Relação entre meditação, regulação emocional e expressão vocal: estudo de intervenção / Relación entre meditación, regulación emocional y expresión vocal: estudio de intervención / The relationship between meditation, emotional regulation and vocal expression: interventional study

Introdução: A voz é um indicador de estados emocionais, influenciada por fatores como o tônus vagal, a respiração e a variabilidade da frequência cardíaca. O estudo explora esses fatores e a relação com a regulação emocional e a prática meditativa como técnica de autorregulação. Objetivo: Investigar a diferença nas características vocais e na variação da frequência cardíaca em meditadores experientes (EM) e novatos (NM) antes e depois de uma prática meditativa e em não praticantes de meditação ­ grupo controle (CG), antes e depois de um teste controle. Métodos: Estudo quase-fatorial 3 x 2. Três grupos foram avaliados (meditadores experientes EM; meditadores novatos NM; e grupo controle CG, não praticantes de meditação) em dois momentos da manipulação experimental ­ antes e depois de uma sessão meditativa para praticantes de meditação, e antes e depois de uma tarefa de busca de palavras para o grupo controle. A frequência fundamental, jitter, shimmer, relação harmônico-ruído e o primeiro (F1), o segundo (F2) e terceiro (F3) formantes da vogal [a]; a variação da frequência cardíaca (SDNN, RMSSD, LF/HF, SD1 and SD2); estado de ansiedade e autopercepção vocal, foram investigados, antes e após a intervenção. Resultados: O grupo EM alcançou ótimo relaxamento do trato vocal. Os grupos NM e CG apresentaram mudanças em F1. Prática meditativa, de longa duração, está associado com grande diferença em F3, SDNN e SD2 na variação da frequência cardíaca. Conclusão: Os resultados sugerem que prática meditativa influencia a expressão vocal e reação emocional, e que a experiência em prática meditativa favorece esta relação. (AU)

Introduction: The voice is an indicator of emotional states, influenced by factors such as vagal tone, breathing and heart rate variability. This study explores these factors and their relationship with emotional regulation and meditative practice as a self-regulation technique. Purpose: To investigate the difference in vocal characteristics and heart rate variability in experienced (EM) and novice (NM) meditators before and after a meditation practice and in non-meditators - control group (CG), before and after a control test. Methods: 3 x 2 quasi-factorial study. Three groups were evaluated (experienced meditators EM; novice meditators NM; and control group CG, non-meditators) at two points in the experimental manipulation - before and after a meditation session for meditators, and before and after a word search task for the control group. The fundamental frequency, jitter, shimmer, harmonic-to-noise ratio and the first (F1), second (F2) and third (F3) formants of the vowel [a]; heart rate variation (SDNN, RMSSD, LF/HF, SD1 and SD2); anxiety state and vocal self-perception, were investigated, before and after the intervention. Results: The EM group achieved optimal vocal tract relaxation. The NM and CG groups showed changes in F1. Long-term meditative practice was associated with a large difference in F3, SDNN and SD2 in heart rate variation. Conclusion: The results suggest that meditation practice influences vocal expression and emotional reaction, and that experience in meditation practice favors this relationship. (AU)

Introducción: La voz es un indicador de los estados emocionales, influida por factores como el tono vagal, la respiración y la variabilidad de la frecuencia cardiaca. Este estudio explora estos factores y su relación con la regulación emocional y la práctica de la meditación. Objetivo: Investigar la diferencia en las características vocales y variabilidad de la frecuencia cardiaca en meditadores experimentados (EM) y novatos (NM) antes y después de una práctica de meditación y en no meditadores - grupo control (GC), antes y después de una prueba control. Métodos: Estudio cuasi-factorial 3 x 2. Se evaluaron tres grupos (meditadores experimentados EM; meditadores novatos NM; y grupo control CG, no meditadores) en dos momentos - antes y después de una sesión de meditación para los meditadores, y antes y después de una tarea de búsqueda de palabras para el grupo control. Se investigaron la frecuencia fundamental, jitter, shimmer, relación armónico-ruido y los formantes primero (F1), segundo (F2) y tercero (F3) de la vocal [a]; la variación de la frecuencia cardiaca (SDNN, RMSSD, LF/HF, SD1 y SD2); el estado de ansiedad y autopercepción vocal, antes y después de la intervención. Resultados: El grupo EM consiguió una relajación óptima del tracto vocal. Los grupos NM y CG mostraron cambios en F1. La práctica de meditación a largo plazo se asocia con una gran diferencia en F3, SDNN y SD2 en la variación de la frecuencia cardiaca. Conclusión: Los resultados sugieren que la práctica de meditación influye en la expresión vocal y reacción emocional. (AU)

Effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program on depression, emotion regulation, and sleep problems: A randomized controlled trial study on depressed elderly.

BACKGROUND: Entering old age is associated with various physical and psychological disabilities. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction program on emotion regulation and sleep problems in depressed elderly. METHODS: This study was a clinical trial conducted on 60 elderly individuals with depression using purposive sampling. These elderly were referred by geriatricians and were included in the study based on the inclusion criteria. The participants were randomly assigned to two groups: the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) group and the control group. Both groups completed the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), the Gratz and Roemer Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index before and after the intervention. The MBSR sessions were held for the experimental group in 8 sessions of 90 min each, once a week. Finally, all the data were analyzed using SPSS software version 26 through descriptive and analytical statistics such as mean and standard deviation, t-tests and mixed analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with repeated measures. RESULTS: The results showed that the MBSR intervention led to a significant reduction in depression symptoms (p < 0.001) and improvement in emotion regulation and sleep quality (p < 0.001) among the elderly participants with depression in the intervention group. DISCUSSION: The results of this study showed that MBSR can be effective in reducing depression levels, improving emotion regulation, and sleep quality among depressed elderly individuals compared to the control group. Caregivers and psychotherapists of nursing homes can use care programs such as MBSR program to improve the physical and mental condition of the elderly. TRIAL REGISTRATION: First Registration: 13/01/2022, Registration Number: IRCT20211118053099N1, Access: https://www.irct.ir/trial/61207 .

Leaders' emotional labour and abusive supervision: The moderating role of mindfulness.

In this study, we examine how leaders' emotional labour strategies (surface acting and deep acting) deplete leaders' self-control resources to predict abusive supervision, in addition to the moderating role of leader mindfulness. Integrating ego-depletion theory and emotion regulation theory, we hypothesise that deep acting and surface acting predict higher levels of abusive supervision, which is mediated by reduced self-control. Furthermore, we predict that leaders' trait mindfulness moderates the relationship between emotional labour and self-control on abusive supervision. Results from a three-wave study of leader-follower dyads supported mediation hypotheses; both deep and surface acting predicted abusive supervision, which is mediated by reduced self-control. Our moderated mediation hypotheses were supported for deep acting but not surface acting. This research contributes to the literature by demonstrating the depleting nature of emotional labour in leadership and the importance of leader mindfulness as a boundary condition that can make deep acting less harmful for leader behaviour.

Clinical effectiveness of mindfulness-based music therapy on improving emotional regulation in blind older women: A randomized controlled trial.

Background: This study aimed to investigate clinical effectiveness of a structured eight-week mindfulness-based music therapy (MBMT) program on improving mood regulation in older women with blindness. This investigation compared a MBMT group with a mindfulness intervention (MI) group and a control group. Methods: Ninety-two older females with blindness from a residential setting in Hong Kong were recruited and randomly allocated to a MBMT (n = 31), MI (n = 30), or control (n = 31) group. Psychological measurements regarding mood regulation and general mood states (namely, Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale [DERS], Geriatric Depression Scale [GDS], and Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21), were taken at pretest and posttest. Outcome assessors were blinded to group assignment. Results: Data was analyzed based on intention-to-treat basis. At posttest, DERS scores in the MBMT group (mean differences and 95% confidence interval: 12.1, 5.5 to 18.8) and the MI group (7.2, 0.5 to 13.8) were lower than that in the control group. GDS scores in the MBMT group (2.9, 1.7 to 4.0) and the MI group (1.7, 0.6 to 2.9) were lower than those in the control group. Compared with the MI group, the MBMT group improved emotional awareness sub-scores in DERS (2.1, 0.2 to 4.1) and appeared to lower depression in GDS scores (1.1, -0.0 to 2.3; p = 0.053). Conclusion: MBMT seems more beneficial than MI alone for improving emotional regulation in older women with blindness. The combination of mindfulness and music can generate a synergetic effect by enhancing both attention and appraisal components within the emotional-regulation process. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05583695.

Mind-body and art therapies impact on emotional regulation in patients with chronic diseases: a pragmatic mixed-methods randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Effective emotional regulation is recognized as essential to a good mental health of people with chronic diseases, and Mind-body and Art Therapies (MBATs) could have a positive effect on emotional regulation skills in this population. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the effect of MBATs on emotional regulation as measured by the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) questionnaire. METHODS: A convergent mixed approach nested in a pragmatic superiority two arms parallel randomized controlled trial was conducted. French speaking adults with one or more chronic somatic illnesses and not suffering from a chronic psychiatric disorder unrelated to one of their chronic somatic illness were included. At inclusion, non-directive interviews were conducted, followed by an initial DERS assessment. The same combination of evaluation was implemented after 6 months of activity (T1). After inclusion, each participant was randomized within either the intervention group (G1) or the control group (G2) following a controlled wait-list design by use of a pregenerated randomization list. Staff and patient were blinded to this list until the initial evaluation was completed, after which the trial was conducted in an open-label fashion. Participants chose 2 mediations: one creativity-focused (art-therapy, writing workshop, theatre of life, vocal workshop) and one mind-body-focused (mindfulness meditation, Pilates, shiatsu, ayurvedic massages). G1 started their mediations immediately after inclusion, while G2 started 6 months later. Primary outcome was the change in means at 6 months in the overall DERS score compared between each group. Non-directive interviews were carried out at the inclusion and after 6 months of MBATs. A continuous inductive analysis was carried out on gathered material in G1 to explore the participants' experiences regarding their disease and their perceived changes associated to the intervention. RESULTS: A total of 150 patients was randomized (75 per groups) at the end of the study. At T1, 133 patients filled out the final questionnaire (67 in G1 vs 66 in G2) and 112 interviews were analysed (54 in G1 vs 58 in G2). All 150 patients were analysed (intention to treat) using a multiple imputation approach. The mean DERS score at T0 was equal to 82.8 ± 21.1 and 85.0 ± 20.2 in G1 and G2 respectively. On average, at T1, the score decreased in the G1 (Δ = -4.8, SD = 21.3) and in G2 (Δ = -0.11, SD = 17.8). The difference in decrease, however, was not statistically significant (p = 0.13). Qualitative analysis underlined some MBATs benefits on emotional regulation, especially on regulation strategies. No harms related to the intervention has been observed. CONCLUSIONS: This study only partially supports benefits on MBAT on emotional regulation skills enhancement in patients with chronic disease receiving MBATs, as measured by the DERS scale. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The protocol was registered on Clinical Trials (NCT02911207).

Can XunTian Tai Chi intervention improve the level of emotional regulation of crew members in the Controlled Ecological Life Support System?

To explore the appropriate exercise methods and means for astronauts in confined and small isolation conditions, a set of XunTian Tai Chi suitable for the spaceflight workforce was created, with the aim of discovering the practical effects of XunTian Tai Chi and providing a scientific basis for the subsequent development of new astronaut health maintenance techniques with Chinese characteristics. Using the Controlled Ecological Life Support System (CELSS) as a research platform, we observed the changes in a crew member's emotion regulation-related indexes during 180 days of working and living in a confined isolation chamber through periodic interventions of the XunTian Tai Chi and conducted statistical analyses. During the 180-day cabin mission, expression suppression, cognitive reappraisal, attention index, and relaxation index were all lower than those before entering the cabin, suggesting that the crew member's emotion regulation ability decreased during the in-cabin mission. A single Tai Chi exercise could cause favorable changes in the indicators, positively affecting the crew member's emotional regulation. The attention and relaxation indices of the occupants were improved significantly by both single and periodic Tai Chi exercises. After the Tai Chi exercise cycle, the results of each index showed a certain degree of effect. The 180-day ground-based simulation of Tai Chi in the confinement of a space capsule positively affects the occupant's emotional regulation.

Definitions, phenomenology, diagnosis, and management of the disorders of laughter and crying in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): Consensus from ALS and Motor Neuron Disease Scientific Department of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology / Definições, fenomenologia, diagnóstico e manejo das desordens do riso e do choro em esclerose lateral amiotrófica (ELA): Consenso do Departamento Científico de ELA e Doença do Neurônio Motor da Academia Brasileira de Neurologia

Abstract The spectrum of neuropsychiatric phenomena observed in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is wide and not fully understood. Disorders of laughter and crying stand among the most common manifestations. The aim of this study is to report the results of an educational consensus organized by the Brazilian Academy of Neurology to evaluate the definitions, phenomenology, diagnosis, and management of the disorders of laughter and crying in ALS patients. Twelve members of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology - considered to be experts in the field - were recruited to answer 12 questions about the subject. After exchanging revisions, a first draft was prepared. A face-to-face meeting was held in Fortaleza, Brazil on 9.23.22 to discuss it. The revised version was subsequently emailed to all members of the ALS Scientific Department from the Brazilian Academy of Neurology and the final revised version submitted for publication. The prevalence of pseudobulbar affect/pathological laughter and crying (PBA/PLC) in ALS patients from 15 combined studies and 3906 patients was 27.4% (N = 1070), ranging from 11.4% to 71%. Bulbar onset is a risk factor but there are limited studies evaluating the differences in prevalence among the different motor neuron diseases subtypes, including patients with and without frontotemporal dementia. Antidepressants and a combination of dextromethorphan and quinidine (not available in Brazil) are possible therapeutic options. This group of panelists acknowledge the multiple gaps in the current literature and reinforces the need for further studies.

Resumo O espectro de fenômenos neuropsiquiátricos observados na ELA é amplo e não completamente entendido. Desordens do riso e do choro estão entre as manifestações mais comuns. O objetivo deste estudo é relatar os resultados de um Consenso organizado pela Academia Brasileira de Neurologia para avaliar definições, fenomenologia, diagnóstico, e manejo dos distúrbios do riso e do choro em pacientes com ELA. Doze membros da Academia Brasileira de Neurologia - considerados experts na área - foram recrutados para responder 12 questões na temática. Depois da verificação das revisões, um primeiro manuscrito foi preparado. Após, foi realizado um encontro presencial em Fortaleza, Brasil, em 23/09/2022, para discussão do conteúdo. A versão revisada foi posteriormente enviada por e-mail para todos os membros do Departamento Científico de DNM/ELA da Academia Brasileira de Neurologia e a versão final revisada foi submetida para publicação. A prevalência da síndrome pseudobulbar em pacientes com ELA em 15 estudos combinados com 3906 pacientes foi de 27,4% (n = 1070), variando entre 11,4% e 71%. Início bulbar é um fator de risco, mas há limitados estudos avaliando as diferenças em prevalência entre os diferentes subtipos de Doença do Neurônio Motor, incluindo pacientes com e sem Demência Frontotemporal. Antidepressivos e uma combinação de dextrometorfana e quinidina (indisponíveis no Brasil) são opções terapêuticas possíveis. Esse grupo de panelistas reconhece as múltiplas demandas não atendidas na literatura atual e reforça a necessidade de futuros estudos.

Attachment and emotional regulation: examining the role of prefrontal cortex functions, executive functions, and mindfulness in their relationship.

Attachment is a prominent area of psychological research, with its relevance linked to executive functions, mindfulness, and emotional regulation. The purpose of this study is to examine this relationship among these aforementioned four constructs and propose a model to be tested in the future. Based on the current trends using the Interpersonal Neurobiology approach, which assumes prefrontal cortex functions to include other socioemotional resources such as empathy, morality, insight, behavior, and body regulation. Our study included prefrontal cortical functions alongside executive functions. The assessment instruments used were Attachment-Based Cognitive Representations Scale, Prefrontal Cortex Functions Scale, Webexec, Five Facet Mindfulness Scale, and Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale. We hypothesized that attachment would be the strongest predictor of emotional regulation. The participants in the study were 539 college students (mean = 20.21; sd = 1.57); (68% female and 32%, male). Our a priori research hypothesis was supported, with an additional finding that trait mindfulness was also a significant predictor. The strongest correlations with attachment styles were with trait mindfulness and emotional regulation. We conducted path analyses of two different models for secure and insecure attachment. The path analyses showed that secure attachment scores were negatively related, and insecure attachment scores were positively related to difficulties in emotional regulation scores. Furthermore, trait mindfulness and prefrontal cortex functions also mediated this relationship. However, there was no significant relationship between executive functions and difficulties in emotional regulation scores, even though it was significantly related to attachment. Results and implications are discussed.

Using an Online-Based Mindfulness Intervention to Reduce Test Anxiety in Physics Students.

Using an 8-week mindfulness intervention, we investigated the mechanisms of mindfulness to address test anxiety in introductory physics II. Our goal was to explore the effectiveness of using an 8-week online mindfulness intervention to address student test anxiety. We used self-report measures to assess participants on mindfulness, emotional regulation, attentional regulation, and physics quiz scores at three-time points-time 1 (pre), time 2 (mid), and time 3. Participants in the mindfulness condition received 8 weeks of mindfulness training while the control group was used as a baseline for comparison with no mindfulness training. The 8-week online-based mindfulness intervention resulted in non-significant changes in test anxiety and quiz scores for the treatment compared to the control. Additionally, results from multiple regression modeling suggest that emotional regulation positively predicted mindfulness at time 3 (T3) of data collection, whereas attentional regulation negatively predicted mindfulness at T3. These findings have both theoretical and practical implications. Our findings suggest more research is needed to investigate the usefulness of mindfulness-based interventions in STEM-related settings.

Dialectical Behavioral Skills Group Therapy for Parents of Adolescents With Borderline Personality Disorder: A Pilot Study.

Research has indicated the effectiveness of Dialectical behavior therapy in adolescents (DBT-A) with severe emotion dysregulation and other symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). The objective was to determine if DBT skills group with caregivers only could influence in potential mediators of DBT outcomes including rearing styles, emotion regulation and mindfulness skills, evaluated in both parents and adolescents. We implemented a 12-week group intervention based on DBT-A addressed to seven parents of adolescents with features of BPD. We tested differences after treatment using the non-parametric Wilcoxon test and calculated effect sizes. To understand individual changes, we reported clinical reliable change (CRC). The intervention was effective for improving rearing styles, emotion regulation and mindfulness skills in adolescents. Changes were stable after 6 months. The intervention showed good levels of satisfaction reported by parents. A short DBT group-only intervention with caregivers could modify relevant processes related with features of BPD in adolescents. Early interventions with adolescents with symptoms of BPD could prevent the development of BPD influencing in potential mediation mechanisms.

Mindfulness and Care Experience in Family Caregivers of Persons Living with Dementia.

Background: Greater mindfulness, the practice of awareness and living in the moment without judgement, has been linked to positive caregiving outcomes in dementia caregivers and its impact attributed to greater decentering and emotion regulation abilities. Whether the impact of these mindfulness-based processes varies across caregiver subgroups is unclear. Objective: Analyze cross-sectional associations between mindfulness and caregiver psychosocial outcomes, considering different caregiver and patient characteristics. Methods: A total of 128 family caregivers of persons living with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders were assessed on several mindfulness measures (i.e., global; decentering, positive emotion regulation, negative emotion regulation) and provided self-reported appraisals of caregiving experience; care preparedness; confidence, burden, and depression/anxiety. Bivariate relationships between mindfulness and caregiver outcomes were assessed with Pearson's correlations and stratified by caregiver (women versus men; spouse versus adult child) and patient (mild cognitive impairment (MCI) versus Dementia; AD versus dementia with Lewy bodies; low versus high symptom severity) characteristics. Results: Greater mindfulness was associated with positive outcomes and inversely associated with negative outcomes. Stratification identified specific patterns of associations across caregiver groups. Significant correlations were found between all mindfulness measures and caregiving outcomes in male and MCI caregivers while the individual mindfulness component of positive emotion regulation was significantly correlated to outcomes in most caregiver groups. Conclusion: Our findings support a link between caregiver mindfulness and improved caregiving outcomes and suggest directions of inquiry into whether the effectiveness of dementia caregiver-support interventions may be improved by targeting specific mindfulness processes or offering a more inclusive all-scope approach depending on individual caregiver or patient characteristics.

Relationship between early-life stress and trait mindfulness in adulthood: a correlational study.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the relationship between early-life stress (ELS) and the trait mindfulness level in workers. METHOD: This study is quantitative cross-sectional and correlational research with a sample of 929 workers from a Brazilian public university. ELS and mindfulness assessment was performed using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) and the Five-Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire-BR (FFMQ-BR), respectively. The data were submitted to correlation tests adopting a significance level of .05 and a multivariate linear regression analysis. RESULTS: 50.0% of the participants obtained a score indicative of ELS exposure in at least one subtype among the five proposed by the CTQ, with emotional neglect predominating (63.0%). The group not exposed to emotional abuse had higher scores in the "describe-positive formulation" and "non-reactivity to inner experience" facets. Those that scored for physical abuse had higher values in "acting with awareness-autopilot". However, the group exposed to sexual abuse obtained the highest score in the "acting with awareness-autopilot" and "acting with awareness-distraction" facets. The correlation between FFMQ-BR and CTQ overall scores showed a weak correlation with statistical significance. The multiple linear revealed that the facets of mindfulness were significantly associated by at least one type of early stress; however, no significant association was found between CTQ and FFMQ-BR overall results. CONCLUSION: The results showed that emotional regulation might have effectively occurred in this specific population, even with the presence of some childhood trauma.

Enhanced electroencephalography effective connectivity in frontal low-gamma band correlates of emotional regulation after mindfulness training.

Practicing mindfulness, focusing attention on the internal and external experiences occurring in the present moment with open and nonjudgement stance, can lead to the development of emotional regulation skills. Yet, the effective connectivity of brain regions during mindfulness has been largely unexplored. Studies have shown that mindfulness practice promotes functional connectivity in practitioners, potentially due to improved emotional regulation abilities and increased connectivity in the lateral prefrontal areas. To examine the changes in effective connectivity due to mindfulness training, we analyzed electroencephalogram (EEG) signals taken before and after mindfulness training, focusing on training-related effective connectivity changes in the frontal area. The mindfulness training group participated in an 8-week mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program. The control group did not take part. Regardless of the specific mindfulness practice used, low-gamma band effective connectivity increased globally after the mindfulness training. High-beta band effective connectivity increased globally only during Breathing. Moreover, relatively higher outgoing effective connectivity strength was seen during Resting and Breathing and Body-scan. By analyzing the changes in outgoing and incoming connectivity edges, both F7 and F8 exhibited strong parietal connectivity during Resting and Breathing. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the changes in effective connectivity of the right lateral prefrontal area predicted mindfulness and emotional regulation abilities. These results partially support the theory that the lateral prefrontal areas have top-down modulatory control, as these areas have high outflow effective connectivity, implying that mindfulness training cultivates better emotional regulation.

Mindfulness-based emotional regulation for patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators: A randomized pilot study of efficacy, applicability, and safety.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions to reduce anxiety or improve quality of life (QoL) in patients with cardiac pathologies is well established. However, there is scarce information on the efficacy, applicability, and safety of these interventions in adult patients with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). In this study, we examined their efficacy on QoL, psychological and biomedical variables, as well as the applicability and safety of a mindfulness-based intervention in patients with an ICD. METHODS: Ninety-six patients with an ICD were randomized into two intervention groups and a control group. The interventions involved training in mindfulness-based emotional regulation, either face-to- -face or using the "REM Volver a casa" mobile phone application (app). RESULTS: The sample presented medium-high QoL baseline scores (mean: 68), low anxiety (6.84) and depression (3.89), average mindfulness disposition (128), and cardiological parameters similar to other ICD populations. After the intervention, no significant differences were found in the variables studied between the intervention and control groups. Retention was average (59%), and there were no adverse effects due to the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: After training in mindfulness-based emotional regulation (face-to-face or via app), no significant differences were found in the QoL or psychological or biomedical variables in patients with an ICD. The intervention proved to be safe, with 59% retention.

Regulación emocional en la relación del mindfulness con el estrés percibido en el personal de salud

Introducción: A pesar de que varias investigaciones han demostrado que el mindfulness o atención plena influye en el estrés percibido, se ha evidenciado la carencia de estudios que hayan probado las relaciones entre la regulación emocional, la atención plena y el estrés percibido, específicamente en el personal de la salud que labora en unidades de cuidados intensivos. Objetivo: Probar la relación entre la atención plena y el estrés percibido en el personal de salud de hospitales públicos y privados de Santo Domingo de los Colorados, Ecuador, para identificar si esta relación es mediada por la regulación emocional. Método: Se realizó un estudio cuantitativo de alcance descriptivo correlacional y diseño transversal donde se aplicó un cuestionario conformado por 39 preguntas tomadas de tres escalas psicosomáticas a 382 trabajadores de la salud de unidades de cuidados intensivos de las instituciones antes mencionadas. Se midieron las variables: atención plena, regulación emocional y estrés percibido. Los análisis estadísticos fueron desarrollados a través de Excel y Statistical Package for Social Sciences 21. Resultados: Los análisis estadísticos evidenciaron que la atención plena influyó en el estrés percibido (β=0,428**) y, también, en la regulación emocional (β=0,488**), así mismo la regulación emocional influyó sobre el estrés percibido (β=0,417**). Conclusiones: Se corrobora que la regulación emocional tiene un efecto mediador entre el mindfulness o atención plena y el estrés percibido en los trabajadores de la salud de las unidades de cuidados intensivos. Este personal a menudo desarrolla actividades sin prestar atención plena, sin embargo, tienen control sobre sus actividades laborales y están en la capacidad de regular y ocultar emociones que se les pueda presentar dentro de los contextos laborales de la salud y, de esta manera, disminuir los riesgos de padecer estrés.

Introduction: While a number of research studies have shown that mindfulness influences perceived stress, there is a lack of research that have tested the relationship between emotional regulation, mindfulness and perceived stress, specifically in those health workers who work in intensive care units. Objective: Test relationship between mindfulness and perceived stress in health workers of public and private hospitals in Santo Domingo de los Colorados, Ecuador, in order to identify whether this relationship is mediated by emotional regulation. Method: A quantitative study of descriptive correlational scope and cross-sectional design was carried out, where a questionnaire consisting of 39 questions taken from three psychosomatic scales was applied to 382 health care workers in intensive care units of the aforementioned institutions. Variables used were as follow: mindfulness, emotional regulation and perceived stress. Statistical analyses were structured using two specialized softwares Excel and Statistical Package for Social Sciences 21. Results: Statistical analyses showed that mindfulness influenced perceived stress (β=0.428**), and also emotional regulation (β=0.488**), at the same time, emotional regulation influenced perceived stress (β=0.417**). Conclusions: It was corroborated that emotional regulation played a mediating effect between mindfulness and perceived stress felt by the health care workers who work in intensive care units. Frequently, these personnel develop activities without mindfulness, however, they have control over their work activities and are able to regulate and hide emotions that may arise in their work environment and, in this way, reduce the risks of suffering stress.

Introdução: Apesar de várias investigações mostrarem que mindfulness ou atenção plena influenciam o estresse percebido, faltam estudos que comprovem as relações entre regulação emocional, mindfulness e estresse percebido, especificamente no pessoal de saúde que trabalha em unidades de terapia intensiva. Objetivo: Testar a relação entre mindfulness e estresse percebido em trabalhadores de saúde de hospitais públicos e privados de Santo Domingo de los Colorados, Equador, para identificar se essa relação é mediada pela regulação emocional. Método: Estudo quantitativo, de alcance descritivo correlacional e delineamento transversal, onde foi aplicado um questionário composto por 39 questões extraídas de três escalas psicossomáticas a 382 trabalhadores de saúde de unidades de terapia intensiva das referidas instituições. As variáveis foram medidas: atenção plena, regulação emocional e estresse percebido. As análises estatísticas foram realizadas usando o Excel e o Statistical Package for Social Sciences 21. Resultados: As análises estatísticas mostraram que a atenção plena influenciou o estresse percebido (β=0,428**) e também a regulação emocional (β=0,488**), da mesma forma que a regulação emocional influenciou a percepção tensão (β=0,417**). Conclusões: Corrobora-se que a regulação emocional tem efeito mediador entre mindfulness ou atenção plena e estresse percebido em trabalhadores de saúde em unidades de terapia intensiva. Esses profissionais muitas vezes realizam atividades sem total atenção, porém, possuem controle sobre suas atividades laborais e são capazes de regular e ocultar emoções que possam surgir nos contextos de trabalho em saúde e, assim, reduzir os riscos de estresse.

Does the practice of mindfulness reduce somatic symptoms and COVID-19-related anxiety? A community-based survey.

Objective: Since the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic, several studies have shown an increase of psychological distress in the general population. Previous research demonstrated that high levels of anxiety are associated with reporting more somatic symptoms. The ability to adaptively regulate emotions is essential to deal with stressful situations, and it is one of the main components of mindfulness practice. The aim of the present study was to document the effect of mindfulness practice on somatic symptoms and psychological distress in the context of COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The study has a descriptive cross-sectional design. During the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic, between November 2020 and January 2021 participants living in France responded to an online survey on the impact of COVID-19 on psychological distress and physical health. The questionnaire included the assessment of COVID-19-related anxiety, mindfulness practice and experience, dispositional mindfulness, somatization, depression, generalized anxiety, and emotion regulation. Results: A total of 569 people (mean age = 39.8 years, 90% women) were included in the study. COVID-19 related anxiety was associated with higher levels of somatic symptoms, generalized anxiety, and depression. About half of the sample (n = 318, 56%) reported moderate to severe somatic symptoms that were associated with higher levels of depression and anxiety, lower levels of dispositional mindfulness and to the use of maladaptive emotion regulation strategies. Overall, 164 subjects (28.8%) reported practicing meditation. No differences were found in dispositional mindfulness (MAAS score) between beginners and advanced practitioners, regardless of the type, years, frequency, and length of practice. Participants with less experience in mindfulness practice reported a significant higher number of somatic symptoms than non-practitioners and a higher use of rumination. Moreover, mindfulness experience was associated with the use of more adaptive emotion regulation strategies. Conclusion: Mindfulness meditation has been promoted as a practice enhancing well-being and helping to cope with the psychological impact of stressful events. However, in a distressing situation as COVID-19 pandemic, a limited experience in mindfulness practices might result in the development or endurance of somatic symptoms. Adequate training and a focus on mindful acceptance, may contribute to enhance the effectiveness of mindfulness practice.

A Pilot Study Testing the Effectiveness of a Mindfulness-Based Program for Portuguese School Children.

Objectives: Research into the effectiveness of mindfulness-based programs (MBPs) in school settings has grown substantially. However, studies in the field are still scarce, present methodological limitations, and fail to examine how children's characteristics influence MBPs' effects. The twofold aim of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of an MBP on children's attention and emotional regulation, writing performance, and school grades, and to evaluate the moderating role of baseline scores, age, gender, and socioeconomic status. Methods: Fifty-seven third graders received the MBP (n = 28) or a health-based program (n = 29), which is the active control group, for 8 weeks. In each week, both programs were composed of two 30-min sessions delivered by psychologists and three 5-min sessions delivered by teachers. Before and after the implementation of the programs, we assessed teacher-rated children's attention and emotional regulation, performance-based attention networks (alerting, orienting, and conflict monitoring), writing performance (handwriting fluency, spelling, and text quality), and school grades in Portuguese, Mathematics, and Social Studies. Results: Compared to the control group, after the program, the mindfulness group displayed higher teacher-rated attention and emotional regulation, as well as better Portuguese, Mathematics, and Social Studies grades. Emotional regulation and alerting baseline scores as well as age were found to moderate the MBP's effects. Conclusions: These findings provide preliminary evidence on the effectiveness of a MBP on children's behavior and school grades. This means that students may benefit from the integration of mindfulness practices into the educational setting as a complement to the school curriculum.

Las prácticas de integración cuerpo-mente como promotoras de estados emocionales saludables / Mind­Body Integration Practices as Promoters of Healthy Emotional States / Práticas de integração corpo-mente como promotoras de estados emocionais saudáveis

Recientes investigaciones provenientes de diversos campos emergentes como la psiconeu-roinmunología, la medicina integrativa o la pigenética han dado cuenta de la estrecha vinculación entre los estados emocionales y la salud. El objetivo fue evaluar la eficacia de una intervención basada en la realización de prácticas de integración cuerpo-mente sobre la regulación emocional. Materiales y métodos: en 102 participantes, de entre 34 y 65 años de edad, se analizaron cambios en la Escala de Afectividad Positiva y Negativa (panas), antes y después de participar en la intervención propuesta, que se realizó durante ocho encuentros de seis horas de duración cada uno, a lo largo de cuatro meses. Resultados: se encontró un aumento en la afectividad positiva y una disminución en la afectividad negativa luego de la intervención. El índice de afectividad (i. e. afectividad positiva/afectividad negativa) se incrementó de una relación 2:1 a una relación 3:1. Esta última proporción ha sido asociada con estados saludables. Conclusiones: el estudio contribuye a demostrar el beneficio que brindan las prácticas de integración cuerpo-mente en la regulación emocional y la afectividad positiva. Esto podría propiciar un mayor bienestar psicofísico individual y colectivo.

Recent research from various emerging fields, such as psychoneuroimmunology, integra-tive medicine, and epigenetics, showed a close link between emotional states and health. This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention based on mind­body integration practices in emotional regulation. Materials and Methods: We evaluated changes in the positive and negative affectivity scale in 102 participants before and after the intervention, which was performed during eight meetings lasting 6 h each, for 4 months. Results: An increase in positive affectivity and a decrease in negative affectivity were found after the intervention. The affectivity index (i.e., positive affectivity/negative affectivity) increased from a 2:1 ratio to a 3:1 ratio. This latter ratio has been associated with healthy states. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that mind­body integration practices can confer to emotional regulation and positive affectivity. These beneficial effects could improve psychophysical well-being at both the individual and collective levels.

pesquisas recentes provenientes de vários campos emergentes, como a psiconeuroimuno-logia, medicina integrativa e epigenética, mostram a estreita ligação entre os estados emocionais e a saúde. O objetivo do presente trabalho é avaliar a eficácia de uma intervenção baseada na realização de práticas de integração corpo-mente, na regulação emocional. Materiais e métodos: em 102 participantes, entre 34 e 65 anos, foram analisadas as mudanças na escala de afetividade positiva e negativa (panas) antes e após a participação na intervenção proposta, que foi realizada durante 8 encontros de 6 horas de duração cada, durante 4 meses. Resultados: houve um aumento da afetividade positiva e diminuição da afetividade negativa após a intervenção. O índice de afetividade (ou seja, afetividade positiva/afetivi-dade negativa) aumentou, passando de uma relação de 2:1 para uma relação de 3:1, esta última propor-ção tem sido associada a estados saudáveis. Conclusões: o presente estudo contribui para demonstrar o benefício proporcionado pelas práticas de integração corpo-mente na regulação emocional e na afetivi-dade positiva. Isso poderia propiciar um maior bem-estar psicofísico a nível individual e coletivo.

Effectiveness of school-based brief cognitive behavioral therapy with mindfulness in improving the mental health of adolescents in a Japanese school setting: A preliminary study.

Background: Emotional regulation is important for adolescents' adaptive development. Preventive interventions for anxiety and depression are necessary for reducing the development of disorders later in life, and emotional regulation is a potentially relevant factor. Objective: We investigated the effects of a mindfulness-based psychological education and prevention program [the Mindfulness and Awareness Program (MAP)] on the mental health of junior high school students in Japan. Methods: Our MAP primarily focused on mindfulness meditation to improve emotional regulation, thereby reducing depression and anxiety. The MAP comprised eight sessions (20 min each) administered by a school counselor in a school setting. All participants (N = 349) were 12-13-year-old adolescents from nine classes in two Japanese schools. The program was provided to the intervention group, wherein students were educated on emotional expression, emotional cognition, and emotional regulation. The control group received regular school counseling services. Results: Compared with the control group, the intervention group showed significant improvement in emotional regulation and a decrease in depression and generalized anxiety. The effect was greater at the follow-up assessment than at the immediate post-intervention assessment, and greater in female students. Conclusion: Our mental health prevention program exhibited efficacy in reducing depression and anxiety and enhancing emotional regulation in early adolescence. Further, it appeared to be more effective for female adolescents.

Research in Mindfulness Interventions for Patients With Fibromyalgia: A Critical Review.

Fibromyalgia is one of the most common causes of widespread chronic pain. It has a huge impact on the quality of life, namely because it appears earlier in life than most of the chronic pain conditions. Furthermore, emotional-cognitive distress factors, such as depression and anxiety, are a common feature in patients with fibromyalgia. The neurobiological mechanisms underlying fibromyalgia remain mostly unknown. Among non-pharmacological treatments, cognitive-behavioral therapy has been used during the last decade, namely with the enrolment of patients in programs of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and in mindfulness-based interventions (MBI). We critically analyzed the literature to search for scientific evidence for the use of MBI in fibromyalgia. The studies were evaluated as to several outcomes of fibromyalgia improvement along with aspects of the study design which are currently considered relevant for research in mindfulness. We conclude that despite the sparsity of well-structured longitudinal studies, there are some promising results showing that the MBI are effective in reducing the negative aspects of the disease. Future design of studies using MBI in fibromyalgia management should be critically discussed. The importance of active controls, evaluation of sustained effects along with investigation of the subserving neurobiological mechanisms and detailed reports of possible adverse effects should be considered.