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Behavioral Sciences
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Mindfulness-Based Practice for Stress Management and Enhancing Well-Being
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Mindfulness-Based Practice for Stress Management and Enhancing Well-Being

A special issue of Behavioral Sciences (ISSN 2076-328X). This special issue belongs to the section "Health Psychology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2021) | Viewed by 32187

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Franco Fabbro

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Guest Editor
DILL, University of Udine; PERCRO LAB, Scuola Superiore “S.Anna” Pisa, Italy
Interests: Meditation; Mindfulness; Neurolinguistics; Neuroscience
Prof. Dr. Cristiano Crescentini

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Guest Editor
DILL, University of Udine, Italy
Interests: Meditation, Mindfulness, Neuropsychology, Cognitive Psychology
Prof. Dr. Peter Malinowski

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Guest Editor
Research Centre for Brain and Behaviour, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
Interests: Meditation; Mindfulness; Positive Psychology; Attention Training
Prof. Dr. Alessio Matiz

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Guest Editor
DILL, University of Udine, Italy
Interests: Meditation, Mindfulness, Interoception, Clinical Psychology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Within its original Buddhist context, as well as in the field of contemporary Western psychology since its appearance in the second part of the last century, mindfulness-based practice has been employed as a self-help method for managing various forms of physical and psychological suffering. Mindfulness is the intentional accepting awareness of experience in the present moment and can be effectively developed through structured programs including group and individual mental training. Much research has shown that mindfulness-based practices are effective for the promotion of well-being in the general population, the treatment of a variety of organic and psychiatric conditions, e.g., stress, anxiety, and depression, and the management of chronic pain, substance use disorders, and eating disorders.

In this Special Issue, we will focus on the psychological mechanisms and the neurobiological correlates of mindfulness-based practice, also when delivered using web-based technologies, in the promotion of well-being and reduction of psychological suffering over the entire life cycle (from childhood to older age). We therefore welcome novel experimental and clinical studies as well as review studies and theoretical contributions on this topic.

Prof. Dr. Franco Fabbro
Prof. Dr. Cristiano Crescentini
Prof. Dr. Peter Malinowski
Prof. Dr. Alessio Matiz
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at mdpi.longhoe.net by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Behavioral Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • meditation;
  • mindfulness;
  • self-help;
  • mental health;
  • psychological well-being;
  • clinical psychology;
  • pain;
  • stress;
  • neurobiology.

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 996 KiB  
Article
Randomized Trial on the Effects of a Mindfulness Intervention on Temperament, Anxiety, and Depression: A Multi-Arm Psychometric Study
by Andrea Poli, Angelo Giovanni Icro Maremmani, Angelo Gemignani and Mario Miccoli
Behav. Sci. 2022, 12(3), 74; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs12030074 - 10 Mar 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3222
Abstract
Mindfulness is a mental state that can be achieved through meditation. So far, studies have shown that practicing mindfulness on a consistent and regular basis can improve attentional functions and emotional well-being. Mindfulness has recently begun to be used in the field of [...] Read more.
Mindfulness is a mental state that can be achieved through meditation. So far, studies have shown that practicing mindfulness on a consistent and regular basis can improve attentional functions and emotional well-being. Mindfulness has recently begun to be used in the field of child development. The goal of this study is to assess if a mindfulness program may help primary school students in reducing anxiety and depression while also improving their temperamental characteristics. This multi-arm pre-post study included 41 subjects recruited in the fifth year of two primary school classes. Participants were randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups. The experimental group, but not the control group, underwent an eight-week mindfulness training. Every week, the program included 60-min group sessions. QUIT (Italian Questionnaires of Temperament) and TAD (Test for Anxiety and Depression in Childhood and Adolescence) were used to assess temperament, and anxiety and depression, respectively. Both groups were administered both instruments before and after mindfulness intervention. The mindfulness program lowered anxiety levels and was effective in changing temperament dimensions: there was an increase in social orientation (SO), positive emotionality (PE), and attention (AT), as well as a decrease in inhibition to novelty (IN) and negative emotionality. Path analysis revealed that AT may promote the improvement of both SO and IN. Similarly, PE may be promoted by the decrease of IN. Clinical implications are discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mindfulness-Based Practice for Stress Management and Enhancing Well-Being)
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11 pages, 277 KiB  
Article
Cerebral Blood Flow and Brain Functional Connectivity Changes in Older Adults Participating in a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program
by Aleeze Sattar Moss, Diane K. Reibel, Nancy Wintering, Faezeh Vedaei, Hannah Porter, Mohsen Khosravi, Justin Heholt, Mahdi Alizadeh, Feroze B. Mohamed and Andrew B. Newberg
Behav. Sci. 2022, 12(2), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs12020048 - 14 Feb 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5169
Abstract
There is a growing interest in the potential beneficial effects of mindfulness meditation training in protecting against age-related physical, emotional, and cognitive decline. The current prospective, single-center, single-arm study investigated if functional magnetic resonance imaging-based changes in cerebral blood flow and brain functional [...] Read more.
There is a growing interest in the potential beneficial effects of mindfulness meditation training in protecting against age-related physical, emotional, and cognitive decline. The current prospective, single-center, single-arm study investigated if functional magnetic resonance imaging-based changes in cerebral blood flow and brain functional connectivity could be observed in 11 elderly adults (mean age 79) after participation in a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program. The results showed significantly (p < 0.05) altered cerebral blood flow and functional connectivity in the cingulate gyrus, limbic structures, and subregions of the temporal and frontal lobes, similar to findings of other meditation-related studies in younger populations. Furthermore, these changes were also associated with significant improvements in depression symptoms. This study suggests that the MBSR program can potentially modify cerebral blood flow and connectivity in this population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mindfulness-Based Practice for Stress Management and Enhancing Well-Being)
13 pages, 687 KiB  
Article
Effects of Mind-Body Interventions on Adolescents’ Cooperativeness and Emotional Symptoms
by Susanna Feruglio, Stefania Pascut, Alessio Matiz, Andrea Paschetto and Cristiano Crescentini
Behav. Sci. 2022, 12(2), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs12020033 - 2 Feb 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2672
Abstract
Background: Mind-body interventions may support the development of adolescents’ self-regulation and provide a protective effect against maladaptive outcomes, e.g., internalizing and externalizing problems. The present study aimed at evaluating the effects of mindfulness-oriented meditation training (MOM) and autogenic training (AT) on a group [...] Read more.
Background: Mind-body interventions may support the development of adolescents’ self-regulation and provide a protective effect against maladaptive outcomes, e.g., internalizing and externalizing problems. The present study aimed at evaluating the effects of mindfulness-oriented meditation training (MOM) and autogenic training (AT) on a group of healthy Italian adolescents’ character dimensions, emotional and behavioral difficulties. Methods: 72 adolescents were randomly assigned to MOM/AT conditions and tested before and after the 8-week trainings through self-report measures (Temperament and Character Inventory 125, TCI; Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire for Adolescents, SDQ-A). Main analyses involved robust and repeated measures ANOVAs, carried out separately for character TCI and SDQ-A scales. Results: After trainings, we found increased levels of cooperativeness and reduced emotional symptoms. Changes in these dimensions were negatively correlated: the more participants increased in their cooperativeness the greater decrease they showed in emotional symptoms. Conclusion: Both MOM and AT enhanced a cooperative attitude in adolescents and helped reducing their emotional problems. Therefore, it may be useful to apply these mind-body interventions in school settings as they can have a protective effect on the well-being and psychosocial adjustment of youths, through fostering their character maturity and hel** them to better regulate their emotions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mindfulness-Based Practice for Stress Management and Enhancing Well-Being)
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12 pages, 271 KiB  
Article
A Telephone-Adapted Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program: Preliminary Effects among Healthcare Employees
by Lauren A. Zimmaro, Aleeze Moss, Diane K. Reibel, Elizabeth A. Handorf, Jennifer B. Reese and Carolyn Y. Fang
Behav. Sci. 2021, 11(10), 139; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs11100139 - 18 Oct 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2655
Abstract
Healthcare employees often experience high stress and may benefit from accessible psychosocial interventions. In this pilot study, we explored preliminary feasibility, acceptability, and psychological effects of a telephone-based adaption of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) for healthcare employees. Eleven participants (M age = 49.9; [...] Read more.
Healthcare employees often experience high stress and may benefit from accessible psychosocial interventions. In this pilot study, we explored preliminary feasibility, acceptability, and psychological effects of a telephone-based adaption of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) for healthcare employees. Eleven participants (M age = 49.9; 27.3% ethnic/racial minority) were enrolled in an eight-session group-based MBSR program adapted for telephone delivery. Feasibility was assessed using rates of program attrition and session completion; acceptability was explored qualitatively via participants’ responses to an open-ended item about their program experience. Participants also completed pre-and post-program assessments on psychosocial outcomes (distress (overall distress, depression, anxiety, somatization), mindfulness, and self-compassion). We characterized mean change scores, 95% confidence intervals, and effect sizes to explore preliminary program effects. With regard to preliminary feasibility, one participant dropped out prior to the intervention; of the remaining 10 participants, 90% completed at least half (≥4) of the sessions; 70% completed at least three-quarters (≥6 sessions). Feedback reflected positive experiences and included suggestions for program delivery. Participants reported reductions in distress post-program (M difference range = −5.0 to −9.4), showing medium to large effect sizes (d range = 0.68 to 1.11). Mindfulness scores increased from pre- to post-intervention (M difference range = 1.0 to 10.4), with small-to-medium effects (d range = 0.18 to 0.55). Almost all aspects of self-compassion remained stable over time, with the exception of common humanity, which increased post-program (M difference = 2.9, CI 95% 0.5 to 5.4, d = 0.91). Preliminary findings from our small pilot trial suggest that telephone-based adaptations of MBSR may be a useful mode of delivery for healthcare employees; however, larger studies are needed to provide further evidence of feasibility, acceptability, and program effects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mindfulness-Based Practice for Stress Management and Enhancing Well-Being)
13 pages, 289 KiB  
Article
A Multilevel Approach to Explore the Wandering Mind and Its Connections with Mindfulness and Personality
by Damiano Cantone, Susanna Feruglio, Cristiano Crescentini, Sabrina Cinot and Alessio Matiz
Behav. Sci. 2021, 11(9), 125; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs11090125 - 18 Sep 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3082
Abstract
We propose an innovative approach to study Mind Wandering (MW), and we present an application of this methodology to study the effects of a Mindfulness-Oriented Meditation (MOM) training. We assessed individuals’ MW through a free association task and an attentional task with thought-probes [...] Read more.
We propose an innovative approach to study Mind Wandering (MW), and we present an application of this methodology to study the effects of a Mindfulness-Oriented Meditation (MOM) training. We assessed individuals’ MW through a free association task and an attentional task with thought-probes combined with a questionnaire for the phenomenological characteristic of each MW episode. We used the Temperament and Character Inventory to assess participants’ personality traits and their associations with measures of MW. Our study was limited by the course of the Covid-19 pandemic and only nine healthy young individuals completed the testing sessions, which were carried out before and after the MOM training. After MOM, participants showed fewer repetitive and self-relevant thoughts and indices of better performance in the attentional task; the linguistic analysis of participants’ free associations showed lower verbal productivity and a decrease in utterances that expressed anxiety/stress. Overall, we foresee that future studies could replicate our preliminary findings with larger samples and in a period without a global health emergency. This multilevel approach to the study of MW may allow researchers to gain a broader view of the phenomenon, considering its occurrence, qualitative characteristics, impact on cognitive tasks, malleability via mindfulness or other psychological interventions, and relations with personality traits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mindfulness-Based Practice for Stress Management and Enhancing Well-Being)
13 pages, 723 KiB  
Article
The Integration of Meditation and Positive Psychology Practices to Relieve Stress in Women Workers (Flourish): Effects in Two Pilot Studies
by Fabio R. M. dos Santos, Shirley S. Lacerda, Cassia C. Coelhoso, Carla R. Barrichello, Patricia R. Tobo and Elisa H. Kozasa
Behav. Sci. 2021, 11(4), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs11040043 - 26 Mar 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4202
Abstract
Meditation and positive psychology have been reported as promising approaches to deal with stress. This exploratory pilot study aims to evaluate the efficacy of meditation and positive psychology-based intervention on stress. Two experiments are reported; in the first one, 29 healthcare professionals were [...] Read more.
Meditation and positive psychology have been reported as promising approaches to deal with stress. This exploratory pilot study aims to evaluate the efficacy of meditation and positive psychology-based intervention on stress. Two experiments are reported; in the first one, 29 healthcare professionals were included (intervention = 14; control = 15), and the second one included 57 women managers (intervention = 27; control = 30). All participants were evaluated before and after eight weeks for levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and psychiatric symptoms. In Experiment 1, intervention group participants showed a reduction in stress levels and anxiety symptoms, and in Experiment 2, participants in the intervention group showed a decrease in stress, psychiatric symptoms, and sleep quality, when compared to the control group. A multi-component intervention based on positive psychology and meditation practices was effective at reducing stress as well as improving related stress parameters such as anxiety, psychiatric symptoms, and sleep quality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mindfulness-Based Practice for Stress Management and Enhancing Well-Being)
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Review

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15 pages, 1670 KiB  
Review
Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention in Individuals with Substance Use Disorders: A Systematic Review
by Eduardo Ramadas, Margarida Pedroso de Lima, Tânia Caetano, Jessica Lopes and Maria dos Anjos Dixe
Behav. Sci. 2021, 11(10), 133; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs11100133 - 29 Sep 2021
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 9697
Abstract
Objectives: This systematic review aimed to understand the current state of the art about the effectiveness of mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP) on individuals with substance use disorders (SUD), taking into account not only SUD variables (e.g., cravings, frequency of use) but also other [...] Read more.
Objectives: This systematic review aimed to understand the current state of the art about the effectiveness of mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP) on individuals with substance use disorders (SUD), taking into account not only SUD variables (e.g., cravings, frequency of use) but also other relevant clinical variables (e.g., anxiety and depressive symptoms, quality of life). Methods: A comprehensive search of electronic databases was conducted to identify studies that investigate MBRP interventions on individuals with SUD. Studies that met the inclusion criteria were synthesized and assessed using systematic review methods. Results: Thirteen studies were included in the present review. The methodological quality of the included studies was moderately strong. Nine studies (69.2%) used the traditional 16 h MBRP program. Six studies (46.1%) chose to use a co-intervention treatment ranging from the treatment as usual (TAU) to cognitive behavioral therapy. All but one study indicated that their interventions produced positive effects on at least one addiction outcome measure. None of the interventions were evaluated across different settings or populations. Conclusions: Despite some heterogeneity regarding the type of MBRP program used, results support the effectiveness of these interventions in the SUD population, especially in reducing cravings, decreasing the frequency of use, and improving depressive symptoms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mindfulness-Based Practice for Stress Management and Enhancing Well-Being)
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