Psychological services
July 10, 2025
Rachel L Dyer, Katherine M Zimmerman, Xinxuyang Zhao et al.
2 citations
Depression and anxiety have worsened among American adults in recent decades. Meditation apps could help reduce these symptoms, but many users struggle to keep using them. This study interviewed 20 adults with elevated depressive or anxiety symptoms who were part of a clinical trial testing a meditation app called the Healthy Minds Program. Using an implementation science framework called the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, the researchers identified four categories: practical factors that helped users build a meditation habit, motivations for starting and sticking with practice, obstacles to developing a practice, and suggestions for improving the app. Most participants reported positive outcomes, which for some motivated continued use. Future work should examine how barriers and facilitators shift as users gain more experience.
Psychological services
July 21, 2025
Tracy Herrmann, Joanna Ellen Bettmann, Adam Hanley et al.
1 citation
Veterans often avoid or drop out of mental health treatment, so new approaches are needed. A nature-based mindfulness intervention was tested against an indoor version for veterans with mental illness. Forty-one veterans from a Veterans Affairs health care center were randomly assigned to either a six-session outdoor or indoor group mindfulness program. More veterans completed the outdoor program than the indoor one, though average attendance did not differ. The outdoor group also showed greater reductions in posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms over time. Nature-based interventions may help reduce stigma and improve treatment completion rates for veterans.
Psychological services
June 30, 2025
Tracy Herrmann, Amir Ramezani, Ryan Lackner et al.
Veterans who completed mindfulness-based interventions through the Veterans Affairs Health Care System reported seeking treatment for trauma, health concerns, depression, and anxiety, and they experienced benefits in depressive symptoms, anxiety, health concerns, and pain levels. More than half maintained a daily mindfulness practice 6 to 12 months after treatment. Different types of mindfulness interventions showed comparable long-term outcomes, but demographic variables correlated with different results. Presenting certain mindfulness skills early and building daily practice throughout treatment may help veterans access effective components and reduce dropout.