Brahmavihara meditation & its potential benefits for a harmonious workplace

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jyotsna Agrawal ◽  
Poonam Bir Kaur Sahota
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Mindfulness Meditation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Resources ◽  
Work Place ◽  
Fertile Ground ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Positive Experiences ◽  
Anxiety Depression

For an organization to succeed it is important to give attention to employees’ well-being. With the advent of Positive Psychology, there is empirical evidence to suggest positive experiences, and individuals leads to a profitable organization, through building personal and social resources. When it comes to application of meditation as an intervention for this purpose, research has predominantly focused upon the beneficial aspects of concentrative and mindfulness meditation. The meditative traditions have a long and rich tradition, which also includes interpersonal aspects, however research in this area trails behind. Since the vedic times, there has been an emphasis on the development of qualities called brahmavihara and in yoga tradition, Patanjali has emphasized it for overcoming a variety of difficulties. The work place interpersonal context can become a fertile ground for development of jealousy, hatred, unhealthy competitiveness etc ( Sarawasti, 2013). To counter these Brahmavihara meditation may be practiced, which includes cultivation of feelings of friendliness (Maitri), joy and goodwill (Mudita), compassion (Karuna) and acceptance and equanimity (Upeksha). These specific meditations and interventions have been found to result in multi-faceted improvements with respect to lowering of anxiety, depression, psychological distress, envy and improvement in interpersonal harmony and well-being. The current paper will discuss the implications of Brahmavihara meditation for workplace harmony and wellbeing.

Mediation of Coping Strategies among Patients with Advanced Cancer

2021 ◽  
pp. 105477382110032
Author(s):  
Nurul Huda ◽  
Yun-Yen ◽  
Hellena Deli ◽  
Malissa Kay Shaw ◽  
Tsai-Wei Huang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Advanced Cancer ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Correlational Research ◽  
Resampling Procedure ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
Anxiety Depression ◽  
The Relationship

The purpose of this study was to test the mediating effects of coping on relationships of psychological distress and stress with anxiety, depression, and quality of life. A cross-sectional and correlational research study was used to recruit a sample of 440 patients with advanced cancer in Indonesia. A bootstrap resampling procedure was used to test the significance of the total and specific indirect effects of coping. Data analysis showed that problem-focused coping (PFC) mediated relationships of psychological distress and stress on depression, anxiety and functional well-being. PFC also mediated the relationship between stress and social well-being. Emotional-focused coping (EFC) mediated the relationship of stress with physical and emotional well-being. EFC also mediated the relationships between psychological distress and physical well-being. Thus, proper assessments and interventions should be tailored and implemented for patients in order to facilitate their use of coping strategies when needed in stressful situations.

scholarly journals Social comparison and envy on social media: A critical review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adrian Meier ◽  
Benjamin K. Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Social Comparison ◽  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Critical Review ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Present Review ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Reciprocal Effects ◽  
Fertile Ground ◽  
Upward Social Comparison

Popular concern and much research assumes that (passive) social media use decreases well-being by providing a fertile ground for harmful (upward) social comparison and envy. The present review critically summarizes empirical evidence on this assumption. We first comprehensively synthesize existing studies, with a focus on the most recent publications (2019 to 2021). Results show that earlier research finds social comparison and envy to be common on social media and linked to lower well-being. Yet, increasingly, newer studies contradict this conclusion, finding positive links to well-being as well as heterogeneous, person-specific, conditional, and reverse or reciprocal effects. The review further identifies four critical conceptual and methodological limitations of existing studies, which offer new impulses for future research.

Effects of mobile mindfulness meditation on mental health of university students: Systematic review and meta-analysis (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hong Chen ◽  
Bin Chen ◽  
Ting Yang
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
University Students ◽  
Mindfulness Meditation ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Registration Number ◽  
Anxiety Depression

BACKGROUND Mobile mindfulness meditation (MMM) is mindfulness meditation intervention implemented by mobile devices like smart phones and apps. MMM has been used to help managing mental health of university students. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of MMM on mental health of university students in the areas of stress, anxiety, depression, mindfulness, well-being, and resilience. METHODS We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effectiveness of MMM on mental health of university students. An electronic literature search using the PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE from inception to July 16, 2021 was conducted to identify studies that reported the effects of MMM on stress, anxiety, depression, mindfulness, well-being, and resilience. Two reviewers retrieved articles, evaluated quality and extracted data independently. The methodological quality of the selected studies was determined using the Cochrane criteria for risk-of-bias assessment. The RevMan Version 5.3 was used to perform meta-analysis. RESULTS A total of 10 studies, including 958 university students, were selected for meta-analysis. Results showed that MMM was more effective than the control groups in decreasing stress (SMD=-0.41, 95% CI [-0.59, -0.23], P<0.0001), alleviating anxiety (SMD=-0.29, 95% CI [-0.50, -0.09], P=0.004), enhancing well-being (SMD=0.30, 95% CI [0.11, 0.50], P=0.003), and improving mindfulness (SMD=2.66, 95% CI [0.77, 4.55], P=0.006). However, there was no difference between MMM and the control groups in depression (SMD=-0.14, 95% CI [-0.30, 0.03], P=0.11), and resilience (SMD=-0.06, 95% CI [-0.26, 0.15], P=0.59). CONCLUSIONS MMM was an effective method to reduce stress, anxiety, and to increase well-being, mindfulness of university students, further studies are needed to confirm our findings. CLINICALTRIAL review article, no trail registration number.

Workplace incivility, psychological distress, and the protective effect of co-worker support

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 96-110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sybil Geldart ◽  
Lacey Langlois ◽  
Harry S. Shannon ◽  
Lilia M. Cortina ◽  
Lauren Griffith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Service Sector ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Workplace Incivility ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Postal Workers ◽  
Worker Support ◽  
Anxiety Depression

Purpose Previous in-depth focus groups found that postal workers employed by a crown corporation in Canada identified a lack of respect in the workplace. A lack of respect or discourteous behavior might be better understood as a phenomenon of workplace incivility. The purpose of this paper is to report a larger cross-sectional survey to determine: the magnitude of workplace incivility among Canadian postal workers; any association between incivility and indicators of worker well-being; and, the potential buffering benefits of social support from co-workers. Design/methodology/approach Questionnaire packages were mailed to nearly 2,000 employees of Canada Post Corporation, asking for anonymous responses to questions about their job, demographics, satisfaction and commitment, treatment in the workplace, and well-being. Findings More than 82 percent of 950 respondents reported at least some workplace incivility. After controlling for demographic and work factors, incivility explained significant variation in worker burnout, anxiety, depression, and hostility (i.e. adjusted R2 values ranged from 5 to 46). In addition, the association between incivility and worker anxiety, depression, and hostility was reduced when workers reported greater social support from co-workers. Research limitations/implications Incivility is more than just a minor or infrequent source of psychological distress for people working in service. However, a positive outcome is that co-worker support helps reduce the adverse effects of rude and discourteous behavior. Originality/value To our knowledge, this was the first large-scale survey exploring workplace incivility in the public postal service. The data from a large sample of postal workers across Canada suggest that the treatment of employees is an ongoing problem at this organization. This research is relevant for understanding workplace interactions and health in the service sector in Canada, though the authors expect it is germane also to other occupations worldwide.

scholarly journals Online Mindfulness May Target Psychological Distress and Mental Health during COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 216495612110024
Author(s):  
Suzan R Farris ◽  
Licia Grazzi ◽  
Miya Holley ◽  
Anna Dorsett ◽  
Kelly Xing ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Mindfulness Meditation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Web Content ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Public Health Crisis ◽  
Helping Others ◽  
The Impact

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically affected mental health, creating an urgent need for convenient and safe interventions to improve well-being. Online mindfulness interventions show promise for improving depression, anxiety, and general well-being. Objective To assess: 1) the impact of online mindfulness on psychological distress, 2) altruistic efforts, and 3) the quantity, quality, and availability of online mindfulness resources during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods 233 participants (203 U.S.; 20 international; 10 unknown) participated in this prospective, single-arm, non-randomized clinical trial of a single online mindfulness meditation session with pre- and post-surveys. Main Outcome Measures (a) Mindfulness session helpfulness, online platform effectiveness, and immediate pre- to post-session changes in momentary stress, anxiety, and COVID-19 concern; (b) qualitative themes representing how people are helping others during the pandemic; (c) absolute changes in quantity of mindfulness-oriented web content and free online mindfulness resource availability from May to August 2020. Results Most participants felt the online mindfulness session was helpful and the electronic platform effective for practicing mindfulness (89%, 95% CI: [82 to 93%]), with decreased momentary anxiety (76%; 95% CI: [69 to 83%]), stress (80%; [72 to 86%]), and COVID-19 concern (55%; [46 to 63%]), (p < 0.001 for each measure). Participants reported helping others in a variety of ways during the pandemic, including following public health guidelines, conducting acts of service and connection, and helping oneself in hopes of helping others. “Mindfulness + COVID” search results increased by 52% from May to August 2020. Most (73%) Academic Consortium for Integrative Medicine and Health member websites offer free online mindfulness resources. Conclusions Virtual mindfulness is an increasingly accessible intervention available world-wide that may reduce psychological distress during this isolating public health crisis. Kindness and altruism are being demonstrated during the pandemic. The consolidated online mindfulness resources provided may help guide clinicians and patients.

scholarly journals Responding to Positive Emotions at Work – The Four Steps and Potential Benefits of a Validating Response to Coworkers’ Positive Experiences

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miia A. Paakkanen ◽  
Frank Martela ◽  
Anne B. Pessi
Keyword(s):  
Interpersonal Relationships ◽  
Positive Emotion ◽  
Positive Emotions ◽  
Negative Emotion ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Organizational Outcomes ◽  
Organizational Research ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Positive Experiences ◽  
Enhanced Learning

In order to capitalize on positive emotions at work and build high-quality interpersonal relationships and psychological safety, it is important that coworkers respond to each other’s positive emotions in a constructive and validating way. However, despite the importance of symmetrical emotion regulation outcomes, organizational research has largely overlooked how an employee can positively respond to coworkers’ positive emotions. Existing research has concentrated almost exclusively on negative ways of responding, with a particular focus on envy. This article develops a theoretical model of employees’ positive responses to coworkers’ positive emotional experiences, introduced here as a validating response. We identify four steps – noticing, sensemaking, feeling, and acting – and the key mechanisms within each step that enable a responder to react in a validating way. We connect the validating response to important potential individual and organizational outcomes. These outcomes include improved relationship quality and trust, as well as increased positivity and well-being that can result in enhanced learning behavior and collaboration. This article also discusses the connection between a validating response and compassion. We identify them both as parallel affirmative processes that acknowledge a coworker’s emotions, with the former being a response to positive emotion while the latter is a response to negative emotion.

scholarly journals Authenticity as a Predictor of Mental Health

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 23-34
Author(s):  
Djurdja Grijak ◽  
◽  
◽  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Hierarchical Regression ◽  
Health Index ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Personality Psychology ◽  
Anxiety Depression

The aim of this research was to evaluate the relationship between authenticity and mental health on a sample of 706 students. Results showed that all subscales of the Authenticity scale (authentic living, accepting external influence and self-alienation) were correlated with all general scales and subscales of the MHI-38 (psychological distress – anxiety, depression, loss of behavioural/emotional control; psychological well-being – overall positive affect, emotional ties and satisfaction with life and overall mental health index). Hierarchical regression showed that authenticity composed of all three dimensions together is a statistically significant predictor of psychological distress, psychological well-being and overall mental health index. The confirmation that authenticity is closely connected to mental health and significantly contributes to it is a good example of how classic perspectives in psychological counselling can set further directions of research within personality psychology. Keywords: authenticity, mental health, students

scholarly journals Associations between stress, anxiety, depression, and emotional intelligence among osteopathic medical students

2021 ◽  
Vol 121 (2) ◽  
pp. 125-133
Author(s):  
Nicole A. Doyle ◽  
Robert E. Davis ◽  
Syed Siraj A. Quadri ◽  
Joshua R. Mann ◽  
Manoj Sharma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emotional Intelligence ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Anxiety Depression

Abstract Context Stress, anxiety, and depression affect medical student populations at rates disproportionate to those of general student populations. Emotional intelligence (EI) has been suggested as a protective factor in association with psychological distress. Objective To explore the relationships between EI and stress, anxiety, and depression among a sample of US osteopathic medical students. Methods From February to March 2020, a convenience sample of medical students enrolled at an osteopathic medical school in the southeastern region of the United States were invited to complete a voluntary and anonymous 54-item online questionnaire that included sociodemographic items as well as validated and reliable scales assessing perceived stress, anxiety, depression, and EI. Univariate statistics were calculated to describe the participant characteristics and the study variables of interest. Pearson’s product-moment correlations were used to examine relationships between EI and study variables. Three multiple regression models were fitted to examine the relationship between EI and stress, anxiety, and depression, adjusting for sociodemographic factors exhibiting significant bivariate relationships with outcome variables. Dichotomous variables were created that were indicative of positive screens for potential depressive disorder or anxiety disorder. Independent-sample t-tests were used to determine the presence of a statistically significant difference in EI scores between positive screeners for depression and anxiety and their respective counterparts; an alpha level of 0.05 was set a priori to indicate statistical significance. Results In all, 268 medical students participated in this study, for a response rate of approximately 27%. Importantly, EI exhibited significant negative correlations with stress, anxiety, and depression (r=−0.384, p<0.001; r=−0.308, p<0.001; r=−0.286, p<0.001), respectively). Thus, high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression were observed in the sample. Significant relationships remained following covariate adjustment. Established cutoffs for anxiety and depression were used to classify positive and negative screens for these morbidities. Using these classifications, individuals screening positive for potential anxiety and depression exhibited significantly lower levels of EI than their counterparts showing subclinical symptoms (t=5.14, p<0.001 and t=3.58, p<0.001, respectively). Conclusion Our findings support the notion that higher levels of EI may potentially lead to increased well-being, limit psychological distress, improve patient care, and facilitate an ability to thrive in the medical field. We encourage continued study on the efficacy of EI training through intervention, measurement of EI in both academic and clinical settings as an indicator of those at risk for programmatic dropout or psychological distress, and consideration of EI training as an adjunct to the educational program curriculum.

Psychological distress in Ghana: Are unemployed people more afflicted?

2019 ◽  
pp. 135910531988391
Author(s):  
Iddisah Sulemana ◽  
Louis Doabil ◽  
Ebenezer Bugri Anarfo
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Significant Relationship ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Unemployed People ◽  
Gender Group ◽  
Part Time ◽  
Males And Females

The detrimental consequences of unemployment to the psychological well-being of people have been well documented. However, much of this research has been conducted for developed countries. This study contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence on this topic from a Ghanaian perspective. Our results revealed no significant association between unemployment and psychological distress. Rather, we found that part-time and full-time employees who were looking for a job were significantly more likely to suffer psychological distress. When we analysed the association between unemployment and psychological distress for males and females separately, we did not find a statistically significant relationship for either gender group.

scholarly journals Effect of Mindfulness-Based Art Therapy (MBAT) on Psychological Distress and Spiritual Wellbeing in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Anjali Mangesh Joshi ◽  
Suchitra Ajay Mehta ◽  
Nikhil Pande ◽  
Ajay Omprakash Mehta ◽  
Kamaljeet Sanjay Randhe
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Art Therapy ◽  
Mindfulness Meditation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Spiritual Well Being ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Mindfulness Practices

Objectives: Psychological distress and spiritual well-being (SWB) are directly related to the quality of life in cancer patients. Mindfulness-Based Art Therapy (MBAT) integrates mindfulness practices with art therapy and has shown to decrease distress levels and improve SWB in women with breast cancer. The objective of the study was to identify the effects of a 1-week MBAT intervention on psychological distress and SWB in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Materials and Methods: This was a single group, pre-test post-test study carried out in a clinical setting. The psycho-oncology assessment questionnaire, Distress Thermometer (DT) and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-SWB Scale 12 (FACIT-SP12) Version 4 were administered before, post1st supervised MBAT session and post 1 week of home practice to breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy (n = 30). The MBAT intervention included mindfulness meditation for 15 min and mindful coloring for 30 min daily for 1 week. Data analysis was done using R i386 4.0.3. Results: The median DT score significantly decreased from pre-session to immediate post-session and pre-session to post 1-week session. The median of meaning, peace, and faith subscales of FACIT SP12 scores along with total FACIT SP12 score significantly increased from pre-session to immediate post-session as well as from pre-session to post 1 week. Conclusion: One-week MBAT intervention for breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy significantly decreased the psychological distress and significantly improved the SWB in terms of meaning, peace, and faith.

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