The Landscape of Current Meditation Research: An Overview to the Special Issue on 'Health Benefits of Meditation'
Abstract
(ISSN 2573-4393)
OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine is an international peer-reviewed Open Access journal published quarterly online by LIDSEN Publishing Inc. It covers all evidence-based scientific studies on integrative, alternative and complementary approaches to improving health and wellness.
Topics contain but are not limited to:
The journal publishes a variety of article types: Original Research, Review, Communication, Opinion, Comment, Conference Report, Technical Note, Book Review, etc.
There is no restriction on paper length, provided that the text is concise and comprehensive. Authors should present their results in as much detail as possible, as reviewers are encouraged to emphasize scientific rigor and reproducibility.
Publication Speed (median values for papers published in 2023): Submission to First Decision: 5.9 weeks; Submission to Acceptance: 14.7 weeks; Acceptance to Publication: 8 days (1-2 days of FREE language polishing included)
Special Issue
Health Benefits of Meditation
Submission Deadline: September 30, 2018 (Closed) Submit Now
Guest Editor
Sok Cheon Pak, PhD
School of Biomedical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Panorama Avenue, Bathurst, NSW 2795, Australia
Research Interests: bee venom application; acupuncture: pain threshold; morphine dose reduction; medicinal herbs: anti-inflammatory; anti-allergic; immune-enhancing; polycystic ovarian syndrome; pap smear; evidence-based practice
Co-Editor
Soo Liang Ooi
Centre for Complementary & Alternative Medicine, Singapore 247909
About This Topic
People meditate to attain self-regulation and consciousness transformation. Regardless of personal preference, the underlying rationale for either approach is similar in terms of viewing meditation as a therapeutic means. Despite the fact that meditation techniques are increasingly popular amongst the public, we still have scarce, preliminary evidence that stems from research within the therapeutic context. Numerous studies have been conducted to look for effects of meditation, yet there is even more lack of scientific theories for mind-body interactions. Thus, the atheoretical methodology is frequently mirrored in the way of data collection used in the studies which include dependent variables that are not specific to meditation research. Future research on meditation intervention needs to be standardized as much as possible to ensure credibility. Disease-specific approach to meditation intervention is highly recommended to refine the role of meditation with the elimination of conventional medication. Understanding of different types of meditation with each unique interacting pathway among the brain, mind, body and behavior associated with clinically significant resiliency will facilitate the development of meditation as new therapeutics.
Keywords
Meditation; Health; Immune system; Brain; Therapeutics
Manuscript Submission Information
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Publication
The Landscape of Current Meditation Research: An Overview to the Special Issue on 'Health Benefits of Meditation'by
Soo Liang Ooi
and
Sokcheon Pak
Abstract The Landscape of Current Meditation Research: An Overview to the Special Issue on “Health Benefits of Meditation” |
Meditation, Sleep, and PerformanceAbstract Meditation describes a large variety of traditions that are extremely variable, but all include the conscious focus or awareness of attention. By maintaining their attention, meditators experience both acute and long-term changes in physiology, anatomy, and cognitive performance. The literature shows that the type of performance benefits [...] |
Comparison of Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia between Zen-meditation and Control GroupsAbstract (1) Background: This research is aimed to develop new methods to investigate the cardiorespiratory interaction of Zen-meditation practitioners (Zen-meditation group) and healthy ordinary young people (control group) by quantitatively evaluating the respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) behavior.
(2) Methods: Twenty-five voluntary controls and [...] |
Proposal for a Compassionate Emotional Accompaniment Technique (CEAT) Based on Mindfulness to Manage Disturbing EmotionsAbstract One of the objectives of psychological intervention is to help individuals manage their emotions effectively by providing patients the necessary tools to accompany their own emotional states. Furthermore, at present there are not so many therapeutic resources aimed at facilitating emotions in patients, nor helping them with their regulation [...] |
An Evaluation of a New Programme Training Mindfulness Teachers to Deliver Non-Eight Week Adapted Mindfulness-Based Interventionsby
Robert Marx
and
Lisa Burroughes
Abstract Background: Training is generally not available for those wishing to deliver non 8 week Mindfulness Based Interventions (MBIs) adapted for specific contexts and populations. A new model for training in MBIs is developed with the following principle components: teaching on theory, participation in a practice, followed by teaching the practice [...] |
Mindful Self-Compassion and Adult Learner Retention in Post-Compulsory EducationAbstract (1) Background:
Adult learners often engage in formal education because they want to create changes in their lives and are determined to succeed in their chosen field. However, they also come with emotional “baggage” of early educational experiences, frequently have to deal with a multitude of competing demands, have financial strain [...] |
Cultivating Well-Being through the Three Pillars of Mind Training: Understanding How Training the Mind Improves Physiological and Psychological Well-BeingAbstract Research on the physiological and emotional health benefits of meditative practices has grown exponentially over the last two decades, influencing both scientific literature and popular media. Research has highlighted three distinct components or pillars at the core of meditative practices and mind training. They are, focused attention, open [...] |
Health Benefits of (Mindful) Self-Compassion Meditation and the Potential Complementarity to Mindfulness-Based Interventions: A Review of Randomized-Controlled TrialsAbstract Background. This article systematically reviews methodologically rigorous randomized-controlled trials examining the health benefits of mindfulness and self-compassion interventions in medical and/ or mental health populations.
Method. Searches were conducted on PubMed, PsycINFO and Web of Science in March 2018. Out of 2427 results (276 for [...] |
State of the Research: Physical and Mental Health Benefits of Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Children and Adolescentsby
Randye J. Semple
and
Christine Burke
Abstract Background: Research support for a variety of health benefits of mindfulness-based interventions for adults is robust. These include management of stress, anxiety, and depression; as a supportive treatment for eating disorders, PTSD, and psychosis; improved sleep; chronic pain management; support for tobacco, alcohol, and substance abstinence; [...] |
Binary Model of the Dynamics of Active versus Passive Mindfulness in Managing Depressionby
Andrew Hede
Abstract Background: Meditation has developed over many centuries within a diverse range of religious traditions including Middle-Eastern, Indian, and East-Asian. Of these, mindfulness meditation from the Buddhist (Indian) tradition, has been the most extensively adopted in the Western secular world primarily with applications in health and well-being [...] |
Meditation and Immune Function: The Impact of Stress Management on the Immune Systemby
Nicole Thibodeaux
and
Matt J. Rossano
Abstract As alternative forms of medicine have become increasingly popular, research on the health benefits of meditation has grown. Specifically, Mindfulness Meditation, Transcendental Meditation, and Qigong have been shown to be effective in treating psychological disorders, enhancing immune function, and in delaying disease progression in patients [...] |
Impacts of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) on the Psychological and Functional Wellbeing of Patients with Bipolar DisordersAbstract Background: This time series analysis investigated variations in psychic and somatic anxiety during and after completion of MBCT compared to baseline in patients diagnosed with BD. Secondary variables considered were sleep quality and quality of life, as well as depressive and manic symptoms.
Methods: HAMD-29, HAMD-7 and YMRS were administered [...] |
Integrating Mindfulness and Physical Exercises for Medical Students: A Systematic Reviewby
Marcus A. Henning
,
Tae Joo Park
,
Fiona Moir
,
Chris Krägeloh
,
Christopher Mysko
,
Jennifer Hobson
and
Craig S. Webster
Abstract Abstract:
(1) Background: The purpose of this systematic review was to appraise the empirical evidence and refereed literature pertaining to medical students and the integration of mindfulness and physical exercise regimens.
(2) Methods: A systematic review protocol was implemented. Five databases were utilised to survey the salient literatur [...] |
A Mixed Methods Approach to Understanding Conceptions of Mindfulness MeditationAbstract Background: Mindfulness meditation (MM) is an increasing area of interest for health professionals and the general public alike. Beneficial outcomes are associated with this practice; however, definitions of mindfulness and meditation are varied, and anecdotal accounts suggest that people hold misconceptions about the constructs. Furthermore [...] |
Meditation as an Intervention for Health: A Framework for Understanding Meditation Researchby
Marcel Allbritton
and
Carrie Heeter
Abstract We propose a framework for understanding meditation that can support greater scientific rigor in conducting meditation research, and selecting meditation health interventions. There are no consistent and rigorous standards for describing meditation research interventions. This impedes rigor of meditation research design and interpretation [...] |
Feasibility of a Meditation Video Game to Reduce Anxiety in College Studentsby
Paul A. Barclay
and
Clint A. Bowers
Abstract (1) Background: Meditation is a common intervention for college students suffering from issues with anxiety. Due to this popularity, several meditation-based video games have been released which can be used to supplement or motivate meditation practice. However, these tools are not often given scrutiny in a laboratory setting before being [...] |
Specific Somatic Symptoms Alleviated by Mindfulness Meditation TrainingAbstract Background: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an evidence-based intervention developed to teach mindfulness meditation to a wide range of patients. Although the efficacy of MBSR has been established for a variety of medical and psychiatric conditions, measured outcomes typically are limited to anxiety, depression, and/or stress [...] |
A Review of the Efficacy of Yoga and Meditation-Based Interventions for Rheumatoid Arthritisby
Alexandra Koulouris
,
Kathleen Dorado
,
Christina McDonnell
,
Robert R. Edwards
and
Asimina Lazaridou
Abstract Abstract:
(1) Background: This paper presents a review of the evidence regarding the efficacy and impact of yoga and meditation-based interventions among patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Patients who suffer from RA express a variety of symptoms that negatively impact their physical functioning and performance in social roles. Yoga [...] |
The Four-Facet Model of Eudaimonic Resilience and Its Relationships with Mindfulness, Perceived Stress and ResilienceAbstract Elevated levels of psychological distress in university students is a growing area of concern as it is associated with a variety of consequences including mental illness symptoms, absenteeism, and poor academic performance. A growing body of research has indicated that resilience in university students is associated with reduced psychological [...] |
Living with Spondylolisthesis with (Relative) EquanimityAbstract Objectives: Living with any chronic pain condition is a challenge that can be met when one reduces reactivity to the sensory aspects of it. The aim of this case study is to show how a clinical psychologist with expertise in chronic illness applied Buddhist principles to her own experience.
Methods: When one realizes that suffering is the [...] |
The Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Depressive Symptoms and Quality of Life: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trialsby
Jonathan Manh Dang
,
Luma Bashmi
,
Stephen Meeneghan
,
Janet White
,
Rebecca Hedrick
,
Jelena Djurovic
,
Brigitte Vanle
,
Dennis Nguyen
,
Jonathan Almendarez
,
Paula Ravets
,
Yasmine Gohar
,
Sophia Hanna
,
Itai Danovitch
and
Waguih William IsHak
Abstract Abstract
Background: An increasing number of patients and practitioners are using mindfulness meditation programs despite uncertainty about the evidence supporting these programs’ health benefits.
Aim: To review the current evidence on the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions (MBI) on depressive symptoms and quality of life [...] |
Leveraging Mindfulness to Build Resilience and Professional Quality of Life in Human Service Professionalsby
Andrew Hanna
and
Aileen M. Pidgeon
Abstract Objective: Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have shown promise in cultivating resilience and are widely accepted as efficacious in the treatment of a range of psychological disorders. This paper explores the feasibility of a Mindful-Awareness and Resilience Skills Training (MARST) program to enhance mindfulness and resilience, as a means [...] |
Mindfulness Meditation in College Students to Advance Health EquityAbstract Purpose
High levels of mindfulness correspond with some positive health behaviors such as exercise participation, fruit and vegetable intake, and effective stress management. This study provided mindfulness meditation during an academic semester to a group of predominantly minority college students derived from a population in which 77.9 [...] |
Open Dialogue and the Impact of Therapist Mindfulness on the Health of ClientsAbstract The value of mindfulness for clinical staff in the mental health field has thus been increasingly recognised over recent year and thus is now culminating in the evaluation and, potential future role out, of whole system approaches like Open Dialogue that put clinician mindfulness at the heart of the model. It is anticipated that this will [...] |
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