-being and life satisfaction.

 

So, mindfulness improves the psychological state of normal adults.

 

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

 

Kastner CT. Mindfulness Interfused with Humor: Insights From a Randomized Controlled Trial of a Humor-Enriched Mindfulness-Based Program. Mindfulness (N Y). 2025;16(1):186-204. doi: 10.1007/s12671-024-02491-7. Epub 2025 Jan 6. PMID: 39898273; PMCID: PMC11785597.

 

Abstract

Objectives

Both mindfulness and humor are inherently connected to well-being. Recent research found evidence for their combined effect in a joint training, the Humor-Enriched Mindfulness-Based Program (HEMBP). This study extends these findings by exploring (1) effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) on different forms of humor, (2) differential effects of the HEMBP on outcomes compared to MBSR, and (3) whether the HEMBP and MBSR may alter worldviews.

Method

Ninety participants were randomly allocated to three conditions: the HEMBP, MBSR, and a wait-list control group. Participants’ mindfulness, psychological well-being, life satisfaction, perceived stress, comic styles, and primal world beliefs (primals) were assessed before and after the trainings, and at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-ups. Changes in outcome variables over time were modeled by applying linear mixed-effects models.

Results

The HEMBP enhanced participants’ mindfulness, benevolent humor, psychological well-being, and life satisfaction compared to the wait-list control. Similarly, MBSR increased participants’ mindfulness and life satisfaction while reducing perceived stress and primal good, but no effects on humor were observed. Comparison between the two trainings revealed trends toward a greater increase in benevolent humor in the HEMBP group and a greater decrease in good in the MBSR group.

Conclusion

The results largely replicate previous research on the efficacy of the HEMBP. Both programs demonstrated similar effects on outcomes, with only the HEMBP increasing benevolent humor and psychological well-being, while MBSR reduced stress. Further research is needed to investigate qualitative aspects of the integration of humor in MBPs and the long-term impact of MBPs on individuals’ worldviews.

 

Deep Meditative States are Associated with Disruption of Brain Cortical Circuits

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Discover the Secret to How to Get Into Deep Meditation

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “Multimodal neurophenomenology of advanced concentration absorption meditation: An intensively sampled case study of Jhana” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11770875/ ) Chowdhury and colleagues studied brain activity during deep absorptive meditative states. These states are associated with intense concentration and feelings of bliss, peace, and clarity. They report that during these meditative states the activity of primary neural circuits in the brain are dysregulated (disrupted). This suggests that deep meditation practice deconstructs the brain’s cortical hierarchy, likely inhibiting thoughts and imagery.

 

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

 

Chowdhury A, Bianciardi M, Chapdelaine E, Riaz OS, Timmermann C, van Lutterveld R, Sparby T, Sacchet MD. Multimodal neurophenomenology of advanced concentration absorption meditation: An intensively sampled case study of Jhana. Neuroimage. 2025 Jan;305:120973. doi: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2024.120973. Epub 2024 Dec 14. PMID: 39681243; PMCID: PMC11770875.

 

Abstract

Using a combination of fMRI, EEG, and phenomenology ratings, we examined the neurophenomenology of advanced concentrative absorption meditation, namely jhanas (ACAM-J), in a practitioner with over 23,000 h of meditation practice. Our study shows that ACAM-J states induce reliable changes in conscious experience and that these experiences are related to neural activity. Using resting-state fMRI functional connectivity, we found that ACAM-J is associated with decreased within-network modularity, increased global functional connectivity (GFC), and desegregation of the default mode and visual networks. Compared to control tasks, the ACAM-J were also related to widespread decreases in broadband EEG oscillatory power and increases in Lempel-Ziv complexity (LZ, a measure of brain entropy). Some fMRI findings varied by the control task used, while EEG results remained consistent, emphasizing both shared and unique neural features of ACAM-J. These differences in fMRI and EEG-measured neurophysiological properties correlated with specific changes in phenomenology – and especially with ACAM-J-induced states of bliss – enriching our understanding of these advanced meditative states. Our results show that advanced meditation practices markedly dysregulate high-level brain systems via practices of enhanced attention to sensations, corroborating recent neurocognitive theories of meditation as the deconstruction of the brain’s cortical hierarchy. Overall, our results suggest that ACAM-J is associated with the modulation of large-scale brain networks in both fMRI and EEG, with potential implications for understanding the mechanisms of deep concentration practices and their effects on subjective experience.

Yoga Lessens Depression in Pregnant Women

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Yoga in pregnancy: Many poses are safer than once thought - Harvard Health

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “. Effects of yoga on depressive symptoms in women with pregnancy: A systematic review and meta-analysis” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11758411/ ) Punsuwun and colleagues review and summarize the published research studies on the effectiveness of yoga practice on the mood of pregnant women. They found that the research reports that yoga practice significantly reduces depression in pregnant women.

 

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

 

Punsuwun S, Oerther S, Reangsing C. Effects of yoga on depressive symptoms in women with pregnancy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Heliyon. 2025 Jan 3;11(1):e41664. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2025.e41664. PMID: 39866491; PMCID: PMC11758411.

Abstract

Background

While electroconvulsive therapy and antidepressants are standard treatments for depressed pregnant women, they are not without threats. The objective of this study was to quantitative synthesis of the literature regarding the effect of yoga interventions on depressive symptoms in pregnant women.

Methods

Nine electronic databases were searched for primary studies with pregnant women with depression measured as outcomes and written in English. Based on the random-effects model, we used Hedges’ g to compute the effect size and examined the subgroup analysis.

Results

We found twelve primary studies which included 738 participants who were 28.43 ± 1.92 years old across studies. The overall effect size using random-effects model was g = 1.120 (95%CI .52, 1.72, p < .001). Providing yoga to pregnant women with mood disorder had a lesser effect size (g = .10) than providing yoga to pregnant women without a mood disorder (g = 1.45). Funded studies had a lesser ES (g = .51) than those with unfunded (g = 1.98). Proving yoga in Eastern countries had a greater ES (g = 1.82) than providing yoga in Western (g = .40). No quality indicators showed moderator effects.

Conclusion

When compared to controls, pregnant women who practiced yoga reported significantly improved depressive symptoms. Yoga might be an alternative complementary therapy that clinicians and other healthcare professionals might think about utilizing to help pregnant women who are depressed.

 

Tai Chi Improves Cognitive and Physical Function in Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment

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Tai Chi Might Help Seniors Counter Mild Cognitive Decline

Tai Chi Improves Cognitive and Physical Function in Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment

 

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “Effects of tai chi based on information and communication technology for patients with mild cognitive impairment on cognitive and physical function: a systematic review and meta-analysis” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11748305/ ) Li and colleagues review, summarize and perform a meta-analysis of the published research studies on the effectiveness of Tai Chi practice for the treatment of cognitive and physical abilities in patients with mild cognitive impairment. They report that the published research studies demonstrate that Tai Chi practice improves both cognitive and physical function in these patients.

 

Treat mild cognitive impairment with Tai Chi practice.

 

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

 

Li Y, Wang Q, Ren Y, Mao X. Effects of tai chi based on information and communication technology for patients with mild cognitive impairment on cognitive and physical function: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Public Health. 2025 Jan 7;12:1495645. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1495645. PMID: 39839400; PMCID: PMC11748305.

 

Abstract

Objective

This study evaluated the effectiveness of tai chi, enhanced by communication technologies, in improving cognitive and physical functioning in patients with mild cognitive impairment, and to compare these effects with traditional tai chi.

Methods

A systematic search across four academic databases identified 16 studies with 1,877 participants. Data were expressed as weighted or standardized mean differences with 95% confidence intervals.

Results

A meta-analysis revealed significant improvements in Mini-Mental State Examination scores and Timed Up and Go results in patients with mild cognitive impairment following tai chi intervention. Subgroup analysis indicated that both communication technology-based tai chi and traditional tai chi produced varying improvements in cognitive and physical function.

Conclusion

This study confirms the importance of tai chi for cognitive and physical functioning in patients with mild cognitive impairment. Compared with traditional tai chi, communication technology-based tai chi showed greater benefits in promoting rehabilitation. The effective and feasible interventions could improve the physical health of many older adult patients, these findings provide valuable insights and decision-making guidance for clinical practice and public health with older patients with mild cognitive impairment.

 

Spirituality Reduces Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Patients

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What is Spirituality? | Read & Be Well | Canyon Ranch

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “Spirituality-Based Intervention in Hypertension: EFfects on Blood PrEssure and EndotheliaL Function—FEEL Trial Results” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11759529/) Teixeira and colleagues trained hypertensive patients in spirituality including training in forgiveness, gratitude, optimism, and life purpose. Compared to an untrained control group, the training resulted in significant decreases in systolic blood pressure.

 

So, improve hypertension with spirituality.

 

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

 

Teixeira MEF, Barroso WKS, Brandão AA, Sousa ALL, Esporcatte R, de Borba MHE, Baleeiro ACNÁ, Gonçalves BC, Inumaru E, de Sousa EM, Leal GB, de Araújo Pereira Farias HS, de Souza JA, da Silva LEB, de Paiva Queiroz MC, Moreira FR, de Oliveira Vitorino PV, Eikelboom J, Avezum Á. Spirituality-Based Intervention in Hypertension: EFfects on Blood PrEssure and EndotheliaL Function—FEEL Trial Results. Glob Heart. 2025 Jan 21;20(1):6. doi: 10.5334/gh.1390. PMCID: PMC11759529.

 

Abstract

Background:

Emerging evidence suggests that spirituality improves patient outcomes, however, this has undergone only limited evaluation in randomized trials. Hypertension is a major cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide.

Objectives:

To evaluate whether a spirituality-based intervention, compared to a control group, can reduce blood pressure (BP) and improve endothelial function after 12 weeks in patients with mild or moderate hypertension (HTN).

Methods:

Open randomized controlled trial of adults with stage I or II hypertension. Following baseline evaluation, including lifestyle questionnaires, and measurements of office and central blood pressure (BP), home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) and flow mediated dilation (FMD), patients were randomized to a spirituality-based intervention, which included training for forgiveness, gratitude, optimism, and life purpose delivered by daily WhatsApp communications, or to the control group (CG). Main outcomes were between group difference in change from baseline to 12 weeks in office and central BP, HBPM and FMD, using t-tests, analyses of covariance (ANCOVA) adjusting for baseline differences, and, in addition, missing data imputation as a sensitivity analysis.

Results:

Fifty-one patients were randomized to spirituality-based intervention and 49 to control group. Baseline characteristics were well balanced between groups. Spirituality training, compared with control, improved 7.6 mmHg office systolic blood pressure (SBP), 4.1 mmHg central SBP and 4.1 percentage points FMD. Compared to control group, t-test demonstrated statistical significance for office SBP (–7.04 mmHg, p = 0.047) and FMD (7.46 percentage points, p < 0.001), and ANCOVA adjustment for baseline differences showed statistical significance for central SBP (–6.99 mmHg, p = 0.038) and FFMD (7.95 percentage points, p < 0.001) There was no significant effect on HBPM.

Conclusion:

A spirituality-based intervention was associated with improved control of office SBP and FMD. These findings will be prospectively evaluated in a nationwide larger and well-powered RCT.

Mindful Meditators are More Environmentally Friendly

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May be an image of grass
By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

In today’s Research News article “How does meditation relate to quality of life, positive lifestyle habits and carbon footprint?” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11730546/) Somarathne and colleagues examined the environmentally friendly behaviors of skilled meditators. They found that meditator’s mindfulness was associated with higher levels of environmentally friendly behaviors.

Hence, mindfulness is associated with environmentally friendly behaviors.

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

Somarathne EASK, Gunathunga MW, Lokupitiya E. How does meditation relate to quality of life, positive lifestyle habits and carbon footprint? Heliyon. 2024 Dec 12;11(1):e41144. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e41144. PMID: 39811348; PMCID: PMC11730546.

Abstract
There is increasing scientific interest in the potential links between meditation practice and pro-environmental behaviours. The present research investigates relationships between Vipassana meditation experience (temporal variables of meditation, five facets of trait mindfulness), positive lifestyle habits (PLH), quality of life (QoL) and per-head carbon footprint (CF) among 25 skilled meditators. Self-reported validated questionnaires were given to a group of native speakers of Sri Lanka to collect data on meditation experience, PLH, and perceived QoL. In estimating CF four domains (food and beverage consumption, electricity consumption, traveling and solid waste disposal) were considered. Correlation analyses revealed that trait mindfulness showed strong associations (r > 0.4) with PLH. None of the temporal variables of meditation experience was significantly correlated with any domain of CF. Two facets of mindfulness (observing and non-reactivity to present-moment experience) demonstrated statistically strong associations (p < 0.05) with perceived QoL. It was found that the PLH significantly mediates the relationship between the observing facet of trait mindfulness and CF associated with food and beverage consumption (indirect effect – 0.002, SE = 0.001 95 % CI [0.010, 0.417]). Further, the relationship between acting with awareness and CF associated with solid waste disposal at landfill sites was significantly mediated by the PLH (indirect effect – (−0.003), SE = 0.003 95 % CI [-0.012, −0.0001]). The current study will serve as a foundation for future longitudinal studies on the same subject by providing evidence for the relationships between meditation experience and PLH, perceived QoL and CF

Mindfulness Improves the Symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents

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child with ADHD symptomsBy John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

In today’s Research News article “Assessing the impact of mindfulness programs on attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents: a systematic review” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11730125/)  Sultan and colleagues review and summarize the research studies on the effectiveness of mindfulness training in treating the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents. They report that mindfulness training significantly improves attention and reduces hyperactivity and impulsiveness in children and adolescents.

Improve ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents with mindfulness.

 

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

 

Sultan MA, Nawaz FA, Alattar B, Khalaf E, Shadan S, El-Abiary N, Tegginmani S, Qasba RK, Jogia J. Assessing the impact of mindfulness programs on attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents: a systematic review. BMC Pediatr. 2025 Jan 14;25(1):32. doi: 10.1186/s12887-024-05310-z. PMID: 39810118; PMCID: PMC11730125. Abstract

Background

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder which poses challenges for the individuals with the disorder and their families. While stimulant medications are effective, a comprehensive approach, including psychosocial and behavioral interventions, is recommended. There is a growing body of research exploring the potential benefits of mindfulness-based interventions for children with ADHD. Our study aims to assess the effectiveness of mindfulness interventions in reducing ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents through a systematic review of relevant studies.

Methods

Following PRISMA guidelines, our systematic review searched PubMed, Cochrane library, Psycinfo, and Scopus from January 2000 to August 2022. We included studies focusing on mindfulness for pediatric ADHD, comprising various study designs with a minimum 8-week duration. Descriptive statistics summarized results, while risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane RoB and ROBANS tools. The quality of RCTs was further evaluated using the Correlation of Quality Measures tool.

Results

In the initial search, 450 records were identified, and after removing duplicates, 339 underwent screening. Forty-one studies underwent full text assessment for eligibility, with 11 studies meeting inclusion criteria, including seven RCTs, two Quasi RCTs, and three cohort studies. These studies, conducted in five countries, involved participants aged 7 to 18 years. Six studies showed improvement in hyperactivity/inattentive symptoms, and five studies showed improvement in impulsivity.

Conclusions

This systematic review demonstrates the potential benefits of mindfulness programs on ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents. This study emphasizes the need for high-quality research to explore mindfulness-based interventions for ADHD management in younger populations.