Changes in psychosocial well-being after mindfulness-based stress reduction: a prospective cohort study

Abstract

The primary purpose of the current study was to assess the effects of a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program, facilitated by non-psychologist clinicians, for improving psychosocial well-being. A secondary purpose of the current study was to explore the role of self-compassion as a potential underlying factor for improvements in emotional distress. Application of these findings to a physical therapy setting is provided. One hundred and thirty participants with a variety of medical complaints completed an eight-week MBSR program at Vanderbilt University's Osher Center for Integrative Medicine. Prior to the intervention and at the eight-week time point, participants completed measures for emotional distress (Brief Symptom Inventory), stress (Perceived Stress Scale-10), mindfulness (Mindfulness Attention and Awareness Scale), and self-compassion (Self-Compassion Scale). Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to evaluate changes in outcomes after MBSR. Linear model estimation using ordinary least squares was used to evaluate the association between changes in self-compassion with changes in emotional distress. Following MBSR, participants reported significant reductions in emotional distress ( < 0.001). Additionally, participants reported improvements in mindfulness and self-compassion ( < 0.001). Linear regression model revealed that changes in self-compassion were significantly associated with changes in emotional distress ( < 0.001). An MBSR program conducted by non-psychologist clinicians was associated with improvements in emotional distress, stress, and self-compassion. MBSR is a promising adjunct intervention in which principles can be integrated within a physical therapy approach for chronic conditions.: 3B.

Self‐compassion in mindfulness‐based stress reduction: An examination of prediction and mediation of intervention effects

“…The present study is a secondary analysis of a previously published investigation of the effects of MBSR on psychosocial well‐being (Hill et al, ). The data presented here are from a prospective cohort design with preintervention and postintervention assessment of psychosocial characteristics.…”

“…MBSR is a structured intervention that primarily aims to cultivate nonjudgmental attention to present moment experience (i.e., mindfulness; Kabat‐Zinn, ) through training in a variety of meditative practices. In addition to symptom reduction, MBSR appears to confer benefit through development of protective factors such as psychological resilience, distress tolerance, acceptance, and self‐compassion (Birnie, Speca, & Carlson, ; Goldsmith et al, ; Hill, McKernan, Wang, & Coronado, ; Raes, ; Shapiro, Astin, Bishop, & Cordova, ). Despite growing evidence of MBSR's efficacy, the processes underlying treatment response remain less clear.…”

“…An additional construct that may influence outcomes in MBSR is self‐compassion, an orientation toward personal suffering in which difficulties are met with mindful awareness, the perspective of universal human experience, and an offering or intent to alleviate distress (Neff, , ). Research exploring self‐compassion associates greater levels of self‐compassion with less anxiety and depression, fewer reports of feeling isolated by one's problems, and greater emotional regulation (Costa & Pinto‐Gouveia, ; Hill et al, ; Krieger, Altenstein, Baettig, Doerig, & Holtforth, ; Raes, ). Mindfulness and self‐compassion may interact over the course of MBSR.…”

Neuropathic pain and SCI: Identification and treatment strategies in the 21st century

“…Since pain often has a psychological component, we also believe that cognitive behavioral therapies (CBTs) will make their way into NP pain management in SCI. Studies indicating the effectiveness of therapies, like mindfulness and other CBT, for those with chronic conditions are just now emerging [86,93,94]. Although it is unlikely that these will be effective in significantly reducing NP for SCI individuals on their own, it could be an impactful addition to a patient's overall pain management plan.…”

The influence of hypoxia and melatonin on the behavioral response of rats with different level of energy metabolism

“…Здоров'я людини урбанізованого суспільства пов'язане з постійним впливом стресових ситуацій, що може бути однією з причин виникнення «хвороб цивілізації». Водночас відомо, що у патогенезі неврозів важливу роль відіграють індивідуальні особливості та психоемоційна стійкість особистості [1,2]. У «відкритому полі» у щурів виникає певний стрес на незвичайні умови.…”