Christina A. Metcalf

2 papers in the library · 73 citations · publishing 2013-2014

Papers

Web-Based Intervention in Mindfulness Meditation for Reducing Residual Depressive Symptoms and Relapse Prophylaxis: A Qualitative Study

Journal of Medical Internet Research March 24, 2014 Jennifer M. Boggs, Arne Beck, Jennifer N. Felder et al. 73 citations

A Web-based program called Mindful Mood Balance (MMB), which delivers the core concepts of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), is a viable way to treat residual depressive symptoms and prevent relapse. In exit interviews with 38 participants who had a current PHQ-9 score of 12 or less and at least one prior major depressive episode, four main themes emerged: Web content, Web-based group process, home practice, and concept comprehension. Participants noted advantages such as flexibility, reduced cost, and less time commitment, as well as obstacles like time challenges for home practice and a need for more support. They endorsed developing affect regulation skills. High satisfaction suggests MMB can increase access to evidence-based psychological treatments for sub-threshold unipolar depression.

DOI: 10.2196/jmir.3129 Intervention counseling Psychotherapist Mindfulness meditation Web application +7

Loving-Kindness Meditation practice associated with longer telomeres in women.

Brain, behavior, and immunity August 1, 2013 Elizabeth A Hoge, Maxine M Chen, Esther Orr et al.

People who practice Loving-Kindness Meditation (LKM), a Buddhist-derived technique focusing on unselfish kindness toward all, tended to have longer telomeres—a cellular marker linked to slower aging—than non-meditators. In women, the difference was statistically significant even after accounting for body mass index and past depression. The study compared 15 LKM practitioners with 22 controls and found no significant differences in age, gender, race, education, or trauma exposure, though controls had higher BMI and lower rates of past depression. The results suggest LKM practice might influence telomere length, particularly in women, though the small sample size limits certainty.

DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2013.04.005 Full text