The effects of mindfulness-based interventions in COVID-19 times: a systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: the public health crisis caused by COVID-19, a disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, has imposed physical threats and psychological suffering on both infected patients and individuals who experience social isolation and various governmental restrictions, leading to the appearance of symptoms like anxiety, depression, as well as insomnia, stress, and changes in biological rhythm. In face of this stressful scenario, interventions based on mindfulness (MBIs) have proved to be potentially adequate tools in reducing psychological suffering and generating well-being in the general population. Objective: to describe the effects of mindfulness-based interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted on the effects of mindfulness intervention in times of COVID-19. The articles were searched in four databases (Pubmed, Embase, Scopus, and Science direct) and the PRISMA protocol was used to conduct this review. In total, fourteen articles were included in the study. Results: the use of mindfulness techniques in the population with impaired mental health because of the COVID-19 pandemic proved to be beneficial, with improvement in emotional stress scores and reduction in anxiety symptoms, through formal mindfulness meditation practices such as mindful breathing, body scanning, and application of the mindfulness-based stress reduction strategy (MBSR). Strategies were also applied through smartphone applications that had the objective of promoting the increase of mindfulness and the development of the acceptance without judgment of the traumatic experiences already lived, in addition to an integrated intervention on the internet with the use of mindfulness, the training of respiratory relaxation, refuge skills and Butterfly Hug Method. Conclusion: with the pandemic going through, still with high mortality, continuity of social isolation, and, consequently, intensification of psychic suffering in the population and health professionals, interventions based on mindfulness (MBIs) are being effective to reduce this suffering, prevent the appearance of of chronic mental disorders and promote positive impacts on physical and mental well-being.

Positive Impacts of a Four-Week Neuro-Meditation Program on Cognitive Function in Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…To our best knowledge, this is the first randomized controlled trial to find immediate and positive psychological effects of MBI in COVID patients with long-term effects. Indeed, although the effectiveness of MBI on stress, anxiety, and well-being management has been extensively studied in recent years (for recent reviews and meta-analysis see [32,33]), most studies were conducted during the pandemic (e.g., lockdown) or immediately after. To the question of whether persistent symptoms, particularly emotional and psychological disorders, can be treated by MBI, we can reasonably answer in the affirmative in light of the results reported herein.…”

Barriers to Physical Activity among Full-Time Students: A Case Study during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Moreover, the online application of the questionnaires presents another limitation. Namely, the online collection of data, which was necessary due to the social distancing measures imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, may have limited the sample to participants with internet access [76].…”

Impacto del Mindfulness en Síntomas Psicosociales en Personas Expuestas a la Covid-19: Revisión Sistemática

“…En varios países, estudios muestran resultados positivos con mindfulness. Por ejemplo, en Brasil, una revisión encontró mejoras en la salud mental con mindfulness como terapia (Duarte et al, 2022). Estrés postraumático tratado con Mindfulness en China teniendo resultados satisfactorios (Dai et al, 2022).…”