CoChat
Sign Up
Cited by 204Mindfulness and Compassion InterventionsCOVID-19 and Mental HealthPsychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction

Positive Impact of Mindfulness Meditation on Mental Health of Female Teachers during the COVID-19 Outbreak in Italy

Open access
Matiz, Alessio, Fabbro, Franco, Paschetto, Andrea, Cantone, Damiano, Paolone, Anselmo Roberto, Crescentini, Cristiano·2020·International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
DOI 10.3390/ijerph17186450PMC PMC7559290
Open this paper in CoChat — free accountOpen PDF

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent public health measures were shown to impact negatively on people’s mental health. In particular, women were reported to be at higher risk than men of developing symptoms of stress/anxiety/depression, and resilience was considered a key factor for positive mental health outcomes. In the present study, a sample of Italian female teachers (n = 66, age: 51.5 ± 7.9 years) was assessed with self-report instruments one month before and one month after the start of the Covid-19 lockdown: mindfulness skills, empathy, personality profiles, interoceptive awareness, psychological well-being, emotional distress and burnout levels were measured. Meanwhile, they received an 8-week Mindfulness-Oriented Meditation (MOM) course, through two group meetings and six individual video-lessons. Based on baseline personality profiles, analyses of variance were performed in a low-resilience (LR, n = 32) and a high-resilience (HR, n = 26) group. The LR and HR groups differed at baseline in most of the self-report measures. Pre–post MOM significant improvements were found in both groups in anxiety, depression, affective empathy, emotional exhaustion, psychological well-being, interoceptive awareness, character traits and mindfulness levels. Improvements in depression and psychological well-being were higher in the LR vs. HR group. We conclude that mindfulness-based training can effectively mitigate the psychological negative consequences of the Covid-19 outbreak, helping in particular to restore well-being in the most vulnerable individuals.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

In 66 Italian female teachers assessed before and after Italy’s COVID-19 lockdown, an 8-week Mindfulness-Oriented Meditation (MOM) course was associated with pre–post improvements in anxiety, depression, affective empathy, emotional exhaustion, psychological well-being, interoceptive awareness, character traits, and mindfulness. Improvements in depression and psychological well-being were greater in the low-resilience group than in the high-resilience group, but the study lacked a control group.

Key findings

  • At baseline, the low-resilience (LR, n = 32) and high-resilience (HR, n = 26) groups differed on most self-report measures: HR had higher mindfulness facets (AWA, NJU, NRE), higher MAIA NWO and SRE, higher PWB scores, lower HADS anxiety/depression, and lower MBI emotional exhaustion.
  • From pre- to post-MOM, both groups improved significantly in mindfulness skills (Time: F(1,56) = 9.7, p = 0.003, ηP² = 0.303), anxiety (F(1,56) = 8.7, p = 0.005, ηP² = 0.135), depression (F(1,56) = 13.8, p < 0.001, ηP² = 0.198), and emotional exhaustion (F(1,56) = 6.7, p = 0.01, ηP² = 0.108).
  • LR participants showed greater improvement than HR participants in depression (Group × Time: F(1,56) = 5.3, p = 0.03, ηP² = 0.086) and in the positive relations with others PWB scale (F(1,56) = 8.7, p = 0.005, ηP² = 0.134).
  • Adherence was 1307.7 ± 22.5 min of meditation during the course (about 26 min/day; 88% of assigned amount), and satisfaction was generally high: enjoyment M = 4.1, usefulness M = 4.0, instructor competence M = 4.5, and meditation helped during isolation M = 3.6.

Methods

  • Pre–post design with a between-subject resilience group factor; 66 female Italian teachers (age 51.5 ± 7.9 years) were assessed one month before and one month after the national lockdown, with 58 completing the course (age 50.8 ± 8.0 years; 11.9% dropout).
  • Participants received an 8-week MOM course: two initial group meetings and six video lessons, with 30 min daily home meditation; measures included FFMQ, QCAE, TCI, MAIA, PWB, HADS, and MBI-ES.
  • Participants were classified into LR and HR groups by k-means clustering on baseline TCI harm avoidance and self-directedness z-scores; analyses used independent-sample t tests and ANOVAs with Time and Group factors, Holm–Bonferroni post-hoc contrasts, and R 3.6.3.

Limitations

  • The paper states: no control group was employed; future studies should include younger participants; only self-report measures were used; the MOM course evaluation questions were not from a validated instrument; and spirituality was not explicitly tested beyond the TCI self-transcendence scale.
  • Evident from the text: the planned control group was not assessed because of the COVID-19 outbreak, so improvements cannot be attributed to the MOM course; assessment mode changed from paper-and-pencil at T0 to internet-based questionnaires at T1; and no long-term follow-up was reported.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.3390/ijerph17186450

Cites

118 of 118 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Claims the paper makes

0 of 61 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Findingown data

    Pre-post Mindfulness-Oriented Meditation training significantly improved psychological well-being in both the low-resilience and high-resilience groups.

    “Pre–post MOM significant improvements were found in both groups in anxiety, depression, affective empathy, emotional exhaustion, psychological well-being, interoceptive awareness, character traits and mindfulness levels.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Participants in the HR group had higher baseline scores in the NWO and SRE scales of the MAIA.

    “Moreover, participants in the HR had significantly higher baseline scores in the AWA, NJU and NRE facets of the FFMQ, lower AE scores in the QCAE, higher scores in the NWO and SRE scales of the MAIA, higher scores in all scales of the PWB, lower anxiety and depression scores in the HADS, and lower EE and higher DP and PA scores in the MBI (Hypothesis H1).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Improvements in depression were higher in the low-resilience group compared to the high-resilience group.

    “Improvements in depression and psychological well-being were higher in the LR vs. HR group.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    The ANOVA on normalized FFMQ scores showed a significant Time × Scale interaction due to different improvements over time in the five scales.

    “A significant interaction effect between Time and Scale was found (F(4,224) = 2.8, p[GG] = 0.03, ηP2 = 0.048), due to different improvements over time in the five scales.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Pre-post Mindfulness-Oriented Meditation training significantly improved affective empathy in both the low-resilience and high-resilience groups.

    “Pre–post MOM significant improvements were found in both groups in anxiety, depression, affective empathy, emotional exhaustion, psychological well-being, interoceptive awareness, character traits and mindfulness levels.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims. 60
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 49

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Participants in the HR group had lower baseline EE and higher DP and PA scores in the MBI.

    “Moreover, participants in the HR had significantly higher baseline scores in the AWA, NJU and NRE facets of the FFMQ, lower AE scores in the QCAE, higher scores in the NWO and SRE scales of the MAIA, higher scores in all scales of the PWB, lower anxiety and depression scores in the HADS, and lower EE and higher DP and PA scores in the MBI (Hypothesis H1).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The k-means algorithm classified 26 of the 58 participants who completed the MOM course into the high-resilience (HR) profile group and the remaining 32 into the low-resilience (LR) profile group.

    “The k-means algorithm included 26 of the 58 participants who completed the MOM course in the high-resilience (HR) profile group and the remaining 32 participants in the low-resilience (LR) profile group (Figure 2).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Other two- or three-way interactions in the FFMQ ANOVA were not significant.

    “Other two- or three-way interactions were not significant (all F < 2.4, p > 0.12, ηP2 < 0.041).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The ANOVA on normalized FFMQ scores showed a significant main effect of Group, with increased scores in the HR group vs. LR.

    “a main effect of Group (F(1,56) = 13.6, p[GG] < 0.001, ηP2 = 0.195) with increased scores in the HR group (vs. LR)”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The ANOVA on normalized FFMQ scores showed a significant main effect of Time, with increased scores at Time T1 vs. T0.

    “The ANOVA on the normalized FFMQ scores highlighted three significant main effects: a main effect of Time (F(1,56) = 9.7, p = 0.003, ηP2 = 0.303) with increased scores at Time T1 (vs. T0)”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    In the AE scores, the ANOVA revealed a significant main effect of Time, with an overall decrease in scores from T0 to T1.

    “In the AE scores, the ANOVA revealed a significant main effect of Time (F(1,56) = 17.5, p < 0.001, ηP2 = 0.238) with an overall decrease in scores from T0 to T1”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The ANOVA on normalized FFMQ scores showed a significant main effect of Scale, with significant differences between-scale scores.

    “and a main effect of Scale (F(4,224) = 5.4, p[GG] = 0.001, ηP2 = 0.203), with significant differences in between-scale scores.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    In the AE scores, the ANOVA revealed a significant main effect of Group, with higher scores in the LR group vs. HR.

    “and a significant main effect of Group (F(1,56) = 9.9, p = 0.003, ηP2 = 0.150), with higher scores in the LR group (vs. HR).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The data on pre-post MOM change showed that both groups significantly improved in mindfulness skills, affective empathy, harm avoidance, character traits (with greater improvements in the low-resilience group) and interoceptive awareness, supporting Hypothesis H2.

    “In sum, the data on the pre–post MOM change showed that both groups significantly improved in terms of mindfulness skills, affective empathy, harm avoidance, character traits (with greater improvements in the low-resilience group) and interoceptive awareness, supporting Hypothesis H2.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    This pattern was different in the positive relation with others (PR) scale of psychological well-being, in character traits, in depression scores and in the total score of emotional distress, wherein the low-resilience individuals showed greater improvement than the high-resilience individuals.

    “This pattern was different in the “positive relation with others” (PR) scale of psychological well-being, in character traits, in depression scores and in the total score of emotional distress, wherein the low-resilience individuals showed greater improvement than the high-resilience individuals (see the Time X Group interactions reported in Table 3).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Significant main effects of Group were found in the PA component of burnout, with higher scores in the HR vs. LR group.

    “and in the PA component of burnout (F(1,56) = 10.4, p = 0.002, ηP2 = 0.157), with higher scores in the HR (vs. LR) group.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Both groups had significantly improved scores in mindfulness skills, affective empathy, harm avoidance, character traits (especially participants in the low-resilience group) and interoceptive awareness (H2), as well as in psychological well-being (in the scales of autonomy, environmental mastery and positive relations with others), anxiety, depression (especially in the low-resilience group) and

    “Both groups had significantly improved scores in mindfulness skills, affective empathy, harm avoidance, character traits (especially participants in the low-resilience group) and interoceptive awareness (H2), as well as in psychological well-being (in the scales of autonomy, environmental mastery and positive relations with others), anxiety, depression (especially in the low-resilience group) and”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Due to the different decrease of depression scores in the two groups, the between-group difference in depression scores was significant at T0 but not at T1.

    “Due to the different decrease of depression scores in the two groups, the between-group difference in depression scores was significant at T0 (χ²(1) = 13.6, p < 0.001), but not at T1 (χ²(1) = 3.2, p = 0.07).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Since the two groups were different at baseline in most of the measurements, the final data generally showed that the low-resilience and the high-resilience groups were still different after the MOM course in the dimensions in which they differed at baseline and still similar in the dimensions for which they were comparable at baseline.

    “Since the two groups were different at baseline in most of the measurements, the final data generally showed that the low-resilience and the high-resilience groups were still different after the MOM course in the dimensions in which they differed at baseline (mindfulness skills, affective empathy, harm avoidance, the self-regulation scale of interoceptive awareness, the autonomy and environmental”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    The instructors' competence was very good (M = 4.5, SD = 0.6).

    “and that the instructors’ competence was very good (M = 4.5, SD = 0.6).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The teachers in the HR group reportedly meditated more than teachers in the LR group, but this difference was not significant.

    “The teachers in the HR group reportedly meditated more than teachers in the LR group, but this difference was not significant (average meditation practice during the MOM course in the LR group: 1277.4 ± 220.9 min; in the HR group: 1338.4 ± 224.2 min).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The ANOVA on the character scales of TCI highlighted a Group × Scale interaction, with a between-group difference in SD scores but not in C and ST scores.

    “an interaction effect between Group and Scale (F(2,112) = 8.2, p[GG] < 0.001, ηP2 = 0.127), with a between-group difference in SD scores but not in C and ST scores”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    In the temperament scales of TCI, the ANOVAs revealed a main effect of Group in the HA and RD scales, with participants in the LR group having higher scores than participants in the HR group in both scales.

    “In the temperament scales of TCI, the ANOVAs revealed a main effect of Group in the HA and RD scales (F(1,56) = 65.7, p < 0.001, ηP2 = 0.540 for HA; F(1,56) = 6.0, p = 0.02, ηP2 = 0.097 for RD). Participants of the LR group had higher scores than participants in the HR group in both scales.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Significant main effects of Group were found in the NWO and SRE scales of MAIA, where scores were higher in the HR than in the LR group.

    “Significant main effects of Group were found in the NWO and SRE scales (F(1,56) = 8.2, p = 0.006, ηP2 = 0.128; F(1,56) = 9.0, p = 0.004, ηP2 = 0.138, respectively), where scores were higher in the HR than in the LR group.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    LR individuals made better progresses than HR participants, although both groups reported the same amount of home meditation practice.

    “LR individuals therefore made better progresses than HR participants, although both groups reported the same amount of home meditation practice.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The ANOVA on the character scales of TCI highlighted a main effect of Scale, with C and ST scores being greater than SD scores.

    “and a main effect of Scale (F(2,112) = 6.8, p[GG] = 0.003, ηP2 = 0.108), with the C and ST scores being greater than the SD scores (z = 4.9, p < 0.001 and z = 5.2, p < 0.001, respectively).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Participants reported that the distance learning methods of the last six meetings of the MOM course somewhat reduced the effectiveness of the course (M = 2.1, SD = 0.7).

    “and that the distance learning methods of the last six meetings of the MOM course somewhat reduced the effectiveness of the course (M = 2.1, SD = 0.7).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Each teacher reportedly meditated on average for 1307.7 ± 22.5 min during the MOM course (about 26 min per day).

    “Each teacher reportedly meditated on average for 1307.7 ± 22.5 min during the MOM course (i.e., about 26 min per day).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Significant main effects of Group were found in the anxiety and depression scores of HADS, with scores in the LR higher than in the HR group.

    “Significant main effects of Group were found in the anxiety and depression scores (F(1,56) = 14.2, p < 0.001, ηP2 = 0.202; F(1,56) = 9.1, p = 0.004, ηP2 = 0.139, respectively): scores in the LR were higher than in the HR group.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    At the end of the training course the two groups in the study remained significantly different in terms of the two aforementioned personality traits, and therefore in terms of resilience.

    “However, as observed in other measures of the present research, at the end of the training course the two groups in our study remained significantly different in terms of the two aforementioned personality traits, and therefore in terms of resilience.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Both groups significantly improved in psychological well-being (in the scales of autonomy, environmental mastery and positive relations with others), anxiety, depression (with greater improvements in the low-resilience group), and in the emotional exhaustion scale of burnout.

    “Both groups significantly improved also in terms of psychological well-being (in the scales of autonomy, environmental mastery and positive relations with others), anxiety, depression (with greater improvements in the low-resilience group), and in the emotional exhaustion scale of burnout.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    A significant Group × Time interaction was observed in depression scores of HADS, corresponding to a significant decrease in scores in the LR group from T0 to T1 but not in the HR group.

    “A significant interaction effect between Group and Time was observed in depression scores (F(1,56) = 5.3, p = 0.03, ηP2 = 0.086), corresponding to a significant decrease in scores in the LR group from T0 to T1 (χ²(1) = 20.1, p < 0.001), but not in the HR group.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Participants considerably engaged in the course (M = 3.9, SD = 0.6).

    “that they considerably engaged in it (M = 3.9, SD = 0.6)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Significant main effects of Time were observed in the AU, EM and PR scales of PWB, with an increase of scores from T0 to T1.

    “Significant main effects of Time were observed in the AU, EM and PR scales (for all F(1,56) > 7.9, p < 0.007, ηP2 > 0.124), with an increase of scores from T0 to T1.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Significant main effects of Time were observed in the anxiety and depression scores of HADS, with an overall decrease in scores from T0 to T1.

    “Significant main effects of Time were also observed in the anxiety and depression scores (F(1,56) = 8.7, p = 0.005, ηP2 = 0.135; F(1,56) = 13.8, p < 0.001, ηP2 = 0.198, respectively), with an overall decrease in scores from T0 to T1.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    A significant Group × Time interaction was observed in the PR scale of PWB, with scores improving over time significantly in the LR group but not in the HR group.

    “A significant interaction effect between Group and Time was observed in the PR scale (F(1,56) = 8.7, p = 0.005, ηP2 = 0.134), with scores improving over time significantly in the LR (χ²(1) = 25.6, p < 0.001) but not in the HR group (χ²(1) = 0.3, p = 0.55).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Significant main effects of Group were found in all PWB scales except PR, with scores in the SA, AU, EM, PG and PL scales higher in the HR vs. LR group.

    “Significant main effects of Group were found in all PWB scales except PR (for all F(1,56) > 5.8, p < 0.02, ηP2 > 0.109): scores in the SA, AU, EM, PG and PL scales were higher in the HR vs. LR group.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Participants reported that they generally enjoyed the course (average score: 4.1, SD = 0.7).

    “the participants reported that they generally enjoyed the course (average score: 4.1, SD = 0.7)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    The course moderately met participants' professional training needs (M = 3.6, SD = 0.8).

    “that the course moderately met their professional training needs (M = 3.6, SD = 0.8)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Participants found the course rather challenging (M = 3.7, SD = 0.9) but quite useful (M = 4.0, SD = 0.7).

    “that they found it rather challenging (M = 3.7, SD = 0.9) but quite useful (M = 4.0, SD = 0.7)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    For the question on how one would have lived during the Covid-19 lockdown period without practicing mindfulness meditation, only teachers in the high-resilience group gave answers that appeared to be coherent with their self-reported decrease in anxiety levels: the more the anxiety scores decreased after vs. before the MOM course, the more the participants reported that the same period would have

    “Moreover, for the question on how one would have lived during the Covid-19 lockdown period without practicing mindfulness meditation, only teachers in the high-resilience group gave answers that appeared to be coherent with their self-reported decrease in anxiety levels: the more the anxiety scores decreased after vs. before the MOM course, the more the participants reported that the same period”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The enhancement of resilience and well-being was observed in female teachers with resilient personality profiles and in those with weaker personality traits.

    “This was seen to occur both in female individuals with resilient personality profiles and in female individuals with weaker personality traits.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Between 40% and 50% of adults experienced psychological distress following the Covid-19 outbreak.

    “Early reports emerging in the literature have shown that between 40% and 50% of adults have experienced psychological distress following the Covid-19 outbreak [4,5]”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [4] Moccia, 2020, Affective temperament, attachment style, and the psychological impact of the COVID-19 outbreak: An early report on the Italian general population, Brain Behav. Immun. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [5] Favieri, F., Forte, G., Tambelli, R., and Casagrande, M. (2020). The Italians in the time of coronavirus: Psychosocial aspects of unexpected COVID-19 pandemic. Lancet, preprint. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    30% of adults and children are at high risk for post-traumatic stress symptoms following the Covid-19 outbreak.

    “and that 30% of adults and children are at high risk for post-traumatic stress symptoms [6].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [6] Davico, C., Ghiggia, A., Marcotulli, D., Ricci, F., Amianto, F., and Vitiello, B. (2020). Psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adults and their children in Italy. Lancet, preprint. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    The Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown had a serious psychological impact on a large part of the Italian population.

    “The Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent public health measures were shown to impact negatively on people’s mental health.”
    • Also stated in: § 1. Introduction · plain
      “Besides the casualties and the economic loss (with a −9.1% estimated drop in GDP for 2020 [3]) associated with the Covid-19 pandemic, the fear of the virus and the 2-month lockdown had a serious psychological impact on a large part of the Italian population.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [4] Moccia, 2020, Affective temperament, attachment style, and the psychological impact of the COVID-19 outbreak: An early report on the Italian general population, Brain Behav. Immun. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [5] Favieri, F., Forte, G., Tambelli, R., and Casagrande, M. (2020). The Italians in the time of coronavirus: Psychosocial aspects of unexpected COVID-19 pandemic. Lancet, preprint. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [6] Davico, C., Ghiggia, A., Marcotulli, D., Ricci, F., Amianto, F., and Vitiello, B. (2020). Psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adults and their children in Italy. Lancet, preprint. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductcitation

    The Questionnaire of Affective and Cognitive Empathy has acceptable internal consistency for the affective empathy and cognitive empathy components, and the total score (α ≥ 0.77).

    “QCAE has acceptable internal consistency for the AE and CE components, and the total score (α ≥ 0.77) [70].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [70] Giromini, 2017, The questionnaire of cognitive and affective empathy: A comparison between paper-and-pencil versus online formats in Italian samples, J. Personal. Assess.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductcitation

    The Maslach Burnout Inventory Educators Survey has acceptable internal consistency for each of its components (α ≥ 0.76).

    “MBI-ES has acceptable internal consistency for each of its components (α ≥ 0.76) [82].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [82] Maslach, C., Jackson, S.E., and Leiter, M.P. (1986). Maslach Burnout Inventory—Educators Survey (MBI-ES). MBI Study, Consulting Psychologists Press. [3rd ed.].

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the University of Udine and conducted in accordance with the 1964 Helsinki declaration.

    “This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the University of Udine and all procedures performed in the study were in accordance with the ethical standards of the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments (ethical code: CGPER-2019-12-09-01).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Mindfulness-Based Interventions improve job burnout, interoceptive awareness, empathy, character traits, and psychological well-being.

    “Other improvements due to MBIs have been reported for job burnout [26], interoceptive awareness [27,28], empathy [29,30], character traits [31,32] and psychological well-being [33,34].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 5 sources checked
    • cites [26] Luken, 2016, Systematic review of mindfulness practice for reducing job burnout, Am. J. Occup. Ther. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [27] Gawande, 2019, Mindfulness training enhances self-regulation and facilitates health behavior change for primary care patients: A randomized controlled trial, J. Gen. Intern. Med. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [28] Matiz, 2020, The role of self body brushing vs mindfulness meditation on interoceptive awareness: A non-randomized pilot study on healthy participants with possible implications for body image disturbances, Eur. J. Integr. Med. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [29] Birnie, 2010, Exploring self-compassion and empathy in the context of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), Stress Health source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [30] Lamothe, 2016, Outcomes of MBSR or MBSR-based interventions in health care providers: A systematic review with a focus on empathy and emotional competencies, Complement. Ther. Med. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    The overall sample QCAE score's Cronbach's α was 0.67 at T0 and 0.85 at T1 for AE and 0.76 at T0 and 0.80 at T1 for CE.

    “The overall sample QCAE score’s Cronbach’s α was 0.67 (time T0) and 0.85 (time T1) for AE and 0.76 (time T0) and 0.80 (time T1) for CE.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Self-guided interventions significantly improve well-being compared to control groups, with smaller effect sizes than traditional guided individual or group therapies.

    “A recent review of the meta-analyses of self-guided interventions to alleviate anxiety, depression and stress concluded that such interventions significantly improve well-being in comparison to control groups, albeit with effect sizes smaller than those associated with traditional guided individual or group therapies [20].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [20] Fischer, R., Karl, J.A., Bortolini, T., Zilberberg, M., Robinson, K., Rabelo, A.L.A., and Mattos, P. (2020). Rapid review and meta-meta-analysis of self-guided interventions to address anxiety, depression and stress during COVID-19 social distancing. PsyArXiv, preprint. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The most effective self-guided interventions include cognitive-behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and Mindfulness-Based Interventions.

    “The interventions that proved to be the most effective included self-guided cognitive-behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [20] Fischer, R., Karl, J.A., Bortolini, T., Zilberberg, M., Robinson, K., Rabelo, A.L.A., and Mattos, P. (2020). Rapid review and meta-meta-analysis of self-guided interventions to address anxiety, depression and stress during COVID-19 social distancing. PsyArXiv, preprint. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    Past research has shown that the most influential TCI scales on self-reported resilience were harm avoidance (negatively correlated) and self-directedness (positively correlated).

    “As past research has shown that the most influential TCI scales on self-reported resilience were harm avoidance (HA, negatively correlated to resilience) and self-directedness (SD, positively correlated to resilience) [54,55,56]”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [54] Kim, 2013, Influence of temperament and character on resilience, Compr. Psychiatry source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [55] Eley, 2013, The relationship between resilience and personality traits in doctors: Implications for enhancing well being, PeerJ source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [56] Eley, D.S., Leung, J., Hong, B.A., Cloninger, K.M., and Cloninger, C.R. (2016). Identifying the dominant personality profiles in medical students: Implications for their well-being and resilience. PLoS ONE, 11. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Mindfulness-Based Interventions can be effective in promoting well-being when delivered through a single introductory group meeting or via the internet.

    “Two decades since the introduction of MBIs, research has showed that they could be effective in promoting well-being also when delivered through a single introductory group meeting, during which the meditation practices are taught and participants carry on the program individually [35,36], or when delivered via the internet [37,38].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 4 sources checked
    • cites [35] Mantzios, 2014, Group vs. single mindfulness meditation: Exploring avoidance, impulsivity, and weight management in two separate mindfulness meditation settings, Appl. Psychol. Health Well Being source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [36] Matiz, 2017, Single vs. group mindfulness meditation: Effects on personality, religiousness/spirituality, and mindfulness skills, Mindfulness source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [37] Spijkerman, 2016, Effectiveness of online mindfulness-based interventions in improving mental health: A review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials, Clin. Psychol. Rev. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [38] Pryor, 2018, Web-based mindfulness interventions for mental health treatment: Systematic review and meta-analysis, JMIR Ment. Health source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductcitation

    The Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness scale has Cronbach's α values between 0.53 and 0.80 in its eight scales.

    “The Cronbach’s α values for internal consistency varied between 0.53 and 0.80 in the eight MAIA scales [73].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [73] Ambrosini, 2015, Investigating the relationship between interoceptive accuracy, interoceptive awareness, and emotional susceptibility, Front. Psychol.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductcitation

    The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale showed high internal consistency across studies for anxiety (mean Cronbach's α = 0.83) and depression (mean Cronbach's α = 0.82).

    “In a review of the literature, HADS showed a high internal consistency across studies for both anxiety (mean Cronbach’s α = 0.83) and depression measures (mean Cronbach’s α = 0.82) [80].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [80] Bjelland, 2002, The validity of the hospital anxiety and depression scale: An updated literature review, J. Psychosom. Res. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    The MOM courses were held by two authors with more than five years of experience in practicing and teaching mindfulness meditation.

    “The MOM courses were held by two of the authors (A.M., a professional socio-health educator, and A.P., a psychologist), who have more than five years of experience in practicing and teaching mindfulness meditation.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    Eight teachers could not complete the training, resulting in an 11.9% drop-out rate.

    “Eight teachers could not complete the training, and this resulted in an 11.9% drop-out rate.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    The overall sample total FFMQ score's Cronbach's α was 0.91 at time T0 and 0.93 at time T1.

    “The overall sample total FFMQ score’s Cronbach’s α was 0.91 (time T0) and 0.93 (time T1).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductown data

    The clustering solution was stable, with the same classification invariably obtained by repeating the clustering procedure.

    “The solution found was stable (i.e., the same classification was invariably obtained by repeating the clustering procedure).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Mindfulness-Based Interventions reduce self-reported anxiety, depression, and stress.

    “Several studies have highlighted the benefits of MBIs mainly in terms of self-reported reductions in anxiety, depression and stress levels [23,24,25].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [23] Chiesa, 2006, Mindfulness-based stress reduction for stress management in healthy people: A review and meta-analysis, J. Altern. Complement. Med. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [24] Hofmann, 2010, The effect of mindfulness-based therapy on anxiety and depression: A meta-analytic review, J. Consult. Clin. Psychol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [25] Goldberg, 2018, Mindfulness-based interventions for psychiatric disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis, Clin. Psychol. Rev. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    The overall sample TCI temperament score's Cronbach's α was 0.74 at T0 and 0.68 at T1 for NS, 0.85 at T0 and 0.82 at T1 for HA, 0.65 at T0 and 0.51 at T1 for RD, and 0.58 at T0 and 0.53 at T1 for P.

    “The overall sample TCI temperament score’s Cronbach’s α was 0.74 (time T0) and 0.68 (time T1) for NS, 0.85 (time T0) and 0.82 (time T1) for HA, 0.65 (time T0) and 0.51 (time T1) for RD, and 0.58 (time T0) and 0.53 (time T1) for P.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    Mindfulness-based training can effectively mitigate the psychological negative consequences of the Covid-19 outbreak, helping in particular to restore well-being in the most vulnerable individuals.

    “We conclude that mindfulness-based training can effectively mitigate the psychological negative consequences of the Covid-19 outbreak, helping in particular to restore well-being in the most vulnerable individuals.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The pre-post improvements are attributable to the MOM course rather than to other factors such as the passage of time or the Covid-19 lockdown.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductcitation

    The Five-Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire has high internal consistency for the total score (Cronbach's α = 0.86) and acceptable values for its five scales (α ≥ 0.74).

    “FFMQ has a high internal consistency for the total score (Cronbach’s α = 0.86) and acceptable values for its five scales (α ≥ 0.74) [68]”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [68] Giovannini, 2014, The Italian five facet mindfulness questionnaire: A contribution to its validity and reliability, J. Psychopathol. Behav. Assess. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductnone given

    All data was processed anonymously and data confidentiality was ensured.

    “All data was processed anonymously and data confidentiality was ensured.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductcitation

    The 125-item Temperament and Character Inventory has acceptable internal consistency for all scales (α ≥ 0.71).

    “TCI in its 125-item version has acceptable internal consistency for all scales (α ≥ 0.71) [71].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [71] Delvecchio, 2016, Normative data and effects of age and gender on temperament and character dimensions across the lifespan in an Italian population: A cross-sectional validation study, J. Affect. Disord. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    Written informed consent was obtained from all participants during the first assessment session.

    “Written informed consent was obtained from all participants during the first assessment session.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Various studies reported a deterioration of people's mental health.

    “Various studies instead reported a deterioration of people’s mental health [5,6,98,99].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 4 sources checked
    • cites [5] Favieri, F., Forte, G., Tambelli, R., and Casagrande, M. (2020). The Italians in the time of coronavirus: Psychosocial aspects of unexpected COVID-19 pandemic. Lancet, preprint. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [6] Davico, C., Ghiggia, A., Marcotulli, D., Ricci, F., Amianto, F., and Vitiello, B. (2020). Psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adults and their children in Italy. Lancet, preprint. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [98] Bartholomaeus, 2020, Using Internet-based psychological measurement to capture the deteriorating community mental health profile during COVID-19: Observational study, JMIR Ment. Health source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [99] Vindegaard, N., and Benros, M.E. (2020). COVID-19 pandemic and mental health consequences: Systematic review of the current evidence. Brain Behav. Immun., 30954–30955. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    The overall sample TCI character score's Cronbach's α was 0.80 at T0 and 0.80 at T1.

    “The overall sample TCI character score’s Cronbach’s α was 0.80 (time T0) and 0.80 (time T1).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The research focused on a specific population, namely state school teachers, who might have been less impacted by the emergency than other workers, as their jobs were not at risk and they were not professionally exposed to the risk of the infection.

    “At the same time, it should be recognized that our research focused on a specific population, namely state school teachers, who might have been less impacted by the emergency than other workers, as their jobs were not at risk and they were not professionally exposed to the risk of the infection (as were, for example, health care workers).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    Results largely supported H1: the analysis of data at baseline revealed that the low-resilience group had significantly worse average scores than the high-resilience group in terms of personality profiles, mindfulness skills, affective empathy, interoceptive awareness, psychological well-being, anxiety, depression and burnout levels.

    “Results largely supported H1: the analysis of data at baseline revealed that the low-resilience group had significantly worse average scores than the high-resilience group in terms of personality profiles (by the definition of the two groups), mindfulness skills, affective empathy, interoceptive awareness, psychological well-being, anxiety, depression and burnout levels.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    These positive results in the measures used in the study could be related to participants' adherence to practice, which was similar in the two groups and could be classified as good compared to other standard introductory MBIs.

    “These positive results in the measures used in our study could be related to participants’ adherence to practice (participants’ home practice in our study was about 88% of the assigned amount), which was similar in the two groups and could be classified as good compared to other standard introductory MBIs [85,86]”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [85] Ribeiro, 2017, Adherence to practice of mindfulness in novice meditators: Practices chosen, amount of time practiced, and long-term effects following a mindfulness-based intervention, Mindfulness source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [86] Forbes, 2017, Investigating adherence to an online introductory mindfulness program, Mindfulness source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    The results also supported H2; at the end of the course, one month after the lockdown was imposed, significant improvements were observed in both groups in most of the self-report measures.

    “The results also supported H2; at the end of the course, one month after the lockdown was imposed, significant improvements were observed in both groups in most of the self-report measures.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Resilience is considered a modifiable characteristic and, during the Covid-19 pandemic, it has been related to modifiable factors such as physical exercise and interpersonal relationships.

    “Resilience is indeed considered a modifiable characteristic [105] and, during the Covid-19 pandemic, it has been related to modifiable factors such as physical exercise and interpersonal relationships [106].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [105] Connor, 2003, Development of a new resilience scale: The Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), Depress. Anxiety source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [106] Killgore, 2020, Psychological resilience during the COVID-19 lockdown, Psychiatry Res. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    The overall sample PWB score's Cronbach's α was 0.85 at T0 and 0.85 at T1.

    “The overall sample PWB score’s Cronbach’s α was 0.85 (time T0) and 0.85 (time T1).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    The answers to the questions about general satisfaction with the MOM course supported H3a; teachers generally enjoyed the course, found it challenging but useful, engaged in it and appreciated the work of the instructors and the course content for their professional training needs.

    “The answers to the questions about general satisfaction with the MOM course supported H3a; teachers generally enjoyed the course, found it challenging but useful, engaged in it and appreciated the work of the instructors and the course content for their professional training needs.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    The overall sample HADS score's Cronbach's α was 0.84 at T0 and 0.81 at T1.

    “The overall sample HADS score’s Cronbach’s α was 0.84 (time T0) and 0.81 (time T1).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    The overall sample MAIA score's Cronbach's α was 0.90 at T0 and 0.90 at T1.

    “The overall sample MAIA score’s Cronbach’s α was 0.90 (time T0) and 0.90 (time T1).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    There is evidence that certain occupations, such as front-line nurses, were indeed more psychologically affected by Covid-19 than others.

    “there is evidence that certain occupations, such as front-line nurses, were indeed more psychologically affected by Covid-19 than others [101,102].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [101] Lai, 2020, Factors associated with mental health outcomes among health care workers exposed to coronavirus disease 2019, JAMA Netw. Open. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [102] Du, 2020, Psychological symptoms among frontline healthcare workers during COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan, Gen. Hosp. Psychiatry

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Although the improvements reported in the present study cannot be attributed to the MOM course given the absence of a control group, the results seem remarkable, as the authors are not aware of any studies reporting improved psychological well-being when comparing persons during the Covid-19 outbreak with their precedent condition.

    “Although the improvements reported in the present study cannot be attributed to the MOM course given the absence of a control group, the results seem remarkable, as we are not aware of any studies reporting improved psychological well-being when comparing persons during the Covid-19 outbreak with their precedent condition.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    The overall sample MBI score's Cronbach's α was 0.88 at T0 and 0.87 at T1.

    “The overall sample MBI score’s Cronbach’s α was 0.88 (time T0) and 0.87 (time T1).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    The three character scales of TCI globally measure three aspects of the maturity and development of the self.

    “the three character scales of TCI are considered to globally measure three aspects of the maturity and development of the self [31]”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [31] Campanella, 2014, Mindfulness-oriented meditation improves self-related character scales in healthy individuals, Compr. Psychiatry source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    In the case of violations of the sphericity assumption, the degrees of freedom in the ANOVA were corrected by applying the Greenhouse-Geisser procedure.

    “In the case of violations of the sphericity assumption, the degrees of freedom in the ANOVA were corrected by applying the Greenhouse–Geisser procedure (indicated by [GG] in the results).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductnone given

    Only self-report measures were used, which can be susceptible to socially desirable responding.

    “Third, only self-report measures were used, which can be susceptible to socially desirable responding.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    The assumptions of normality and homogeneity of variance were checked for each group of data using a significance threshold of 0.01.

    “The assumptions of normality and homogeneity of variance were checked for each group of data (using a significance threshold of 0.01 to avoid alpha-inflation).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    Both LR and HR groups received the same intervention; for the generalizability of the findings, a control group should have been employed.

    “First, both LR and HR groups received the same intervention; for the generalizability of our findings, a control group should have been employed.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductreasoning

    Spirituality was not explicitly tested in the study (beyond the self-transcendence scale included in the TCI).

    “Considering the strong connections between spirituality and healthcare (e.g., [112]), it might have been useful to explicitly test spirituality in our study (beyond the self-transcendence scale included in the TCI”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [112] Cobb, M., Puchalski, C.M., and Rumbold, B. (2012). Oxford Textbook of Spirituality in Healthcare, Oxford University Press. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    All post-hoc pairwise contrasts were performed using the Holm-Bonferroni procedure.

    “All post-hoc pairwise contrasts were performed using the Holm–Bonferroni procedure.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    Mindfulness meditation can enhance resilience and improve the well-being of female school teachers during critical events such as the COVID-19 lockdown in Italy.

    “We have shown that it is possible through mindfulness meditation to enhance the resilience and improve the well-being of school teacher participants during critical events, such as the Covid-19 lockdown in Italy.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    The five facets of mindfulness can be considered parts of the unique construct of mindfulness.

    “as these facets can be considered parts of the unique construct of mindfulness [63].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [63] Crescentini, 2018, Effect of mindfulness meditation on personality and psychological well-being in patients with multiple sclerosis, Int. J. MS Care source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    Data transformation or robust tests were used in the case of violations of the normality assumption.

    “Data transformation or robust tests were used in the case of violations of the normality assumption.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    The questions about the evaluation of the MOM course were not taken from a validated instrument.

    “Moreover, the questions about the evaluation of the MOM course were not taken from a validated instrument”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    The answers to the questions about the course in the context of the Covid-19 outbreak supported H3b; participants in general reported that the practice of meditation helped them during the particular period of isolation related to the health emergency, and that the absence of the practice would have made the period a little worse.

    “The answers to the questions about the course in the context of the Covid-19 outbreak supported H3b; participants in general reported that the practice of meditation helped them during the particular period of isolation related to the health emergency, and that the absence of the practice would have made the period a little worse.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
88 of 88

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The pre-post improvements are attributable to the MOM course rather than to other factors such as the passage of time or the Covid-19 lockdown.

    “We conclude that mindfulness-based training can effectively mitigate the psychological negative consequences of the Covid-19 outbreak, helping in particular to restore well-being in the most vulnerable individuals.”

  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    The four temperament scales of TCI measure relatively independent aspects of temperament.

    “While the four temperament scales of TCI are assumed to measure relatively independent aspects of the temperament”
2 of 2

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

  • The relationship between mindfulness and anxiety is direct.

    “The relationship between mindfulness and anxiety is direct, as was suggested by previous studies [59,60].”

    From Examining the associations between psychological flexibility, mindfulness, psychosomatic functioning, and anxiety during the covid-19 pandemic: A path analysis (2020) · cites this paper as [59]

    The Results (sections 3.2.1 and 3.2.6; page unavailable) report increased mindfulness scores and decreased anxiety scores after the meditation course. They do not establish a direct relationship between the two measures, so the claim goes beyond what this study shows. (LLM, conf=0.82)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • MBSR courses are effective in managing psychological suffering when face-to-face meetings are suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    “more recently, the effectiveness of MBSR courses in managing psychological suffering when face-to-face meetings are suspended were reported during the COVID-19 pandemic [68,69,70].”

    From Beneficial effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction training on the well-being of a female sample during the first total lockdown due to covid-19 pandemic in italy (2021) · cites this paper as [68]

    The Discussion (section 4.2; page not provided) reports improved anxiety, depression and well-being after a course that continued by video lessons during the COVID-19 lockdown. But the Methods (section 2.3; page not provided) identify the course as Mindfulness-Oriented Meditation (MOM), structurally similar to MBSR—not an MBSR course. The findings therefore support the broader point about mindfulness interventions, but not the specific claim about MBSR courses. (LLM, conf=0.87)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • The TCI questionnaires are reliable clinical tools and have been used to investigate changes in character following educational trainings in emotion regulation and mindfulness meditation.

    “In addition to being reliable clinical tools, they have been used to investigate changes in character following various educational trainings in emotion regulation and in mindfulness meditation (Campanella et al., 2014;Crescentini et al., 2015Crescentini et al., , 2018;;Matiz et al., 2020).”

    From The Role of Personality in Language Learning (2026) · cites this paper as Matiz et al., 2020

  • Studies assessing the practice of mindfulness meditation during COVID-19 showed positive results on the psychological distress of the population, suggesting that mindfulness meditation might be a viable intervention for the impact of the pandemic on mental health.

    “Studies assessing the practice of mindfulness meditation during COVID-19 showed positive results on the psychological distress of the population, suggesting that mindfulness meditation might be a viable intervention for the impact of the pandemic on mental health (Matiz et al., 2020; Bursky et al., 2021; Zhu et al., 2021).”

    From Does the practice of mindfulness reduce somatic symptoms and COVID-19-related anxiety? A community-based survey (2022) · cites this paper as Matiz et al., 2020

  • Mindfulness is a stable protector against pandemic-related distress and reduces levels of anxiety, depression, and emotional exhaustion and improves harm avoidance, especially in vulnerable, less resilient groups.

    “Mindfulness is a stable protector against pandemic-related distress [61]; it also reduces levels of anxiety, depression, and emotional exhaustion and improves harm avoidance, especially in the most vulnerable, less resilient groups [59].”

    From Examining the associations between psychological flexibility, mindfulness, psychosomatic functioning, and anxiety during the covid-19 pandemic: A path analysis (2020) · cites this paper as [59]

Statistics recomputed

Every reported test result, recomputed from its test statistic and degrees of freedom. A result shows as not adding up only once an independent check has confirmed it.

  • ConsistentF(1, 56) = 9.7reported p = .003 · recomputed p = .003

    “F(1,56) = 9.7, p = .003”

  • ConsistentF(1, 56) = 17.5reported p < .001 · recomputed p < .001

    “F(1,56) = 17.5, p < .001”

  • ConsistentF(1, 56) = 9.9reported p = .003 · recomputed p = .003

    “F(1,56) = 9.9, p = .003”

  • ConsistentF(1, 56) < 1.6reported p > .21 · recomputed p = .211

    “F(1,56) < 1.6, p > .21”

  • ConsistentF(1, 56) = 65.7reported p < .001 · recomputed p < .001

    “F(1,56) = 65.7, p < .001”

  • ConsistentF(1, 56) = 6reported p = .02 · recomputed p = .017

    “F(1,56) = 6.0, p = .02”

  • ConsistentF(1, 56) = 28.6reported p < .001 · recomputed p < .001

    “F(1,56) = 28.6, p < .001”

  • ConsistentF(1, 56) = 12.8reported p < .001 · recomputed p < .001

    “F(1,56) = 12.8, p < .001”

  • ConsistentF(1, 56) = 23.7reported p < .001 · recomputed p < .001

    “F(1,56) = 23.7, p < .001”

  • Consistentz = 4.9reported p < .001 · recomputed p < .001

    “(z = 4.9, p < .001”

  • Consistentz = 5.2reported p < .001 · recomputed p < .001

    “z = 5.2, p < .001”

  • ConsistentF(1, 56) = 5.6reported p = .02 · recomputed p = .021

    “F(1,56) = 5.6, p = .02”

  • Consistentχ²(1) = 29.1reported p < .001 · recomputed p < .001

    “χ2(1) = 29.1, p < .001”

  • Consistentχ²(1) = 2.9reported p = .09 · recomputed p = .089

    “χ2(1) = 2.9, p = .09”

  • ConsistentF(1, 56) = 8.2reported p = .006 · recomputed p = .006

    “F(1,56) = 8.2, p = .006”

  • ConsistentF(1, 56) = 9reported p = .004 · recomputed p = .004

    “F(1,56) = 9.0, p = .004”

  • ConsistentF(1, 56) > 7.6reported p < .008 · recomputed p = .008

    “F(1,56) > 7.6, p < .008”

  • ConsistentF(1, 56) < 2.7reported p > .11 · recomputed p = .106

    “F(1,56) < 2.7, p > .11”

  • ConsistentF(1, 56) > 5.8reported p < .02 · recomputed p = .019

    “F(1,56) > 5.8, p < .02”

  • ConsistentF(1, 56) > 7.9reported p < .007 · recomputed p = .007

    “F(1,56) > 7.9, p < .007”

  • ConsistentF(1, 56) = 8.7reported p = .005 · recomputed p = .005

    “F(1,56) = 8.7, p = .005”

  • Consistentχ²(1) = 25.6reported p < .001 · recomputed p < .001

    “χ2(1) = 25.6, p < .001”

  • Consistentχ²(1) = 0.3reported p = .55 · recomputed p = .584

    “χ2(1) = 0.3, p = .55”

  • ConsistentF(1, 56) = 14.2reported p < .001 · recomputed p < .001

    “F(1,56) = 14.2, p < .001”

  • ConsistentF(1, 56) = 9.1reported p = .004 · recomputed p = .004

    “F(1,56) = 9.1, p = .004”

  • ConsistentF(1, 56) = 13.8reported p < .001 · recomputed p < .001

    “F(1,56) = 13.8, p < .001”

  • ConsistentF(1, 56) = 5.3reported p = .03 · recomputed p = .025

    “F(1,56) = 5.3, p = .03”

  • Consistentχ²(1) = 20.1reported p < .001 · recomputed p < .001

    “χ2(1) = 20.1, p < .001”

  • Consistentχ²(1) = 13.6reported p < .001 · recomputed p < .001

    “χ2(1) = 13.6, p < .001”

  • Consistentχ²(1) = 3.2reported p = .07 · recomputed p = .074

    “χ2(1) = 3.2, p = .07”

  • ConsistentF(1, 56) = 17.7reported p < .001 · recomputed p < .001

    “F(1,56) = 17.7, p < .001”

  • ConsistentF(1, 56) = 10.4reported p = .002 · recomputed p = .002

    “F(1,56) = 10.4, p = .002”

  • ConsistentF(1, 56) = 6.7reported p = .01 · recomputed p = .012

    “F(1,56) = 6.7, p = .01”

  • ConsistentF(1, 56) < 2.6reported p > .11 · recomputed p = .112

    “F(1,56) < 2.6, p > .11”

34 of 34

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • Depression improvement is attributed to both groups despite a nonsignificant HR result

    Major

    The paper says both groups improved significantly in depression, but its subgroup analysis reports a significant decrease only in the LR group, not the HR group.

  • Character-trait improvement is attributed to both groups despite a nonsignificant HR result

    Minor

    The paper reports significant improvement in character traits for both groups, whereas its subgroup comparison reports no significant improvement for the HR group (p = 0.09).

  • Positive-relations improvement is attributed to both groups despite a nonsignificant HR result

    Minor

    The summary says both groups improved significantly in positive relations with others. The detailed analysis says that scale improved significantly in the LR group but not in the HR group.

3 of 3

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

Research works printed but not linked: 2

  1. International Monetary Fund (2020). Italy: 2020 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Italy, International Monetary Fund. IMF Country Report No. 20/79.
  2. Maslach, C., Jackson, S.E., and Leiter, M.P. (1986). Maslach Burnout Inventory—Educators Survey (MBI-ES). MBI Study, Consulting Psychologists Press. [3rd ed.].

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Related

Authors
Matiz, A., Fabbro, F., Paschetto, A., Cantone, D., Paolone, A. R., & Crescentini, C.
Affiliations
  • University of Udine (IT)
  • Sapienza University of Rome (IT)
Corresponding author
Matiz, Alessio
ORCID
Venue
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Publisher
MDPI AG
Published
2020-09-04
Volume
17
Issue
18
Pages
6450
ISSN
1660-4601 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.3390/ijerph17186450
PMC
PMC7559290
OpenAlex
W3083027278
Cited by
204
References
116
Citations by year
2026: 8 · 2025: 8 · 2024: 28 · 2023: 44 · 2022: 59 · 2021: 52 · 2020: 5
FWCI
15.98
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • IRIS Research product catalog (Sapienza University of Rome) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
  • RePEc: Research Papers in Economics (submittedVersion)
  • Institutional Research Information System (University of Udine) (submittedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion)
Funders
Regione Autonoma Friuli Venezia Giulia (-)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › COVID-19 and Mental Health
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction
Keywords
mindfulness meditation, women teachers, COVID-19 pandemic, lockdown, mental health, resilience, burnout, anxiety, depression, psychological well-being, interoceptive awareness, empathy, personality traits, emotional exhaustion
MeSH terms
School Teachers, Betacoronavirus, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, Adult, Anxiety, Depression, Female, Humans, Italy, Mental Health, Middle Aged, Pneumonia, Viral, Stress, Psychological, Coronavirus Infections, Meditation, Pandemics, Mindfulness

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-07.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-07.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›

Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review