Stress

Improve Mental Health with Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy

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Figure 4

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 Review and summarize the published research studies of the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) for the treatment of psychological issues. They report that MBCT has been shown to be effective in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and stress and to improve cognitive function and the regulation of emotions.

 

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy is and effective therapy for a variety of psychological issues.

 

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. PMID: 40095733; 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.

Tai Chi and Qigong Reduce Anxiety and Stress in Patients with Diabetes or Hypertension

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graphic file with name 2317-6385-eins-23-eAO1076-gf01.jpg

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “Effects of Tai Chi and Qigong intervention on anxiety and stress in diabetic and hypertensive Brazilian patients: a randomized controlled trial” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12002851/ )  Santos and colleagues examined the effects of a 13 week Tai Chi and Qigong intervention on the psychological health of patients with diabetes or hypertension. They found that Tai Chi and Qigong significantly reduced the levels of anxiety and stress in these patients.

 

Reduce anxiety and stress in patients with diabetes or hypertension with Tai Chi and Qigong.

 

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

 

Santos LRAC, Taíra A, Possobon RF, Meneghim MC, Su CL, Lavin P, Rej S, Ambrosano GMB, Cortellazzi KL. Effects of Tai Chi and Qigong intervention on anxiety and stress in diabetic and hypertensive Brazilian patients: a randomized controlled trial. Einstein (Sao Paulo). 2025 Mar 24;23:eAO1076. doi: 10.31744/einstein_journal/2025AO1076. PMID: 40353827; PMCID: PMC12002851.

 

In Brief

A 13-week Tai Chi/Qigong intervention reduced anxiety and stress in middle-aged and older Brazilian patients with diabetes and hypertension. With significant improvements in the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and PSS14 scores, this practice shows potential as an effective adjunctive therapy in primary care.

ABSTRACT

Objective:

This study investigated the effects of Tai Chi/Qigong practice over 13 weeks on anxiety and perceived stress levels in middle-aged or older Brazilian hypertensive and diabetic individuals assisted in a primary healthcare setting.

Methods:

Ninety-one patients with diabetes mellitus and/or hypertension diagnosed and followed up at a primary care center were randomized to the Tai Chi/Qigong intervention (n = 45) or waitlist (n = 46) group for 13 weeks. Outcome measures were collected at baseline and at 6 and 13 weeks for anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory [STAI]) and stress (Perceived Stress Scale – PSS14). The primary endpoint of the study was 13 weeks. We used a linear mixed-effects model to analyze the primary and secondary outcomes, considering the treatment group and time as covariates and treating the subject as a random effect.

Results:

Of the included 91 participants, 53 completed the 6-week assessment, and 42 completed the 13-week assessment. After 13 weeks, the Tai Chi/Qigong Group had lower scores for anxiety (STAI Estimate = -6.421; SD = 2.679; 95% confidence interval (95%CI) = [-11.615,-1.224]; p = 0.018) and stress (PSS14 Estimate = -9.290; SD= 2.262; 95%CI= [-13.678,-4.906]; p<0.001).

Conclusion:

A 13-week Tai Chi/Qigong intervention was efficacious in lowering anxiety and perceived stress scores in middle-aged and older patients with diabetes mellitus and hypertension and can potentially be used in primary care centers as an adjunct therapy.

 

Highlights

A 13-week Tai Chi/Qigong program significantly reduced anxiety and stress in Brazilian patients with diabetes and hypertension.

Tai Chi/Qigong offers an effective complementary therapy to improve health outcomes in primary care settings.

This study highlights the potential of Tai Chi/Qigong for enhancing mental and physical well-being in chronic disease management.

 

Yoga Practice Improves Mental Health in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

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24. Benefits Of Yoga For Type 2 Diabetes

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “The Impact of Yoga Intervention on Physical and Mental Health of Adults with Type 2 Diabetes” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12068464/ )  Subramani and colleagues examined the effectiveness of yoga practice on the mental health of patients with Type 2 Diabetes. They found that yoga practice produced significant reductions in depression and stress and increases in cognitive function and mindfulness.

 

Yoga improves mental health in patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

 

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

 

Subramani P, Mohan AR, Satish L, Karthikeyan S, Ravi P, Ulagamathesan V, Kannikan V, Viswanathan M. The Impact of Yoga Intervention on Physical and Mental Health of Adults with Type 2 Diabetes. Int J Yoga. 2025 Jan-Apr;18(1):67-73. doi: 10.4103/ijoy.ijoy_219_24. Epub 2025 Apr 22. PMID: 40365367; PMCID: PMC12068464.

 

Abstract

Aim:

To assess the impact of a yoga intervention on the physical and mental health of adults with type 2 diabetes.

Methods:

This study was conducted at Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, Chennai, for 6 months. Participants aged 18–65 years, diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels ranging from ≥7.0% to ≤10.5% were recruited. One hundred and fifty-two participants were randomized in 1:1 ratio to either the intervention or control arm by simple random method. The intervention included structured yoga practice for 35 min, every 2 weeks for a period of 12 weeks, and followed up for 3 months. Participants in the control arm received the standard care for diabetes. Sociodemographic data, anthropometric measurements, and blood samples were collected at baseline and final visit. Standard questionnaires were administered for assessing mental health parameters.

Results:

53 of 76 (70%) participants from the intervention arm and 70 of 76 (92%) participants from the control arm completed the study. The mean age of the participants was 53 ± 7.5 years. The mean duration of diabetes of the participants was 10 ± 6.9 years. HbA1c showed reduction postintervention, but this was not statistically significant compared to control. The intervention group showed statistically significant improvements in depression, stress, cognitive function, and mindfulness compared to the control arm.

Conclusion:

Yoga is helpful in reducing depression and stress and enhancing mindfulness and cognitive function in patients with T2DM.

Decrease Stress, Anxiety, Burnout, and Depression 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 effects of yoga on nursing professionals and students. They report that the research found that yoga practice significantly reduced stress, anxiety, burnout, and depression and increased mindfulness and sleep quality in the nurses.

 

Yoga reduces stress, anxiety, burnout, and depression in nurses and nursing 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 Jan-Apr;18(1):13-26. doi: 10.4103/ijoy.ijoy_195_24. Epub 2025 Apr 22. PMID: 40365361; PMCID: PMC12068460.

 

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

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

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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.

 

Improve Psychological Well-Being in Patients with Diabetes or Hypertension with Tai Chi and Qigong

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graphic file with name 2317-6385-eins-23-eAO1076-gf01.jpg

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “Effects of Tai Chi and Qigong intervention on anxiety and stress in diabetic and hypertensive Brazilian patients: a randomized controlled trial” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12002851/ ) Santos and colleagues examined the psychological impact of Tai Chi and Qigong practice on patients with diabetes and/or hypertension. They found that the practices significantly reduced anxiety and stress in the patients.

 

Tai Chi and Qigong practice reduces anxiety and stress in patients with diabetes and/or hypertension.

 

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

 

Santos LRAC, Taíra A, Possobon RDF, et al. Effects of Tai Chi and Qigong intervention on anxiety and stress in diabetic and hypertensive Brazilian patients: a randomized controlled trial. Einstein (Sao Paulo). 2025;23:eAO1076. Published 2025 Mar 17. doi:10.31744/einstein_journal/2025AO1076

 

In Brief

A 13-week Tai Chi/Qigong intervention reduced anxiety and stress in middle-aged and older Brazilian patients with diabetes and hypertension. With significant improvements in the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and PSS14 scores, this practice shows potential as an effective adjunctive therapy in primary care.

ABSTRACT

Objective:

This study investigated the effects of Tai Chi/Qigong practice over 13 weeks on anxiety and perceived stress levels in middle-aged or older Brazilian hypertensive and diabetic individuals assisted in a primary healthcare setting.

Methods:

Ninety-one patients with diabetes mellitus and/or hypertension diagnosed and followed up at a primary care center were randomized to the Tai Chi/Qigong intervention (n = 45) or waitlist (n = 46) group for 13 weeks. Outcome measures were collected at baseline and at 6 and 13 weeks for anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory [STAI]) and stress (Perceived Stress Scale – PSS14). The primary endpoint of the study was 13 weeks. We used a linear mixed-effects model to analyze the primary and secondary outcomes, considering the treatment group and time as covariates and treating the subject as a random effect.

Results:

Of the included 91 participants, 53 completed the 6-week assessment, and 42 completed the 13-week assessment. After 13 weeks, the Tai Chi/Qigong Group had lower scores for anxiety (STAI Estimate = -6.421; SD = 2.679; 95% confidence interval (95%CI) = [-11.615,-1.224]; p = 0.018) and stress (PSS14 Estimate = -9.290; SD= 2.262; 95%CI= [-13.678,-4.906]; p<0.001).

Conclusion:

A 13-week Tai Chi/Qigong intervention was efficacious in lowering anxiety and perceived stress scores in middle-aged and older patients with diabetes mellitus and hypertension and can potentially be used in primary care centers as an adjunct therapy.

 

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.

 

Mindfulness Reduces Stress in Parents of Autistic Preschoolers

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ABA Programs Guide Shares 30 Things Parents Of Children On The Autism Spectrum Want You To Know - Washington Autism Alliance

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “ Comparative effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction and psychoeducational support on parenting stress in families of autistic preschoolers” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10853488/ ) Neece and colleagues examined the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) treatment for the stress of parents of preschool age autistic children. They found that in comparison to psychoeducational support those parents who received MBSR reported lower and longer lasting reductions in stress levels 1-year later.

 

Mindfulness training significantly reduces parental stress with autistic preschoolers.

 

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

 

Neece CL, Fenning RM, Morrell HE, Benjamin LR. Comparative effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction and psychoeducational support on parenting stress in families of autistic preschoolers. Autism. 2024;28(4):985-998. doi:10.1177/13623613231191558

 

Abstract

Relative to parents of children with neurotypical development and other developmental disabilities, parents of autistic children experience higher levels of parenting stress, which are associated with deleterious consequences for parent mental and physical health and child functioning. Despite urgent calls to action, parenting stress is rarely addressed directly in interventions for families of autistic children, and less so in underserved and racial/ethnic minority populations where clinical needs are greater. This study tested the efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), compared to a Psychoeducation and Support (PE) intervention, in reducing parenting stress among diverse families of autistic preschoolers. Participants (N = 117) were randomly assigned to the MBSR or PE groups; assessments were conducted at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and 6- and 12-months post-intervention. Results indicated significant reductions in parenting stress across both the MBSR and PE intervention conditions; however, reductions in parenting stress were greater for parents in MBSR than in PE. Furthermore, the benefit of MBSR relative to PE increased over time, with significant group differences in parenting stress detected at 12-month follow-up.