Relationship between Meditation and Waking Salivary Cortisol Secretion among Long-Term MBSR Instructors

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 101-109 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Wagner Robb ◽  
Alyson Haslam ◽  
Michael D. Wirth ◽  
Jennifer L. Gay ◽  
Lauren Middleton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stress Response ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Salivary Cortisol ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Cortisol Response ◽  
Cortisol Secretion ◽  
Meditation Practice ◽  
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

Background: A potential relationship between long-term meditation practice and stress reduction remains virtually unexplored. The purpose of this study was to characterize stress using salivary waking cortisol in a group of long-term meditators with training in the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program. Materials and Methods: Four salivary cortisol samples were collected from meditators (n = 84) during the first hour of awakening. The waking cortisol rhythm was summarized using cortisol area under the curve (AUC) with respect to increased secretion above baseline (AUCI) and cortisol AUC above ground (above zero, AUCG); data on meditation duration and depth, perceived stress, and other covariates were collected via self-reported questionnaire. Results: Individuals in the highest quartile of years meditating (> 26 years) had statistically significantly elevated AUCG values (p = 0.01) as compared to individuals in the lowest quartile of years meditating (≤10 years). This relationship was more pronounced among individuals waking at or before 6: 30 a.m. Conclusions: Overall, an increasing number of years of meditation practice was related to a higher waking cortisol response. These intriguing findings warrant additional exploration, as the stress response can be complex.

8-week Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction induces brain changes similar to traditional long-term meditation practice – A systematic review

2016 ◽  
Vol 108 ◽  
pp. 32-41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rinske A. Gotink ◽  
Rozanna Meijboom ◽  
Meike W. Vernooij ◽  
Marion Smits ◽  
M.G. Myriam Hunink
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Meditation Practice ◽  
Brain Changes ◽  
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

scholarly journals The Effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Group Counseling on Psychological and Inflammatory Responses of the Women With Breast Cancer

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 ◽  
pp. 153473542094681
Author(s):  
Motahareh Mirmahmoodi ◽  
Parvin Mangalian ◽  
Atefeh Ahmadi ◽  
Mahlagha Dehghan
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Group Counseling ◽  
Inflammatory Responses ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Reduction Group ◽  
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

Introduction: Breast cancer is common among women and reduces their quality of life. The current study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction group counseling in alleviating psychological responses such as anxiety, depression, stress, and regulating laboratory tests including cortisol and C-reactive protein (CRP) in women with breast cancer. Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted based on convenience sampling. Participants were divided into 2 groups (control and intervention groups) with block randomization. The intervention group received mindfulness-based stress reduction group counseling during 8 weeks. The participants completed the Beck anxiety inventory, Beck-II depression inventory, and perceived stress scale before and after the intervention and their blood samples were taken to check their cortisol and CRP. Results: After the intervention, the MBSR group had significantly lower anxiety compared with the control group ( P < .001). No significant difference was found between the 2 groups in the reduction of perceived stress and depression ( P < .05). In addition, no significant difference was found between the 2 groups in CRP and cortisol levels after the intervention ( P > .05). Conclusion: The present study showed the effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in improving anxiety rather than the stress, depression, and inflammatory laboratory factors such as cortisol and CRP in women with breast cancer. Therefore, the psychological symptoms of these patients can be improved at different stages of treatment by providing this type of training.

scholarly journals A Large Randomized Trial: Effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) for Breast Cancer (BC) Survivors on Salivary Cortisol and IL-6

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cecile A. Lengacher ◽  
Richard R. Reich ◽  
Carly L. Paterson ◽  
Melissa Shelton ◽  
Steve Shivers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Salivary Cortisol ◽  
Rank Test ◽  
Signed Rank ◽  
Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test ◽  
Signed Rank Test ◽  
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

Breast cancer survivors (BCS) often experience psychological and physiological symptoms after cancer treatment. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), a complementary and alternative therapy, has reduced subjective measures of stress, anxiety, and fatigue among BCS. Little is known, however, about how MBSR affects objective markers of stress, specifically the stress hormone cortisol and the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6). In the present study, BCS ( N = 322) were randomly assigned to a 6-week MBSR program for BC or usual-care control. Measurements of cortisol, IL-6, symptoms, and quality of life were obtained at orientation and 6 weeks. Cortisol and IL-6 were also measured prior to and after the MBSR(BC) class Weeks 1 and 6. The mean age of participants was 56.6 years and 69.4% were White non-Hispanic. Most had Stage I (33.8%) or II (35.7%) BC, and 35.7% had received chemotherapy and radiation. Cortisol levels were reduced immediately following MBSR(BC) class compared to before the class Weeks 1 and 6 (Wilcoxon-signed rank test; p < .01, d = .52–.56). IL-6 was significantly reduced from pre- to postclass at Week 6 (Wilcoxon-signed rank test; p < .01, d = .21). No differences were observed between the MBSR(BC) and control groups from baseline to Week 6 using linear mixed models. Significant relationships with small effect sizes were observed between IL-6 and both symptoms and quality of life in both groups. Results support the use of MBSR(BC) to reduce salivary cortisol and IL-6 levels in the short term in BCS.

Cortisol secretion pattern in overweight/obese and normal-weight infants: a cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 241-246
Author(s):  
Ana Cristina Resende Camargos ◽  
Pedro Henrique Scheidt Figueiredo ◽  
Sueli Ferreira da Fonseca ◽  
Mariana Aguiar de Matos ◽  
Katherine Simone Caires Oliveira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Salivary Cortisol ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Normal Weight ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Cortisol Secretion ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Highly Sensitive ◽  
Cortisol Levels

AbstractBackgroundThe salivary circadian diurnal cortisol plays an important role in growth and development. Inappropriate levels may induce changes associated with an increased risk of obesity later in life. It is unknown if there are differences in cortisol secretion pattern between overweight/obese infants when compared with theirs peers in infancy. Thus, this study aimed to compare the salivary cortisol secretion pattern in overweight/obese and normal-weight infants.MethodsThirty-three (overweight/obese = 17 and normal weight = 16) infants between 6 and 24 months of age had saliva samples collected upon awakening (T1), 30 min after waking (T2), at 12:00 am or before the baby’s meal (T3), and prior to bedtime (T4). Highly sensitive enzyme immunoassays were used for cortisol analyses.ResultsSalivary cortisol levels were similar between the groups: T1 (p = 0.22; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −5.65, 1.37), T2 (p = 0.24; 95% CI: −8.23, 2.17), T3 (p = 0.95; 95% CI: −3.16, 2.96), and T4 (p = 0.81; 95% CI: −1.39, 1.08); and no differences were observed between area under the curve (AUC) (p = 0.80; 95% CI: −4.58–13.66). The cortisol level reduced in T4 (95% CI: 1.35–2.96) compared to T1 (95% CI: 5.15–8.49) and T2 in the overweight/obese group (p < 0.001; 95% CI: 6.02–11.04). In the normal-weight group, the cortisol reduced in T3 (95% CI: 2.86–8.18) compared to T1 (95% CI: 5.64–12.28) and decreased until T4 (p = 0.001; 95% CI: 1.25–3.37).ConclusionsThe overweight/obese infant group presented a different pattern of cortisol secretion, although cortisol levels did not differ between the control group.

scholarly journals A Yoga and Compassion Meditation Program Reduces Stress in Familial Caregivers of Alzheimer's Disease Patients

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. A. D. Danucalov ◽  
E. H. Kozasa ◽  
K. T. Ribas ◽  
J. C. F. Galduróz ◽  
M. C. Garcia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Salivary Cortisol ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Time Control ◽  
Compassion Meditation ◽  
Anxiety Depression ◽  
Familial Caregivers

Familial caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease exhibit reduced quality of life and increased stress levels. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of an 8-week yoga and compassion meditation program on the perceived stress, anxiety, depression, and salivary cortisol levels in familial caregivers. A total of 46 volunteers were randomly assigned to participate in a stress-reduction program for a 2-month period (yoga and compassion meditation program—YCMP group) (n=25) or an untreated group for the same period of time (control group) (n=21). The levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and morning salivary cortisol of the participants were measured before and after intervention. The groups were initially homogeneous; however, after intervention, the groups diverged significantly. The YCMP group exhibited a reduction of the stress (P<0.05), anxiety (P<0.000001), and depression (P<0.00001) levels, as well as a reduction in the concentration of salivary cortisol (P<0.05). Our study suggests that an 8-week yoga and compassion meditation program may offer an effective intervention for reducing perceived stress, anxiety, depression, and salivary cortisol in familial caregivers.

scholarly journals A Test of Feasibility and Acceptability of Online Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Women and Men at Risk for High Stress: Pilot Study

10.2196/15048 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (8) ◽  
pp. e15048
Author(s):  
Jennifer M Jabson Tree ◽  
Joanne Gayle Patterson
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Minority Stress ◽  
High Stress ◽  
Bisexual Women ◽  
Pilot Studies ◽  
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction ◽  
And Bisexual

Background In conservative and rural areas, where antidiscrimination laws do not exist, lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) people are at risk for excess stress arising from discrimination. Stress-reducing interventions delivered via innovative channels to overcome access barriers are needed. Objective This study aimed to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of online mindfulness-based stress reduction (OMBSR) with LGB people in Appalachian Tennessee at high risk for stress. Methods In 2 pilot studies involving pre-post test designs, participants completed 8 weeks of OMBSR, weekly activity logs, semistructured interviews, and surveys of perceived and minority stress. Results Overall, 24 LGB people enrolled in the study and 17 completed OMBSR. In addition, 94% completed some form of mindfulness activities daily, including meditation. Participants enjoyed the program and found it easy to use. Perceived stress (Cohen, perceived stress scale-10) decreased by 23% in women (mean 22.73 vs mean 17.45; t10=3.12; P=.01) and by 40% in men (mean 19.83 vs mean 12.00; t5=3.90; P=.01) between baseline and postprogram. Women demonstrated a 12% reduction in overall minority stress (Balsam, Daily Experiences with Heterosexism Questionnaire) from baseline to 12-week follow-up (mean 1.87 vs mean 1.57; t10=4.12; P=.002). Subscale analyses indicated that women’s stress due to vigilance and vicarious trauma decreased by 21% and 20%, respectively. Conclusions OMBSR may be a useful tool to help LGB people reduce general and minority-specific stress in socially conservative regions lacking antidiscrimination policies.

scholarly journals A Test of Feasibility and Acceptability of Online Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Women and Men at Risk for High Stress: Pilot Study (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer M Jabson Tree ◽  
Joanne Gayle Patterson
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Minority Stress ◽  
High Stress ◽  
Bisexual Women ◽  
Pilot Studies ◽  
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction ◽  
And Bisexual

BACKGROUND In conservative and rural areas, where antidiscrimination laws do not exist, lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) people are at risk for excess stress arising from discrimination. Stress-reducing interventions delivered via innovative channels to overcome access barriers are needed. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of online mindfulness-based stress reduction (OMBSR) with LGB people in Appalachian Tennessee at high risk for stress. METHODS In 2 pilot studies involving pre-post test designs, participants completed 8 weeks of OMBSR, weekly activity logs, semistructured interviews, and surveys of perceived and minority stress. RESULTS Overall, 24 LGB people enrolled in the study and 17 completed OMBSR. In addition, 94% completed some form of mindfulness activities daily, including meditation. Participants enjoyed the program and found it easy to use. Perceived stress (Cohen, perceived stress scale-10) decreased by 23% in women (mean 22.73 vs mean 17.45; t10=3.12; P=.01) and by 40% in men (mean 19.83 vs mean 12.00; t5=3.90; P=.01) between baseline and postprogram. Women demonstrated a 12% reduction in overall minority stress (Balsam, Daily Experiences with Heterosexism Questionnaire) from baseline to 12-week follow-up (mean 1.87 vs mean 1.57; t10=4.12; P=.002). Subscale analyses indicated that women’s stress due to vigilance and vicarious trauma decreased by 21% and 20%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS OMBSR may be a useful tool to help LGB people reduce general and minority-specific stress in socially conservative regions lacking antidiscrimination policies.

scholarly journals The effect of a mindfulness based stress reduction intervention on the perceived stress and burnout of RN students completing a doctor of nursing practice degree

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. 58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa Turkal ◽  
Luann G. Richardson ◽  
Thomas Cline ◽  
Mary Elizabeth Guimond
Keyword(s):  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Nursing Practice ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
The Body ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Doctor Of Nursing Practice ◽  
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction ◽  
Rn Students

Background and objective: There is a vast amount of literature documenting the epidemic of stress and burnout within the nursing profession. It is well established that chronic stress contributes to burnout among nursing staff and students.  Research suggests that organizational change, curriculum adjustment, and mindfulness interventions can contribute to decreased stress and better outcomes for nurses. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of a Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) intervention on the perceived stress and burnout of students in a cohort of Registered Nurses (RNs) completing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree.Methods: This study utilized pre and post data collection to explore the effect of a MBSR intervention on self-reported perceived stress and burnout using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI). Study participants (n = 24) received a general orientation to the study followed by a brief intervention using the body scan meditation, a component of the MBSR-model. Students registered with the Remind mobile app to supplement the live instruction and to encourage the students to engage in daily mindfulness practice.Results: The repeated measures ANOVAs for all three CBI factors showed that personal, work, and client burnout means were statistically lower at four weeks post-intervention than they were at baseline. Perceived stress measures four weeks post-intervention were also statistically lower than baseline. There were no demographic interactions, and only one main effect for gender, in that males reported lower perceived stress. Conclusions: The MBSR intervention was successful in reducing the self-reported perceived stress and burnout of RN students completing their DNP Degree.

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