Depression

Improve Mental Health and Well-Being with Yoga Practice

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Zen lounges, yoga helping HCA Houston nurses relieve stress

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “A Systematic Review of Yoga Interventions on the Mental Health of Nursing Professionals and Students” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12068460/ ) Arya and colleagues reviewed and summarized the published research studies on the effectiveness of yoga interventions on the mental health of nurses and nursing students. They report that the published studies found that yoga interventions significantly improved mental health including reductions in stress, depression, and burnout and significant increases in sleep quality, mindfulness, and life satisfaction.

 

Yoga is effective in improving mental health and well-being among nurses and students.

 

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

 

Arya RG, Srivastava D, Divya BR, Madhu, Bhargav H. A Systematic Review of Yoga Interventions on the Mental Health of Nursing Professionals and Students. Int J Yoga. 2025;18(1):13-26. doi:10.4103/ijoy.ijoy_195_24

 

Abstract

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the impact of yoga interventions on preventing and alleviating mental health issues, including stress, anxiety, burnout, depression, and other related factors among nursing professionals and students. The review adhered to the PRISMA guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024512366). A comprehensive literature search was conducted in Google Scholar and PubMed using keywords such as “nursing students,” “nursing professionals,” “yoga interventions,” and “mental health.” Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from 1st January 2014 to 31st December 2024, involving nursing population and yoga-based interventions targeting mental health outcomes. The risk of bias was assessed using the CASP tool. The search identified 14 RCTs (967 participants, predominantly female, age range – 18 to 69 years) that met the eligibility criteria. The yoga intervention varied in duration (10 minutes to 1 hour per session), frequency (once to five times weekly), and protocols (Laughter yoga being the most common). Mental health outcomes such as stress, anxiety, burnout, mindfulness, depression, quality of sleep, and life satisfaction were assessed. Most studies reported significant improvements in these outcomes in the yoga intervention groups compared to control groups. Nine studies showed a significant stress reduction, and 3 studies found a decrease in anxiety. No adverse effects were reported, and dropout rates varied between 0% to 52.1%. Yoga was found to be effective in improving mental health and well-being among nursing professionals and students. Yoga mainly reduced stress, anxiety, burnout, and depression, suggesting its potential as a low-cost, accessible intervention for mental health management in this population. Future studies should focus on refining protocols and exploring long-term effects to establish yoga as an integral part of mental health care for nursing professionals and students.

 

Older Adults Have Enhanced Benefits of Meditation and Precepts Practice

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Buddhism: Practices - RELIGION, PHILOSOPHY AND ETHICS AT HABERDASHERS' ABRAHAM DARBY.

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “A comparative study of the impact of meditation and Buddhist five precepts on stress and depression between older adults and younger adults.” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12053757/) Wongpakaran and colleagues investigated the relationships between meditation and the practice of the five precepts on stress and depression in older (average 68 years) and younger (average 29 years) adults. The five precepts involve refraining from killing or harming living beings, stealing or taking others’ property without permission, engaging in sexual misconduct, speaking falsely, and consuming alcohol or intoxicants. They report that meditation and the practice of the five precepts enhances the reductions in stress and depression in older but not younger adults.

 

Meditation and practice of the five precepts reduces stress and depression 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

 

Wongpakaran N, Klaychaiya S, Panuspanudechdamrong C, et al. A comparative study of the impact of meditation and Buddhist five precepts on stress and depression between older adults and younger adults. Sci Rep. 2025;15(1):15739. Published 2025 May 6. doi:10.1038/s41598-025-99430-w

 

Abstract

Older adults frequently face a myriad of physical and mental health challenges, which can contribute to feelings of stress and subsequent depression. Nevertheless, with age often comes a wealth of life experience and resilience. Perceived stress commonly predicts depression across all age groups, while meditation has been associated with lower levels of depression. Additionally, adherence to the Five Precepts is a prevalent practice among Thai individuals, particularly among older adults. However, it remains unclear how the combination of meditation and the Buddhist Five Precepts influences depression levels. This study aims to explore the predictive roles of meditation, the practice of the Five Precepts, and perceived stress on depression among older adults, with comparisons drawn to younger adults. A sample of 1472 individuals (232 were older adults and 1240 were adults) participated in the study. All completed the questionnaires for depression, perceived stress, meditation, and five precepts using the core symptom index, perceived stress scale, and inner strength-based inventory. Moderation model and mediation model analyses were employed to analyze the relationship between the perceived stress scores and the symptoms of depression for both older and younger samples. In the older adults group, 59.9% were female, with a mean age of 67.96 years (SD 6.8). In the adult group, 71.3% were male, with a mean age of 29.04 years (SD 10.5). The findings revealed that among the older adults’ group, precepts, meditation, and their interaction significantly predicted a lower level of depressive symptoms (estimated coefficient = − 0.1082, 95% CI = − 0.1865, − 0.03). However, this association was not observed in the younger adults’ group (estimated coefficient = -0.0199, 95% CI = − 0.0465, 0.0066). The variance explained in depressive symptoms changed from 24.9% in the linear model of perceived stress to 31.8% in the moderated moderation model, representing a 27.7% increase. Conversely, meditation and the five precepts mediated the relationship between stress and depressive symptoms in younger people but not in older adults. The indirect effect of perceived stress was significant only through the five precepts (estimated coefficient = − 0.3173, 95% CI = − 0.4787, − 0.1558; p = .0001). The variance explained in depressive symptoms changed from 42.2% in the linear model of perceived stress to 43.2% in the mediation model, representing a 2.5% increase. This study emphasizes that older adults may experience enhanced benefits from meditation and adherence to the Five Precepts compared to younger adults. Additionally, the effectiveness of meditation appears to be influenced by the extent of precept practice. Older individuals who actively engage in both high levels of precept adherence and meditation demonstrate a more significant buffering effect on the relationship between stress and depression. These findings suggest that lifestyle factors, such as religious practices like meditation and adherence to precepts, may have a differential impact on older adults compared to younger counterparts. The implications for older individuals are promising and warrant encouragement, while further research is needed to explore relevant factors contributing to reduced depression among younger populations.

 

Improve Alzheimer’s Disease Symptoms with Yoga Practice

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To reduce pre-Alzheimer's cognitive impairment, get to the yoga mat | UCLA

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “Yoga an integrated mind body intervention for improvement in quality of life in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11968721/) Kaushik and colleagues investigated the effects of a 12-week yoga practice intervention on depression, cognitive abilities and quality of life of patients with Alzheimer’s Disease and the difficulties of caregiving. They report that yoga practice significantly reduced depression and increased cognitive ability and quality of life in the patients and significantly reduced the burden of caregiving.

 

Yoga practice improves the symptoms of patients with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers difficulties.

 

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

 

Kaushik M, Yadav A, Upadhyay A, et al. Yoga an integrated mind body intervention for improvement in quality of life in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers. Front Aging. 2025;6:1449485. Published 2025 Mar 21. doi:10.3389/fragi.2025.1449485

 

Abstract

Background and objective

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) presents profound challenges, significantly impairing quality of life (QOL) for patients and increasing the burden on caregivers. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of a tailored 12-week yoga intervention in improving the quality of life for individuals with mild to moderate AD and reducing caregiver burden (CB).

Methods

This is yoga interventional study with healthy controls enrolled 30 participants (18 males, 12 females) diagnosed with mild to moderate AD by an expert neurologist. Participants were aged 60 years or older and were recruited from an old age home. A 12-week yoga program, including specific postures (asanas), pranayama (breathing exercises), and meditation, was conducted for 1 hour daily, 6 days a week. Neurocognitive assessments were performed pre- and post-intervention using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and Caregiver Burden (CB) Scale. MoCA scores were analyzed across specific domains, including language, memory, attention, visuospatial ability, delayed recall, abstraction, and orientation.

Results

The intervention led to significant improvements in quality-of-life measures. GDS scores decreased from 8.36 ± 2.79 to 5.13 ± 3.07 (P < 0.01; 95% CI: −3.98 to −2.31), while MoCA total scores improved from 18.23 ± 4.90 to 21.10 ± 5.09 (P < 0.01; 95% CI: 2.17–3.89). Domain-specific MoCA scores also showed significant enhancements, particularly in language, attention, and delayed recall. Caregiver burden, measured using the CB Scale, demonstrated notable reductions following the intervention (P < 0.01; 95% CI: −2.54 to −1.23).

Conclusion

This study underscores the significant improvements in depression and cognitive function, and overall quality of life in individuals with mild to moderate AD. Additionally, the intervention alleviated caregiver burden, highlighting its potential as an effective mind-body approach for AD management.

 

Postpartum Depression is Improved With Virtual Reality Mindfulness and Yoga Training

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Fig. 1

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

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

 

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

 

CMCS – Center for Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies

 

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

 

Study Summary

 

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

Abstract

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

 

Yoga Meditation Improves Mental Health in Female College Students

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

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

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

 

Improve mental health with yoga meditation.

 

CMCS – Center for Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies

 

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

 

Study Summary

 

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

Abstract

Objective

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

Methods

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

Results

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

Conclusion

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

Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms are Improved by Meditation or Yoga

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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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Online Yoga Improves the Psychological Health of Cancer Patients

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The pros and cons of online yoga - Ekhart Yoga

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “The Effects of Online Yoga Practice on Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11817149/ ) Gatti and colleagues reviewed and summarized the published research studies on the effectiveness of yoga practice presented online to alleviate the psychological sequala of a cancer diagnosis. They report that online yoga significantly increases sleep quality and quality of life and reduces stress, anxiety, depression, and fatigue in patients with a diagnosis of cancer.

 

Yoga practice improves the psychological health of cancer patients.

 

CMCS – Center for Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies

 

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

 

Study Summary

 

Gatti F, Perego G, Milano F, Calleri G, Giurioli B, Di Mattei VE. The Effects of Online Yoga Practice on Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review. Healthcare (Basel). 2025 Jan 23;13(3):225. doi: 10.3390/healthcare13030225. PMID: 39942415; PMCID: PMC11817149.

 

Abstract

Background: Cancer remains a leading cause of death, with 9.7 million deaths in 2022. Despite advancements in diagnosis and treatment, many cancer patients experience side effects that significantly impact their quality of life, including chronic pain, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and cancer-related fatigue. Non-pharmacological interventions, such as yoga, have gained attention for their potential to reduce stress and improve overall well-being. However, barriers such as fatigue, pain, and transportation issues limit access to in-person yoga, leading to the growing adoption of online yoga as a viable alternative. Objective: This systematic review synthesizes research on the effectiveness of online yoga for cancer patients. A comprehensive search was conducted across Medline, PsycINFO, and Scopus databases on 24 October 2024. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the CASP Checklist. Of 6266 articles initially identified, 14 studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising qualitative (n = 4) and quantitative (n = 10) studies. Results: The results suggest that online yoga can improve stress and sleep quality, with moderate effects on anxiety, depression, and fatigue. However, variability in study designs and methodological limitations complicate the evaluation of its overall effectiveness. Conclusions: Online yoga offers a practical, accessible option for cancer patients unable to attend in-person sessions, showing the potential to enhance mental and physical health outcomes. Nevertheless, the variability in study methodologies highlights the need for more standardized research to establish its role as a supportive intervention in oncology care.

 

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.