August 23, 2023

3 min read

Source/Disclosures

Disclosures:
Moreno and colleagues report no relevant financial disclosures.

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Key takeaways:

• PCPs who received social media counseling were more likely to advise their young patients about safety behaviors.
• Patients said they remembered lessons from their PCPs 6 months later.

Children and adolescents who received social media counseling from trained primary care physicians reported reductions in unsafe social media behaviors and greater communication with parents, a recent study found.

“This study idea arose from the voices of pediatricians within the AAP,” Megan A. Moreno, MD, MSEd, MPH, a professor in the department of pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, told Healio. “They shared that they understood that social media was becoming more important in the lives of teens. Pediatricians wanted to know what they needed to know, and what kind of counseling would be effective. So, the study was designed to test both the role of the pediatrician, and the impact on patients.”

In May, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy, MD, MBA released an advisory urging for greater actions to ensure safer social media use among children and adolescents. Despite such calls to action, Moreno and colleagues noted that PCPs lack training on social media counseling.

“A study of pediatric residents found that only 5% felt they had adequate training on media use and children,” they wrote in the Journal of Adolescent Health.

To improve training within clinical settings, the researchers conducted a cluster randomized control trial that exposed PCPs to either a social media counseling intervention (SCMI) or a tobacco cessation intervention, which served as an active control group.

In the SCMI, PCPs were given an online safety brochure and learned about concepts such as balancing offline and online time, being mindful when posting content and ensuring youth and parents communicate about online experiences.

The researchers enrolled 120 primary care practices and 249 PCPs between 2011 to 2013. Of the PCPs, 88% were pediatricians and 12% were nurse practitioners or physician assistants.

The analysis also included 1,937 pediatric patients who were selected for follow up, 992 of whom completed a 6-month interview after the intervention.

Moreno and colleagues found that PCPs in the SCMI group were more likely to report social media counseling (beta = 1.43; 95% CI, 1.1-1.7), and SCMI training was linked to higher odds of an adolescent receiving any social media counseling (OR = 4.94; 95% CI, 3.83-6.37).

Compared with youth whose PCPs were given a tobacco cessation intervention, youth whose PCP received the SMCI were:

• twice as likely to report a decrease in online “friending” of strangers (adjusted OR = 2.23; 95% CI, 1.17-4.25);
• more likely to report communication with their parents or caregivers about social media use (aOR = 1.2; 95% CI, 1.1-1.4); and
• more likely to report that their caregiver set rules for social media use (aOR = 1.2; 95% CI, 1-1.3).

At 6 months, youth said they remembered lessons from the PCP counseling, possibly “given the relevance and significance of social media to youth,” the researchers wrote.

Moreno said that it was exciting to find the positive association of communication between youth and parents.

“This was an ideal outcome for this type of study, as we know that parents can play an important role in supporting and guiding their children’s social media experiences,” she said.

She also noted that pediatricians “felt more confident and knowledgeable talking about social media with their patients.”

“We hope that the training involved in this study will impact those pediatricians even beyond the study period,” she added.

There were several limitations to the study, according to the researchers. For example, the data were self-reported, potentially resulting in bias, and the study sample for SCMI may not have been representative of the U.S. youth population.

Still, “for PCPs, this study supports the importance of their role in helping families center on the importance of media in children’s lives and health,” Moreno said. “The training for PCPs was well received and the study suggests it can have a big impact for pediatrician practices and patient outcomes.”

The next steps for this research will include implementing AAP’s Family Media Plan, an online resource families can use to set rules and guidelines on social media, into pediatrician counseling “to see if this enhances the outcomes,” Moreno said.

References:

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At the University of Minnesota Morris, psychology faculty have known for some time about the severe shortage of addiction treatment professionals in rural parts of the state. This year, they’ve developed a way to help address that problem by creating a new program designed to train and prepare students to sit for the state’s licensed alcohol and drug counselor (LADC) exam upon graduation. 

This new pre-LADC program, developed in consultation with Don Jarvinen, chemical dependency certificate program coordinator at Fond Du Lac Tribal and Community College, will focus on training students interested in serving diverse and rural communities. 

Heather Peters

Heather Peters, associate professor of psychology at University of Minnesota Morris, heads the program with her colleague, associate professor Kerry Michael. Peters said that many of the program’s graduates will work in rural communities, providing addiction counseling and support for individuals in a range of organizations, including treatment centers, hospitals and correctional facilities.  

It wasn’t a tough sell to get the university’s administration interested in launching the program, Peters said. They’d already been aware of the need statewide for more mental health professionals, and, she added: “When the pandemic hit, the need for mental health support became even greater. The administration said, ‘Now is the time. We want to help solve the problem in Minnesota.’” 

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In rural parts of the state, the shortage of LADCs is stark. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, in the Twin Cities, there are 2,786 residents for every 1 LADC. In rural areas, the number is 13,576 residents to every 1 LADC. And the numbers aren’t any better when it comes to ethnic diversity: In 2019, the Minnesota Department of Health reported that 87% of all LADCs in the state were white. 

Morris seems perfectly suited to help fill some of these care gaps. A significant number of the school’s students — 37.8% — come from Greater Minnesota, and Morris’ student body is, Peters said, “Forty-six percent or so BIPOC — Native American or Asian American or African American or international students. The diversity on our campus is very high.”  

Before the new program was announced, Peters explained that Morris students interested in becoming LADCs needed to complete their four-year psychology degree at the university, then go to a two-year school to take additional classes and complete the required 880 practicum, or internship, hours, at outside mental or chemical health agencies. The new pre-LADC program will make the path to licensure smoother and shorter.  

Peters said that student interest in the new program, which was approved by the state this spring, is strong. “We have 12 students at Morris who are interested already,” she said. “We did a soft rollout and they stepped forward right away.” She explained that the dozen students in the program started taking their required classes at the start of the academic year, and a few of them will begin their practicum hours next summer. 

“The students will now take all the courses with us,” Peters said. To arrange the practicum hours, she explained, “We will be partnering with agencies across the state. I will be reaching out to the providers in those areas to create an agreement with us and the university. They will mostly be treatment centers. That’s where students will have hands-on experience.” 

Partnership creates new opportunities

In this changing world, Peters said that the ethnic and racial diversity on Morris’ campus is an advantage. 

“About a third of our students are Native American,” she explained, adding that the school has official status as a Native American-serving non-tribal institution (NASNTI). “There’s a huge need within rural and Indigenous communities for LADCs. So it makes sense for us to start a program like this.”  And Morris graduates, no matter what their cultural or ethnic background, have a strong understanding of the importance of diversity in all of its forms, she added: “We have tried to infuse multicultural issues throughout our curriculum. In psychology, we try to develop the cultural sensitivity of all of our students.” 

The partnership with Jarvinen and Fond Du Lac, which has been built over years, has been helpful in shaping Morris’ Pre-LADC option. “We talked to Don to gain his guidance as we were creating our program,” Peters said. 

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In the not-so-distant past, LADC licensure could be earned with a two-year degree. Then, the state of Minnesota changed the education requirement to a four-year degree. Those holding two-year LADC certificates are allowed to practice with their certificate for five years, but after that will need to earn a four-year degree for their license to remain valid. 

Together, Jarvinen, Michael and Peters developed a new pathway program so Fond Du Lac Tribal and Community College LADC students can now earn their four-year degree at Morris. Peters said that the university’s NASANTI status, combined with their “long-term, meaningful, mutually beneficial relationship with our tribal partners” helped the group earn a grant from the U.S. Department of Education to make the project possible.  

“We created an online psychology program at Morris,” Peters said. “We built an agreement with Fond Du Lac where their LADC students are going to be able to enroll in our online program so that they can get their four-year degree.” 

This partnership is unique in the state and should help to further boost the number of LADCs of color, Peters said. 

“I think we are innovative in regards to how we partner with tribal institutions, really doing it as a reciprocal relationship to make whatever we do a win-win situation for both parties involved,” she said. “That is a novel approach.”  While most non-native institutions have not always had equitable partnerships with tribal institutions, the Morris-Fond Du Lac partnership has a long history, Peters added: “I think it is important that the focus is on the relationship and maintaining it over years. That’s the kind of meaningful partnership we want to foster.” 

Helping at home

Krista Gloppin came to Morris’ pre-LADC program through a circuitous route. Growing up, she knew relatives who struggled with addiction, and she never really knew how to help.

Krista Gloppin

“There is some alcohol and substance use history in my family,” Gloppin said. “That’s been hard to watch.” The best way to support these relatives never felt clear, she explained: “There is no textbook that says, ‘This is the one way to help somebody through.’ It is difficult to be a loved one of somebody going through that.” 

When Gloppin, 37, decided to finish her college degree, it made sense to enroll at Morris. She already lived in town with her husband and two elementary school-aged children, and she wanted to build a career in social services. 

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Gloppin’s original plan was to earn a criminal justice major with a psychology minor. Then she met with Peters, who told her about the new pre-LADC program. “I didn’t know about it,” Gloppin  said. “It wasn’t on my radar. But Heather is my adviser. She explained that it was offered to all students. It just interested me.” 

The more Gloppin learned about the program, it the more she felt like earning her LADC license could be a perfect fit for her interests — and her career. “I always knew I wanted to do something in a helping capacity,” she said. “This felt like a good way to accomplish that. If I was going to be able do it while doing the coursework here at Morris it worked out for me.” 

It also helped to know that LADCs are in high demand statewide and that she shouldn’t have a hard time finding a job once she completed the program. “It is predicted to be one of the largest needs coming up through human services,” Gloppin said. “That reinforced my decision.”  

Gloppin, who is Native American, is also committed to living and working in Greater Minnesota. “I would hope to find a job within that capacity in this area,” she said. “We’re staying in Morris.” 

With the decision made to join the pre-LADC program, Gloppin is now focused on completing her coursework and looking forward to diving into her practicum next year that she hopes will include working in a local agency that supports clients with substance use disorder. 

Gloppin said it feels like being an LADC is a role she’s been prepping for for most of her life, and she can’t wait to take the next step.  

“I think my parents influenced me,” she said. “They looked out for people who could use help or compassion. That’s always been the kind of jobs I’ve held. I’ve been most happy in roles where I am supporting people in the community. It has always been on my mind and on my heart. I can’t wait to make that my career.”  

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The Benefits of Mindful Meditation

One of the primary benefits of mindful meditation is stress reduction. By focusing one’s attention on the present moment, individuals can quiet their mind and reduce feelings of anxiety and overwhelm. This can lead to a greater sense of peace and well-being, as well as a more positive outlook on life.

Another benefit of mindful meditation is increased mental clarity. When individuals practice mindfulness, they become more aware of their thoughts and emotions, which can help them to make better decisions and respond more effectively to challenges. This can also lead to greater creativity and productivity, as individuals are better able to focus their attention on the task at hand.

Additionally, regular practice of mindful meditation has been shown to improve physical health. It can reduce symptoms of chronic pain, lower blood pressure, and boost the immune system. Mindful meditation can also improve sleep quality, which can lead to increased energy and improved overall health.

How to Practice Mindful Meditation

To practice mindful meditation, find a quiet and comfortable place to sit or lie down. Close your eyes and focus on your breath, paying attention to the sensation of air moving in and out of your body. As thoughts and feelings arise, simply observe them without judgment and gently bring your attention back to your breath.

It can be helpful to start with short periods of meditation, such as five to ten minutes, and gradually increase the length of time as you become more comfortable with the practice. It is also important to practice regularly, ideally daily, to experience the full benefits of mindful meditation.

In addition to formal meditation practice, individuals can incorporate mindfulness into their everyday life by paying attention to their senses, such as the taste of food or the feel of a warm shower, and being fully present in the moment.

Conclusion

Mindful meditation is a powerful tool for reducing stress and increasing mental clarity. Through regular practice, individuals can achieve a greater sense of calmness and focus, which can lead to a more fulfilling life. By incorporating mindfulness into daily life, individuals can experience the benefits of this practice in all areas of their lives.

The post Mindful Meditation: The Path to Less Stress and Greater Mental Clarity. appeared first on Minds Valley.

Research has shown that gratitude writing can lead to a range of benefits, from improved mood and greater life satisfaction to reduced stress and better physical health. By focusing on the positive aspects of our lives and expressing our gratitude for them, we shift our attention away from negativity and stress, promoting a sense of calm and contentment.

One of the key ways that gratitude writing can enhance our resilience is by helping us to reframe our experiences in a more positive light. When we face adversity or challenges, it can be easy to focus on the negative aspects of our situation and feel overwhelmed or defeated. By taking time to reflect on what we are grateful for, however, we can shift our focus to the positive aspects of our lives and find new sources of strength and support.

Gratitude writing can also help us to cultivate a more optimistic outlook, which can be crucial for resilience in the face of adversity. When we focus on the good things in our lives and express gratitude for them, we begin to see the world in a more positive light. This can help us to maintain a sense of hope and optimism, even in difficult times.

Another way that gratitude writing can enhance our resilience is by helping us to build stronger relationships with others. When we express gratitude for the people in our lives and the ways in which they have supported us, we strengthen our connections with them and build a sense of community and support. This can be especially important during times of stress or hardship, when we may need extra support and encouragement from those around us.

Overall, gratitude writing is a simple and powerful tool for enhancing our resilience and well-being. By focusing on the positive aspects of our lives and expressing our appreciation for them, we can cultivate a more positive outlook and cope more effectively with life’s challenges. Whether we are facing a difficult situation or simply seeking to enhance our overall well-being, gratitude writing is a practice that can help us to thrive and grow.

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One of the most significant benefits of mindfulness is its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. When we are stressed or anxious, our minds tend to wander to the future or the past, causing us to feel overwhelmed and out of control. Mindfulness helps us to stay in the present moment, which can reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.

Another benefit of mindfulness is that it can improve our overall mood. When we are mindful, we are more likely to notice the good things in our lives, rather than focusing on the negative. This can help to increase feelings of happiness, gratitude, and contentment.

Mindfulness can also improve our relationships with others. When we are more aware of our thoughts and feelings, we are better able to communicate our needs and emotions to others. This can lead to more open and honest communication, which can strengthen our relationships and reduce conflict.

So, how can we harness the power of mindfulness for greater well-being? Here are a few tips:

1. Start small: You don’t need to set aside hours each day to practice mindfulness. Start with just a few minutes each day and gradually increase the amount of time you spend practicing.

2. Focus on your breath: One of the easiest ways to practice mindfulness is to focus on your breath. Take a few deep breaths and then focus on the sensation of your breath as it enters and leaves your body.

3. Be non-judgmental: When practicing mindfulness, it’s important to be non-judgmental. Don’t judge your thoughts or feelings as good or bad, just observe them without judgment.

4. Practice regularly: Like any skill, mindfulness takes practice. Try to practice mindfulness every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes.

In conclusion, mindfulness is a powerful tool for improving mental health and well-being. By practicing mindfulness regularly, we can reduce stress and anxiety, improve our mood, and strengthen our relationships with others. So, why not give it a try? Start small, focus on your breath, be non-judgmental, and practice regularly. Your mind (and body) will thank you!

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