A growing body of research supports the use of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in incarcerated populations; however, treatment effectiveness remains unclear. This meta-analysis of 22 studies ( N = 2,265, 75% male) quantified the effectiveness of MBIs in incarcerated populations on key psychological outcomes and criminogenic needs. Results from pre–post studies indicated MBIs had a small to moderate effect on all outcomes, but this was not supported by controlled studies. Studies with older participants, more females, and longer treatment length demonstrated slightly greater effects. Results from pre–post analyses demonstrated significant reductions in psychological outcomes (depression, anxiety, and stress) and criminogenic needs (impulsivity, self-dysregulation, anger, substance use behavior, and attitude). However, only depression and anxiety were significantly reduced in controlled studies. Although findings offer preliminary support of the efficacy of MBIs in targeting psychological health in incarcerated populations, further controlled studies are required to examine criminogenic outcomes and recidivism rates after treatment.
Nature relatedness refers to the cognitive-affective relationship with natural environments. Mindfulness is described as non-judgmental attention to the present moment and is a multi-dimensional construct consisting of interacting facets. This study aimed to clarify the mechanisms through which nature relatedness and mindfulness contribute to subjective wellbeing. Participants were 250 university students (Mage = 20.67, SD = 1.99, 82.4% female) who completed measures of nature relatedness, the five facets of mindfulness, positive and negative affect and life satisfaction. Mediation analyses revealed that of the five facets of mindfulness, only Non-Reactivity and Observing partially mediated the positive relationship between nature relatedness and positive affect, and fully mediated the positive relationship between nature relatedness and life satisfaction. Only Non-Reactivity was found to fully mediate the negative relationship between nature relatedness and negative affect. Findings suggest that when creating nature-based mindfulness interventions, it may be clinically useful develop skills that target mindfulness through Non-Reactivity and Observing.
Objective
The study aims to meta-analytically review studies about the effects of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) on well-being of people with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Methods
Seven electronic databases were searched from June 2018 to September 2018. A systematic review and a meta-analysis were conducted.
Results
Twenty-one studies were included in qualitative synthesis, and 10 studies were included in meta-analysis. MBIs are effective with an overall moderate effect size (Hedges' g = 0.70) in improving well-being in people with MS, with lasting effects at the follow-up (g = 0.55). In particular, MBIs demonstrated to highly reduce stress (g = 1.07) and to improve depression and anxiety symptoms with a moderate to large effect at postintervention (g = 0.77 and g = 0.63, respectively).
Conclusions
MBIs represent a valid and effective mind-body intervention to improve the well-being of patients with MS. Further studies should investigate which components of MBIs could be more beneficial for patients with progressive MS.
PROSPERO registration
CRD42018099704.
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