{"title":"The Relationship between Self-Compassion and Predictors of Depressed Mood in Parents of People with Eating Disorders","authors":"Pamela Fox, Gerald H. Burgess, Chris Irons","doi":"10.21926/obm.icm.2401004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21926/obm.icm.2401004","url":null,"abstract":"The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between self-compassion and possible predictors of depressed mood in parents of people with eating disorders. A questionnaire design was conducted cross‐sectionally in a sample of 112 parents of people with eating disorders. Participants completed measures of depressed mood, experiences of entrapment, shame, guilt, self-criticism and self-compassion. Regression analyses showed entrapment and self-criticism to be mediators between the relationship of shame and depressed mood. Self-compassion appeared to reduce the experience of depressed mood through its effect on shame and entrapment. Self-compassion also appeared to reduce the experience of depressed mood through its effect on self-criticism. This study explored processes of depression and the buffering effects of self-compassion on these processes. These findings support an evolutionary understanding of depressed mood and the potential benefits of applying compassion-focused interventions for parents of people with eating disorders.","PeriodicalId":413918,"journal":{"name":"OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine","volume":"16 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139384016","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Unexplained Phenomena in Auricular Medicine","authors":"Gerhard Litscher","doi":"10.21926/obm.icm.2401003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21926/obm.icm.2401003","url":null,"abstract":"Auricular medicine, an integral component of traditional medicine, has grown famous as a complementary and alternative Medicine (CAM) modality. Despite its widespread acceptance and anecdotal support, the scientific community grapples with multifaceted challenges that impede the establishment of a comprehensive empirical foundation for auricular medicine. This editorial critically assesses the current scientific landscape, delineating unresolved issues and scientific lacunae that demand rigorous investigation.","PeriodicalId":413918,"journal":{"name":"OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine","volume":"28 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139385384","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
T. Hunt, Kylie Roberts, Megan Byrd, Kaytlyn Johnson, Christina Gipson
{"title":"Teachers Experiences in Mindfulness and Fitness Program: A Pilot Study","authors":"T. Hunt, Kylie Roberts, Megan Byrd, Kaytlyn Johnson, Christina Gipson","doi":"10.21926/obm.icm.2401002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21926/obm.icm.2401002","url":null,"abstract":"Current research shows that mindfulness and physical training programs have been shown to help reduce stress independently, however, limited research is available exploring the possible additive effects of implementing both training programs together [1, 2]. To test the feasibility and effectiveness of the Mind-Body Fitness program through a case-series pilot program, seven elementary school teachers completed a nine-week mindfulness and fitness program. The Perceived Stress Scale [3] was administered at three time points to measure changes in stress levels, and then a focus group was conducted at the conclusion of the program. Focus groups were analyzed using thematic analysis. Mean scores on the Perceived Stress Scale decreased over time. Three themes were identified 1) Perception of stress levels, 2) Integration of stress reduction, and 3) Program evaluation. A novel approach to the integration of mindfulness and fitness created a program with the benefits and strengths of both. Teachers believed the program helped reduce stress levels. The fitness component highlighted the role of support systems in stress reduction, and the mindfulness component has a carry-over effect in managing stress in and out of the classroom.","PeriodicalId":413918,"journal":{"name":"OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine","volume":"88 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139386272","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Antonella Sansone, Peta Stapleton, Alan Patching, Zoe Lawrence
{"title":"Participation in an Online Prenatal Mindfulness- Relationship-Based (PMRB) Program: Outcomes for Maternal Mindfulness, Mental Health, Interoception, and Mother-Infant Relationship during Pregnancy and Post-Partum","authors":"Antonella Sansone, Peta Stapleton, Alan Patching, Zoe Lawrence","doi":"10.21926/obm.icm.2401001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21926/obm.icm.2401001","url":null,"abstract":"This feasibility study sought to investigate the impact of an online 9-session Prenatal Mindfulness Relationship-Based (PMRB) group treatment program upon maternal mental health (depression, anxiety, and stress), interoception, and mother-infant relationship during pregnancy and post-partum. The study was designed in two parts 1) a quantitative examination of pre, post-treatment and 10-12 weeks post-partum measures targeting 13 pregnant women from a non-clinical population and 2) a qualitative exploration of the same pregnant women’s experiences of the PMRB program reported during the sessions, including their birth stories. Responses to an open-ended question about how the program had supported them during pregnancy, labor/birth and the first post-partum trimester were summarised using thematic analysis. Women (N = 36) were recruited to the non-randomised feasibility study and 13 were allocated to the PMRB program. Women were excluded due to the online recruitment timeframe, missing baseline gestational age and unavailability for the proposed time. All the allocated women completed the program during pregnancy and the baseline and post-treatment surveys. There were 12 women who completed the post-partum follow-up. Only one participant was lost to the follow up for unknown reasons. Results revealed an improvement in mindfulness, depression, interoception and mother-infant relationship post-treatment and at postpartum follow-up. The qualitative analysis led to the identification of 16 themes, which were organized in four categories describing the experience of participants. Findings provide preliminary support for the feasibility of the PMRB program to improve maternal mindfulness, interoception, mental wellbeing and mother-infant relationship during pregnancy and post-partum. The qualitative evaluation suggested the PMRB program may help women cope with emotional challenges and be more connected to their bodies and infant. The program may also help women become more aware of their unborn infant as a sentient being and the influence of their health and mental wellbeing on the infant development and health. Furthermore, it may be a facilitator of the mother-infant relationship during pregnancy and post-partum, promoting infant’s healthy development.","PeriodicalId":413918,"journal":{"name":"OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine","volume":"133 51","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139453434","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A Tail Within a Tale, Within a Tale: An Autoethnographic Account for Dog Lovers, Cat Lovers, and Story Lovers","authors":"Maya K. Marom","doi":"10.21926/obm.icm.2304062","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21926/obm.icm.2304062","url":null,"abstract":"It was March-April 2020. The first few weeks of the first COVID-19 pandemic lockdown had just begun. Anxiety levels were high, and being locked up at home was an unfamiliar and eerie situation. A music therapist sent her clients (elementary school children on the autism spectrum) daily videos of her dog, Robben, during his daily routines. She dubbed the dog as if he told the children a story about a tail-less cat. This endeavor resulted in a series of 27 storytelling episodes titled “Robben’s Pandemic Adventures”, which the clients awaited day by day. The current autoethnographic report unveils this music therapist’s storytelling experience. Every day she had to produce new creative content for the next episodes of her dog’s “adventures”, connecting his daily routines, character, and hobbies to the pandemic reality. In this process, she gave her dog a voice, and he “told” daily chapters in an allegoric story about one very unusual cat. The reflections focus on personal and professional lessons learned in the process for the therapist herself and her clients. In addition, the value of children’s stories during times of crisis and turmoil - to both the adult storyteller and the children listening - is discussed and connected to the global COVID-19 crisis.","PeriodicalId":413918,"journal":{"name":"OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine","volume":"6 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138952131","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Heather Leach, Emma L. Gomes, Mary C. Hidde, Kate Lyden, Angela Bryan, Myles Cockburn, Wells Messersmith
{"title":"A Videoconference Physical Activity Intervention for Colorectal Cancer Survivors: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial","authors":"Heather Leach, Emma L. Gomes, Mary C. Hidde, Kate Lyden, Angela Bryan, Myles Cockburn, Wells Messersmith","doi":"10.21926/obm.icm.2304060","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21926/obm.icm.2304060","url":null,"abstract":"Physical activity (PA) after a colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosis can improve physical function and quality of life and is associated with decreased mortality rates and longer disease-free survival. The accelerated use of videoconference technology during and following the COVID-19 pandemic offers an opportunity to explore the potential of a virtually supervised intervention to help survivors of CRC increase PA. A two-arm single blind pilot randomized controlled trial of individuals who had completed treatment for CRC within the previous five-years (NCT03781154, 12/19/2018). The 12-week intervention consisted of circuit-based, combined aerobic and resistance exercise, twice per week for approximately one-hour per session, and five social cognitive theory-based PA behavior change discussion sessions. All intervention components were delivered in real-time via Zoom. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed, and the effects of the intervention were explored for the outcomes of PA (activPAL™ accelerometers and self-report), social cognitive theory constructs (barriers self-efficacy and outcome expectations), and physical fitness (submaximal aerobic capacity, upper and lower body muscular strength and endurance). Twenty-nine eligible individuals (55.2% women, Mean = 61 ± 11 years old, Mean = 22.0 ± 15.1 months since diagnosis) were randomized to the videoconference PA intervention (n = 15) or a PA education control (n = 14). A total of N = 25 completed the study for a retention rate of 86.7% in the intervention arm and 85.7% in the control. Adherence to intervention components was >86%. The intervention was highly acceptable with ≥90% responding “yes” or “definitely yes” that they enjoyed participating. Trends suggested that intervention participants had greater improvements in accelerometer measured steps per day, daily minutes of light PA, sedentary time, and aerobic fitness. There was no change in social cognitive theory constructs, and muscular strength and endurance improved in both the intervention and control. A 12-week videoconference PA intervention was feasible and acceptable among survivors of CRC, and the greatest magnitude of difference for intervention effects was observed for light PA and sedentary time. A fully powered trial is needed to determine efficacy of the intervention for increasing PA and physical functioning.","PeriodicalId":413918,"journal":{"name":"OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine","volume":"101 19","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138958798","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
O. Pastore, Michelle Fortier, Leah Ferguson, Shane Sweet
{"title":"Evolving Conceptualizations: A Commentary on the Varying Perspectives of Self-Compassion in Western Psychology","authors":"O. Pastore, Michelle Fortier, Leah Ferguson, Shane Sweet","doi":"10.21926/obm.icm.2304061","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21926/obm.icm.2304061","url":null,"abstract":"Self-compassion involves being touched by and open to one’s own suffering, coupled with the desire to alleviate it and heal oneself with kindness. While self-compassion has gained significant attention in research, certain conceptual and methodological complexities have evolved over time and led to ambiguity surrounding the concept. As such, the overall purpose of this commentary was to highlight and discuss the different perspectives of self-compassion in the literature. We opted to centralize our focus primarily on Neff’s [1] self-compassion framework, given its extensive adoption. We highlight two broad perspectives for conceptualizing self-compassion in the literature: 1) Mind-Body Experiences (i.e., cognitive process, emotion/affect, or motivation) and 2) Generality (i.e., state-like, trait-like/global, or context-specific). This paper aims to offer insights into the complexities surrounding the conceptualizations of self-compassion and facilitate improvements in researchers approaches to studying this important construct.","PeriodicalId":413918,"journal":{"name":"OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine","volume":"21 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138954917","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
T. Lin, Deanna Linville, Rhonda Nese, John Seeley, Samantha Shune
{"title":"Breathing-Based Meditation for Improving COPD Burden: A Mixed Single-Case and Qualitative Approach","authors":"T. Lin, Deanna Linville, Rhonda Nese, John Seeley, Samantha Shune","doi":"10.21926/obm.icm.2304059","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21926/obm.icm.2304059","url":null,"abstract":"Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) impacts the physiological and psycho-emotional aspects of life. COPD-related secondary sequelae also synergistically interact with each other. For example, dyspnea affects the severity of breath, body functions, and the mind (e.g., anxiety, panic, fear). Such negative psycho-emotional states can further negatively impact the breath and the body (e.g., increased dyspnea). Given the breadth of the impact of COPD on multiple facets of health and well-being, it is essential to investigate comprehensive approaches to managing COPD, simultaneously addressing the mind, body, and breath. Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY), a breathwork meditation program, has previously yielded a wide range of physiological and psycho-emotional benefits but has not been explored in individuals with COPD. Using single-case multiple-baseline and qualitative phenomenology methodologies, this study investigated 1) the relation between dyspnea and SKY and 2) the feasibility and general perceived effectiveness of SKY among individuals with COPD. Nine individuals with varying severities of COPD participated. Data collection included ratings of perceived dyspnea (work of breathing, shortness of breath, dyspnea-related distress, dyspnea-related anxiety) and semi-structured in-depth interviews. Results suggest that SKY is feasible and acceptable for individuals with COPD. Additionally, the results demonstrate proof of concept that SKY can help alleviate aspects of the COPD disease burden related to the mind, body, and breath as well as reduce the cyclical effect of the disease sequelae. Larger-scale trials are warranted, but this study is the first to support SKY as a viable complementary and integrative health approach for individuals with COPD.","PeriodicalId":413918,"journal":{"name":"OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine","volume":" 40","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138961988","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Integrating Compassion into EMDR for PTSD","authors":"Matthew Whalley, Deborah Lee","doi":"10.21926/obm.icm.2304058","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21926/obm.icm.2304058","url":null,"abstract":"Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often involves feeling-states of shame and self-loathing. Traditional exposure-based treatments, which are effective for fear-based PTSD, are sometimes limited in effectiveness when working with these emotional experiences: clients with high levels of shame, guilt, or disgust may experience ‘blocks’ in processing when attempting eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). Developed to help people who suffer from pervasive shame and self-attack, compassion focused therapy (CFT) is based upon an evolutionary framework, and draws on research from human neurobiology and attachment theory to understand how humans respond to different types of threat. This paper describes a protocol for integrating compassion focused techniques into EMDR therapy with the aim of facilitating adaptive information processing. Two case examples outline the use of the protocol and describe clients’ reflections on the process. We suggest that CFT approaches can be successfully integrated with EMDR when working with experiences of shame and self-blame.","PeriodicalId":413918,"journal":{"name":"OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine","volume":"49 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139202910","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Creating through COVID-19 - An Art-Based Autoethnographic Account","authors":"Daphna Markman Zinemanas","doi":"10.21926/obm.icm.2304057","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21926/obm.icm.2304057","url":null,"abstract":"The experience of painting during the COVID-19 period initiated this art-based autoethnographic account. The pandemic affected various fields of life; the discussion is thus pursued from a few interrelated points of view: of an individual coping with the COVID-19 crisis on a personal level, of a painter, of an art therapist, of an art therapy lecturer and supervisor, and an artist involved in community interventions. Artmaking and viewing artworks can enhance communication with the beholder and encourage others to reflect verbally and artistically without words. At times of enforced isolation and loneliness, it is essential to have non-verbal forms of expression available when terms are not always general. At times of global crisis, the implications of making art and aesthetic experiences can be individual, intersubjective, and communal. The unique impact on creators and beholders of art creation during a global crisis is discussed in the author’s artworks. The research is art-based: a combination of autoethnography and art-based research. Emergent experiences showed that artmaking likely helps the creator in times of uncertainty and confusion. It can function as an anchor and a tool for reflecting and working through ongoing crises.","PeriodicalId":413918,"journal":{"name":"OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine","volume":"25 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139212407","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}