This study aimed to examine the impact of mindful leadership on job performance, focusing on two key mediating variables: work engagement and innovative work behavior. Additionally, the study explored the moderating role of an innovative climate. Drawing on social exchange theory and the job demand-resources framework, the authors developed an integrated research model. This model was tested with a sample of 609 full-time IT employees with at least 1 year of experience from information technology companies in Vietnam, using a cross-sectional questionnaire and the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique. The results revealed that mindful leadership did not directly affect job performance (β = 0.03, 95
Adolescent-onset type 2 diabetes (T2D) is increasing, and depression symptoms amplify T2D risk, highlighting the need for interventions addressing mental and metabolic health. This multisite pilot RCT assessed whether facilitators could be trained consistently to deliver group MBI, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and a matched health education condition (HE) to adolescents at risk for T2D with elevated depression symptoms. It was hypothesized that facilitators would achieve ≥ 80
This paper aimed to present a conceptual framework that facilitates integrating early Buddhist psychology with contemporary psychotherapy. It was conceptual in scope, rooted in the framework of the early Buddhist teachings. While grounded in contemplative and clinical experience, it selectively integrated contemporary scholarship from psychotherapy, contemplative neuroscience, and Buddhist psychology. The article addresses critical limitations in the current literature by engaging with contemporary scientific theories providing empirical support for proposed mechanisms, and outlining practical implications for clinicians. Central to this integration is the recognition of a double bypass consisting in two complementary risks: spiritual bypass, wherein transcendent practices are used to avoid necessary psychological work; and psychological bypass, wherein excessive focus on self-consolidation precludes existential and transcendent inquiry. A Buddhist-informed psychotherapy, grounded in the personal practice of the therapist, in “right view” and “right effort” particularly, can address both forms of bypass through empirically tractable processes, including nonattachment, decentering, and compassion.
Mindful breathing is widely practiced for health, well-being, and contemplative development, yet novices often experience confusion, tension, or frustration when instructions lack neurophysiological clarity. This theoretical paper introduces the Interoceptive Sensitivity for Attentional–Autonomic Alignment (ISAAA) model as a structured, neurophysiology-informed framework for understanding and addressing these difficulties. The ISAAA model was developed through an interdisciplinary synthesis of respiratory physiology, affective neuroscience, active interoceptive inference, neurovisceral integration, and the early steps of the Ānāpānasati Sutta. Its core constructs are operationalized using measures including the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness-2 (MAIA-2), Toronto Mindfulness Scale, heartbeat-counting tasks, respiratory-adjusted vagal heart-rate variability, respiratory sinus arrhythmia, and EEG–ECG brain–heart coherence. Preregistration: This study is not preregistered. ISAAA conceptualizes mindful breathing as a two-phase process: first, establishing a metacognitive platform for passive, non-interfering observation of natural autonomic breathing; and second, introducing skillful, minimal-effort breath modulation after interoceptive sensitivity and attentional–autonomic alignment have developed. The model proposes that premature top-down cortical control can disrupt autonomic respiratory rhythms, contributing to attentional–autonomic misalignment and interoceptive prediction error. Four falsifiable predictions are specified to guide future randomized, dismantling, and feasibility studies. By integrating Buddhist contemplative instructions with contemporary neurophysiology, the ISAAA model provides a scalable instructional framework and a testable account of how voluntary attention and autonomic processes may become progressively aligned. Its neurophysiological formulation may help practitioners refine mindful breathing, particularly during the early stages of practice.
The present study employed functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to investigate the effects of virtual companionship on prefrontal cortical activation patterns during mindfulness practice, and to examine whether virtual companionship can enhance post-mindfulness psychophysiological states. Sixty healthy college students were recruited and randomly assigned to either the control group (n = 30) or the experimental group (n = 30). The experimental procedure lasted 20 min, with both groups completing a 5-min guided mindfulness breathing exercise. In the experimental group, an empathetically responsive virtual companion was presented concurrently during the practice. Changes in oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO) concentrations in the prefrontal cortex were measured using fNIRS, while mindfulness state was assessed using the Toronto Mindfulness Scale. The virtual companionship group showed higher post-test TMS scores than controls, F(1,58) = 51.50, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.47. All eight functional connections differed significantly after FDR correction; six were higher and two lower in the virtual companionship group, with FPA_R–PSC_L showing the largest difference (t = 2.90, FDR-p = 0.01). In the virtual companionship group, fALFF was higher in Channel 23 (t(55) = − 2.38, p = 0.02) but lower in Channels 46 (t(55) = 2.02, p = 0.05) and 60 (t(55) = 2.05, p = 0.05). This study provides fNIRS-based physiological evidence supporting the enhancing effects of virtual companionship on mindfulness and demonstrates that virtual companionship can effectively modulate mindfulness-induced patterns of local brain activation and global network integration. This study was not preregistered.
Emerging research suggests that meditation may support more beneficial psychedelic experiences while reducing the likelihood of lasting negative effects, yet its specific preparatory benefits remain underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the perceived utility of meditation as a preparatory tool for enhancing positive outcomes and reducing negative effects during psychedelic experiences. In a cross-sectional online survey, a self-selected sample of participants with histories of both meditation practice and psychedelic use completed a battery of standardised and study-specific measures. The sample comprised 123 experienced meditators with prior psychedelic use (66.7
Recent research has highlighted the educational and mental health benefits of mindfulness. However, studies on the relation between mindfulness and stigma among ethnic and cultural minorities remain relatively scarce. In a sample of Mainland Chinese university students residing in Hong Kong, the present study investigated the prospective relations among mindfulness; self-stigma; and mental health outcomes, including emotional, psychological, and social well-being; and depressive symptoms. A sample of 194 university students (mean age = 21.08 years, SD = 2.01) were recruited to complete a questionnaire at three time points, with 3- to 4-month lag between time points. Path analysis revealed that the model fit well to the data, χ2(9) = 7.32, p = 0.60, CFI = 1.00, TLI = 1.02, RMSEA < 0.001, SRMR = 0.02. Mindfulness was prospectively associated with lower self-stigma (β = −0.14, B = −0.18, SE = 0.08, p = 0.017), greater well-being (β = 0.17, B = 0.36, SE = 0.17, p = 0.026), and fewer depressive symptoms (β = −0.19, B = −2.39, SE = 0.88, p = 0.006). Self-stigma, in turn, was associated with poorer well-being (β = −0.16, B = −0.28, SE = 0.11, p = 0.027). The findings also suggested that self-stigma mediated the association between mindfulness and well-being, after controlling for autoregressive effects and demographic covariates. However, self-stigma was not prospectively related to depressive symptoms (β = 0.003, B = 0.03, SE = 0.67, p = 0.960). This prospective study revealed differential relations among mindfulness, self-stigma, and mental health outcomes in a sample of minority students. In line with the literature, the findings inform researchers of the potential significance of nurturing mindfulness for combating self-stigma and enhancing minority mental health. This study is not preregistered.
The high psychological burden of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) underscores the need for effective and feasible psychological treatment options. This study aimed to explore the acceptability and feasibility of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) for adults with IBD. This mixed-methods study was embedded in a multicenter randomized controlled trial on the effectiveness of MBCT in IBD. Reasons for participation were discussed in the context of the trial and reasons for non-participation were collected from one of the participating centers. Semi-structured in-depth interviews about facilitators and barriers were conducted with a purposive sample of 22 participants from the MBCT groups. For triangulation purposes, participant observation and a focus group with involved mindfulness teachers were incorporated. Themes were interpreted using reflexive thematic analysis. The primary reason for participation was to improve coping with stress and mental health problems, often alongside reducing physical symptoms and disease activity. Active invitation of the healthcare provider encouraged enrolment. Lack of need for psychological care and time constraints were prominent reasons for non-participation. Facilitators included peer support, the possibility to attend online, and personal commitment. Barriers included time investment and the impact of disease activity and fatigue. This study can serve as a base for refining MBCT to optimize accessibility for IBD patients. Recommendations included the active involvement of healthcare providers in suggesting MBCT to patients and the use of digital (self-help) alternatives for those who prefer self-scheduled practice over peer support and therapist-led engagement. The trial was registered on November 30, 2020, at ClinicalTrials.gov under the identifier NCT04646785.
This qualitative study explored autistic adults’ experiences of self-compassion, aiming to understand the facilitators and/or barriers for autistic adults to be kind, caring, and understanding towards themselves. This study used a qualitative research design and a phenomenological approach. A critical realist position was taken with a contextualist epistemology. Fifteen autistic adults were recruited from a pre-existing voluntary database using a random number generator, and semi-structured one-to-one interviews were conducted. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to interpret the data. Rigour and trustworthiness were established through consultations with experts by experience, member checking, sense checking with colleagues, a reflexive journal, a peer audit of each stage of analysis, and use of the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research. Three themes were generated with six subthemes: How others treat me (Non-acceptance from others; Acceptance from others), Attributing responsibility (Blame myself; Relieve myself of blame), and How I treat myself (Sacrifice my own needs; Meet my own needs). Participants’ ability to show self-kindness was largely hindered by criticism and disapproval from others. Participants often blamed themselves for difficulties they encountered and engaged in self-criticism. To avoid negative attention, participants camouflaged or withdrew from social events. Acceptance from others enabled participants to engage in the world in a way that made them feel comfortable. Finding an explanation for their difficulties, in the form of an autism diagnosis, often reduced participants’ self-blame and helped them forgive past mistakes. Finally, awareness of one’s own needs and making necessary adaptations were examples of self-compassion. Promoting acceptance of difference in society and providing autistic adults with interventions that relieve self-blame and strengthen self-compassion are essential for improving the lives of autistic adults. The study is not pre-registered.
The present study aimed to investigate the distinct longitudinal influences of paternal and maternal mindful parenting on adolescents’ gratitude and flourishing, with a particular focus on within-person dynamic processes and sex-specific patterns. A sample of 2228 Chinese adolescents (baseline M = 12.95, SD = 0.79, 46.32
Although mindfulness has been widely studied in group-based interventions, less is known about how therapists integrate mindfulness into individual psychotherapy. This is a critical gap, given the differences in therapeutic dynamics and the increased flexibility required in one-to-one formats. The aim of this study was to investigate how therapists think about and apply mindfulness in individual therapy, using a qualitative approach to provide a rich and detailed picture of this process of integration. We conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 13 Norwegian therapists who were recruited based on self-identified integration of mindfulness into their individual therapy practice. The data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Five main themes were identified, illustrating how therapists drew on mindfulness in flexible and varied ways: (1) Presence as a resource in life and in therapy, (2) Mindfulness as a way of promoting beneficial psychological processes, (3) Many paths to the goal, (4) Experience-based tailoring, and (5) Awareness of risks. This study showed that mindfulness was integrated into individual therapy in nuanced and context-sensitive ways, guided by clinical judgment and patient readiness, and enacted both implicitly through therapeutic presence and selectively through formal practices. These findings underscore the value of mindfulness as a relational and responsive element in psychotherapy, while pointing to the need for further guidance on safe and effective integration, including training therapists to tailor practices to client needs and monitor potential risks such as emotional distress or worsening symptoms. This study is not preregistered.
Mindfulness-based exercise has been linked to more favorable affective responses to exercise, yet the momentary psychological processes underlying these associations remain poorly understood. This study examined how mindfulness during exercise relates to affective experience across a four-week intervention. A total of 101 physically inactive college students were randomized to a mindfulness, distraction, or control condition, and 91 (n = 91; 84.6
School-Based Mindfulness Training programs may play a critical role as preventive strategies addressing mental health problems and minimizing their impact on youth development. However, their effectiveness is strongly influenced by the implementation process, including schools’ integration and their contextual factors. This study assessed the implementation process of a mindfulness program in socioeconomically disadvantaged high schools in southern Chile. Participants included 301 9th and 10th grade students (age range: 14–16 years) at five public schools in southern Chile. Of these, 146 students completed all post-intervention measures. Additionally, 19 teachers started the mindfulness training, of whom 11 completed the intervention implementation. A subsample of students and teachers was assessed qualitatively. Using a convergent parallel mixed-methods design, the perspectives of students and their teachers were analyzed to explore the program’s feasibility, acceptability, responsiveness, barriers, and facilitators. The program was found to have adequate levels of acceptability; however, challenges were observed in student enrollment and program dosage. Qualitative analysis revealed key barriers noted by both students and teachers, which included structural factors, relational factors, and students’ personal factors. Conversely, facilitators for implementation, mainly identified by teachers, included collaborative relationships among teachers and students’ individual predisposition to socio-emotional learning. While the mindfulness program was acceptable in this context, successful delivery requires addressing specific contextual, relational, and structural barriers. Future implementation strategies must account for the high psycho-social vulnerability of the post-pandemic school environment to improve engagement. This study was not preregistered.
Mindfulness has been associated with large-scale brain network plasticity, yet prior neuroimaging work has predominantly relied on static functional network connectivity (sFNC), offering only a limited view of the temporal dynamics essential to mindfulness. The present study combined static and dynamic functional network connectivity (dFNC) analyses with machine learning to identify neural correlates associated with mindfulness-related traits. Forty adults (20 experienced meditators, 20 novices) underwent resting-state fMRI under eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions. Independent component analysis was used to extract mindfulness-related networks, followed by group comparisons of both sFNC and dFNC indices. Partial correlations examined associations between connectivity features and FFMQ subscales, and Bayesian logistic regression with cross-validation evaluated their classification performance. The experienced meditators exhibited stronger sFNC between the left frontoparietal network (LFPN) and the anterior default mode network (aDMN), with this connectivity under eyes-closed conditions positively correlated with the Acting with Awareness subscale of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ). At the dynamic level, experienced meditators demonstrated longer dwell time in a highly integrated network state and shorter dwell time in a partially segregated state, both linked to Acting with Awareness. Classification analyses showed that functional network connectivity-based models achieved good discriminative performance, with sFNC features constituting the primary discriminative feature (accuracy = 0.73, AUC = 0.81), as adding dFNC features and FFMQ did not meaningfully improve performance beyond sFNC alone. These findings highlight the distinct contributions of static and dynamic connectivity to understanding the neural correlates of mindfulness and underscore the potential of connectivity-based markers for characterizing mindfulness-related traits and informing individualized interventions. This study was conducted as part of a prospectively preregistered research project at ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT05020301; available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05020301 ). The present manuscript reports analyses of the preregistered resting-state MRI data, focusing on functional connectivity and the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), which were prespecified outcome measures relevant to the current research question. Other preregistered outcome measures were outside the scope of the present study and are therefore not reported here.
Based on recent research on mental time travel, episodic future thinking, and mortality awareness, this study aimed to explore how these mental practices, combined with mindfulness meditation, particularly life’s endpoint-focused and present-focused meditation, regulate present–future tradeoffs, time perception, and emotional experience. A total of 148 adults (51 males, Mage = 26.61) were randomly assigned to one of the two meditation exercises. We assessed behavioral effects on delay discounting (pre–post), time perception, monetary allocation, self-reported emotions, and mental images experienced during meditation. Linear mixed-effects models and ANCOVAs were used for data analysis. Both forms of meditation were emotionally soothing and present-oriented. A group × practice session interaction in delay discounting emerged, χ2(3) = 9.77, p = 0.021, with the life’s endpoint-focused group showing a stronger preference for smaller, sooner rewards and reporting shorter subjective estimates of a future duration, F(1, 144) = 6.72, p = 0.011. Both groups favored savings over immediate spending. The present-focused group preferred long-term over short-term savings, t(146) = 2.93, p = 0.004, whereas the endpoint-focused group split equally between the two accounts. Emotional response distributions differed between groups, χ2(2) = 14.65, p = 0.001, with melancholy-related responses reported more frequently in the endpoint-focused group. Mental images during both meditations were typically characterized by calm self-contemplation, devoid of emotional connotations. Mindfulness, combined with mental time travel and a focus on life’s endpoint, offers an alternative form of meditation that may enhance adaptive time management. This study was not preregistered.
This non-randomized feasibility study evaluated the Integrative Mindfulness-Based Infant Parenting Program (IMIP), a mindfulness-based intervention designed for the unique demands of parenting during infancy, including in high-risk contexts such as preterm birth. We sought to assess the feasibility of IMIP delivery and evaluation and to descriptively characterize pre–post patterns in reported and observed parental and infant outcomes to inform future trials. Thirty-two caregivers (16 of full-term and 16 of preterm infants) completed pre- and post-intervention assessments. Feasibility indicators included recruitment, retention, adherence, delivery fidelity, and assessment viability. Exploratory outcomes spanned self-reported mindful parenting, parenting confidence, depressive symptoms, and parenting stress; observational indices captured parental focused attention (FA) and child FA during free and semi-structured play; parent–infant autonomic synchrony was explored via electrocardiogram. IMIP was feasible and well tolerated, with high retention (94.1
Despite growing evidence for the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in clinical and non-clinical contexts, little research has examined the deeper psychological and existential transformations associated with advanced meditation, which contemplative traditions regard as central to the most profound states of well-being. Given the global mental health crisis and the urgent demand for innovative interventions, the present study aimed to qualitatively investigate advanced meditators’ experiences related to positive psychological transformations and improved mental health. Twenty-eight advanced meditators participated in semi-structured phenomenological interviews focused on their meditation experiences and mental health. A content-driven, inductive thematic analysis was conducted to identify core themes. Saturation was tracked, interrater reliability assessed, and Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guidelines followed. Participants reported profound psychological changes spanning emotional, cognitive, interpersonal, and existential domains. Six major positive themes emerged: (1) vast improvements in baseline well-being; (2) consistently strong and prevalent positive attitudes; (3) increased positive affect; (4) enhanced mental and perceptual clarity, attentional stability, and cognitive balance; (5) positive shifts in life orientation; and (6) transformative changes in mental health conditions. Many described existential insights arising through the resolution of psychological difficulties, leading to reduced suffering and deeper meaning. Additional themes included synergistic effects between meditation, psychotherapy, and psychedelics. This study provided initial empirical evidence that advanced meditation supports profound psychological transformation, including reduced suffering and enhanced well-being across multiple domains, and sets the stage for multidisciplinary empirical work. Advanced meditation and meditative development may thus serve as powerful mechanisms for healing and flourishing. This study is not preregistered.
Recent concerns about meditation-related adverse effects (MRAEs) have led to calls for more rigorous informed consent in mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs). This paper examines whether consent procedures are warranted, and under what circumstances, and of what kind, across the diverse settings in which mindfulness is delivered. Drawing on bioethics and the informed consent literature, we argue that although MBIs may involve some risks, the evidence justifying the case for written, formalized informed consent is weak. In clinical medicine and psychotherapeutic practice, consent practices vary according to risk, permanence, invasiveness, and patient control, often relying on informal processes where risk is minimal. We propose a dose-sensitive model of informed consent that functions on a sliding scale, calibrating the intensity of mindfulness practices to the probability of risk, potential harm, and severity of adverse events. Our proportional approach avoids the harms of over-disclosure—including inefficiency, nocebo effects, and autonomy infringement—while still respecting individuals’ rights and mitigating risk. A context-sensitive, proportional consent model better aligns with ethical norms, individual autonomy, and the empirical evidence on risks of adverse effects from mindfulness practices.
