contemplative practice

Yoga is Associated with Lower Rates of Multimorbidity in Adults over 45

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Flexibility exercises, like yoga, can help maintain mobility as you age.

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “Association between yoga and multimorbidity: a nationwide study of 279,885 middle-aged and older adults” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11884150/ ) Wang and colleagues examined practice of yoga and the likelihood of adults over 45 years of age having multiple diseases, including obesity, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension. They found that the higher the duration and frequency of yoga practice the less the likelihood that the adult will have multiple diseases simultaneously.

 

Yoga practice is associated with lower risk of multimorbidity in older 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

 

Wang K, Wang P, Li Y, Wang C, Veldheer S, Wang F, Na M, Sun L, Gao X. Association between yoga and multimorbidity: a nationwide study of 279,885 middle-aged and older adults. BMC Public Health. 2025 Mar 6;25(1):888. doi: 10.1186/s12889-025-22035-5. PMID: 40050815; PMCID: PMC11884150.

Abstract

Background

The health benefits of exercise have been well-established, but the specific role of yoga in multimorbidity was less understood. This study aimed to examine the association between yoga and multimorbidity in comparison with other exercises or non-exercise.

Methods

This cross-sectional study pooled nationally representative surveys from Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) (2015, 2017, and 2019), and classified 279,885 participants aged 45 + years as yoga practitioners, other exercisers, and non-exercisers. Multinominal and binary logistic regressions were separately used for association of yoga with multimorbidity (coexistence of ≥ 2 conditions) and individual chronic conditions. Potential effect modification by age, sex, education level, and race/ethnicity was examined. We further assessed the dose-response association of duration and frequency of yoga practice with multimorbidity.

Results

The adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for yoga practitioners (n = 5081) vs. other exercisers (n = 192,718) were 0.69 (95% CI 0.55–0.86) for coexistence of two conditions, and 0.72 (95%CI 0.58–0.89) for coexistence of ≥ 3 conditions. The associations were stronger (ORs ranged from 0.43 to 0.52; P < 0.0001 for all) when comparing yoga practitioners with non-exercisers (n = 82,086), which were more pronounced in women relative to men (P-interaction < 0.05). Increased duration or frequency of yoga practice was associated with lower odds of multimorbidity in a dose-response manner (P for trend<0.0001 for all). Similar inverse associations were observed between yoga and individual chronic conditions.

Conclusion

Yoga was associated with lower odds of multimorbidity in middle-aged and older adults, relative to other exercises or non-exercise.

 

Mindfulness is Associated with Greater Subjective, and Psychological Well-Being

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What Is Subjective Well-Being? 8 Ways to Improve Yours

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “Mindfulness, subjective, and psychological well-being: A comparative analysis of FFMQ and MAAS measures” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11914683/ )  Stuart-Edwards examined the relationships of mindfulness with subjective and psychological well-being. She found that mindfulness promoted subjective and psychological well-being by improving self‐efficacy, optimism, hope, and resiliency.

 

Improve well-being 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

 

Stuart-Edwards A. Mindfulness, subjective, and psychological well-being: A comparative analysis of FFMQ and MAAS measures. Appl Psychol Health Well Being. 2025 May;17(2):e70019. doi: 10.1111/aphw.70019. PMID: 40098329; PMCID: PMC11914683.

 

Abstract

This study investigates the relationships of mindfulness with subjective well‐being and psychological well‐being through the mediating role of psychological capital. It also compares the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) and the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) in relation to these outcomes. Using a randomized controlled design, 185 participants from Prolific completed a brief two‐week mindfulness intervention, with one pre‐ and two post‐intervention measures. While the intervention effects were limited, the findings reveal that mindfulness is positively and similarly associated with both SWB and PWB, with stronger indirect links to PWB via PsyCap. While both measures of mindfulness had similar relationships with all outcomes, the multidimensional FFMQ offered additional insights, identifying the “describing” facet as particularly influential for both SWB and PWB, informing new potential paths for theorizing and practice.

Meditation Improves Attention

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How to Help Patients Improve Sustained Attention - HappyNeuron Pro - Blog

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “The impact of meditation on sustained attention in nonclinical population: An extensive review” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11925505/ )  Roy and Subramanya review and summarize the published research on the impact of focused and open monitoring meditation on sustained attention. They report that the published research found that both meditation techniques significant improved sustained attention while focused meditation additionally significantly lowering perceived stress.

 

Improve attention with 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

 

Roy A, Subramanya P. The impact of meditation on sustained attention in nonclinical population: An extensive review. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2025 Mar-Apr;16(2):101057. doi: 10.1016/j.jaim.2024.101057. Epub 2025 Mar 4. PMCID: PMC11925505.

 

Abstract

Background

Meditation, encompassing focussed attention (FA) and open monitoring (OM) approaches, is recognised for its potential to enhance cognitive functions. Sustained attention, a critical component of attentional processes, influences cognitive capacity and is linked to meditation benefits. However, a robust and extensive review analysis needs to address the specific relationship between meditation and sustained attention in nonclinical populations.

Methods

Following PRISMA guidelines, the authors reviewed English articles published from 2013 to 2023 in Q1 SCOPUS-indexed journals. Inclusion criteria comprised original research studies exploring the impact of meditation on sustained attention in healthy individuals. The modified Jadad Scale assessed methodological quality.

Results

12 studies (four RCTs, eight non-RCTs) with 1447 participants were included. Concentrative or FA meditation demonstrated consistent positive effects on sustained attention, including reduced perceived stress and increased focussed attention. OM meditation significantly improved sustained attention, as evidenced by reduced mind wandering and enhanced N2 responses. Meditators consistently outperformed non-meditators in sustained attention tasks, demonstrating faster reactions and lower error rates.

Discussion

This review explored the impact of meditation on sustained attention across diverse non-clinical populations through 12 investigations involving 1447 subjects with meditation interventions spanning from 21 days to 3 months. The study revealed that both FA and OM meditation approaches positively impact sustained attention, highlighting their potential role in enhancing cognitive function. Meditators consistently exhibited superior sustained attention abilities, suggesting the cognitive benefits of regular meditation practice. The findings of this study are consistent with prior research, contributing to the growing body of knowledge on the advantageous impacts of meditation on sustained attention. However, caution is needed in generalizing findings due to study limitations. Future research should use standardized methodologies and conduct longer-term follow-ups to better elucidate the effects of meditation interventions on sustained attention across diverse populations.

 

Mindfulness Reduces Binge Eating

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Let's Talk About Binge Eating Disorder (BED) - Behavioral Health Clinic | Counseling & Therapy Services

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “Mindfulness-based interventions for binge eating: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11893636/ ) Liu and colleagues review, summarize, and perform a meta-analysis on published research studies on the application of mindfulness therapies on binge eating. They report that the published research found that mindfulness therapies significantly reduced binge eating.

 

Use mindfulness therapies to treat binge eating.

 

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 J, Tynan M, Mouangue A, Martin C, Manasse S, Godfrey K. Mindfulness-based interventions for binge eating: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis. J Behav Med. 2025 Feb;48(1):57-89. doi: 10.1007/s10865-025-00550-5. Epub 2025 Feb 20. PMID: 39979674; PMCID: PMC11893636.

 

Abstract

Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have gained popularity in recent years in treating binge eating. Previous reviews and meta-analyses have found that MBIs demonstrated medium-large to large effects in reducing binge eating. However, as the literature on this topic has been growing rapidly, an updated review on MBIs’ effectiveness is much needed. This study is a 10-year update of the Godfrey, Gallo, & Afari (2015) systematic review and meta-analysis of MBIs for binge eating. PubMED, PsycINFO, and Web of Science were searched using keywords including binge eating, overeating, objective bulimic episodes, acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness, meditation, and mindful eating. Results indicate there has been a large increase in the number of studies testing MBIs for binge eating in the past 10 years with 54 studies meeting inclusion criteria, compared to 19 ten years ago. The majority of the studies yielded large and medium effect sizes. The random effects meta-analysis of between-group effect sizes yielded medium-large effects for MBIs versus non-psychological intervention controls at post-treatment (mean Hedge’s g = − 0.65) and follow-up (mean Hedge’s g = − 0.71), and negligible effects for MBIs versus active psychological controls at post-treatment (mean Hedge’s g = − 0.05) and follow-up (mean Hedge’s g = 0.13). Of all MBIs, DBT had the most studies with large effects. More studies examined MBIs that directly targeted binge eating had larger effects than studies with MBIs targeting other health outcomes (with binge eating as a secondary outcome). New studies included in the current review were internationally-conducted, focused more on participants with overweight or obesity, involved more self-help and technology-based components, and had more novel and innovative interventions components. Future MBIs research should conduct more RCTs comparing MBIs with other psychological interventions, conduct meta-analyses to examine the effectiveness of different types of MBIs and intervention targets, and extend follow-up periods.

 

Relieve Acute Stress Responses to Traumatic Bone Fractures with Mindfulness

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Fracture Treatment for Most Common Types of Fractures - Propel Physiotherapy

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “The Role of Mindfulness Decompression Therapy in Managing Acute Stress Disorder in Traumatic Fracture Patients” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11726210/ ) Chen and colleagues examined the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) therapy in alleviating the acute stress responses following traumatic bone fractures. These stress responses include traumatic experiences, persistent tension, irritability, and sleep disorders. They found that MBSR produced significant reductions in these acute stress response symptoms.

 

Treatment with Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) alleviates the acute stress response as a result of traumatic bone fractures.

 

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

 

Chen X, Tian C, Zhang Y, Fu Y, Han W, Zhang R. The Role of Mindfulness Decompression Therapy in Managing Acute Stress Disorder in Traumatic Fracture Patients. Actas Esp Psiquiatr. 2025 Jan;53(1):71-79. doi: 10.62641/aep.v53i1.1668. PMID: 39801417; PMCID: PMC11726210.

Abstract

Background:

Traumatic fractures are common orthopedic injuries with higher incidence globally, leading to acute stress disorder (ASD). Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the clinical outcomes of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) therapy in patients with traumatic bone fractures suffering from ASD.

Methods:

This study included 135 patients who underwent trauma and fracture treatment at The 305th Hospital of the PLA between August 2021 and August 2023. Based on their participation in MBSR therapy, they were categorized into a conventional group (n = 62) and a combined group (n = 73). We comparatively analyzed the ASD Scale (ASDS), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), Self-Rating Sleep Status Scale (SRSS), and World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL) measurement–BREF (WHOQOL–BREF) scores between these two experimental groups. Furthermore, we assessed the incidence of ASD after treatment between these two groups.

Results:

There were no significant differences in gender, age, body mass index, education, income, type of expense, trauma type, marital status, fracture site, diabetes status, hypertension status, and the pain visual analog scale (VAS) score, activities of daily living (i.e., modified Barthel index) score, and Social Support Rating Scale score between the two experimental groups (p > 0.05). Moreover, no significant differences were found in the prevalence of ASDS before treatment between these two groups (p > 0.05). However, after treatment, the ASDS score was significantly lower in the combined group than in the conventional group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, post-management analysis revealed that the incidence rate of ASD was 24.19% in the conventional group and 8.22% in the combined group. Moreover, the incidence of ASD was significantly lower in the combined group compared to the conventional group (p < 0.05). Before intervention, the difference in the SAS or SDS between patients was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). However, following treatment, the SAS and SDS scores of patients were significantly lower in the combined group than in the conventional group (p < 0.05). Similarly, after treatment, the SRSS scores of patients were substantially lower in the combined group than in the conventional group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the WHOQOL–BREF score of patients was significantly greater in the combined group than in the conventional group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

MBSR therapy can significantly alleviate ASD in trauma and fracture patients. Furthermore, this approach can alleviate the incidence of ASD and reduce anxiety, depression, and negative emotions in patients. These positive effects collectively improve sleep quality and overall well-being of patients.

Change the Brain to Improve Personal Qualities with Loving Kindness Meditation

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Loving-Kindness Meditation – Teacher-Life-Coach

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “Loving-Kindness Meditation: Systematic Review of Neuroimaging Correlates in Long-Term Practitioners and Clinical Implications.” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11870839/ ) Bashir and colleagues review and summarize the published research studies on changes in the brain resulting from long-term practice of Loving Kindness Meditation (LKM). They report that the brains of LKM practitioners have changes in the superior parietal lobe, inferior frontal gyrus, medial frontal lobe, and insular cortex. These areas are associated with self‐compassion, cognitive and affective empathy, and prosociality.

 

Long-term Loving Kindness Meditation changes brain structures responsible for the personal qualities produced by the 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

 

Bashir K, Edstrom SB, Barlow SJ, Gainer D, Lewis JD. Loving-Kindness Meditation: Systematic Review of Neuroimaging Correlates in Long-Term Practitioners and Clinical Implications. Brain Behav. 2025 Mar;15(3):e70372. doi: 10.1002/brb3.70372. PMID: 40022190; PMCID: PMC11870839.

 

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Loving‐kindness meditation (LKM), a meditation type focused on nurturing love and compassion for oneself and others, has been shown to provide mental health benefits, and LKM interventions are being investigated for mental disorders. The benefits of long‐term practice, such as increased self‐compassion, greater cognitive and affective empathy, and prosocial behavior, are proposed to be due to neuroplastic changes that support well‐being. This systematic review aims to summarize the differences in brain structure and function in long‐term practitioners (LTPs) of LKM versus controls to identify possible underlying mechanisms that support mental health and drive treatment effect.

Methods

The literature search included Google Scholar, PubMed, and APA PsycINFO from inception through November 13, 2023.

Results

After review, five studies (64 LTPs and 67 controls total) were included. Brain regions with between‐group differences reported in at least two studies include the superior parietal lobe, inferior frontal gyrus, medial frontal lobe, and insular cortex.

Conclusion

These areas are responsible for self‐compassion, cognitive and affective empathy, and prosociality—personal qualities believed to be fostered through LKM practice. Longitudinal neuroimaging and neurophysiological studies incorporating LKM interventions for specific mental disorders are needed to further inform the biological basis of these treatments and may provide surrogate outcome measures for future clinical trials to refine this promising treatment modality.

 

Improve Mental Health with Mindfulness

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What Is Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)?

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Clinical Practice: A Systematic Review of Neurocognitive Outcomes and Applications for Mental Health and Well-Being” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11900371/ ) Gkintoni and colleagues reviewed and summarized the published research studies of the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) on mental health. They report that MBCT significantly reduced depression, anxiety, and stress and increased cognition and the regulation of emotions.

 

So, mindfulness-based therapy improves mental health.

 

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

 

Gkintoni E, Vassilopoulos SP, Nikolaou G. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Clinical Practice: A Systematic Review of Neurocognitive Outcomes and Applications for Mental Health and Well-Being. J Clin Med. 2025 Mar 3;14(5):1703. doi: 10.3390/jcm14051703. PMCID: PMC11900371.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: This systematic review outlines the neurocognitive outcomes and mechanisms of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) that influence subjective well-being. MBCT is a clinical intervention that integrates cognitive therapy with mindfulness practices to prevent depression relapses and improve mental health. Methods: The review focuses on the effects of MBCT on brain structure changes, cognitive processes, and emotional regulation, which are related to improvements in subjective well-being. A total of 87 studies were included in the review to assess the effectiveness of MBCT. Results: Evidence from the studies highlights the effectiveness of MBCT in reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. MBCT was also shown to enhance cognitive functions and emotional regulation across diverse populations. These findings point to the potential for MBCT to induce neuroplastic changes in the brain and widen the applicability of the treatment for a variety of disorders, calling for further research into long-term benefits and underlying neurobiological mechanisms. Conclusions: The review emphasizes the potential of MBCT to bring about neuroplastic changes, calling for further research into its long-term benefits and the underlying neurobiological mechanisms. This study underlines the need to incorporate multidisciplinary measures by integrating psychology and neuroscience to comprehend comprehensively the effects of MBCT.

 

Qigong practice reduces the disability of chronic back pain patients

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Qigong: What You Need To Know | NCCIH

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “Effect of qigong on pain and disability in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11849339/ ) Yu and colleagues review and summarize the published research on the effects of Qigong practice on the pain and disability of patients with chronic non-specific back pain. They report that the research indicates that Qigong practice produces a significant in the disability of the patients but no significant reduction in pain.

 

So, Qigong practice is beneficial for chronic back pain 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

 

Yu D, Wu M, Zhang J, Song W, Zhu L. Effect of qigong on pain and disability in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Orthop Surg Res. 2025 Feb 24;20(1):194. doi: 10.1186/s13018-025-05576-8. PMID: 39994723; PMCID: PMC11849339.

Abstract

Background

Chronic non-specific low back pain (CNLBP) is a common health problem worldwide. Patients with CNLBP often suffer from persistent pain, with a few being disabled by their pain, affecting their daily functioning and social participation. This study aims to systematically evaluate the effects of pain and dysfunction in Qigong patients with chronic non-specific back pain through systematic evaluation and gathered analysis of random control test data.

Methods

We searched nine databases from their inception dates until April 2024. Relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Patients were assessed for pain using the Visual Analog Scale and Numeric Pain Rating Scale and for disability using the Oswestry Disability Index and Roland-Morris disability questionnaire. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration tool. CMA V3.0 was used to analyze data.

Results

Sixteen RCTs involving 1175 participants were included. These studies have different designs, and the participants are mainly around 60 years old. The results showed that the qigong practice improved pain significantly more than the control measures ([Mean Difference MD] = − 1.34, 95% confidence intervals [CI] − 1.76 to − 0.92, p < 0.001 Minimal Clinically Important Differences MCID = 1.5), and the efficacy of short-term interventions (MD = − 1.88, 95% CI − 2.87 to − 0.9, p < 0.001) was superior to that of long-term interventions (MD = − 1.07, 95% CI − 1.49 to − 0.65, p < 0.001). For improvement in the degree of dysfunction, qigong practice showed a higher effect size (MD = − 5.88, 95% CI − 7.98 to − 3.78, p < 0.001 MCID = 5) than that observed in the control group.

Conclusion

Qigong practice is effective in improving disability in patients with CNLBP, but has no significant effect on improving pain. However, due to the high heterogeneity, the results need to be interpreted with caution.

 

Yoga improves physiological and psychological states

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Yoga for Exercise - The Nutrition Source

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “Long-term effects of yoga-based practices on neural, cognitive, psychological, and physiological outcomes in adults: a scoping review and evidence map.” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11884082/ ) Campelo and colleagues review and summarize the effects of long-term yoga practice on the physiological and psychological states of yoga practitioners. They report that yoga practice produces long-term changes in brain systems underlying sensorimotor, interoceptive, emotion regulation, and executive functions and in the periphery increases in parasympathetic-driven autonomic, hormonal and immune responses. Yoga practice also reduces negative emotions, psychopathology, and emotional reactivity as well as improved memory and cognition.

 

Long-term yoga practice positively alters the physiological and psychological state of the practitioners.

 

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

 

Campelo G, de Araújo JR, Aristizabal JP, de Souza W, de Castilho GM. Long-term effects of yoga-based practices on neural, cognitive, psychological, and physiological outcomes in adults: a scoping review and evidence map. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2025 Mar 6;25(1):92. doi: 10.1186/s12906-025-04825-x. PMID: 40050913; PMCID: PMC11884082.

 

Abstract

Background

Compared with short-term practices, long-term yoga might promote differential qualitative and quantitative outcomes. Following JBI’s and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, this scoping review followed an apriori and systematic protocol to document the long-term effects of yoga on neural, cognitive, psychological, and physiological outcomes, provide evidence maps for each yoga component, and summarize results identifying knowledge gaps and promising directions.

Methods

Four databases (PubMed, Cochrane, LILACS, and PubPsych) were last searched in March 2023. Studies were included if they evaluated adults with > 1 year of practice, specified yoga-based practice(s) of interest, measured neural, cognitive, psychological, and/or physiological outcomes, were written in English, Spanish, or Portuguese, presented original data, and mentioned search terms in the title/abstract. Evidence maps for each yoga component followed a 4-level structure of outcome category, method, study design and literature size. Qualitative summaries followed the same structure, to facilitate information retrieval.

Results

Out of 2270 screened studies, 65 were included (meditative studies = 36, predominantly postural studies = 25, breathing practice studies = 8). Physiologicaland neural outcomes were the most common, followed by psychological and cognitive outcomes. Although heterogeneous, neural results reveal structural and functional changes related to sensorimotor, interoceptive, emotion regulation, and executive functions. Physiologically, most studies have associated long-term practice with parasympathetic-driven autonomic, hormonal and immune responses, but some studies revealed sympathetic-driven or mixed responses, maybe due to the specific technique or individual differences. Psychological outcomes included lower levels of negative affect, psychopathological symptoms, and emotional reactivity. Cognitive measures have shown improved memory/cognition for older adults, but mixed or null effects for other constructs. Commonly, however, long-term practitioners demonstrated improved neural or physiological efficiency while performing cognitive tasks.

Conclusions

Future research should provide clear descriptions of the investigated yoga practice, employ more experimental paradigms, and refine statistical reports and models. We encourage researchers to work with specific overarching theoretical frameworks to refine research predictions, such as the neurovisceral integration model or predictive coding models; to consider motivational, cultural, and contextual factors that might influence long-term outcomes; and to develop systematic reviews and meta-analyses as next steps of evidence summary.

 

Mindfulness Reduces Stress and Improves Mental Health in Teachers

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Figure 1

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “Alleviating occupational stress in Chinese junior high school teachers: the role of mindfulness-based interventions” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11813917/ ) Bian and colleagues examined the effectiveness of an online mindfulness course on the mental health and stress levels of junior High School teachers. They found that mindfulness training reduced occupational stress and improved mental health and coping self-efficacy in the teachers.

 

So, improve mental health and reduce stress in teachers 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

 

Bian H, Jiang H. Alleviating occupational stress in Chinese junior high school teachers: the role of mindfulness-based interventions. Front Psychol. 2025 Jan 29;16:1479507. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1479507. PMID: 39944052; PMCID: PMC11813917.

 

Abstract

Introduction

Occupational stress is a significant issue among junior high school teachers in China, contributing to negative outcomes such as reduced mental health, impaired coping abilities, and decreased job satisfaction.

Methods

This quasi-experimental study investigates the impact of mindfulness-based interventions on occupational stress and mental health among junior high school teachers in China. A total of 118 teachers participated in the study, with a randomly assigned experimental group undergoing an 4-week mindfulness training program, while the control group received no intervention. Standardized measures of occupational stress, mental health, coping self-efficacy, and mindfulness were used to assess the outcomes before and after the intervention.

Findings

The findings revealed that teachers who participated in the mindfulness program experienced significant reductions in occupational stress and improvements in mental health and coping self-efficacy compared to the control group. Additionally mindfulness levels increased significantly among participants who underwent the training.

Discussion

The results suggest that mindfulness-based interventions can effectively alleviate occupational stress and enhance psychological wellbeing among junior high school teachers in China, highlighting the importance of implementing such programs to support educators in managing stress and maintaining mental health.