Global advances in integrative medicine and health
January 1, 2024
Kavita K Mishra, Ivan C Leung, Maria T Chao et al.
5 citations
Mindfulness-based group medical visits (MB-GMVs) delivered via telehealth are a feasible and acceptable way to increase access to mindfulness-based interventions for racially and ethnically diverse patients undergoing cancer treatment. In a quality improvement project, 80% of referred patients enrolled; 90% attended at least three of four weekly sessions. Participants were 22% Asian, 14% Black, 17% Latino, and 45% non-Latino White; 65% were female; median age was 54; and 80% had metastatic cancer. On final evaluations, 87% rated the series as excellent, 81% strongly agreed they liked the group medical visit format, and 92% would definitely recommend it. Qualitative themes included empowerment and connectedness.
Global advances in integrative medicine and health
January 1, 2025
Dorothy T Chiu, Forest Fein, Ariana Thompson-Lastad et al.
2 citations
Integrating a mindfulness elective into a year-long job training program for diverse, low-income emerging adults improved mindfulness, life satisfaction, and self-compassion while reducing stress. Over two years, 195 participants (mean age 22.3, 94.4% from racially and ethnically minoritized groups) took the elective. In Year 1, mindfulness participants showed greater mindfulness (+8.4) and life satisfaction (+10.3) and lower stress (-8.2); controls showed no changes. In Year 2, both 12-week and 6-week groups improved in mindfulness, life satisfaction, self-compassion, connectedness, and mind-body connection, with larger gains in the longer course. Focus groups confirmed that the elective supported self-care, health, and professional development, suggesting such integration can promote mental health equity.
Am J Orthopsychiatry
January 9, 2025
Ariana Thompson-Lastad, Shah Noor Hussein, Jessica M. Harrison et al.
A community-based loving-kindness meditation program helped diverse LGBTQ+ adults build belonging, compassion, and resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants reported that the practice supported them in coping with both personal stressors and structural oppression. Three main themes emerged: the community of practice fostered belonging; metta meditation cultivated compassion and equanimity; and the practice helped navigate harmful situations. The findings suggest that community spaces designed for belonging can connect contemplative practice with social change efforts.