Effectiveness of a Mindfulness-Based Group Intervention for Chinese University Students with Sleep Problems

The increasing prevalence of sleep disorders among university students should be taken seriously. Group counseling involving a mindfulness-based strategy may help prevent students from developing insomnia and subsequent mental health disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the ameliorating effects of a mindfulness-based group intervention on sleep problems and emotional symptoms in university students in China. Twenty-one university students (16 females, 22.71 ± 4.28 years) who were not on medication were recruited and assigned to the intervention group based on the criterion of high levels of sleep problems. Additionally, twenty-four university students (19 females, 24.50 ± 0.93 years) were included as a nonrandomized control group. Individuals in the intervention group participated in a two-hour group intervention once a week for eight sessions. All participants completed self-reported questionnaire baseline tests, postintervention tests, and one-month follow-ups on mindfulness, sleep quality, anxiety and depressive symptoms. Repeated-measures ANOVA was performed. The results revealed significant intervention effects, with significant differences observed between the two groups in mindfulness and sleep quality. However, there was no significant effect of the intervention on anxiety and depressive symptoms. This study contributes to a better understanding of the effectiveness of mindfulness-based intervention in addressing sleep problems in university students.

The Effect of Co-dependent (Thinking in Motion [tim]) Versus Single-modality (Cognifit) Interventions on Cognition and Gait Among Community Dwelling Older Adults With Cognitive Decline: a Randomized Controlled Study

Background. Cognition and motor skills are interrelated throughout the aging process and often show simultaneous deterioration among older adults with cognitive decline. Co-dependent training has the potential to ameliorate both domains; however, its effect on the gait and cognition of older adults with cognitive decline has yet to be explored. The aim of this study is to compare the effects of the well-established single-modality cognitive computerized training program, CogniFit, with “Thinking in motion (TIM),” a co-dependent group intervention, among community-dwelling older adults with cognitive decline. Methods. Employing a single-blind randomized control trial design, 47 community-dwelling older adults with cognitive decline were randomly assigned to eight-week thrice weekly trainings of TIM or CogniFit. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included cognitive performance, evaluated by a CogniFit battery, as a primary outcome, and gait, under single- and dual-task conditions, as a secondary outcome. Results. CogniFit total Z scores significantly improved from baseline to post-intervention for both groups. There was a significant main effect for time [F (1, 44) = 17.43, p<.001, ηp2=.283] but not for group [F (1, 44) = 0.001, p=.970]. No time X group interaction [F (1, 44) = 1.29, p=.261] was found. No changes in gait performance under single and dual-task performance were observed in both groups. Conclusions. The findings show that single-modality (CogniFit) and co-dependent (TIM) trainings improve cognition but not gait in older adults with cognitive decline. Such investigations should be extended to include various populations and a broader set of outcome measurements. Trial registration: anzctr Id: 371522. Date: 08/11/2016

A Group Intervention to Promote Resilience in Nursing Professionals: A Randomised Controlled Trial

In this study, a new group intervention program to foster resilience in nursing professionals was tested for efficacy. In total, 72 nurses were recruited and randomised to either an intervention condition or to a wait list control condition. The study had a pre-test, post-test, follow-up design. The eight-week program targeted six resilience factors: cognitive flexibility, coping, self-efficacy, self-esteem, self-care, and mindfulness. Compared to the control group, the intervention group reported a significant improvement in the primary outcome mental health (measured with the General Health Questionnaire) from pre-test (M = 20.79; SD = 9.85) to post-test (M = 15.81; SD = 7.13) with an estimated medium effect size (p = 0.03, η2 = 0.08) at post-test. Further significant improvements were found for resilience and other resilience related outcomes measures. The individual stressor load of the subjects was queried retrospectively in each measurement. Stress levels had a significant influence on mental health. The intervention effect was evident even though the stress level in both groups did not change significantly between the measurements. Follow-up data suggest that the effects were sustained for up to six months after intervention. The resilience intervention reduced mental burden in nurses and also positively affected several additional psychological outcomes.

Nurturing attachments group: A virtual group intervention for adults caring for traumatised children in the context of COVID-19

Background: Evidence indicates that the more traditional and behavioural parenting strategies are ineffective when parenting a child who has experienced developmental trauma. Recognising the need to parent with an attachment focus, the current paper evaluates the effectiveness of running the [Enfys] Nurturing Attachments Group, virtually, within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: A pilot feasibility study evaluated eight bespoke groups. Consenting professionals and co-professionals completed the Brief Parental Self-Efficacy Scale (BFSS), Care Questionnaire (CQ) and the Parental Reflective Functioning Questionnaire (PRFQ). Results: One hundred forty individuals attended the groups, with 51 (36%) completing both pre-and post-measures. The results provide evidence that professionals and co-professionals reported statistically significant positive increases on both the BPSS ( d = .55) and CQ ( d = .62). For the PRFQ, the results showed a statistically significant decrease on the Pre-mentalising sub scale, a non-significant mid-range score for Certainty about Mental States and a non-significant increase for Parental Interest and Curiosity in Mental States. Conclusion: The study has demonstrated initial viability of effectively facilitating the [Enfys] Nurturing Attachments Group, virtually. Importantly, it has also shown that the group can be run with professionals alongside co-professionals.

Parent perceptions of a group telepractice communication intervention for autism

Background & Aims Estimates suggest that one in 59 children receive a diagnosis of autism and that early intervention can be effective if applied consistently and intensively. Parent implemented intervention can increase intervention consistency and intensity however, availability of providers, geographical factors, time constraints, and parental stress levels can all act as barriers to service access. Limitations in understanding elements that support family engagement can also impact participation in intervention. Telepractice can increase availability of intervention services and decrease the time and costs associated with face-to-face delivery. Research focused on children with autism has shown that telepractice is acceptable to parents. Despite positive findings for telepractice services with individual clients, limited research has been conducted on telepractice services for parent groups; parent perceptions and preferences regarding intervention; and service delivery methods. This research aimed to investigate parent perceptions of a group intervention programme for autism; the telepractice approach; parent and child outcomes; and parental stress. The purpose of the investigation was to build an understanding of parent's intervention preferences to inform future service offerings, increase choice, and support participation. Methods Eleven parents of preschool children with autism participated in a telepractice delivered group training programme called Hanen More Than Words (HMTW). The intervention is traditionally delivered face to face and teaches strategies to facilitate social-communication development in young children. Quantitative and qualitative measures were used to evaluate parent perceptions of the telepractice HMTW intervention. Data were collected via the Parenting Stress Index, HMTW programme evaluation forms, and online parent survey. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics. Pre- and post-intervention comparisons of parenting stress were conducted using paired T-Tests. Open comment field responses were analysed qualitatively using a directed content analysis. Results Parents reported high levels of satisfaction with telepractice delivered HMTW across intervention and post programme evaluations. Interactive learning opportunities, group participation, video coaching, individualisation of service, and programme facilitation were identified as key supports to learning. Parents perceived increased insight into the interaction, learning, and behaviour of themselves and their children. They reported positive changes in strategy implementation and confidence. Parents also perceived improvements in their children's communication, responsiveness, interaction, and play following intervention. Parental stress measurements from pre- to post intervention, were not significantly different. Conclusions Telepractice may reduce service barriers and improve access, particularly with the efficiency of a group delivery approach. Utilising technology to deliver group intervention was acceptable to parents and perceived to have positive outcomes for both parent and child. Further investigation into parent perceptions of intervention types and delivery approaches, could facilitate a broader understanding of family needs with respect to service access and engagement. Implications Expansion of telepractice offerings can increase efficiencies and service choice for families and providers. Limitations in service availability and barriers to service access and engagement, confirm the importance of pursuing ongoing service improvements and evaluating the preferences of service users. Development of standardised tools to measure and compare parent perceptions across intervention types and service delivery approaches would be beneficial.

Moringa oleifera Leaf Supplementation as a Glycemic Control Strategy in Subjects with Prediabetes

Moringa oleifera (MO) is a multipurpose plant with a high polyphenol content, which is being increasingly consumed to lessen the risk of chronic metabolic diseases such as Type 2 diabetes; however, scientific evidence from clinical trials is scarce. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel group intervention study with MO leaves as a food supplement was conducted in subjects with prediabetes. They consumed six daily capsules of MO dry leaf powder (2400 mg/day) (MO, n = 31) or placebo (PLC, n = 34) over 12 weeks. Glycemia, appetite-controlling hormones and gut microbiota composition were studied. ANCOVA with the fixed factor “treatment” and the basal value as covariate was used to compare the change score between the groups. The results showed significant differences between groups in the rate of change of fasting blood glucose (FBG) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), which showed opposite directions during the intervention, decreasing in MO and increasing in PLC. No different change scores were found between the groups in microbiota, hepatic and renal function markers or the appetite-controlling hormones measured. In conclusion, MO supplementation resulted in favorable changes in glycaemia markers compared to placebo in the subjects with prediabetes studied, suggesting that MO might act as a natural antihyperglycemic agent.

Implementation of an Expressive Writing Intervention for Adolescents during Inpatient Psychiatric Hospitalization

BACKGROUND: Given the high rates of mental health concerns and communication difficulties for adolescents a treatment intervention to allow for effective expression may be therapeutic. One of the leading writing practices is Pennebaker’s Expressive Writing (EW) intervention. EW involves individuals writing about their feelings and thoughts regarding negative life experiences. Benefits of EW include a reduction of psychological symptoms and doctor visits, and better adjustment. OBJECTIVE: To examine the role of using EW and creative writing as a group intervention for youth admitted to an inpatient psychiatric hospital (IPH) METHODS: The current study evaluated participant engagement in a 3-day EW activity facilitated by nurses and graduate students on the IPH unit under the supervision of the IPH unit nurse manager and course instructor. Participants included 23 youth between 12- and 18-years-old RESULTS: Of the 23 participants 49.69% discussed vivid descriptions of illness, 24.5% discussed negative emotions, 20.25% included casual explanation, 5.52% discussed polarized view, and 16.56% discussed their desires, wishes, and goals. The response rate of clinician’s review of the EW content included 58% of clinician’s coding was on the patient’s current state, 24% was on causal explanations, and 18% was on treatment options. CONCLUSION: The current EW intervention facilitated by nursing staff and graduate students in an IPH was found to be engaged in by participants and provide an additional therapeutic resource to participants. EW may foster patient communication with staff about their functioning, mental health concerns, and treatment needs.