Jill E Bormann- PhD, RN, FAAN
- Professor at University of San Diego
Jill E Bormann
- PhD, RN, FAAN
- Professor at University of San Diego
About
90
Publications
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Introduction
I have led development and research on a complementary, mind-body-spiritual intervention for symptom management and wellbeing called the Mantram Repetition Program (MRP) in various populations including veterans with PTSD. MRP is an educational, experiential, skills-training intervention with aims of 1) choosing and using a mantram, 2) slowing down thoughts and behaviors, and 3) developing one-pointed attention for symptom and stress management. Published studies can be found online in PubMed.
Current institution
Additional affiliations
September 2010 - September 2026
June 1999 - April 2020
Education
May 1989 - December 1995
Publications
Publications (90)
We report the case of a 63-year-old man with impaired fasting glucose who was unable to lose weight, engage in exercise or omit refined carbohydrates from his diet until he initiated the Mantram Repetition Program (MRP). Four months following implementation, the patient had lost weight and fasting glucose levels decreased to near normal. These para...
Objectives
The mantram repetition program (MRP) is an accessible mindfulness-based intervention involving meditation practice, aimed at slowing down thoughts and developing one-pointed attention. The MRP was modified for a population with comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder (SUD). This cohort study aimed to eval...
Introduction: The primary objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of a 6-week internet-delivered Mantram Repetition Program (MRP) for women recently treated for breast cancer. A secondary objective explored changes in perceived stress, psycho-spiritual measures, and cytokines in the treatment group compared to a waitlist. Methods: A f...
Objectives: This secondary analysis examined five facets of mindful awareness as potential moderators of clinical outcomes using data from a randomized controlled trial (RCT) that compared Mantram Repetition Program (MRP) with present-centered therapy (PCT) in veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Methods: Data were examined from 173...
Background
There is a need for expanded options for therapeutic interventions for patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder (SUD). The study aimed to examine evidence for the feasibility, safety, and acceptability of a virtual Mantram Repetition Program for adults with PTSD and SUD.
Methods
This project utilized...
Background
Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are more likely to report chronic pain than veterans without PTSD. Yoga has been shown to reduce both chronic pain and PTSD symptoms in clinical trials. The goal of our study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of conducting a randomized controlled trial (RCT) that combined...
Background: There is a need for expanded options for therapeutic interventions for patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder (SUD). The study aimed to examine evidence for the feasibility, safety, and acceptability of a virtual Mantram Repetition Program for adults with PTSD and SUD.
Methods: This project utilize...
Objective
To assess the feasibility of a brief, self-guided, Internet-based version of the mantram repetition program (MRP) for undergraduate students, a population with mental health challenges and high reliance on Internet-based resources.
Participants
Undergraduate students (n = 60) receiving course credit had a mean age of 20.66 years and prim...
Objectives
Mindfulness is increasingly relevant to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans as a treatment component. The Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) and Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) are measures commonly used to assess mindfulness, but it is unclear if these scales measure distinct constructs, and their applicab...
A mixed-methods approach was used to explore the acceptability of the Mantram Repetition Program (MRP) to reduce stress in adolescents with a history of pediatric cancer or brain tumor. Five male participants diagnosed at ages 1-14 years and currently, ages 13-18 years, completed assessments of stress, anxiety, and sleep disturbance and were interv...
Background: There is increasing support for the use of meditation-based treatments for US military Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The Mantram Repetition Program (MRP), which is a portable meditative practice that features mindful repetition of a sacred phrase, is associated with significant reductions in PTSD symptom severity....
Objective
Mantram or holy name repetition has long been practiced in every major religious tradition. Repetition of a mantram as a mindfulness practice is helpful for stress management and resilience building. The objective of this article is to provide an overview of the key features of mantram and the Mantram Repetition Program (MRP) developed in...
Mindfulness is sometimes misunderstood as solely a Buddhist or secular practice. This chapter offers a toolkit for enhanced sensitivity and flexibility toward patients and populations of diverse spiritual and religious orientations and backgrounds. It explains a set of eight interrelated practices known as Passage Meditation (PM), and a subset know...
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted nurses’ compassionate presence during stressful conditions. Strategies to reduce workplace stress are needed.
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to evaluate a stress reduction strategy, an Internet-based Mantram Repetition Program (MRP), for nurses caring for hospitalized Veterans.
Methods
A one gro...
Mantram Repetition is a widespread and ancient practice that can foster mindfulness, manage stress, and cultivate resilience. This paper provides practical guidelines of how to choose a mantram, when to use a mantram, and how it works. It is a portable, practical, easily accessible means for promoting wellbeing and resilience.
We conducted a process evaluation in the context of a Hybrid Type 1 randomized controlled trial testing two treatments for post-traumatic stress, using a web-based social network survey and semi-structured interviews to illustrate the relationship between providers’ influence and likelihood of referring patients to the RCT. Providers with high inde...
Military service presents unique challenges and opportunities for health care and public health. In the USA, there are over 2 million military servicemembers, 20 million veterans, and millions more military and veteran family members. Military servicemembers and eligible family members, many veterans, and retirees receive health care through the tw...
Background: Hyperarousal appears to play an important role in the development and maintenance of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, but current evidence-based treatments appear to address this symptom type less effectively than the other symptom clusters. The Mantram Repetition Program (MRP) is a meditation-based intervention that has p...
Chronic low-back pain (cLBP) is a prevalent condition, and rates are higher among military veterans. cLBP is a persistent condition, and treatment options have either modest effects or a significant risk of side-effects, which has led to recent efforts to explore mind-body intervention options and reduce opioid medication use. Prior studies of yoga...
This is an evaluation of the Mantram Repetition Program for health care providers. It is an easy-to-learn meditative intervention program for health care providers to address workplace stress and burnout without a significant investment of time.
An easy-to-learn meditative intervention program for health care providers addresses workplace stress and burnout without a significant investment of time.
Date Presented 4/20/2018
This poster describes a randomized clinical trial to explore the effects of a mind–body–spiritually integrated intervention called the Mantram Repetition Program compared with present-centered therapy in veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder. Implications for occupational therapy practice are discussed.
Primary Author...
Religion and Spirituality (R/S) buffer the effects of traumatic stress and reduce the risk of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) when used as coping mechanisms. Further, spiritual well-being has been identified as a mediator of change in PTSD symptoms (Bormann, Liu, Thorp, & Lang, 2012). Therefore, it is important to have well-validated measures...
Background:
In 1995, VA's Office of Research and Development launched the Nursing Research Initiative (NRI), to encourage nurses to apply for research funding and to increase the role of nurse investigators in the VA's research mission. This program provides novice nurse researchers the opportunity to further develop their research skills with the...
Objective:
Previous studies suggest that group "mantram" (sacred word) repetition therapy, a non-trauma-focused complementary therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), may be an effective treatment for veterans. The authors compared individually delivered mantram repetition therapy and another non-trauma-focused treatment for PTSD.
Method...
Author Spotlight from Amerian Journal of Psychiatry - posted online - June 20, 2018
--and--
Link to Radio Interview: Bormann Updates Research on Mantram Repetition - April 5, 2018
https://youtu.be/I5ixbWeyl_4
We review the life and legacy of Eknath Easwaran (1910-1999) from the perspective of modern and Indian Psychology. A Kerala-born professor of English literature, Easwaran in 1959 travelled to the United States where he taught a system of eight spiritual practices known as Passage Meditation (PM). Its distinctive features include its meditative focu...
This interdisciplinary study details spiritual approaches including meditation and yoga shown to be helpful in improving physical and psychological well-being.
Whether a person suffers from a psychological or physical malady, such as depression, addictions, chronic pain, cancer, or complications from pregnancy, the best practice treatments likely i...
Introduction:
Chronic low back pain (cLBP) is prevalent, especially among military veterans. Many cLBP treatment options have limited benefits and are accompanied by side effects. Major efforts to reduce opioid use and embrace nonpharmacological pain treatments have resulted. Research with community cLBP patients indicates that yoga can improve he...
In this study, the authors determined the effect of a structured Internet-delivered Mantram Repetition Program (MRP) on burnout and stress of conscience (SOC), stress related to ambiguity from ethical or moral conflicts among health care workers (HCWs) within the Veteran Affairs (VA) Healthcare System. A secondary purpose was to determine whether p...
Prior studies have shown that spiritual well-being is a protective factor in reducing psychological distress among health care workers (HCWs). An Internet-delivered Mantram Repetition Program (MRP) that teaches mantram (sacred word) repetition, slowing down, and 1-pointed attention was provided to HCWs to enhance spiritual well-being and mindfulnes...
Women and families are the fastest growing segment of the homeless population. Negative attitudes of nurses toward homeless women are a major barrier to homeless women seeking health care. This cross-sectional, mixed-methods pilot study, conducted primarily by nurses, tested the Mantram Repetition Program for the first time with 29 homeless women....
Background:
Wounded, ill, and injured (WII) Military Service members experience significant stress and are at risk for developing chronic conditions including posttraumatic stress disorder and depression. Qigong, a meditative movement practice, may positively affect their ability to engage in successful rehabilitation.
Purpose:
We assessed the f...
Chronic low back pain (CLBP) afflicts millions of people worldwide, with particularly high prevalence in military veterans. Many treatment options exist for CLBP, but most have limited effectiveness and some have significant side effects. In general populations with CLBP, yoga has been shown to improve health outcomes with few side effects. However...
The Mantram Repetition Program (MRP) developed and studied at the Veterans Affairs (VA) San Diego Healthcare System since 2001 is comprised of a set of portable mindful techniques that veterans can use to mitigate posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Mantram repetition is invisible, personal, practical, portable, and specific. Three basic...
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is highly prevalent and in a variety of populations. Because of the complexity of its sequelae, treatment strategies pose a challenge. Given this complexity, TBI provides a unique target of opportunity for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments. The present review describes and discusses current opportu...
Almost one out of every three homeless women, 32%, in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia, has experienced childhood sexual trauma. We assessed lifetime sexual trauma histories among 29 homeless women from three southern California community sites: one residential safe house and two safe parking areas. More than half of the women (54%)...
The Mantram Repetition Program (MRP) developed and studied at the Veterans Affairs (VA) San Diego Healthcare System since 2001 is comprised of a set of portable mindful techniques that veterans can use to mitigate posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Mantram repetition is invisible, personal, practical, portable, and specific. Three basic...
The current pre-/posttest pilot study recruited homeless women from "safe" car parks and transitional housing to evaluate the use of mantram in regard to insomnia. At baseline, study participants completed measures of cognitive function, depression, and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). In 40 minutes, women were taught three skills of the Mantram...
The purpose of this study was to examine the factor structure of 2 versions of the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy–Spiritual Well-Being (FACIT-Sp) scale in a sample of Veterans diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The FACIT-Sp has 12- and 23-item versions that have been factor analyzed in other populations with mixe...
Background:
Several evidence-based treatments are available to veterans diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, not all veterans benefit from these treatments or prefer to engage in them.
Objectives:
The current study explored whether (1) a mantram repetition program (MRP) increased mindful attention among veterans with PTS...
Background:
Meditation, imagery, acupuncture, and yoga are the most frequently offered mind and body practices in the Department of Veterans Affairs. Yet, the research on mind and body practices has been critiqued as being too limited in evidence and scope to inform clinical treatment.
Objectives:
We conducted a systematic scoping review of mind...
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious mental health condition that affects physical health. However, many military veterans with PTSD refuse or drop out of commonly used trauma-focused, evidence-based treatments. Growing research supports the value of spiritual components in diverse types of health care interventions. This study investi...
Today in the digital age, with our advances in modern technology and communication, there are additional stressors for our military personnel and Veterans. Constant dangers exist both on and off the battlefield, unlike prior wars that had clearly-defined war zones. In addition, medical
advances have assisted in saving the lives of many more gravely...
This study describes ways in which a Mantram Repetition Program (MRP) was used for managing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in 65 outpatient Veterans with PTSD. The MRP consisted of six weekly group sessions (90 min/wk) on how to (1) choose and use a mantram, (2) slow down thoughts and behaviors, and (3) develop one-pointed attention...
MANTRAM REPETITION PROGRAM FOR QUALITY OF LIVE AND MINDFULNESS IN VETERANS WITH PTSD
Purpose/Aim: The primary purpose of this investigation was to explore whether the Mantram Repetition Program (MRP), a spiritually-integrated intervention, could improve quality of life and mindfulness in Veterans. The secondary purpose was to identify ways the pr...
Purposes/Aims: The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of an internet-delivered, stress management course called the Mantram Repetition Program (MRP) on burnout in a self-selected group of healthcare workers (HCWs).
Rationale/Background: The negative effects of workplace stress and burnout can lower patient satisfaction, co...
Purposes/Aims: The primary purpose of this study was to assess the sustainability of Mantram Repetition Program (MRP) self-management tools over time in a convenience sample of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare workers (HCWs). Mantram is a spiritually-based word or phrase to be repeated silently at any time or place to train attention. Slowing down...
In spite of the existence of good empirically supported treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), consumers and providers continue to ask for more options for managing this common and often chronic condition. Meditation-based approaches are being widely implemented, but there is minimal research rigorously assessing their effectiveness....
Few complementary therapies for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been empirically tested. This study explored the efficacy of a portable, private meditation-based mantram (sacred word) intervention for veterans with chronic posttraumatic stress disorder. A prospective, single-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted with 146 outpatien...
The objective of this study was to identify and describe ways that a spiritually based intervention of silently repeating a mantram-sacred word or phrase-was used as a coping strategy for managing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease.
The design was a qualitative research method, the critical incident technique.
The study was conducted at an...
Background
A portable practice of repeating a mantram—a sacred word or phrase—has been shown to reduce the severity of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in veterans with military trauma. It is thought that the intervention re-directs attention and initiates relaxation to decrease symptom severity, but there may be other mechanisms that...
This groundbreaking primer illuminates contemplative methods that can improve mental and physical health.
Contemplative practices, from meditation to Zen, are growing in popularity as methods to inspire physical and mental health. Contemplative Practices in Action: Spirituality, Meditation, and Health offers readers an introduction to these practic...
This descriptive, cross-sectional study explored the factors associated with frequency and intensity of complementary/alternative medicine (CAM) use in 301 HIV-infected men from southern California (n=75) and northern Florida/southern Georgia (n=226). Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify which demographic, biomedical, psychosocial...
Caring for veterans with dementia is burdensome for family caregivers. This exploratory study tested the efficacy of an innovative, spiritually based mantram caregiver intervention delivered using teleconference calls. A prospective, within-subjects, mixed-methods, and 3-time repeated-measures design with 36-week follow-up telephone interviews was...
To date, most studies on paternal childbirth fears have been exploratory or descriptive, conducted outside of the United States, and focused mainly on White, first-time fathers. Identified fears include harm to the mother or newborn, partner pain, feelings of helplessness, lack of knowledge, and fear of high-risk intervention. Fathers often report...
This study assessed patient satisfaction with the use of a spiritually based (mantram/sacred word) intervention in expecting couples. A mixed-methods design, experimental repeated measures with interviews at 6-month follow-up was conducted. Satisfaction was moderate to high. Mantram was used for labor pains and uncertainty. Implications include sch...
Previous research among HIV-infected individuals suggests that spiritual well-being is inversely related to psychological distress and rates of disease progression. Use of a mantram, a spiritual word or phrase repeated frequently and silently throughout the day, has been associated with decreased psychological distress and increased spiritual well-...
There is evidence that various meditation practices reduce distress, but little is known about the mechanisms of frequently repeating a mantram-a spiritual word or phrase-on distress reduction. Mantram repetition is the portable practice of focusing attention frequently on a mantram throughout the day without a specific time, place, or posture.
We...
To assess the feasibility, effect sizes, and satisfaction of mantram repetition -- the spiritual practice of repeating a sacred word/phrase throughout the day -- for managing symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans.
A two group (intervention vs. control) by two time (pre- and postintervention) experimental design was used.
Vete...
The purpose of this article is to explicate research funding and training opportunities available through the Department of Veterans Affairs to nurses seeking advanced preparation at the pre- and post-doctoral levels. A brief discussion of the available resources including student stipend and health insurance, workspace, and research support is pre...
Heart failure (HF) is a significant health problem among the elderly often requiring multiple lifestyle changes for optimal management. Unfortunately, not all patients are ready to make the needed changes. The objective of this study was to evaluate psychometric properties of a readiness to change (RTC) questionnaire. Outpatient (N = 116) Veterans...
In a study of 59 veterans and healthcare workers, the reliability of a self-monitoring method used to track the frequency of a spiritually oriented stress reduction technique was assessed. During a 5-week program of silently repeating a mantram (a spiritual word or phrase) to lower stress and anger and improve spiritual well-being, portable wrist-w...
Healthcare workers report high levels of stress in the workplace. To determine how to reduce stress, the authors examined the effectiveness of frequently repeating a mantram (a word with spiritual meaning) on emotional and spiritual well-being.
A pretest-posttest design was used to measure stress, state/trait anxiety and anger, quality of life, and...
We examined the efficacy of a psycho-spiritual intervention of mantram repetition--a word or phrase with spiritual associations repeated silently throughout the day--on psychological distress (intrusive thoughts, stress, anxiety, anger, depression), quality of life enjoyment and satisfaction, and existential spiritual well-being in HIV-infected adu...
This paper reports a study assessing the usefulness of a mantram repetition programme.
Complementary/alternative therapies are becoming commonplace, but more research is needed to assess their benefits. A 5-week programme teaching a 'mind-body-spiritual' technique of silently repeating a mantram - a word or phrase with spiritual meaning - to manage...
Silent, frequent repetition of a mantram-a word or phrase with spiritual significance, sometimes called a Holy Name-is an ancient form of prayer that may reduce stress and related symptoms. The authors tested the feasibility and efficacy of a 5-week (90-min per week) intervention on mantram repetition in a sample of ambulatory veterans.
Aconvenienc...
Self-efficacy is an important determinant of health behavior, but little is known about how to measure self-efficacy for HIV disease management. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of a new HIV Self-Efficacy (HIV-SE) questionnaire. The HIV-SE was developed with 34 items in six specific conceptual domains and 3 addi...
Fatigue is among the most common and distressing symptoms in patients with HIV/AIDS. Little is known about the clinical assessment of fatigue, especially in patients using highly active antiretroviral regimens. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Global Fatigue Index (GFI) in a community-based sample of 209...
Adherence to prescribed medications is a central feature of good clinical HIV care, but little is known about the factors associated with multidrug antiretroviral adherence, or about how such adherence is related to plasma HIV suppression.
We collected data from 133 HIV-infected adults receiving antiretroviral therapy. Study subjects completed cust...
The purpose of this article is to describe how the graduate-level nurse-midwifery education program at the University of California, San Diego, has operationalized the nursing concept of role transition for nurse-midwifery students. A theoretical background of role transition is presented. Specific strategies used to facilitate role transition are...
Nurse educators frequently deal with nursing students' discomfort in learning to care for dying patients. However, teaching students how to care for dying patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) presents unique and interesting challenges. The authors describe the influence an AIDS diagnosis has on students' comfort levels in touchi...
Thesis (Ph. D.)--Wayne State University, 1995. Includes bibliographical references (p. 141-153). Photocopy.
Questions
Question (1)
I have been conducting research for 18 years in the U.S. throught the Department of Veterans Affairs on what we call the "Mantram Repetition Program" and I'd like to share my work as it appears to overlap (and support) your study of ED staff! In fact, the mantra you selected for participants (maranatha) is actually my mantra(m). If you send me your personal email address, I can send you more information, if interested. My email: jillbormannphd@gmail.com;
Thanks!
Keep up the great work!
Jill Bormann (San Diego, California, USA)
