Rehabilitation psychology
August 1, 2023
Aaron P Turner, Karlyn A Edwards, Mark P Jensen et al.
5 citations
Mindfulness meditation and hypnosis, originally intended to treat chronic pain, also reduced daily cannabis use among U.S. military veterans. In a randomized trial with 328 Veterans at two VA medical centers, those receiving mindfulness meditation were 85% less likely to use cannabis daily at 3 months and 81% less likely at 6 months, compared to an active education control group. Hypnosis reduced daily cannabis use risk by 82% at 6 months. Neither intervention affected tobacco or alcohol use. Baseline substance use in the prior 3 months was 22% for tobacco, 27% for cannabis, and 61% for alcohol. The findings suggest these therapies may help reduce cannabis use even when that is not the treatment goal.
Rehabilitation psychology
February 1, 2025
Erica J Ho, Aaron P Turner, Mark P Jensen et al.
1 citation
Clinical trials of pain treatments usually measure symptom reduction, but many people live well despite pain. This study tested whether hypnosis, mindfulness meditation, or pain psychoeducation improved positive psychosocial functioning—coping and meaning-making—in 262 Veterans with chronic pain. At posttreatment and 3-month follow-up, no group differed. By 6-month follow-up, those who received hypnosis or mindfulness meditation reported better positive psychosocial functioning than those who received psychoeducation. The findings suggest that pain interventions can foster human flourishing, not just reduce symptoms.
Rehabilitation psychology
January 5, 2026
Sandy J Lwi, Jas Chok, Krista Schendel et al.
In a randomized controlled trial comparing online mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) with online Brain Health Education in 59 people who had experienced a chronic stroke, neither intervention led to greater improvements in anxiety or depression symptoms over time. Exploratory analyses of cognitive functioning, physical health, and well-being also showed no specific benefits of MBSR. Participants in both groups reported improved outcomes, suggesting that both online programs are feasible and low-cost options for this population.