The McGill Mindfulness Lab was well represented at this year's Canadian Psychological Association Conference! Check out what our lab presented:
Examining a nature-based mindfulness-compassion program delivered via virtual reality: Applications for older adults.
Presented by Isabel Sadowski | Co-Authors: Aguilar Trejo, E., & Khoury, B.
The global population is aging at an unprecedented rate, increasing the necessity for effective interventions targeting the mental health needs of older adults. Technology addressing the aging process of older adults (i.e., gerontechnology) is an avenue for the efficient delivery of programs that enhance older adult well-being. Virtual reality (VR) is a type of gerontechnology with the potential to improve mental health and well-being; however, evidence in this area is currently lacking and more rigorous research on the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of mental health programming via VR for older adults, such as nature, mindfulness, or compassion-based interventions, is necessary. This mixed-methods pilot study seeks to explore the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a 4-week nature-mindfulness- compassion meditation program, using a multi-user 360-HD video VR application, “Toujours Dimanche”, for autonomous older adults’ mental health and well-being. Lessons learned during program implementation (e.g., key considerations and challenges) will be described and highlighted. Additionally, preliminary feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy findings will be discussed. Findings from this research will contribute to knowledge on the implementation of nature-based mindfulness-compassion interventions using VR for older adults' mental health.
The Relationship Between Nature Relatedness and Life Satisfaction, Mediated by Mindfulness and Stress
Presented by Brandon Benchimol-Elkaim | Co-Authors: Khoury, B.
We know from previous research that nature relatedness is positively associated with life satisfaction and mindfulness, respectively. We also know that stress is negatively associated with mindfulness and life satisfaction, respectively. However, despite knowing that nature, mindfulness, and lower stress can all independently contribute to improved life satisfaction, it is unknown as to how these variables interact. The present study investigated the relationship between nature relatedness and life satisfaction, mediated by mindfulness, and by stress. 596 participants (Mage = 39.95(14.7) years) completed an online survey, that included a measure of nature relatedness, mindfulness, stress, and life satisfaction. A serial mediation analysis was conducted. Results indicate a partial serial mediation, with a significant direct effect of nature relatedness and life satisfaction, and a significant indirect effect of nature relatedness and life satisfaction through mindfulness and stress. Researchers can use the findings of this study as a theoretical basis for the development of future mindfulness interventions that would include nature, and stress related components. Additionally, it has implications for clinicians, as they can explore recommending multiple directions in therapy when trying to improve life satisfaction.
Empathy Toward Animals: Validation of a Scale to Evaluate Animal Directed Empathic Concern and Perspective Taking
Presented by Claudia Dias Martins | Co-Authors: Khoury, B.
As the effects of climate change intensify, a growing body of research focuses on the underlying determinants of pro-environmental actions, notably exploring the interplay of nature relatedness, meditation experience, and environmental and animal welfare concern. Within this context, empathy emerges as an important quality linked to favorable attitudes towards animals, feelings of concern for animal suffering, and behaviors supportive of animal protection. Previously adapted from an existing measure of human directed empathy, the Empathy Toward Animals (ETA) scale operationalizes two dimensions of animal directed empathy, including: 1) Empathic Concern, and 2) Perspective Taking. The goal of the current study was to validate the ETA among adults (N = 719), and investigate the predictive value of meditation experience and nature relatedness in the cultivation of animal directed empathy using multiple regression analysis (not reported here). Cross-validation techniques were used to perform confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses, as well as assess internal consistency and convergent evidence. Findings support the reliability of two distinct dimensions (i.e., Empathic Concern and Perspective Taking) of the latent variable (i.e., Empathy Toward Animals). The ETA and subscales were also significantly correlated with conceptual constructs as expected, including human directed empathy and compassion, and attitudes and beliefs about animals and nature. Limitations, as well as implications of the ETA and subscales, are discussed.
