BACKGROUND: Mindfulness-based programs have been shown to be effective in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms, and enhancing well-being. However, it remains unclear whether longer formal mindfulness practices are necessary to obtain such results. We therefore aimed to assess the effectiveness of a program (FOVEA, 8 weeks, 2h/week) which was only based on brief and informal practices. METHODS: Using a switching replication design, participants (N = 139) were assigned to a FOVEA or a wait-list group, and completed the following self-report questionnaires online at three time points: perceived stress, anxiety, depression, satisfaction with life (dependent variables), and mindfulness (mediating variable). They also completed a daily practice diary. RESULTS: Relative to the wait-list group, FOVEA participants showed significantly reduced perceived stress, anxiety, and depression, and increased satisfaction with life. These changes were completely mediated by increased mindfulness, and were maintained 2.5 months after the end of the program. The effect sizes were moderate to large. CONCLUSIONS: These results underline the potential benefits of a mindfulness informal practices program for the general population. This type of program could constitute a first step towards more formal practices once the motivation to practice has been enhanced by the perceived benefits of brief practices.
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BACKGROUND: Mindfulness-based programs have been shown to be effective in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms, and enhancing well-being. However, it remains unclear whether longer formal mindfulness practices are necessary to obtain such results. We therefore aimed to assess the effectiveness of a program (FOVEA, 8 weeks, 2h/week) which was only based on brief and informal practices. METHODS: Using a switching replication design, participants (N = 139) were assigned to a FOVEA or a wait-list group, and completed the following self-report questionnaires online at three time points: perceived stress, anxiety, depression, satisfaction with life (dependent variables), and mindfulness (mediating variable). They also completed a daily practice diary. RESULTS: Relative to the wait-list group, FOVEA participants showed significantly reduced perceived stress, anxiety, and depression, and increased satisfaction with life. These changes were completely mediated by increased mindfulness, and were maintained 2.5 months after the end of the program. The effect sizes were moderate to large. CONCLUSIONS: These results underline the potential benefits of a mindfulness informal practices program for the general population. This type of program could constitute a first step towards more formal practices once the motivation to practice has been enhanced by the perceived benefits of brief practices.
Authors: Álvaro I Langer; Sebastián Medeiros; Nelson Valdés-Sánchez; Rodrigo Brito; Christoph Steinebach; Cristian Cid-Parra; Antonella Magni; Mariane Krause Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2020-09-22 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Juan Pablo Pizarro-Ruiz; Nuria Ordóñez-Camblor; Mario Del-Líbano; María-Camino Escolar-LLamazares Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-01-19 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Laura Antonia Lucia Parolin; Ilaria Maria Antonietta Benzi; Erika Fanti; Alberto Milesi; Pietro Cipresso; Emanuele Preti Journal: Res Psychother Date: 2021-03-29