Mindfulness

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.

 

Mindfulness Training Decreases Stress and Depression in Older Adults

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Improve Mental Health in Older Adults with Online Meditation Practice | Contemplative Studies

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “Effectiveness of an age-modified mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) in improving mental health in older people with depressive symptoms: a non-randomised controlled trial” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11863447/ ) Wang and colleagues investigated the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) on the mental health of older adults (>60 yrs.) compared to usual care. They found that MBCT produced significant reductions in perceived stress and depression.

 

So, improve the mental health of older adults with mindfulness training.

 

CMCS – Center for Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies

 

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

 

Study Summary

 

Wang YH, Wang YL, Leung DKY, Ng ZLY, Chan OLH, Wong SMY, Chan RCL, Liu T, Wong GHY, Lum TYS. Effectiveness of an age-modified mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) in improving mental health in older people with depressive symptoms: a non-randomised controlled trial. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2025 Feb 26;25:81. doi: 10.1186/s12906-025-04781-6. PMCID: PMC11863447.

 

Abstract

Background

Emerging evidence has shown that mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is effective in improving depressive symptoms in the older population. However, the accessibility to MBCT is limited by the shortage of psychotherapists or mindfulness teachers. One potential solution is to involve social workers, who have the knowledge and skills to promote individual and community well-being in various settings, in delivering modified MBCT to enhance its accessibility and sustainability. This study examined the effectiveness of an eight-week age-modified MBCT led by different mental health professionals (mindfulness teacher only vs. mindfulness teacher and social worker) in improving mental health outcomes as compared with a control group.

Methods

Older adults (N = 112) were recruited through five community-based centres for older adults and mental wellness in Hong Kong. Participants were allocated to one of three groups: (1) mindfulness teacher-led modified MBCT, (2) social worker/teacher co-led modified MBCT (50% led by social workers and 50% led by mindfulness teacher), or (3) control (care as usual). The age-modified MBCT consisted of eight weekly sessions, with age-related modifications including more sitting meditation, shortened duration of each session, and the removal of the retreat. Outcome variables (i.e., depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, perceived stress, and mindfulness) were assessed at baseline (T0), after the intervention (T1), and four weeks after the intervention (T2), through self-reported questionnaires. Linear mixed models were performed while controlling for demographic variables to examine changes in outcome variables between the groups.

Results

Participants from the age-modified MBCT intervention groups (teacher-led and social worker/teacher co-led) showed significantly greater reductions in depressive symptoms and stress, as well as greater increase in mindful non-reactivity, compared to the control group post-intervention. No significant interaction effect of time and group was found for anxiety and both overall mindfulness and its other facets. The improvements in mental health and mindfulness outcomes post-intervention were not significantly different between the teacher-led and social worker/teacher co-led MCBT groups.

Discussion

Age-modified MBCT is beneficial in managing depressive and stress symptoms and in improving mindful non-reactivity among older adults at risk for depression. The findings support the feasibility and effectiveness of partial task-shifting in the delivery of MBCT to trained social workers. Future studies may explore the possibility for social workers in leading MBCTs independently to further improve its scalability and service accessibility for older adults in the community.

 

Mindfulness Meditation Alters the Brain to Accentuate Sensory Information Processing

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Figure 3

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “Long-term mindfulness meditation increases occurrence of sensory and attention brain states” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11743700/ ) Panitz and colleagues examined the activity of brain systems in experienced mindfulness meditators in comparison to non-meditators and found that experienced meditators had greater activity in brain systems associated with sensory processing and lower activity in systems associated with cognitive processing, This suggests that mindfulness meditation practice alters brain activity to accentuate immediate sensations.

 

Mindfulness meditation increases brain sensory processing while decreasing brain cognitive processing.

 

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

 

Panitz DY, Mendelsohn A, Cabral J, Berkovich-Ohana A. Long-term mindfulness meditation increases occurrence of sensory and attention brain states. Front Hum Neurosci. 2025 Jan 6;18:1482353. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2024.1482353. PMID: 39834400; PMCID: PMC11743700.

 

Abstract

Interest has been growing in the use of mindfulness meditation (MM) as a therapeutic practice, as accumulating evidence highlights its potential to effectively address a range of mental conditions. While many fMRI studies focused on neural activation and functional connectivity during meditation, the impact of long-term MM practice on spontaneous brain activity, and on the expression of resting state networks over time, remains unclear. Here, intrinsic functional network dynamics were compared between experienced meditators and meditation-naïve participants during rest. Our analysis revealed that meditators tend to spend more time in two brain states that involve synchrony among cortical regions associated with sensory perception. Conversely, a brain state involving frontal areas associated with higher cognitive functions was detected less frequently in experienced meditators. These findings suggest that, by shifting attention toward enhanced sensory and embodied processing, MM effectively modulates the expression of functional network states at rest. These results support the suggested lasting effect of long-term MM on the modulation of resting-state networks, reinforcing its therapeutic potential for disorders characterized by imbalanced network dynamics. Moreover, this study reinforces the utility of analytic approaches from dynamical systems theory to extend current knowledge regarding brain activity and evaluate its response to interventions.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Meditation Reduces Worker Stress

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Study finds meditation with Headspace app reduces stress in pregnancyBy John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “Digital Meditation to Target Employee Stress” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at:  https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/articlepdf/2829186/radin_2025_oi_241525_1736185782.29032.pdf)  Radin and colleagues performed a controlled clinical trial and found that 10 minutes of daily meditation significantly reduced stress levels in employees of a university health system.

 

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Radin RM, Vacarro J, Fromer E, Ahmadi SE, Guan JY, Fisher SM, Pressman SD, Hunter JF, Sweeny K, Tomiyama AJ, Hofschneider LT, Zawadzki MJ, Gavrilova L, Epel ES, Prather AA. Digital Meditation to Target Employee Stress: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2025 Jan 2;8(1):e2454435. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.54435. PMID: 39808431; PMCID: PMC11733700.

Study Summary

This randomized clinical trial investigates whether a digital mindfulness meditation application reduces perceptions of global and job-related stress among adults employed at a large academic medical center.

Key Points

Question

Can digital mindfulness meditation improve general stress and work-related stress among employees at a large academic medical center?

Findings

In this randomized clinical trial of 1458 employees, those who received mindfulness meditation (vs waiting list control) had significant reductions in perceived stress at 8 weeks.

Meaning

The findings suggest that participating in a brief digital mindfulness-based program is an effective method for reducing general and work-related stress in employees.

Abstract

Importance

Mindfulness meditation may improve well-being among employees; however, effects of digital meditation programs are poorly understood.

Objective

To evaluate the effects of digital meditation vs a waiting list condition on general and work-specific stress and whether greater engagement in the intervention moderates these effects.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This randomized clinical trial included a volunteer sample of adults (aged ≥18 years) employed at a large academic medical center who reported mild to moderate stress, had regular access to a web-connected device, and were fluent in English. Exclusion criteria included being a regular meditator. Participants were recruited from May 16, 2018, through September 28, 2019, and completed baseline, 8-week, and 4-month measures assessing stress, job strain, burnout, work engagement, mindfulness, depression, and anxiety. Data were analyzed from March 2023 to October 2024.

Intervention

Participants were randomized 1:1 to a digital meditation program or the waiting list control condition. Participants in the intervention group were instructed to complete 10 minutes of meditation per day for 8 weeks. The control group was instructed to continue their normal activities and not add any meditation during the study period.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome measure was change in Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) score at 8 weeks. Secondary outcome measures included changes in job strain, measured as work effort-reward imbalance.

Results

A total of 1458 participants (mean [SD] age, 35.54 [10.30] years; 1178 [80.80%] female) were included. Those randomized to meditation (n = 728) vs waiting list (n = 730) showed improvements in PSS (Cohen d, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.73-0.96) and in all secondary outcome measures (eg, job strain: Cohen d, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.23-0.46) at 8 weeks. These improvements were maintained at 4 months after randomization (PSS: Cohen d, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.59-0.84; job strain: Cohen d, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.25-0.50). Those using the app from 5 to 9.9 min/d vs less than 5 min/d showed greater reduction in stress (mean PSS score difference, −6.58; 95% CI, −7.44 to −5.73).

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings suggest that a brief, digital mindfulness-based program is an easily accessible and scalable method for reducing perceptions of stress. Future work should seek to clarify mechanisms by which such interventions contribute to improvements in work-specific well-being

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