A prospective pilot study compared the Orientation on Being Program (OBP) with the standard Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program. The results suggest that OBP may be a viable alternative to MBSR, showing comparable improvements in mindfulness and well-being among participants. Both programs led to reductions in stress and anxiety, with no significant differences between the two groups. The study indicates that OBP could offer similar benefits to MBSR, potentially providing another effective option for mindfulness-based interventions.
Practicing mindfulness skills daily mediates the benefits of supplementing a mindfulness-based intervention. Participants who received a smartphone-based supplement to a standard mindfulness program showed greater improvements in well-being, and this effect was explained by increased daily practice of mindfulness exercises. The findings suggest that the supplement works by encouraging more consistent practice rather than through other mechanisms.
A mindfulness induction reduced subjective stress among university students during a laboratory stressor, but this buffering effect was weaker for those with a history of self-injury. Students with a self-injury history reported higher baseline stress and showed less reduction in stress following the mindfulness exercise compared to peers without such a history. The findings suggest that while brief mindfulness may help manage acute stress, its benefits may be limited for individuals who self-injure.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, meditation and mindfulness-based interventions may help manage psychological distress in settings like prisons, quarantine, and lockdowns. A systematic review of relevant literature suggests these practices can reduce anxiety, depression, and stress, though evidence is limited by small sample sizes and varied methodologies. The theoretical proposition underscores the need for further rigorous research to confirm benefits and guide implementation in high-stress environments.