Mindfulness Meditation and Fantasy Relaxation in a Group Setting Leads to a Diminished Sense of Self and an Increased Present Orientation

Kohls, Niko; Esch, T.; Gerber, Lea; Adrian, Lucas; Wittmann, Marc

doi:10.3390/bs9080087

Cited by 11 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 44 publications

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“…Finally, we want to remark that the green Ganzfeld stimulation in combination with brown noise had significant relaxation properties. Mind–body interventions, such as meditation or yoga as well as other relaxation techniques, have been introduced into the clinical and health sciences (Esch, Sonntag, Esch, & Thees, 2013; Kohls, Esch, Gerber, Adrian, & Wittmann, 2019). Importantly, it can be said that the core features of altered states of consciousness act antithetically to psychiatric symptoms (Liknaitzky, 2017).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Red visual stimulation in theGanzfeldleads to a relative overestimation of duration compared to green

2020

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A Ganzfeld is a homogenized visual and auditory perceptual field which can induce altered states of consciousness (ASC; Metzger, 1929; Schmidt & Prein, 2019). Using a balanced intrasubject design, we compared participants' experience during two differently colored (red, green) 25‐min Ganzfeld sessions with brown noise as acoustic stimulation. Participants were exposed to the colored visual field through commercially available goggles and to brown noise over headphones. We selected 67 participants with some prior meditation experience to increase the probability that they would engage meaningfully with this specifically restricted stimulus situation. We tested the functional components of the standard cognitive model of time perception (Zakay & Block, 1997) in a path analysis for direct (red vs. green light) and indirect effects (arousal, attention) on subjective duration and perceived passage of time. Subjective arousal and valence states were measured using the Self‐Assessment Manikin (SAM). The amount of attention directed to time and the perceived passage of time were rated with standard visual analog scales (VAS). Participants also estimated the duration of each Ganzfeld exposure. The session with the red visual field lasted significantly longer than did the green session (μred = 23.1 min; μgreen = 19.8 min). After the green session, participants rated their arousal level to have significantly decreased; after the red session, individuals on average felt emotionally less positive. Multiple path analyses revealed that the effect of color on estimated duration is completely mediated through higher arousal levels during the red Ganzfeld session. In turn, the higher arousal level generates a longer subjective estimate of duration. For induction of relaxation in studies probing altered states of consciousness employing the Ganzfeld technique, we recommend using the green light.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Red visual stimulation in theGanzfeldleads to a relative overestimation of duration compared to green

2020

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“…Mind–body interventions (MBI) are a group of diverse techniques that focus on the interactions between mind, brain, body, and behavior and aim to reduce stress and increase acceptance through long-term personality changes [ 29 ]. Some of them include an active physical component [ 30 ], while others focus mainly on meditation and relaxation techniques [ 31 , 32 ]. The majority of MBIs for medical disorders appear to be based on mindfulness-related approaches.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of Mindfulness-Based Therapy on Clinical Symptoms and DNA Methylation in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and High Metabolic Risk

Dema

Paska

Kouter

et al. 2023

CIMB

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Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine and metabolic disorder affecting women of reproductive age. Research has shown that epigenetic alterations such as DNA methylation may play a role in the development and progression of abnormal ovarian function and metabolic disorders in PCOS. Studies have identified specific genes (related with insulin signaling and steroid hormone metabolism) that are methylated in women with PCOS. DNA methylation appears to respond to various interventions aimed at altering health and lifestyle factors. We tested the efficacy of a mindfulness-based stress reduction program (MBSR) in PCOS patients. We examined its effects on anthropometric measurements, mental health and wellbeing, and alterations in DNA methylation in peripheral blood. MBSR was associated with a reduction in body mass index, waist circumference and blood glucose level, an improvement in subjectively perceived general health, emotional role limitation, and levels of pain, as well as mindfulness-like traits. MBSR reduced the expression of anxious symptomatology and subjectively perceived stress. Methylation changes were observed in four genes: COMT, FST, FKBP51, and MAOA. We conclude that MBSR may be a useful supplementary therapy to mitigate the deleterious effects of PCOS on mental health.

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“…Nevertheless, more systematic and longer lasting interventions are required to produce significant changes in well-being. Future studies should strive to recruit a randomized sample and carry out follow-up measures within a longitudinal design (Kohls et al, 2019). They should also try to ensure a larger sample group.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Social climate in university classrooms: A mindfulness‐based educational intervention

et al. 2021

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There is a limited number of studies on the impact of mindfulness-based interventions on university students and their positive effect on collective experiences of shared flow. The aim of the present study was to explore the effectiveness of mindfulness training in terms of reducing stress and enhancing well-being, experiences of shared flow and classroom climate (engagement and affiliation). The intervention and control groups were matched by age and sex (n = 125; M = 20.71, SD = 4.60, 68% women). The intervention group comprised mindfulness exercises performed in the classroom over the course of 7 weeks. The principal variables were measured at pretest and posttest, and shared flow was also measured in the intervention group. In comparison with the control group, statistically significant differences were observed in the intervention group in relation to mindfulness, perceived stress, and classroom climate (affiliation). Furthermore, the perception of shared flow among students increased from the beginning to the end of the program. Mindfulness skills were found to mediate improvements in perceived well-being and stress. It is concluded that mindfulness practice can turn learning into a challenging and shared task. The study highlights the importance of fostering programs that enhance the development of competencies related to mindfulness among university students.

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Mindfulness Meditation and Fantasy Relaxation in a Group Setting Leads to a Diminished Sense of Self and an Increased Present Orientation

Cited by 11 publications

References 44 publications

Red visual stimulation in theGanzfeldleads to a relative overestimation of duration compared to green

Red visual stimulation in theGanzfeldleads to a relative overestimation of duration compared to green

Effects of Mindfulness-Based Therapy on Clinical Symptoms and DNA Methylation in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and High Metabolic Risk

Social climate in university classrooms: A mindfulness‐based educational intervention

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