Eating disorders and spirituality in college students.

Associations were examined between eating disorder symptoms and spiritual well-being in a convenience sample of college students. Undergraduate nursing students at a university in a Mid-Atlantic coastal beach community were recruited for the study. A total of 115 students completed the Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWBS); the Sick, Control, One Stone, Fat, Food (SCOFF) screening questionnaire; and the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26). Approximately one quarter of students had positive screens for an eating disorder, and 40% admitted to binging/purging. SWBS scores reflected low life satisfaction and a lack of clarity and purpose among students. A significant association was found between EAT-26 scores and SWBS Existential Well-Being (EWB) sub-scale scores (p = 0.014). SCOFF scores were significantly associated with SWBS EWB scores (p = 0.001). Symptoms of eating disorders were pervasive. Future research that assesses the impact of spiritual factors on eating disorders may help health care providers better understand the unique contributions to the development of eating disorders. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 53(1), 30-37.].

Pilot Study: Use of Mindfulness, Self-Compassion, and Yoga Practices With Low-Income and/or Uninsured Patients With Depression and/or Anxiety.

PURPOSE: This pilot study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of mindfulness practices, including self-compassion and yoga, on depression and/or anxiety in uninsured and/or low-income patients. DESIGN: The design was repeated measures with one group. METHOD: Patients received 8 weeks of mindfulness training including self-compassion and yoga. Depression and anxiety symptoms, self-compassion, and psychological well-being were measured four times. FINDINGS: Interventions were effective in helping uninsured and low-income patients reduce depression and/or anxiety symptoms. CONCLUSION: This study may have implications for a cost-effective treatment for these disorders. The findings from this study can provide useful information to health care providers.