Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) increases resting-state functional connectivity between the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) and the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in healthy, meditation-naïve adults. This effect did not persist at a 5.5-month follow-up, but more practice time was linked to greater connectivity increases. The connectivity change was associated with increased microstructural connectivity of a white matter tract connecting these regions and with improved self-reported attention.
An 8-week mindfulness meditation training program tailored for police officers reduced perceived stress, anxiety, burnout, sleep disturbances, and PTSD hyperarousal symptoms, with some gains lasting at 5 months. All 30 officers from a Midwestern U.S. police department completed the program with high attendance and positive evaluations. No changes were observed in self-reported physical health symptoms or C-reactive protein levels. The findings replicate earlier work and provide new evidence that mindfulness training may reduce PTSD symptoms in law enforcement personnel.