Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy
March 16, 2014
Ben Shahar, Ohad Szepsenwol, Sigal Zilcha‐mano et al.
137 citations
Self-criticism is a risk factor for psychological disorders and predicts poor treatment response. A loving-kindness meditation (LKM) program designed to increase self-compassion was tested in 38 highly self-critical individuals randomly assigned to LKM or a wait-list. Compared with the wait-list, LKM led to significant reductions in self-criticism and depressive symptoms and significant increases in self-compassion and positive emotions. Gains were maintained at a 3-month follow-up. These preliminary results suggest that LKM may help self-critical individuals become less self-critical and more self-compassionate, and may reduce depressive symptoms and increase positive emotions.
Mindfulness
October 17, 2025
Raghda Alnabilsy, Shiran Israel, Inbal Soroker et al.
Mindfulness and self-compassion are strongly linked to better mental well-being among Arab-Bedouins in Israel, a marginalized group facing socio-economic hardships and limited mental health resources. A cross-sectional study of 181 participants found that higher trait mindfulness and self-compassion were associated with lower anxiety, depression, and perceived stress. Qualitative interviews with eight Arab-Bedouin mental health professionals who completed an adapted Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program revealed that delivering MBSR in Arabic, integrating Islamic values, and using gender-sensitive practices increased cultural alignment and engagement. Culturally adapting MBSR to language, gender norms, and Islamic teachings enhances its relevance and effectiveness for this community.
Frontiers in Psychology
January 1, 2014
Nava Levit‐binnun, Ricardo Tarrasch
Short contemplative exercises inspired by Buddhist self-inquiry, called "personal brain investigations," were introduced in an undergraduate neuroscience course for psychology students. At the start of class, all students participated in brief exercises bringing stable awareness to specific perceptual or cognitive processes. For bonus credit, 102 of 265 students completed a longer version: 10 minutes daily, 4 days a week, with lab reports and teacher feedback. Surveys, final grades, and a one-year follow-up quiz showed that bonus-track students were significantly more likely to remember class material. Qualitative analysis of their reflections indicated positive feelings, deeper connection with material, personal insights, and acquired contemplative skills like increased awareness, non-judgmental attitudes, and better stress management.
Shiran Israel, Raghda Alnabilsy, Michael Zaitchik et al.
preprint
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) can be a meaningful resource for Ethiopian-Israeli young adults coping with chronic stressors such as socioeconomic disadvantage, racialized discrimination, and identity tensions, but its effectiveness depends on cultural resonance, practical framing, and relational safety. In a qualitative study of 25 Ethiopian-Israeli young adults who completed an eight-week MBSR course, participants reported enhanced emotion regulation, embodied awareness, and coping with discrimination. However, cultural and practical barriers—such as norms discouraging emotional vulnerability, emphasis on productivity, and competing life demands—limited engagement. The findings indicate that mindfulness should not be assumed culturally neutral and that contextually grounded adaptations are needed.