Periodic Reporting for period 1 - INSPIRER (A novel interdisciplinary framework to investigate neural and immune mechanisms in mindfulness interventions)
Berichtszeitraum: 2021-10-04 bis 2023-10-03
When stress occurs over a long period of time, it becomes chronic and it can increase the risk for serious mental and physical health problems. This includes anxiety, depression, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders, which are among the leading causes of mortality and morbidity today. Mitigating the effects of chronic stress on health is an urgent research challenge because it directly contributes to reducing the burden on public health. This 24-month Marie Curie Individual Fellowship at the University of Amsterdam aimed to develop an interdisciplinary theoretical framework, INSPIRER, and conduct two empirical studies aligned with this framework. This project uniquely combined methods from psychology, neuroscience and immunology to help us understand how and to what degree mindfulness interventions can protect our mental and physical health from chronic stress. The INSPIRER theorethical framework and empirical studies from this project lay the foundation for future interdisciplinary research aimed at addressing the complex interplay between stress, mindfulness, and psychobiological processes.
The comprehensive work carried out in the reporting period unfolded across multiple work packages, each contributing significantly to the project's objectives.
Work Package 1 (WP1):
This phase focused on developing a novel mechanistic interdisciplinary framework, INSPIRER. The Fellow conducted a comprehensive review, integrating proposed mechanisms from psychology, neuroscience, and immunology of mindfulness interventions. This effort resulted in the creation of a theoretical model, with the final draft of the paper submitted to Brain Behavior Immunity – Health.
Work Package 2 (WP2):
The Fellow conducted a cross-sectional study comparing long-term mindfulness meditators with non-meditators based on the INSPIRER framework. Extensive research management, data collection, and laboratory work were carried out, culminating in statistical analyses and manuscript preparation that are due to be submitted in 2024.
Work Package 3 (WP3):
This phase involved a non-randomized controlled trial comparing a mindfulness intervention to a psychoeducation control group based on the INSPIRER framework. The Fellow managed extensive research tasks, including implementing the interventions, adapting recruitment strategies, and overseeing data collection. The manuscripts are in preparation for submission in 2024.
Work Package 4 (WP4):
Dissemination and communication efforts proceeded as planned, with additional tasks beyond the initial plan. The Fellow conducted workshops for health professionals and the general public, presented at various academic conferences globally, and created simplified versions for children. Social media, interviews with journalist and academic website updates further contributed to outreach.
Work Package 5 (WP5):
Training including advanced mindfulness teacher treaining, fMRI and laboratory training, R programming skills, and additional activities like attending ACE Explore Pitch Competition and completing Agile Project Management Training.
Work Package 6 (WP6):
Co-supervision and teaching at the University of Amsterdam involved extensive oversight of 13 students and research interns, surpassing the initial plan due to heightened interest in the project's research topic. Guest lectures and co-supervision of two Ph.D. candidates showcased the Fellow's commitment to education.
Work Package 7 (WP7):
Grant writing efforts involved four applications, where the Fellow secured a Varela Grant, ensuring the continuation and expansion of the established research line during the second postdoctoral position.
Work Package 1 (WP1):
This phase focused on developing a novel mechanistic interdisciplinary framework, INSPIRER. The Fellow conducted a comprehensive review, integrating proposed mechanisms from psychology, neuroscience, and immunology of mindfulness interventions. This effort resulted in the creation of a theoretical model, with the final draft of the paper submitted to Brain Behavior Immunity – Health.
Work Package 2 (WP2):
The Fellow conducted a cross-sectional study comparing long-term mindfulness meditators with non-meditators based on the INSPIRER framework. Extensive research management, data collection, and laboratory work were carried out, culminating in statistical analyses and manuscript preparation that are due to be submitted in 2024.
Work Package 3 (WP3):
This phase involved a non-randomized controlled trial comparing a mindfulness intervention to a psychoeducation control group based on the INSPIRER framework. The Fellow managed extensive research tasks, including implementing the interventions, adapting recruitment strategies, and overseeing data collection. The manuscripts are in preparation for submission in 2024.
Work Package 4 (WP4):
Dissemination and communication efforts proceeded as planned, with additional tasks beyond the initial plan. The Fellow conducted workshops for health professionals and the general public, presented at various academic conferences globally, and created simplified versions for children. Social media, interviews with journalist and academic website updates further contributed to outreach.
Work Package 5 (WP5):
Training including advanced mindfulness teacher treaining, fMRI and laboratory training, R programming skills, and additional activities like attending ACE Explore Pitch Competition and completing Agile Project Management Training.
Work Package 6 (WP6):
Co-supervision and teaching at the University of Amsterdam involved extensive oversight of 13 students and research interns, surpassing the initial plan due to heightened interest in the project's research topic. Guest lectures and co-supervision of two Ph.D. candidates showcased the Fellow's commitment to education.
Work Package 7 (WP7):
Grant writing efforts involved four applications, where the Fellow secured a Varela Grant, ensuring the continuation and expansion of the established research line during the second postdoctoral position.
Project INSPIRER has made significant strides in advancing interdisciplinary research on mindfulness interventions. The project, conducted over 24 months at the University of Amsterdam (UvA), has successfully achieved its objectives and milestones, contributing to scientific progress and laying the foundation for future research in the field.
1. Progress Beyond the State of the Art:
The project's groundbreaking work involves the development of the INSPIRER framework, an innovative interdisciplinary model that integrates key psychological and biological changes associated with mindfulness practice. This theoretical framework addresses a crucial gap in the field by unifying insights from psychology, neuroscience, and immunology. The two empirical studies conducted as part of the project apply the INSPIRER framework, utilizing rigorous methodologies to understand the mechanisms of mindfulness and chronic stress at various organizational levels.
2. Expected Results:
All deliverables, including the INSPIRER framework and the results from two empirical studies, have been submitted and approved. While publications are pending due to the complexity of data collection and analysis procedures, four open-access publications are expected in 2024-2025, explicitly acknowledging MSCA funding. The project has successfully obtained a Varela Grant to continue and expand the research line, indicating the potential for sustained impact beyond the MSCA period.
3. Potential Impacts:
The INSPIRER framework and empirical findings hold promise for broader societal benefits. First, the project supports the implementation of digital psychological interventions on a larger scale, providing potential solutions for mental health problems. This includes the tracking of mental and physical health through psychological and biological methods, aligning with the project's innovative approach. Second, the integration of mindfulness courses into university-level education, as demonstrated in the project, has the potential to contribute to the prevention and early intervention of mental health problems in young adults.
In conclusion, Project INSPIRER has not only progressed beyond the state of the art in mindfulness research but also holds significant potential for societal impacts. The anticipated publications, ongoing collaborations, and successful grant applications signal a promising trajectory for sustained contributions to the field beyond the MSCA period.
1. Progress Beyond the State of the Art:
The project's groundbreaking work involves the development of the INSPIRER framework, an innovative interdisciplinary model that integrates key psychological and biological changes associated with mindfulness practice. This theoretical framework addresses a crucial gap in the field by unifying insights from psychology, neuroscience, and immunology. The two empirical studies conducted as part of the project apply the INSPIRER framework, utilizing rigorous methodologies to understand the mechanisms of mindfulness and chronic stress at various organizational levels.
2. Expected Results:
All deliverables, including the INSPIRER framework and the results from two empirical studies, have been submitted and approved. While publications are pending due to the complexity of data collection and analysis procedures, four open-access publications are expected in 2024-2025, explicitly acknowledging MSCA funding. The project has successfully obtained a Varela Grant to continue and expand the research line, indicating the potential for sustained impact beyond the MSCA period.
3. Potential Impacts:
The INSPIRER framework and empirical findings hold promise for broader societal benefits. First, the project supports the implementation of digital psychological interventions on a larger scale, providing potential solutions for mental health problems. This includes the tracking of mental and physical health through psychological and biological methods, aligning with the project's innovative approach. Second, the integration of mindfulness courses into university-level education, as demonstrated in the project, has the potential to contribute to the prevention and early intervention of mental health problems in young adults.
In conclusion, Project INSPIRER has not only progressed beyond the state of the art in mindfulness research but also holds significant potential for societal impacts. The anticipated publications, ongoing collaborations, and successful grant applications signal a promising trajectory for sustained contributions to the field beyond the MSCA period.