Deinze

Researchers are collecting detailed data about suicide attempts and suicidal thoughts among people who come to healthcare services in Flanders. The study aims to understand how often these behaviors occur, the methods used, and how many receive proper follow-up care after a suicide attempt. This observational study uses a structured interview tool called the Guideline for Suicide Care and Evaluation LOES to gather comprehensive information. Participants undergo a two-part semi-structured interview administered by trained nurses, psychologists, or psychiatrists. The first part happens soon after admission to a healthcare facility and collects information on emotional state, mental health history, social support, hopelessness, and suicidal behavior. The second part provides a deeper evaluation of risk factors, treatment needs, motivations, planning, and coping strategies related to suicidality. Throughout the study, participants provide demographic, clinical, and psychological information through interviews. Researchers assess suicidal intent, planning, past behavior, substance use risk, and care needs. The study tracks treatment agreements and care pathways after assessment. Data collection occurs at the initial presentation, with no drug or medical treatment being tested. The total participation time varies depending on the individuals healthcare encounters and follow-up.

This research aims to understand how individual differences affect the impacts of mindfulness meditation on mental health and wellbeing. The study seeks to identify the mechanisms behind mindfulness meditations effects and to explore how factors like trauma symptoms, tendency to dissociate, and repetitive negative thinking influence these effects. It focuses on adults participating in mindfulness-based interventions and investigates for whom mindfulness may be beneficial or potentially harmful. Participants will attend an eight-week mindfulness course with group sessions lasting 2-3 hours each, held nearly weekly. These courses are based on established mindfulness programs such as Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, featuring guided exercises, group reflections, psychoeducation, and daily homework. Courses may vary slightly between sites but offer comparable training time. The study includes adults from mindfulness centers and stress clinics, with some participants invited for interviews after completing the course. During the study, participants complete self-report questionnaires before the course, midway, at the end, and three months after completion to assess anxiety, depression, quality of life, wellbeing, and any adverse effects of mindfulness practice. Additional measures include mindfulness skills, trauma history, obsessive beliefs, and meditation practice patterns. The study tracks changes over time and uses interviews for deeper insights, with a total follow-up of about three months post-intervention.