Browsing by Author "Giannou, Kyriaki"

Now showing 1 - 6 of 6
  • No Thumbnail Available
    ItemMetadata only
    Attentional Features of Mindfulness are Better Predictors of Face Recognition than Empathy and Compassion-Based Constructs
    (SAGE, 2022-02-03) Giannou, Kyriaki; Lander, Karen; Taylor, Jason R.
    Recent research has employed measures of either empathy, compassion or mindfulness and linked better face recognition memory to higher scores of identification with all humanity and mindfulness but not empathy or compassion. Additionally, empathy, compassion and mindfulness have been suggested as concepts that intertwine, but research has not yet examined how their respective personality questionnaires map onto latent concepts. We employed these measures together to explore their factor structure and, using structural equation modelling, we investigated if the suggested latent variables predict recognition memory performance for face and non-face stimuli. Attentional notions of mindfulness described a latent factor that predicted face recognition. All self-compassion facets and the non-react mindfulness facet described a latent factor, which predicted false alarms in face recognition. Finally, empathy and compassion-based notions described one latent factor, which did not predict recognition performance. None of the latent variables predicted performance in either object or voice recognition. Collectively, findings indicate attention-based mindfulness to benefit face recognition, prompting further research into the potential of mindfulness to support the face recognition process.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    Exploring dental anxiety as a mediator in the relationship between mindfulness or self-compassion and dental neglect
    (Elsevier, 2024-08-29) Giannou, Kyriaki; Beltes, Charalampos; Mantzios, Michail
    Dental anxiety and dental neglect are interconnected constructs with profound consequences for oral health and corresponding challenges for dental professionals. Meanwhile, other literature has indicated that mindfulness and self-compassion relate negatively to different forms of anxiety, and propose elements of potential interventions. This study aimed to explore the potential impact of dental anxiety as a mediator on the relationships between mindfulness or self-compassion and dental neglect. The results showed significant negative associations between mindfulness and self-compassion with dental anxiety and dental neglect. Mediation analyses supported the hypothesis that dental anxiety mediates the positive associations between mindfulness or self-compassion and dental neglect, providing preliminary evidence for the potential effectiveness of mindfulness and self-compassion interventions in addressing dental anxiety and dental neglect. Future research and potential clinical implications are discussed.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    Loving-Kindness Colouring and Loving-Kindness Meditation: Exploring the Effectiveness of Non-Meditative and Meditative Practices on State Mindfulness and Anxiety
    (Taylor and Francis, 2021-02-14) Mantzios, Michail; Tariq, Aqsa; Altaf, Momina; Giannou, Kyriaki
    Loving-kindness meditation has been recognized as a valuable form of meditation practice and features in most mindfulness programs. The present research explored the potential of an alternative non-meditative loving-kindness practice; namely, loving-kindness coloring. University students (N= 180) were randomly assigned to the loving-kindness coloring condition or the meditation condition. Both loving-kindness meditation and loving-kindness coloring were explored by measuring state mindfulness, pre-, and post-intervention. Results indicated that both conditions similarly increased in-state mindfulness and self-compassion, and decreased state anxiety, while there were non-significant differences between the practices. We concluded that there are similar levels of effectiveness to loving kindness meditation when introducing loving kindness coloring. Future implications on the applicability of loving-kindness practices are discussed.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    ItemMetadata only
    Meditative and non-meditative mindfulness-based interventions for mind and body
    (Springer, 2023-07-15) Giannou, Kyriaki; Mantzios, Michail
    The present editorial synopsises the benefits and challenges in meditative and non-meditative mindfulness practices and explores shorter and more creative approaches in mind–body interventions, emphasizing inclusivity and evidence-based practices. This collection, launched in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, aims to bring together research on a variety of mindful practices, to discuss their role in supporting wellbeing.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    ItemMetadata only
    Mindful eating and eating behaviours in Greece: exploring the validity and reliability of two mindful eating scales and other eating behaviours for Greek-speaking populations
    (Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2023-10-21) Mantzios, Michail; Zervos, Konstantinos; Koletsi, Marsha; Giannou, Kyriaki
    Background Mindful eating has seen an increase in clinical and non-clinical practices of changing health outcomes. Meanwhile, the restriction of not having validated scales in other languages proposes a barrier to exploring the impact of mindful eating cross-culturally, and specific to the present project, across Greek-speaking populations, limiting the potential of exploring the association with Mediterranean dieting. Methods In the present research, volunteers (n = 706) completed online the Mindful Eating Behaviour Scale and the Mindful Eating Scale. A forward–backwards translation, leading to face validity, and was assessed for internal consistency (Cronbach’s Alpha) and followed up by an assessment of the factorial structure of the scales. Divergent and convergent validity was explored using motivations to eat palatable foods, grazing, craving, Dusseldorf orthorexia, Salzburg emotional eating, and the Salzburg stress eating scales. Results Results indicated that both scales displayed good internal consistency, and the assessment of the factorial structure of the scales was equally good and semi-consistent with the English versions, with parallel analyses and item loadings proposing problems that have been shown in critical review literature. Associations of mindful eating scales to other eating behaviours were replicated to previously established findings with English-speaking populations. Conclusions Findings that deviated from the expected outcomes are central to the discussion on the measurement of mindful eating, and further direction highlights the way forward for researchers and clinicians.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    ItemMetadata only
    Mindfulness in face recognition: Embedding mindfulness instructions in the face‐composite construction process
    (Wiley, 2021-05-04) Giannou, Kyriaki; Frowd, Charlie D.; Taylor, Jason R.; Lander, Karen
    Meditative mindfulness practices, promoting sustained attention and reducing mind-wandering, have been associated with improvements in cognitive abilities and memory. The present study explored whether a non-meditative practice could be successfully applied in a forensic application; specifically, whether mindfulness instructions can be embedded in the face-composite construction process to facilitate identification. Twenty participants, who were not football fans, were asked to memorise an unfamiliar footballer's face and return 24 hr later to construct a face using the self-administered EvoFIT facial composite system. In the experimental condition, mindfulness instructions were embedded in the EvoFIT system, encouraging witnesses to focus on the target face and the process; in the control condition, participants constructed the face using the standard EvoFIT system. Naming of the composites was attempted by 24 football fans, who each viewed 10 composites, five from each condition, and then the target footballer images to ensure they were familiar with the identities. Results showed significantly higher levels of correct naming for composites constructed using EvoFIT with mindfulness instructions compared to using the standard EvoFIT. These findings indicate the potential for non-meditative mindfulness instructions to assist face-composite construction, improving correct naming of ensuing composites.