Mindfulness

Improve Well-Being with Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)

psyjdc Leave a comment

Guy Checking Smartwatch When Meditating In Lotus Pose - Stock Video | Motion Array

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “Mindfulness-based stress reduction training supplemented with physiological signals from smartwatch improves mindfulness and reduces stress, but not anxiety and depression” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12017836/ ) Sumińska and colleagues examined the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) therapy alone or in combination with smartwatch provided feedback on heart rate, breath, and movement. They found that MBSR produced significant increases in mindfulness and significant decreases in stress, anxiety, eating disorder symptoms, and intrusive ruminations. The addition of smartwatch physiological feedback further enhanced mindfulness.

 

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) training improves well-being.

 

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

 

Sumińska S, Rynkiewicz A. Mindfulness-based stress reduction training supplemented with physiological signals from smartwatch improves mindfulness and reduces stress, but not anxiety and depression. PLoS One. 2025;20(4):e0322413. Published 2025 Apr 23. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0322413

 

Abstract

Introduction

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) helps counteract the negative consequences of stress. An essential aspect of mind-body therapies is learning to be mindful of emotional reactions and bodily sensations, a process defined as interoceptive awareness. This awareness can also be enhanced by providing physiological feedback from a smartwatch. However, the impact of using smartwatch-generated physiological signals during mindfulness training has not been studied yet. The study aims at verifying, whether physiological signals from a smartwatch would support the MBSR.

Methods

We conducted a mixed-design randomized controlled trial to investigate the effects of MBSR training, with and without monitoring physiological signals via a smartwatch, on mental functioning parameters, with measurements taken at baseline and after 8 weeks. Participants were classified into three groups (N = 72): the MBSR group, the MBSR + smartwatch group, and the control group. Between measurement sessions, two groups of participants were engaged in MBSR training, while the third group did not participate in any training.

Results

Results showed a significant reduction in subjectively perceived stress levels, eating disorder symptoms, and intrusive ruminations in both groups participating in MBSR, compared to the control group. However, a notable difference emerged between the two MBSR groups: in the group with smartwatches, a significant increase in mindfulness was observed. In contrast, in the MBSR group without smartwatches, there was a significant decrease across multiple stress-related components, including: anxiety, cognitive impairment, addictions, sleep disorders symptoms, behaviors indicating lack of entertainment, and poor functioning.

Conclusions

The results suggest that supplementing MBSR with monitoring interoceptive signals by a smartwatch enhances mindfulness, and maintains the effect of stress and eating disorders symptoms reduction but does not decrease anxiety nor improve general mental functioning. This imposes the need for further research to investigate mechanisms involved when observing interoceptive signals by a smartwatch.

 

Mindfulness is not Improved by Neurofeedback

psyjdc Leave a comment

Figure 1

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “Consumer-Grade Neurofeedback With Mindfulness Meditation: Meta-Analysis” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12046271/) Treves and colleagues reviewed, summarized, and performed a meta-analysis of the published research studies on the effectiveness of neurofeedback, produced by a readily available commercial neurofeedback device, on mindfulness, and physiological and psychological health. They report that the published findings found only a small positive effect on psychological distress but, in general, no effects on mindfulness or physiological and psychological health.

 

Neurofeedback does no improve 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

 

Treves I, Bajwa Z, Greene KD, et al. Consumer-Grade Neurofeedback With Mindfulness Meditation: Meta-Analysis. J Med Internet Res. 2025;27:e68204. Published 2025 Apr 17. doi:10.2196/68204

 

Abstract

Background

There is burgeoning interest in the application of neuroscientific technology to facilitate meditation and lead to beneficial psychological outcomes. One popular approach is using consumer-grade neurofeedback devices to deliver feedback on brain targets during meditation (mindfulness-based neurofeedback). It is hypothesized that optimizing brain targets like alpha and theta band activity may allow meditators to experience deeper mindfulness and thus beneficial outcomes.

Objective

This study aimed to systematically review and meta-analyze the impacts of consumer-grade mindfulness-based neurofeedback compared with control conditions. Included studies involved mindfulness practice operationalized as open monitoring or focused attention meditation. This study was preregistered.

Methods

A total of 16 randomized controlled training trials, as well as 5 randomized within-participant designs were included, encompassing 763 and 167 unique participants, respectively. Effects were categorized outcomes (ie, psychological distress, cognitive function, and physiological health) and process variables (ie, state mindfulness and brain measures). Study risk of bias, reporting bias, and publication bias were assessed.

Results

Samples were typically small (n=30-50), and the majority of studies used mindfulness apps as controls. To deliver neurofeedback, most studies used the Muse device (11/16 randomized controlled trials [RCTs]). There was a modest effect for decreases in psychological distress compared with controls (k=11, g=–0.16, P=.03), and heterogeneity was low (I2< 0.25). However, there was no evidence for improvements in cognition (k=7, g=0.07, P=.48), mindfulness (k=9, g=0.02, P=.83), and physiological health (k=7, g=0.11, P=.57) compared to controls. Mechanistic modulation of brain targets was not found in RCTs or within-participant designs. Sex (male or female), age, clinical status, study quality, active or passive controls, sample size, and neurofeedback duration did not moderate effects. There was some evidence for reporting bias, but no evidence of publication bias. Adverse effects were not assessed in 19 out of 21 studies and not found in the 2 studies that assessed them.

Conclusions

Assertions that consumer-grade devices can allow participants to modulate their brains and deepen their meditations are not currently supported. It is possible that neurofeedback effects may rely on “neurosuggestion” (placebo effects of neurotechnology). Future research should examine more extensive calibration and individualization of devices, larger sample sizes, and gold-standard sham-controlled RCTs.

 

Mindfulness and Feelings of Safety are Related to Greater Relationship and Sexual Satisfaction

psyjdc Leave a comment

Mindfulness Helps Boost Sexual Satisfaction (Study) | Guy Counseling

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “A Machine Learning Approach for Investigating Variable Importance in Relationship and Sexual Satisfaction: The Role of Interpersonal Mindfulness and Psychological Safety” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12022470/ ) Dias Martins and colleagues studied the relationships between interpersonal mindfulness and psychological safety with relationship and sexual satisfaction in committed relationships. They report that greater relationship satisfaction is associated with higher levels of psychological safety, mindfulness in couple relationships, and conflict resolution strategies. Whereas greater sexual satisfaction appears to be associated with higher levels of psychological safety and conflict resolution strategies.

 

Mindfulness and psychological safety are associated with greater relationship and sexual satisfaction.

 

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

 

Dias Martins C, Vergara RC, Khoury B. A Machine Learning Approach for Investigating Variable Importance in Relationship and Sexual Satisfaction: The Role of Interpersonal Mindfulness and Psychological Safety. J Marital Fam Ther. 2025;51(2):e70026. doi:10.1111/jmft.70026

 

ABSTRACT

Numerous studies have shown that mindfulness is positively associated with relationship and sexual satisfaction. However, most have examined the benefits of intrapersonal or trait mindfulness, rather than directly investigating interpersonal mindfulness or considering polyvagal theory. Our main objective was to determine the variable importance of interpersonal mindfulness and psychological safety for relationship and sexual satisfaction using random forests and regression trees and to explore the importance of demographics, social and couple‐related factors, and emotional wellbeing in this analysis. 356 adults in committed romantic relationships were recruited for a self‐report survey. Results suggested that mindfulness in couple relationships, psychological safety, conflict strategies, and depression symptoms were of top importance for relationship and sexual satisfaction. Limitations and future directions involving dyadic data and physiological measures were discussed. The findings will inform the development of interpersonal mindfulness‐ and polyvagal‐based interventions aimed at promoting safety and stability in relationships while enhancing personal wellbeing.

 

Psychedelic Use and Meditation Complement Each Other’s Impacts

psyjdc 1 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.

 

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.

 

Mindfulness-Based Therapies Reduce Migraine Frequency and Disability

psyjdc Leave a comment

How Can Mindfulness Meditation Help with Migraines? | The Mindfulness Meditation Institute

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “Behavioral interventions for migraine prevention: 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/PMC11951403/ ) Treadwell and colleagues review, summarize, and perform a meta-analysis of the published research on the effectiveness of mindfulness-based therapies for the treatment of migraine headaches. They report that the research indicates that mindfulness-based therapies are effective in reducing the frequency of migraine headaches and the disability produced by the headaches.

 

Treat migraines 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

 

Treadwell JR, Tsou AY, Rouse B, Ivlev I, Fricke J, Buse DC, Powers SW, Minen M, Szperka CL, Mull NK. Behavioral interventions for migraine prevention: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Headache. 2025 Apr;65(4):668-694. doi: 10.1111/head.14914. Epub 2025 Feb 19. PMID: 39968795; PMCID: PMC11951403.

Abstract

Objectives/Background

This study was undertaken to synthesize evidence on the benefits and harms of behavioral interventions for migraine prevention in children and adults. The efficacy and safety of behavioral interventions for migraine prevention have not been tested in recent systematic reviews.

Methods

An expert panel including clinical psychologists, neurologists, primary care physicians, researchers, funders, individuals with migraine, and their caregivers informed the scope and methods. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, clinicaltrials.gov, and gray literature for English‐language randomized trials (January 1, 1975 to August 24, 2023) of behavioral interventions for preventing migraine attacks. Primary outcomes were migraine/headache frequency, migraine disability, and migraine‐related quality of life. One reviewer extracted data and rated the risk of bias, and a second verified data for completeness and accuracy. Data were synthesized with meta‐analysis when deemed appropriate, and we rated the strength of evidence (SOE) using established methods.

Results

For adults, we included 50 trials (77 publications, N = 6024 adults). Most interventions were multicomponent (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy [CBT], biofeedback, relaxation training, mindfulness‐based therapies, and/or education). Most trials were at high risk of bias, primarily due to possible measurement bias and incomplete data. For adults, we found that any of three components (CBT, relaxation training, mindfulness‐based therapies) may reduce migraine/headache attack frequency (SOE: low). Education alone that targets behavior may improve migraine‐related disability (SOE: low). For three other interventions (biofeedback, acceptance and commitment therapy, and hypnotherapy), evidence was insufficient to permit conclusions. We also found that mindfulness‐based therapies may reduce migraine disability more than education, and relaxation + education may improve migraine‐related quality of life more than propranolol (SOE: low). For children/adolescents, we included 13 trials (16 publications, N = 1444 children), but the evidence was only sufficient to conclude that CBT + biofeedback + relaxation training may reduce migraine attack frequency and disability more than education alone (SOE: low).

Conclusion

Results suggest that for adults, CBT, relaxation training, and mindfulness‐based therapies may each reduce the frequency of migraine/headache attacks, and education alone may reduce disability. For children/adolescents, CBT + biofeedback + relaxation training may reduce migraine attack frequency and disability more than education alone. Evidence consisted primarily of underpowered trials of multicomponent interventions compared with various types of control groups. Limitations include semantic inconsistencies in the literature since 1975, differential usage of treatment components, expectation effects for subjectively reported outcomes, incomplete data, and unclear dosing effects. Future research should enroll children and adolescents, standardize intervention components when possible to improve reproducibility, consider smart study designs and personalized therapies based on individual characteristics, use comparison groups that control for expectation, which is a known challenge in behavioral trials, enroll and retain larger samples, study emerging digital and telehealth modes of care delivery, improve the completeness of data collection, and establish or update clinical trial conduct and reporting guidelines that are appropriate for the conduct of studies of behavioral therapies.

 

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

psyjdc Leave a comment

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.

Mindfulness Reduces Binge Eating

psyjdc Leave a comment

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

psyjdc Leave a comment

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.