SUMMER 2008 MEDITATION RESEARCH UPDATE
Included in this email is an update of recent meditation-related
research publications, covering articles published in journals listed in the PyschINFO database published since the last update and
referenced with relevant keywords (i.e. meditation, mindfulness, contemplative
practice, etc). If you are working on research related to meditation or other
contemplative practices and would like us to include unpublished updates on
your research in this quarterly mailing, please send your update to pmaceachron@wrightinst.edu -
the next update will be sent this fall.
Baijal, S. and R. Gupta (2008). "Meditation-based training: A possible intervention for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder?" Psychiatry 5(4): 48-55.
Recent studies suggest
that training-based measures are effective in improving cognitive skills.
Meditation-based training has produced lasting changes in brain and cognitive
functions. This technique of mental training exhibits neuroplasticity
in the attentional networks, exhibiting superior
performance, especially in the domain of attention and executive control
processing, which is impaired in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD). Although intervention techniques for ADHD are well researched, many
individuals continue to experience significant functional impairment despite
the symptom improvement. This emphasizes a need for a comprehensive approach
that requires an effective behavioral intervention. The present paper provides
a converging review of meditation-based effects on the brain, dysfunctions of
ADHD, and suggestions for enhancement of cognitive abilities in patients with
ADHD using meditational training combined with existing measures of
intervention. The idea proposed herein should be considered a step for
initiation of empirical studies on meditation-based training intervention and
outcome effects. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2008 APA ) (journal abstract)
Blanton, P. G. (2008). "Integrating postmodern and Christian contemplative thought: Building a theoretical framework." Journal of Psychology and Christianity 27(1): 73-84.
Responding to literature
that invites Christian counselors to engage postmodern thinking, this article
seeks to articulate a worldview that is integrally both postmodern and Christian.
However, instead of being Christian in a broad sense, it draws upon a specific
Christian tradition: contemplation. Building upon the strengths of both
Christian contemplative and postmodern thought, and recognizing where the two
disciplines are compatible and mismatched, a theoretical framework that is
appropriate for the postmodern context is constructed. The resulting paradigm
has two realities, two selves, two ways of communicating, and two speakers.
Based upon this bringing together of postmodern and contemplative ideas, a
model of counseling is briefly developed around the concepts of the therapy
system, the therapy process, and the therapy relationship. (PsycINFO
Database Record (c) 2008 APA ) (journal
abstract)
Cardaciotto, L., J. D. Herbert, E. M. Forman, E. Moitra
and V. Farrow (2008). "The Assessment of Present-Moment Awareness
and Acceptance: The
The purpose of this
project was to develop a bidimensional measure of
mindfulness to assess its two key components: present-moment awareness and
acceptance. The development and psychometric validation of the Philadelphia
Mindfulness Scale is described, and data are reported from expert raters, two
nonclinical samples (n = 204 and 559), and three clinical samples including
mixed psychiatric outpatients (n = 52), eating disorder inpatients (n = 30),
and student counseling center outpatients (n = 78). Exploratory and
confirmatory factor analyses support a two-factor solution, corresponding to
the two constituent components of the construct. Good internal consistency was
demonstrated, and relationships with other constructs were largely as expected.
As predicted, significant differences were found between the nonclinical and clinical
samples in levels of awareness and acceptance. The awareness and acceptance
subscales were not correlated, suggesting that these two constructs can be
examined independently. Potential theoretical and applied uses of the measure
are discussed.
Carmody, J., G. Reed, J. Kristeller and P. Merriam (2008). "Mindfulness, spirituality, and health-related symptoms." Journal of Psychosomatic Research 64(4): 393-403.
Objective: Although the
relationship between religious practice and health is well established, the
relationship between spirituality and health is not as well studied. The
objective of this study was to ascertain whether participation in the
mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program was associated with increases
in mindfulness and spirituality, and to examine the associations between
mindfulness, spirituality, and medical and psychological symptoms. Methods:
Forty-four participants in the University of Massachusetts Medical School's
MBSR program were assessed preprogram and postprogram
on trait (Mindful Attention and Awareness Scale) and state (Toronto Mindfulness
Scale) mindfulness, spirituality (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness
Therapy--Spiritual Well-Being Scale), psychological distress, and reported
medical symptoms. Participants also kept a log of daily home mindfulness
practice. Mean changes in scores were computed, and relationships between
changes in variables were examined using mixed-model linear regression.
Results: There were significant improvements in spirituality, state and trait
mindfulness, psychological distress, and reported medical symptoms. Increases
in both state and trait mindfulness were associated with increases in
spirituality. Increases in trait mindfulness and spirituality were associated
with decreases in psychological distress and reported medical symptoms. Changes
in both trait and state mindfulness were independently associated with changes
in spirituality, but only changes in trait mindfulness and spirituality were
associated with reductions in psychological distress and reported medical
symptoms. No association was found between outcomes and home mindfulness
practice. Conclusions: Participation in the MBSR program appears to be
associated with improvements in trait and state mindfulness, psychological
distress, and medical symptoms. Improvements in trait mindfulness and
spirituality appear, in turn, to be associated with improvements in
psychological and medical symptoms. (PsycINFO
Database Record (c) 2008 APA ) (journal
abstract)
Carroll, D., B. Lange, P. Liehr, S. Raines and M. T. Marcus (2008). "Evaluating mindfulness-based stress reduction: Analyzing stories of stress to formulate focus group questions." Archives of Psychiatric Nursing 22(2): 107-109.
The primary purpose of
this analysis was to learn how therapeutic community (TC) residents describe
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) delivered as part of their substance
use recovery experience. A secondary purpose was to develop focus group
questions guided by TC residents' descriptions. Two researchers independently
analyzed 38 written stories about stress in the TC. The researchers used
conventional content analysis; independent analysis was followed by consensus
dialogue to identify key words and code definitions. Three themes emerged from
the content analysis: utility, portability, and sustainability. Participants
talked about MBSR as a tool which helped them "manage" their
recovery, noting that they used MBSR techniques in the TC and off-site. They
believed they could use MBSR even after exiting the TC. Three focus group
questions were formulated, one for each theme. Content analysis of stories of
stress provided substantive guidance for formulating focus group questions
which incorporated the voice of participants through familiar terms and
friendly language. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2008
APA ) (journal abstract)
Chambers, R., B. C. Y. Lo and N. B. Allen (2008). "The impact of intensive mindfulness training on attentional control, cognitive style, and affect." Cognitive Therapy and Research 32(3): 303-322.
To evaluate the impact of
an intensive period of mindfulness meditation training on cognitive and
affective function, a non-clinical group of 20 novice meditators
were tested before and after participation in a 10-day intensive mindfulness
meditation retreat. They were evaluated with self-report scales measuring
mindfulness, rumination and affect, as well as performance tasks assessing
working memory, sustained attention, and attention switching. Results indicated
that those completing the mindfulness training demonstrated significant
improvements in self-reported mindfulness, depressive symptoms, rumination, and
performance measures of working memory and sustained attention, relative to a
comparison group who did not undergo any meditation training. This study
suggests future directions for the elucidation of the critical processes that
underlie the therapeutic benefits of mindfulness-based interventions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2008 APA )
(journal abstract)
Chan, A. S., Y. M. Y. Han and M.-c. Cheung (2008). "Electroencephalographic (EEG) measurements of mindfulness-based triarchic body-pathway relaxation technique: A pilot study." Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback 33(1): 39-47.
Objective: The 'Triarchic body-pathway relaxation technique' (TBRT) is a
form of ancient Chinese mindfulness-based meditation professed to give rise to
positive emotions and a specific state of consciousness in which deep
relaxation and internalized attention coexist. The purpose of this study was to
examine the EEG pattern generated during the practice of this mindfulness
exercise, and compare it to music listening which has been shown to induce
positive emotions. Methods: Nineteen college students (aged 19-22 years)
participated in the study. Each participant listened to both the TBRT and music
audiotapes while EEG was recorded. The order of presentation was
counterbalanced to avoid order effect. Two EEG indicators were used: (1) alpha
asymmetry index, an indicator for left-sided anterior activation, as measure of
positive emotions, and (2) frontal midline theta activity, as a measure for
internalized attention. Results: Increased left-sided activation, a pattern
associated with positive emotions, was found during both TBRT exercise and
music conditions. However, only TBRT exercise was shown to exhibit greater
frontal midline theta power, a pattern associated with internalized attention.
Conclusions: These results provided evidence to support that the TBRT gives
rise to positive emotional experience, accompanied by focused internalized
attention. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2008 APA ) (journal abstract)
Coffey, K. A. and M. Hartman (2008). "Mechanisms of action in the inverse relationship between mindfulness and psychological distress." Complementary Health Practice Review 13(2): 79-91.
Both dispositional
mindfulness and mindfulness-based interventions have been found to be
associated with less psychological distress. The current study investigated
three mechanisms by which mindfulness might exert its beneficial effects:
emotion regulation, nonattachment, and reduced rumination. Correlational
self-report data were collected from two independent, nonclinical samples of
undergraduates. Structural equation modeling was then used to test the role of
these three mechanisms in mediating the relationship between mindfulness and a
psychological distress factor, consisting of measures for depressive and anxious
symptomatology. The model was respecified
based on the first sample and retested in the second sample. Results confirmed
an inverse relationship between mindfulness and psychological distress.
Furthermore, emotion regulation, nonattachment, and rumination significantly
mediated this relationship. (PsycINFO Database Record
(c) 2008 APA ) (journal
abstract)
Evans, S., S. Ferrando, M. Findler, C. Stowell, C. Smart and D. Haglin (2008). "Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for generalized anxiety disorder." Journal of Anxiety Disorders 22(4): 716-721.
While
cognitive behavior therapy has been found to be effective in the treatment of
generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), a significant percentage of patients
struggle with residual symptoms. There is some conceptual basis for
suggesting that cultivation of mindfulness may be helpful for people with GAD.
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is a group treatment derived from
mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn
and colleagues. MBSR uses training in mindfulness meditation as the core of the
program. MBCT incorporates cognitive strategies and has been found effective in
reducing relapse in patients with major depression (Teasdale, J. D., Segal, Z.
V., Williams, J. M. G., Ridgeway, V., Soulsby, J.,
& Lau, M. (2000). Prevention of relapse/recurrence in
major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Journal of
Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 6, 615-623). Method: Eligible subjects
recruited to a major academic medical center participated in the group MBCT
course and completed measures of anxiety, worry, depressive symptoms, mood
states and mindful awareness in everyday life at baseline and end of treatment.
Results: Eleven subjects (six female and five male) with a mean age of 49
(range = 36-72) met criteria and completed the study. There were significant
reductions in anxiety and depressive symptoms from baseline to end of
treatment. Conclusion: MBCT may be an acceptable and potentially effective
treatment for reducing anxiety and mood symptoms and increasing awareness of
everyday experiences in patients with GAD. Future directions include
development of a randomized clinical trial of MBCT for GAD. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2008 APA )
(journal abstract)
Grossman, P. (2008). "On measuring mindfulness in psychosomatic and psychological research." Journal of Psychosomatic Research 64(4): 405-408.
Comments on an article by
James Carmodya, George Reedb,
Jean Kristellerc and Phillip Merriamd
(see record 2008-04008-012). The quantification of the construct of
mindfulness-as derived from Buddhist psychology-has recently gained prominence
as studies of mindfulness based interventions have become increasingly accepted
in psychosomatic medicine and psychology. The article by Carmody
et al. is exemplary of this trend. At least a half dozen self-rating
questionnaires have now been published that claim to measure mindfulness. The
rationale seems to be that if we apply mindfulness-based interventions, we
should be able to define, operationalize, and
quantify the central object of our intervention. At first glance, this makes
perfect sense. However, there are a number of intractable issues that continue
to go unconsidered in investigations associated with the psychometric
assessment of self-reported "mindfulness." Failure to recognize these
problems may seriously compromise progress in mindfulness research.
Furthermore, facile operationalizations of the
originally Buddhist psychological construct of mindfulness may serve to
trivialize the concept and substantially alter its original meaning. I
certainly do not mean to suggest that we give up hope of understanding
mindfulness in relation to Western scientific psychological and psychosomatic
models. Nevertheless, we need to appreciate that Buddhist and Western
approaches to mind and body differ substantially. (PsycINFO
Database Record (c) 2008 APA )
Holzel, B. K., U. Ott, T. Gard, H. Hempel, M. Weygandt, K. Morgen and D. Vaitl (2008). "Investigation of mindfulness meditation practitioners with voxel-based morphometry." Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience 3(1): 55-61.
Mindfulness meditators practice the non-judgmental observation of the
ongoing stream of internal experiences as they arise. Using voxel-based
morphometry, this study investigated MRI brain images
of 20 mindfulness (Vipassana) meditators
(mean practice 8.6 years; 2 h daily) and compared the regional gray matter
concentration to that of non-meditators matched for
sex, age, education and handedness. Meditators were
predicted to show greater gray matter concentration in regions that are
typically activated during meditation. Results confirmed greater gray matter
concentration for meditators in the right anterior insula, which is involved in interoceptive
awareness. This group difference presumably reflects the training of bodily
awareness during mindfulness meditation. Furthermore, meditators
had greater gray matter concentration in the left inferior temporal gyrus and right hippocampus. Both regions have previously
been found to be involved in meditation. The mean value of gray matter
concentration in the left inferior temporal gyrus was
predictable by the amount of meditation training, corroborating the assumption
of a causal impact of meditation training on gray matter concentration in this
region. Results suggest that meditation practice is associated with structural
differences in regions that are typically activated during meditation and in
regions that are relevant for the task of meditation. (PsycINFO
Database Record (c) 2008 APA ) (journal
abstract)
Johansson, M., P. Hassmén and J. Jouper (2008). "Acute effects of qigong exercise on mood and anxiety." International Journal of Stress Management. Vol. 15(2): 199-207.
Psychosocial stress may
lead to increased rates of anxiety and depression. Aerobic exercise and
mind-body therapies are frequently described as having positive effects on
psychological well-being by enhancing mood and reducing anxiety. Few studies,
however, have investigated the acute psychological effects of qigong exercise.
Fifty-nine regular qigong exercisers (mean age 50.8 years) were randomized to a
Qigong or Control group. Pre- and postmeasurements
were then compared. POMS-Depression, Anger, and Fatigue, and STAI-State Anxiety
scores decreased significantly in the Qigong group but not in the Control
group. Results thereby suggest that qigong exercise can produce desirable
psychological effects, and Qigong exercise may therefore be included among
other activities performed to boost resistance to daily stressors. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2008 APA )
(journal abstract)
Khalsa, S. S., D. Rudrauf, A. R. Damasio, R. J. Davidson, A. Lutz and D. Tranel (2008). "Interoceptive awareness in experienced meditators." Psychophysiology 45(4): 671-677.
Attention to internal body
sensations is practiced inmost meditation traditions.
Many traditions state that this practice results in increased awareness of
internal body sensations, but scientific studies evaluating this claim are
lacking. We predicted that experienced meditators
would display performance superior to that of nonmeditators
on heartbeat detection, a standard noninvasive measure of resting interoceptive awareness. We compared two groups of meditators (Tibetan Buddhist and Kundalini)
to an age- and body mass index-matched group of nonmeditators.
Contrary to our prediction,we
found no evidence that meditators were superior to nonmeditators in the heartbeat detection task, across
several sessions and respiratory modulation conditions. Compared to nonmeditators, however, meditators
consistently rated their interoceptive performance as
superior and the difficulty of the task as easier. These results provide
evidence against the notion that practicing attention to internal body
sensations, a core feature of meditation, enhances the ability to sense the
heartbeat at rest. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2008
APA ) (journal abstract)
Kozasa, E. H., J. o. Radvany, M. Ă. n. M. Barreiros, J. R. Leite and E. Amaro, Jr. (2008). "Preliminary functional magnetic resonance imaging Stroop task results before and after a Zen meditation retreat." Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences 62(3): 366.
In this study we examined
the short-term effects of an 8-day long Zen Buddhist meditation retreat ('Sesshin') on the performance in the Stroop
word-color task with fMRI as a feasibility study with
a well-known neuropsychological paradigm using a 1.5-T magnet. One Zen Buddhist
nun and four other regular meditators with at least 6
months of meditation practice were scanned before and after 'Sesshin', twice in each session (test-retest design). The fMRI results of subject C00040 (as a representative of the
entire group) shows enhanced activation of the anterior cingulate,
right dorsolateral prefrontal, insular, occipital and
parietal cortices after meditation practice. According to the literature these
areas represent functional activation related to attentional
circuitry and reinforce the idea that meditation can further develop attentional abilities that have lasting effects. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2008 APA )
Background: This study was
designed to develop an evidence- and community-based falls prevention program--Tai
Chi: Moving for Better Balance. Methods: A mixed qualitative and quantitative
approach was used to develop a package of materials for program implementation
and evaluation. The developmental work was conducted in 2 communities in the
Low, C. A., A. L. Stanton and J. E. Bower (2008). "Effects of acceptance-oriented versus evaluative emotional processing on heart rate recovery and habituation." Emotion. Vol. 8(3): 419-424.
The effects of emotional
processing on stress response trajectories may depend on the nature of
processing, as evaluative rumination about emotions can prolong distress. In
contrast, observing negative emotions in an accepting manner may promote
efficient recovery from stressful situations. The present study examined the
effect of acceptance-oriented versus evaluative emotional processing on
cardiovascular habituation and recovery. Across two experimental sessions, 81
participants were randomly assigned to write about an ongoing stressful
experience while either (1) evaluating the appropriateness of their emotional
response (EVAL), (2) attending to their emotions in an accepting way (ACC), or
(3) describing the objective details of the experience (CTL). Heart rate was
assessed continuously throughout baseline, writing, and recovery. Results
suggest that writing about emotions in an evaluative way leads to less
efficient heart rate habituation and recovery than processing emotions in an accepting
manner. These findings highlight a potential mechanism of mindfulness- and
acceptance-based interventions' effects on health outcomes and further suggest
that habitually evaluating the appropriateness of one's emotional responses
rather than accepting them as they unfold may have consequences for
cardiovascular health. (PsycINFO Database Record (c)
2008 APA ) (journal abstract)
Objective: There is a need
for controlled outcome studies on behavioral treatment of epilepsy. The purpose
of this study was to evaluate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and yoga
in the treatment of epilepsy. Methods: The design consisted of a randomized
controlled trial with repeated measures (N = 18). All participants had an
EEG-verified epilepsy diagnosis with drug-refractory seizures. Participants
were randomized into one of two groups: ACT or yoga. Therapeutic effects were
measured using seizure index (frequency Ă— duration) and quality of life
(Satisfaction with Life Scale, WHOQOL-BREF). The treatment protocols consisted
of 12 hours of professional therapy distributed in two individual sessions, two
group sessions during a 5-week period, and booster sessions at 6 and 12 months posttreatment. Seizure index was continuously assessed
during the 3-month baseline and 12-month follow-up. Quality of life was
measured after treatment and at the 6-month and 1-year follow-ups. Results: The
results indicate that both ACT and yoga significantly reduce seizure index and
increase quality of life over time. ACT reduced seizure index significantly
more as compared with yoga. Participants in both the ACT and yoga groups
improved their quality of life significantly as measured by one of two
quality-of-life instruments. The ACT group increased their quality of life
significantly as compared with the yoga group as measured by the WHOQOL-BREF,
and the yoga group increased their quality of life significantly as compared
with the ACT group as measured by the SWLS. Conclusions: The results of this
study suggest that complementary treatments, such as ACT and yoga, decrease
seizure index and increase quality of life. (PsycINFO
Database Record (c) 2008 APA ) (journal
abstract)
McCain, N. L., D. P. Gray, R. K. Elswick, Jr., J. W. Robins, I. Tuck, J. M. Walter, S. M. Rausch and J. M. Ketchum (2008). "A randomized clinical trial of alternative stress management interventions in persons with HIV infection." Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. Vol. 76(3): 431-441.
Research in psychoneuroimmunology suggests that immunosuppression
associated with perceived stress may contribute to disease progression in
persons with HIV infection. While stress management interventions may enhance
immune function, few alternative approaches have yet been tested. This
randomized clinical trial was conducted to test effects of three 10-week stress
management approaches--cognitive-behavioral relaxation training (RLXN), focused
tai chi training (TCHI), and spiritual growth groups (SPRT)--in comparison to a
wait-listed control group (CTRL) among 252 individuals with HIV infection.
Using repeated measures mixed modeling, the authors found that in comparison to
the CTRL group, (a) both the RLXN and TCHI groups used less emotion-focused
coping, and (b) all treatment groups had augmented lymphocyte proliferative
function. Despite modest effects of the interventions on psychosocial
functioning, robust findings of improved immune function have important
clinical implications, particularly for persons with immune-mediated illnesses.
(PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2008 APA
) (journal abstract)
McFadden, S. H. (2008). "Mindfulness, vulnerability, and love: Spiritual lessons from frail elders, earnest young pilgrims, and middle aged rockers." Journal of Aging Studies 22(2): 132-139.
Gerontologists have
studied religion and spirituality for almost three decades. Much of this work
focuses on determining how elders' religious and spiritual beliefs and
practices affect various indicators of well-being. This paper critiques many of
the assumptions underlying this research and suggests alternatives to
individualistic formulations of well-being. Experiences in spiritual
communities of various types may help aging persons to be mindfully present to
others, to recognize that all are vulnerable to the afflictions of aging and
the certainty of death, and to love and care for others while working to
promote justice. In this paper, I describe how my marriage to a minister
enabled me to develop relationships with frail elders and young adults seeking
to live faithfully. These friends have influenced my work and have helped to shape
my views on my own aging. (PsycINFO Database Record
(c) 2008 APA ) (journal
abstract)
McMinn, M. R., H. Fervida, K. A. Louwerse, J. L. Pop, R. D. Thompson, B. L. Trihub and S. McLeod-Harrison (2008). "Forgiveness and prayer." Journal of Psychology and Christianity 27(2): 101-109.
Forgiveness and prayer are
both topics of contemporary social science research, but they are not often
considered together. The present study investigates how Christian respondents
portray prayer when describing the process of interpersonal forgiveness. Just
over half of the respondents mentioned prayer as an important part of
forgiveness at their first opportunity in a structured interview protocol.
Prayer responses were coded as inward, upward, or outward, with inward prayers
being the most common. The narrative descriptions of inward prayer resemble
Objective and
Participants: The authors evaluated the effects on stress, rumination,
forgiveness, and hope of two 8-week, 90-min/wk training programs for college
undergraduates in meditation-based stress-management tools. Methods: After a
pretest, the authors randomly allocated college undergraduates to training in
mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR; n = 15), Easwaran's
Eight-Point Program (EPP; n = 14), or wait-list control (n = 15). The authors
gathered pretest, posttest, and 8-week follow-up data on self-report outcome
measures. Results: The authors observed no post-treatment differences between
MBSR and EPP or between posttest and 8-week follow-up (p greater than 0.10).
Compared with controls, treated participants (n = 29) demonstrated significant
benefits for stress (p less than 0.05, Cohen's d = -0.45) and forgiveness (p
less than 0.05, d = 0.34) and marginal benefits for rumination (p less than
0.10, d = -0.34). Conclusions: Evidence suggests that meditation-based
stress-management practices reduce stress and enhance forgiveness among college
undergraduates. Such programs merit further study as potential health-promotion
tools for college populations. (Contains 3 tables.)
Perez-Ălvarez, M., J. M. Garcia-Montes, S. Perona-Garcelan and O. Vallina-Fernandez (2008). "Changing relationships with voices: New therapeutic perspectives for treating hallucinations." Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy 15(2): 75-85.
A growing body of research
on verbal hallucinations shows the importance of beliefs about and
relationships with the voices for their pathological course. In particular,
beliefs about the omnipotence of the voices and the need to control them, and
relationships with them that involve efforts to resist or fight them, have
shown themselves to be more pathogenic than effective. Likewise, treatments
aimed at eliminating the voices, be they based on medication or traditional
cognitive-behavioural therapy, have not always been successful. A series of
strategies focused on changing relationships with the voices instead of trying
to eliminate them--including mindfulness, acceptance, experiential role plays
and re-authoring lives--is emerging as a new perspective for the treatment of
hallucinations. All of these strategies are based on the person, not on the
syndrome, which also represents a new conception of the problem, in a
phenomenological-social perspective, alternative to the predominant medical
conception. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2008 APA ) (journal abstract)
Singh, N. N., G. E. Lancioni, A. S. W. Winton, A. N. Singh, A. D. Adkins and J. Singh (2008). "Clinical and Benefit-Cost Outcomes of Teaching a Mindfulness-Based Procedure to Adult Offenders With Intellectual Disabilities." Behavior Modification, vol 32(5): 622-637.
The effects of a
mindfulness-based procedure, called Meditation on the Soles of the Feet, were
evaluated as a cognitive-behavioral intervention for physical aggression in 6
offenders with mild intellectual disabilities. They were taught a simple
meditation technique that required them to shift their attention and awareness
from the precursors of aggression to the soles of their feet, a neutral point
on their body. Results showed that physical and verbal aggression decreased
substantially, no Stat medication or physical restraint was required, and there
were no staff or peer injuries. Benefit—cost
analysis of lost days of work and cost of medical and rehabilitation because of
injury caused by these individuals in both the 12 months prior to and following
mindfulness-based training showed a 95.7% reduction in costs. This study
suggests that this procedure may be a clinically effective and cost-effective
method of enabling adult offenders with intellectual disabilities to control
their aggression.
Stewart, J. E. (2007). "The Future Evolution of Consciousness " Journal of Consciousness Studies 14(8): 58-92.
What is the potential for
improvements in the functioning of consciousness? The paper addresses this
issue using global workspace theory. According to this model, the prime
function of consciousness is to develop novel adaptive responses. Consciousness
does this by putting together new combinations of knowledge, skills and other
disparate resources that are recruited from throughout the brain. The paper's
search for potential improvements in consciousness is aided by studies of a
developmental transition that enhances functioning in whichever domain it
occurs. This transition involves a shift from the use of procedural (implicit)
knowledge to declarative (explicit) knowledge. However, the potential of the
transition to enhance functioning has not yet been realised
to any extent in relation to consciousness itself. The paper assesses the
potential for consciousness to use declarative knowledge to improve its own
functioning and to thereby enhance human adaptability. A number of sources
(including the practices of religious and contemplative traditions) are drawn
on to investigate how this potential might be realised.
Thompson, B. L. and J. A. Waltz (2008). "Mindfulness, self-esteem, and unconditional self-acceptance." Journal of Rational-Emotive & Cognitive Behavior Therapy 26(2): 119-126.
Ellis (Ellis, A. (1996),
Psychotherapy, 22(1), 149-151) has been a longstanding critic of the concept of
self-esteem and has offered the notion of unconditional self-acceptance as an
alternative. Other researchers have suggested that cultivating
mindfulness--attention directed towards one's immediate experiences with an
attitude of non-judgment--also offers a healthier alternative to self-esteem
(Ryan, R. M., & Brown, K. W. (2003) Psychological Inquiry, 14(1), 71-76).
This study examined the relationship between mindfulness, self-esteem, and
unconditional self-acceptance. A sample of 167 university students completed
two measures of everyday mindfulness, and measures of self-esteem and
unconditional self-acceptance. Positive correlations were found between
mindfulness, self-esteem, and unconditional self-acceptance. Mindfulness skills
may offer a means to cultivate unconditional self-acceptance and to shift from an
emphasis on self-esteem as a measure of worth. (PsycINFO
Database Record (c) 2008 APA ) (journal
abstract)
Thompson, M. and J. Gauntlett-gilbert (2008). "Mindfulness with Children and Adolescents: Effective Clinical Application." Clinical Child Psychology And Psychiatry, vol 13(3): 395-407.
Mindfulness interventions
within adult populations are becoming increasingly popular. Research suggests
that mindfulness can deliver lasting improvements in self-awareness and
emotional stability to adults with severe and chronic conditions. As yet,
research within child and adolescent populations is in its initial stages,
although mindfulness shows great clinical promise for young people. This
article aims to provide an overview of mindfulness to professionals who are
working in child or adolescent settings. Initially, it will provide the reader
with some orientation to and definitions from the field, before summarizing the
current evidence for the utility of the approach. The article recommends
specific clinical modifications for mindfulness with children and adolescents,
as well as reviewing how to monitor and enhance the development of this skill.
Finally, it highlights important differences among mindfulness, relaxation and
other meditative techniques.
Williams, E. N. (2008). "A psychotherapy researcher's perspective on therapist self-awareness and self-focused attention after a decade of research." Psychotherapy Research 18(2): 139-146.
Describes
the interplay between quantitative and qualitative approaches to self-awareness
in the psychotherapy literature. In addition, the linkages between
therapist self-awareness and self-focused attention discussed in the cognitive
and social psychology literatures are also addressed. Contradictory sets of
findings are examined; for example, momentary states of therapist
self-awareness have at times been associated with anxiety or poor performance
and at other times with positive interpersonal processes and client
perceptions. Some of the studies on the management of distracting
self-awareness are also reviewed, and suggestions for future research in the
areas of mindfulness, attentional flexibility, and
the person of the therapist are provided. (PsycINFO
Database Record (c) 2008 APA )
Williams, J. M. G.,
The authors respond to the
article by H. F. Coelho, P. H. Canter, and E. Ernst (2007) (see record
2007-19013-016), which reviewed the current status of mindfulness-based
cognitive therapy (MBCT). First, they clarify the randomization procedures in
the 2 main MBCT trials. Second, they report posttreatment
and follow-up data to show that trial participants allocated to "treatment
as usual" did not become worse. Third, they discuss which experimental
designs are better for identification of the active component of treatment.
Finally, they report reanalyses of the 2 main MBCT
trials with multilevel modeling that corrected for intragroup
correlations. These analyses reinforce the original findings: For patients with
3 or more previous episodes, MBCT significantly reduced the risk of a further
episode of depression and significantly decreased mean scores on the Beck
Depression Inventory (A. T. Beck, C. H. Ward, M. Mendelson,
J. Mock, & J. Erbaugh, 1961) after treatment. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2008 APA )
Yook, K., S.-H. Lee, M. Ryu, K.-H. Kim, T. K. Choi, S. Y. Suh, Y.-W. Kim, B. Kim, M. Y. Kim and M.-J. Kim (2008). "Usefulness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for treating insomnia in patients with anxiety disorders: A pilot study." Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease 196(6): 501-503.
The objective of this
study was to examine the usefulness of a mindfulness-based cognitive therapy
(MBCT) for treating insomnia symptoms in patients with anxiety disorder.
Nineteen patients with anxiety disorder were assigned to an 8-week MBCT
clinical trial. Participants showed significant improvement in Pittsburgh Sleep
Quality Index (Z = -3.46, p = 0.00), Penn State Worry Questionnaire (Z = -3.83,
p = 0.00), Ruminative Response Scale (Z = -3.83, p = 0.00), Hamilton Anxiety
Rating Scale (Z = -3.73, p = 0.00), and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores
(Z = -3.06, p = 0.00) at the end of the 8-week program as compared with
baseline. Multiple regression analysis showed that baseline Penn State Worry
Questionnaire scores were associated with baseline Pittsburgh Sleep Quality
Index scores. These findings suggest that MBCT can be effective at relieving
insomnia symptoms by reducing worry associated sleep disturbances in patients
with anxiety disorder. However, well-designed, randomized, controlled trials
are needed to confirm our findings. (PsycINFO
Database Record (c) 2008 APA ) (journal
abstract)
Zautra, A. J., M. C. Davis, J. W. Reich, P. Nicassio, H. Tennen, P. Finan, A. Kratz, B. Parrish and M. R. Irwin (2008). "Comparison of cognitive behavioral and mindfulness meditation interventions on adaptation to rheumatoid arthritis for patients with and without history of recurrent depression." Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. Vol. 76(3): 408-421.
This research examined
whether cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness interventions that target
responses to chronic stress, pain, and depression reduce pain and improve the
quality of everyday life for adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The 144 RA
participants were clustered into groups of 6-10 participants and randomly
assigned to 1 of 3 treatments: cognitive behavioral therapy for pain (P);
mindfulness meditation and emotion regulation therapy (M); or education-only
group (E), which served as an attention placebo control. The authors took a multimethod approach, employing daily diaries and
laboratory assessment of pain and mitogen-stimulated
levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), a proinflammatory
cytokine. Participants receiving P showed the greatest Pre to Post improvement
in self-reported pain control and reductions in the IL-6; both P and M groups
showed more improvement in coping efficacy than did the E group. The relative
value of the treatments varied as a function of depression history. RA patients
with recurrent depression benefited most from M across several measures,
including negative and positive affect and physicians' ratings of joint
tenderness, indicating that the emotion regulation aspects of that treatment
were most beneficial to those with chronic depressive features. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2008 APA )
(journal abstract)