Int J Environ Res Public Health
December 4, 2023
Mi Hyang Hwang, Leslie Bunt, Catherine Warner
9 citations
An 8-week programme combining Zen meditation and music listening may enhance mindfulness, happiness, and stress management among university music therapy students. The qualitative study, using surveys and interviews, suggests that this integrated approach supports mental well-being and coping strategies. The findings carry implications for mental health resources in higher education and contribute to discussions on combining meditation and music to promote positive mental health.
Int J Environ Res Public Health
January 21, 2025
Norman S. Miller
1 citation
Despite a recent surge in psychedelic research and institutional support, most studies lack scientific rigor and focus on safety and efficacy. Many published studies are poorly designed, and misleading information is common. The current Schedule I classification—indicating no medical value and high abuse potential—complicates research. This paper argues that personal and financial biases further undermine the field, and it calls attention to the neglected literature on safety, adverse effects, and the history of psychedelic use.
Int J Environ Res Public Health
April 24, 2026
This narrative review examines the effectiveness of nature-based mindfulness interventions for improving mental health. The authors argue that combining mindfulness practices with nature exposure may offer benefits for mental well-being, potentially enhancing the effects of mindfulness alone. The review synthesizes existing research, suggesting that such interventions can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and improve mood and overall psychological health. However, the authors note that the evidence base is limited by methodological heterogeneity and a lack of standardized protocols, indicating that more rigorous research is needed to establish definitive conclusions. They propose that nature-based mindfulness holds promise as a complementary approach to traditional mental health treatments.
Int J Environ Res Public Health
August 5, 2024
This study examined how engagement and mental health symptoms relate over time in a group mindfulness-based intervention. Using a bi-directional and time-lagged analysis, the authors found that higher engagement at one point predicted lower mental health symptoms at a later point, and conversely, lower symptoms predicted higher subsequent engagement. The results suggest a reciprocal relationship between engagement and symptom improvement, indicating that active participation may enhance therapeutic benefits. The study highlights the importance of fostering engagement in mindfulness programs to support mental health outcomes.
Int J Environ Res Public Health
June 19, 2023
Listening to the sound of a singing bowl may synchronize brainwaves in meditators, suggesting that auditory stimuli can influence neural activity during meditation. The text indicates that the sound of a singing bowl can induce a state of brainwave synchronization, potentially enhancing meditative focus and relaxation. However, the abstract does not provide specific numerical data or effect sizes, and the level of certainty is not detailed.
Int J Environ Res Public Health
April 11, 2023
Mindfulness is often treated as the sole meditative practice responsible for mental health benefits, but this paper argues that concentration and tranquility—states that commonly co-arise with mindfulness—play a crucial, underrecognized role. The authors propose that these three qualities together form an integrated process that accounts for improvements in psychological well-being. By examining traditional Buddhist accounts and contemporary research, they suggest that concentration and tranquility are not mere byproducts but active contributors to mental health outcomes. The paper calls for a broader conceptualization of meditation's mechanisms beyond mindfulness alone.
Int J Environ Res Public Health
February 21, 2023
A bibliometric and Google Trends analysis reveals a surge in both academic publications and public interest in mindfulness during the COVID-19 pandemic, which persisted into the post-COVID-19 era. The study maps the growth of research output and online search behavior, indicating that the pandemic accelerated attention to mindfulness as a coping strategy.
Int J Environ Res Public Health
December 31, 2022
A systematic review and meta-analysis of placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trials found that pharmacological treatments can reduce nightmare frequency and severity. The analysis synthesized data from multiple trials, showing that certain medications are effective for nightmare management. The authors suggest that these treatments offer a viable option for individuals suffering from nightmares, though the evidence varies by medication type.
Int J Environ Res Public Health
December 1, 2022
A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials examined the effect of mindfulness-based interventions on rumination in patients with depressive disorder. The analysis suggests that mindfulness interventions significantly reduce rumination compared to control conditions. The review included multiple trials and reported a moderate to large effect size. The findings indicate that mindfulness-based approaches may be an effective strategy for decreasing rumination, a core symptom of depression, though the authors note limitations such as variability in study designs and the need for further high-quality research.
Int J Environ Res Public Health
June 10, 2022
This review examines how mindfulness-based strategies affect perceived stress and psychobiosocial states in athletes and recreationally active people. The authors synthesize evidence suggesting that mindfulness interventions can reduce perceived stress and improve psychobiosocial states, which include emotional, cognitive, and social well-being. The text indicates positive effects but does not provide specific effect sizes or a definitive conclusion, noting variability across studies. It highlights the potential of mindfulness as a tool for enhancing psychological health in physical activity contexts.
Int J Environ Res Public Health
February 2, 2022
This study investigated the effect of Juingong Meditation on the theta to alpha ratio in electroencephalography (EEG) recordings from the temporoparietal and anterior frontal regions. The findings indicate that Juingong Meditation alters the theta to alpha ratio in these brain areas, suggesting changes in brainwave patterns associated with the meditation practice.
Int J Environ Res Public Health
March 11, 2021
A systematic review and meta-analysis examined whether Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is effective for people with hypertension, synthesizing 30 years of evidence. The review indicates that MBSR may reduce blood pressure, but the evidence is limited by methodological heterogeneity and risk of bias. The authors suggest that MBSR could be a useful adjunctive therapy, but they call for more rigorous trials to confirm its efficacy and to establish standardized protocols.
Int J Environ Res Public Health
December 14, 2020
This theoretical paper proposes that mindfulness and Shinrin-Yoku (forest bathing) may serve as physiological and psychological interventions during uncertain times. The authors argue that these practices offer potential benefits for stress reduction and overall well-being, particularly when conventional resources are limited. They suggest that integrating these nature-based and contemplative approaches could provide accessible coping strategies. The paper reviews existing literature to support this proposal, emphasizing the need for further research to establish efficacy.