While research has documented the beneficial effects of greater formal as well as informal mindfulness practice in mindfulness training programs, it is less clear what drives informal practice engagement. In a high-stakes occupational context like the military, where performance is paramount, leader behaviors that support mindfulness training may influence individuals' engagement in informal...
Training and consultation in cognitive behavioral therapy for nightmares (CBT-N) were introduced for Veterans Health Administration (VHA) providers to reduce the frequency and severity of nightmares and improve functioning of veterans experiencing chronic nightmares. This study aimed to evaluate providers' sustained delivery of CBT-N and their perceptions of benefits and barriers to...
Brief mindfulness training can help veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) learn essential skills to manage distressing emotions and thoughts. This study sought to (a) refine the content of Primary Care Brief Mindfulness Training (PCBMT) to address PTSD symptoms and recovery, (b) improve the feasibility of training Veterans Health Administration staff to facilitate mindfulness...
Veterans' reluctance to engage in mental health treatment coupled with high attrition in such treatment should motivate practitioners and researchers to create innovative ways to treat veterans. Nature-based interventions show promise as a means for addressing veterans' mental health needs. The present study aimed to test the feasibility and acceptability of a manualized nature-based...
Psychological ServicesJuly 10, 2025Rachel L. Dyer, Katherine M Zimmerman, Xinxuyang Zhao et al.2 citations
In recent decades, depression and anxiety have worsened among American adults. Meditation apps may provide an accessible route for reducing these symptoms. However, many users experience barriers to persisting in their use of these apps. Prior research has identified psychosocial and practical barriers and facilitators to the use of meditation apps, as well as barriers and facilitators related...
Mindfulness-based interventions are complementary and integrative health interventions, widely used for mental health. However, while these interventions show significant benefits for veterans, veterans are more likely to drop out of mindfulness-based interventions than other treatments. This study aimed to evaluate veterans' motivations for and long-term engagement in mindfulness practices...
Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is defined as the deliberate destruction of one's bodily tissue without suicidal intent. Mindfulness practice is commonly incorporated into universities' stress management programming and may benefit students with a history of NSSI. However, recent findings suggest that these students may respond differentially to specific types of mindfulness practice (i.e.,...
The majority of women veterans experience chronic pain and many have comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To enhance resilience in these veterans in terms of both physical functioning and psychosocial well-being, a mindfulness-based, trauma-informed, eight-session group pilot program was designed to target emotion regulation and social belonging. Women who engaged in treatment were...
Psychological ServicesMay 1, 2015Brenna L Greenfield, Kevin A Hallgren, Kamilla L Venner et al.
Spirituality is central to many Native Americans (NAs) and has been associated with recovery from substance use disorders (SUDs). However, no published questionnaire uniquely taps tribal-specific spiritual beliefs and practices. This hinders efforts to integrate traditional NA spirituality into SUD treatment and track spiritual outcomes. As part of a randomized controlled trial examining SUD...