Effects of mindful attention awareness on sleep quality of soldiers stationed in plateau areas: Chain-mediated effect of burnout and occupational stress / 环境与职业医学

Background Sleep quality is one of the important factors affecting soldiers’ task performance. Objective To explore the effects of mindful attention awareness, burnout, and occupational stress on sleep quality among soldiers in plateau areas. Methods A total of 1090 soldiers were selected from four units in plateau areas by cluster sampling method and were asked to participate a cross-sectional questionnaire survey using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PQSI), Occupational Stress Inventory (OSI), Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey (MBI-GS), and Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS). Correlation analysis, regression analysis, and mediated effect test were conducted for the study. Results Of the 1090 soldiers recruited, 1082 soldiers returned valid questionnaires, and the valid recovery rate was 99.26%. The median (P25, P75) score of PSQI was 4.00 (2.00,7.00), the median score of OSI was 26.00 (17.00, 34.00), the median score of MBI-GS was 3.53 (3.13, 4.00), and the median score of MAAS was 71.00 (59.00, 82.00). The burnout and mindful attention awareness levels varied among military personnel of different age groups (P<0.05), so did the burnout and occupational stress levels among military personnel of different length of service groups (P<0.05), and the occupational stress, PSQI, burnout, and mindful attention awareness levels among military personnel with different educational backgrounds and genders (P<0.05). The results of mediated effect test showed that occupational stress and burnout had both a parallel mediated effect and a sequential mediating effect on the relationship between mindful attention awareness and sleep quality, with effect sizes of 15.3%, 21.5% and 31.8%, respectively. Conclusion There is a mediated effect on the relationship between mindful attention awareness and sleep quality by the occupational stress and burnout of military personnel in plateau areas, and sleep quality is also affected by mindful attention awareness through the chain-mediated effect of occupational stress and burnout.

Measuring Mindfulness in Business School Students: A Comparative Analysis of Mindful Attention Awareness Scale and Langer's Scale.

Research studies have established that mindfulness helps in psychological well-being, stress reduction, chronic pain management, behavioral therapy, and other areas including organizational development. Mindfulness often refers to a state of consciousness, but mindfulness can also be understood as a personality trait. State mindfulness is referred as the individual's capacity to cultivate a particular state of mind during meditative practice. Traits are more permanent facets of personality characteristics that are difficult to change and likely have some basis in genetics. Few scholars have criticized meditative mindfulness as a trend and cautioned that organizations should carefully consider their goals before introducing meditative mindfulness training. This dichotomy has prompted us to review the literature and carry out a comparative analysis of two divergent measurement scales of mindfulness: the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) and Langer's mindfulness/mindlessness scale. The MAAS is the most widely used mindfulness scale to measure mindfulness, and Langer's scale measures mindfulness/mindlessness. We developed hypotheses relating Langer's scale and the MAAS. Further, we studied whether there is any difference in mindfulness/mindlessness among business school students with an undergraduate background in engineering and nonengineering streams. Using a self-administered questionnaire, we measured the mindfulness levels of 221 MBA first- and second-year graduates and tested the hypothesis using partial least squares structural equations modeling (PLS-SEM). We found that Langer's mindfulness/mindlessness scale was negatively associated with the MAAS. We did not find any effect of gender, education, and professional specializations on mindfulness.

The intervention study of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on mindful attention awareness, experiential avoidance and cognitive fusion in patients with generalized anxiety disorder / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) on mindfulness attention awareness, experiential avoidance, and cognitive fusion in individuals with general anxiety disorder(GAD).Methods:A total of 53 patients aged 18-60 years who met the GAD diagnostic criteria of DSM-5 were selected from the Seventh People's Hospital of Hangzhou from May 2021 to September 2022.After receiving routine treatment, patients were randomly assigned to two groups: MBCT group( n=26) for an 8-week mindfulness cognitive therapy and health education group( n=27) for an 8-week health education program. Participants were evaluated using the generalized anxiety disorder scale(GAD-7), acceptance and action questionnaire-2nd edition(AAQ-Ⅱ), cognitive fusion questionnaire(CFQ), and mindful attention awareness scale (MAAS) before and after the intervention.Data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0 software, with the chi-square test, independent sample t-test, and paired sample t-test. Results:(1)There was no significant difference in MAAS score between the two groups before the intervention (42.63±10.18, 47.67±9.52, t=-1.55, P=0.13). However, after the intervention, the MAAS score in MBCT group was significantly higher than that in the health education group(54.42±9.87, 47.83±7.59, t=-2.27, P=0.03). (2) No significant difference was observed in CFQ score between the two groups before the intervention (57.11±15.97, 53.50±12.01, t=-0.77, P=0.45). However, after the intervention, the CFQ score in the MBCT group was significantly lower than that in the health education group(38.32±10.31, 47.11±10.66, t=-2.51, P<0.01). (3) There was no significant difference in AAQ-Ⅱ scores between the two groups before the intervention(33.79±7.90, 30.00±7.23, t=1.52, P=0.14). After the intervention, the AAQ-Ⅱ score in the MBCT group was significantly lower than that in the health education group(21.89±8.69, 30.22±8.68, t=-3.51, P<0.01) . Conclusion:MBCT has a positive effect on enhancing mindfulness attention awareness, reducing cognitive fusion, and mitigating experiential avoidance in GAD patients.

Effects of Yoga Intervention on Functional Movement Patterns and Mindfulness in Collegiate Athletes: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

High-quality movement patterns and high levels of mindfulness are thought to be beneficial in preventing sports injuries. Yoga is recommended in the field of athlete rehabilitation. This study investigated the effects of yoga intervention on functional movement patterns and mindfulness in collegiate athletes. It is a quasi-experimental study with a pre/post-test control design. The participants were divided into a yoga group and a control group. A Functional Movement Screen and the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale were used to assess participants' basic movement patterns and mindfulness before and after 12 weeks of yoga intervention (two classes per week, 90 min per class). The results show that the yoga group's FMS scores improved more compared to the control group [F(1,78) = 29.08, p < 0.001, ŋp2 = 0.27], and that the scores for the deep squat (ŋp2 = 0.4), shoulder mobility (ŋp2 = 0.17), and trunk stability pushup (ŋp2 = 0.36) improved substantially. The dysfunctional score ratio for deep squats (χ2 = 18.57, p < 0.001), shoulder mobility (χ2 = 26.90, p < 0.001), trunk stability pushup (χ2 = 17.07, p < 0.001), and rotatory stability (χ2= 38.29, p <0.001) decreased significantly compared with the control group, but there was no significant improvement in asymmetric movement patterns (χ2 = 0.75, p = 0.39). The mindfulness scores in the yoga group significantly exceeded those of the control group [F(1,78) = 13.56, p < 0.001, ŋp2 = 0.15]. These results suggest that yoga intervention can improve functional movement patterns and mindfulness levels, but further evidence is needed to determine whether yoga could positively influence sports injuries.

Validation of Persian Version of Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) in Iranian Women with Breast Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is now the most significant health issue in women, threatening diverse aspects of human health, including mental health and cognitive function. This research aimed to validate the Persian version of Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) in Iranian women with breast cancer. METHODS: We gathered data on 229 women with breast cancer in Tehran through convenience sampling. They completed a demographic questionnaire, the Persian version of MAAS, the General Self-Efficacy Scale, and DASS-21. SPSS-22 analyzed the Pearson correlation between the Persian version of MAAS, general self-efficacy, and DASS-21. Also, LISREL 8.8 was used to analyze the internal structure of the MAAS. RESULTS: Findings from the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) showed that the model with one factor fits well with the data (sbχ2=4.29 (P=0.36); SRMR=0.058; CFI=1.0; NFI=0.91; IFI=0.95; RFI=0.97; GFI=0.90; RMSEA=0.069). Significant negative correlations were found between MAAS and DASS-21 scores for anxiety (r=-0.51), depression (r=-0.48) and stress (r=-0.49), indicating an acceptable divergent validity. There was also a positive relationship between MAAS and general self-efficacy (r=0.37; P<0.01). CONCLUSION: The Persian version of MAAS seems to be a valid scale for evaluating the extent of mindfulness of Iranian women with breast cancer.

The effect of sense of coherence on mindful attention awareness and academic self-efficacy in nursing students.

AIM: This research was conducted as a descriptive relational study to determine the effect of sense of coherence on mindful attention awareness and academic self-efficacy of nursing students. METHOD: The study was conducted with 410 students who were studying at the Faculty of Health Sciences of a university, who met the inclusion criteria and agreed to participate in the study. Introductory Information Form, Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC-13), Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) and Academic Self-Efficacy Scale (ASES) were used to collect data. Ethics committee approval, institutional permission and informed consent of the students included in the study were obtained for the study. RESULTS: In the study, the mean SOC score of the nursing students was 49.95 ± 10.30, the mean MAAS score was 56.57 ± 12.41 and the mean ASES score was 16.13 ± 2.96. It was determined that there was a moderately positive relationship between sense of coherence and mindful attention awareness and a very weak negative correlation between academic self-efficacy and sense of coherence and mindful attention awareness (p < 0.05). 36.4% of students' SOC scores are explained by MAAS and ASES. In our study, it was determined that the Grade point average (GPA) had a statistical effect on the SOC score. The interactions between GPA and choosing the nursing profession were found to be statistically significant (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: As a result of the study, the student's sense of coherence, mindful attention awareness and academic self-efficacy scores were obtained at a moderate level. While there was a positive relationship between sense of coherence and GPA, there was a negative relationship between sense of coherence and academic self-efficacy. It can be recommended to plan interventions that will increase academic self-efficacy and to make plans so that students can realize and develop their own abilities in the university environment.

Influencing factors of quality of life in 216 patients with Crohn′s disease and their correlation with readiness for hospital discharge and mindful attention awareness / 中华消化杂志

Objective:To explore the factors influencing the quality of life in patients with Crohn′s disease (CD) and their correlation with readiness for hospital discharge and mindful attention awareness.Methods:From January 20, 2016 to May 20, 2021, 216 patients with CD hospitalized in the Department of Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University (Qingdao) were selected. Self-designed general information questionnaire, inflammatory bowel disease questionnaire (IBDQ), readiness for hospital discharge scale (RHDS), mindful attention awareness scale (MAAS), hospital anxiety and depression scale and Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) were used to conduct questionnaire surveys in patients. Factors influencing the quality of life of CD patients were analyzed. Mann-Whitney U test and independent sample t test were used for the comparison between two groups; Kruskal-Wallis H test and one-way analysis of variance were used for comparison between multiple groups; Pearson analysis was used for correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression method was used for multivariate analysis. Results:The results of univariate analysis showed that the quality of life was poor in CD patients with spouse, primary school education or below, living in cities, sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, and severe activity. The total IBDQ scores were lower than those with no spouse, junior high school to senior high school and above, living in villages and towns, no sleep disorders, no anxiety, no depression, and in remission and mild to moderate activity (46.23±29.77 vs. 117.45±42.23; 11.00 (6.25, 30.75) vs. 79.00 (56.00, 113.00) and 114.00 (72.50, 157.50); 37.12±30.67 vs. 69.43±24.78 and 126.76±41.54; 42.67±23.18 vs. 124.58±36.52; 50.35±27.23 vs. 122.42±42.41; 51.97±37.29 vs. 113.96±44.18; 11.00 (6.75, 18.00) vs. 154.00 (135.50, 164.50), 97.00(79.00, 112.00) and 49.00(36.75, 62.25)), and the differences were statistically significant ( t=-14.40, H=60.56, F=117.61, t=-20.17, -15.20 and -10.87, and H=148.98; all P<0.001). The results of correlation analysis showed that the RHDS score was positively correlated with the scores of each dimension and total scores of IBDQ ( r=0.646 to 0.781, all P<0.001); the MAAS score was positively correlated with the scores of each dimension and total scores of IBDQ ( r=0.331 to 0.382, all P<0.001). The results of multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that readiness for hospital discharge, level of mindful attention awareness, education level, place of residence, sleep disorders, whether with anxiety and disease activity were the influencing factors of the quality of life of CD patients ( t=4.19, 5.38, 2.36, 2.88, 2.85, 3.11 and -7.22, all P<0.05). Conclusions:The quality of life is poor in CD patients with primary school education or below, live in cities, sleep disorders, anxiety, severe activity, low readiness for hospital discharge and low level of mindful attention awareness. Doctors and nurses should pay attention to these patients and improve their quality of life.

The psychometric properties of the mindful attention awareness scale among Arab parents of children with autism spectrum disorder.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties and the theoretical structure of the mindful attention awareness scale (MAAS) with parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Jordan. METHOD: A sample of 104 parents of children with ASD in Jordan completed the study. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to assess the factor structure of MAAS. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha. The convergent validity was assessed using Pearson's product-moment correlations between the MAAS and measures of psychological distress and Quality of life. RESULTS: A confirmatory factor analysis showed that the modified 13-item MAAS fits the data significantly better than the original 15-item model. However, both the 13-item and the 15-item models showed a single factor structure, with excellent internal consistency and convergent validity. CONCLUSION: This preliminary study supports using the MAAS in Arab parents of children with ASD.

Resting-State Network Functional Connectivity Patterns Associated with the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale.

Mindfulness refers to attending to moment-to-moment experiences with acceptance and no judgment. Several scales have been developed to quantify different components of mindfulness. The Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) is particularly sensitive to trait mindfulness and is proposed to measure the attentional component of mindfulness. The purpose of this study was to identify the neural correlates of the MAAS in four resting-state networks related to attention-the default mode network (DMN), the salience network (SN), and the left and right central executive network (CEN). Thirty-two university students naive to mindfulness completed the MAAS and later underwent a resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging scan. Resting-state data were analyzed using an independent component analysis; the scores from the MAAS were covaried to the connectivity maps in an analysis of covariance. The results indicate that variations in MAAS scores correlated with variations in functional connectivity patterns in resting-state networks. Specifically, within the SN and CEN, the MAAS was negatively correlated with functional connectivity in the precuneus, even though the precuneus is a key component of the DMN. Negative correlations in the DMN between the MAAS and the insula and negative correlations in the SN between the MAAS and the posterior cingulate cortex were also observed. These results suggest that MAAS scores (1) are correlated with the functional connectivity of several brain structures related to attention and (2) involve cross-network functional connectivity.

A Rasch Model Analysis of the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale.

The Mindful Attention Awareness Scale was developed to measure individual differences in the tendency to be mindful. The current study examined the psychometric properties of the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale in a heterogeneous sample of 565 nonmeditators and 612 meditators using the polytomous Rasch model. The results showed that some items did not function the same way for these two groups. Overall, meditators had higher mean estimates than nonmeditators. The analysis identified a group of items as highly discriminating. Using a different model, Van Dam, Earleywine, and Borders in 2010 identified the same group of items as highly discriminating, and concluded that they were the items with the most information. Multiple pieces of evidence from the Rasch analysis showed that these items discriminate highly because of local dependence, hence do not supply independent information. We discussed how these different conclusions, based on similar findings, result from two very different paradigms in measurement.

Rasch analysis of the Spanish version of the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) in a clinical sample.

INTRODUCTION: The clinical use of mindfulness has increased recently, and the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) has become one of the most used tools to measure it. The aim of this study was to test the effectiveness of mindfulness training and analyzing the psychometric properties of the MAAS scores in a clinical sample using the Rasch Model. METHODS: One hundred and ninety-nine participants with mood-anxiety clinical symptoms were recruited. The experimental group (n=103) received mindfulness training, and the control group (n=96) a conventional outpatient treatment for the same duration. The pre-post MAAS scores were analyzed to test the effectiveness of training, the psychometric properties of the scores, and differential item functioning (DIF) using the Rating Scale Model (RSM). RESULTS: Misfit in items 9 and 12, DIF in item 9, and Spanish translation problems in the items 5, 9 and 12 were observed. The repetition of the analysis without these items was decided. Appropriate dimensionality, fit and reliability values were obtained with the short version, MAAS-12. CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to previous studies, the MAAS was sensitive to treatment-associated change. However, the commonly used MAAS has some translation and metric problems, and should be revised. MAAS-12 is a better scale than MAAS but suffers from construct under-representation. Constructing tools from a coherent theoretical perspective is suggested, so that all mindfulness facets are represented.