Clinical Psychology Science and Practice
January 1, 2004
Scott R. Bishop, Mark A. Lau, Shauna L. Shapiro et al.
6,266 citations
Mindfulness has attracted considerable interest as a way to reduce cognitive vulnerability to stress and emotional distress, but it has not been defined operationally. Recent consensus meetings produced a two-component model of mindfulness, specifying each component in terms of specific behaviors, experiential manifestations, and psychological processes. The paper addresses temporal stability and situational specificity, speculates on the conceptual and operational distinctiveness of mindfulness, and discusses implications for instrument development and measurement.
Psychosomatic Medicine
September 1, 2000
Michael Speca, Linda E. Carlson, Eileen Goodey et al.
1,091 citations
A mindfulness meditation-based stress reduction program reduced mood disturbance and stress symptoms in cancer outpatients. In a randomized trial, 90 patients with various cancer types and stages completed a 7-week program of weekly 1.5-hour meditation groups plus home practice. Compared to a wait-list control group, those in the program showed significantly lower total mood disturbance, including less depression, anxiety, anger, and confusion, and more vigor. They also reported fewer overall stress symptoms, particularly cardiopulmonary and gastrointestinal symptoms, emotional irritability, and cognitive disorganization. Total mood disturbance decreased by 65%, and stress symptoms by 31%.
Psychosomatic Medicine
July 1, 2003
Linda E. Carlson, Michael Speca, Kamala D. Patel et al.
773 citations
An 8-week mindfulness-based stress reduction program for early-stage breast and prostate cancer patients was associated with improved quality of life, reduced stress symptoms, and better sleep quality. Although overall immune cell counts did not change, T cell production of IL-4 increased and IFN-gamma decreased, while NK cell production of IL-10 decreased, suggesting a shift in immune profile away from one linked to depressive symptoms. This is the first study to show changes in cancer-related cytokine production with MBSR participation.
Stress and Health
March 15, 2010
Kathryn A. Birnie, Michael Speca, Linda E. Carlson
599 citations
A community sample participated in an 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) programme. After the programme, participants showed significant reductions in stress symptoms and mood disturbance, along with increases in mindfulness, spirituality, and self-compassion. For empathy, perspective taking increased significantly and personal distress decreased significantly, but empathic concern did not change. Changes in self-compassion were linked to changes in mindfulness. Self-compassion and certain aspects of empathy were strongly associated with psychological well-being. The findings suggest MBSR can enhance self-compassion and specific empathy components.
Stress and Health
November 28, 2006
Michael J. Mackenzie, Linda E. Carlson, Marleny Munoz et al.
178 citations
Nine cancer patients who completed an 8-week Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program and continued attending weekly drop-in sessions described five themes from adding meditation to their lives: opening to change, self-control, shared experience, personal growth, and spirituality. These themes were used to develop theory about how MBSR creates change for cancer patients, which may help refine programs to better support patients during diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.
Integrative Cancer Therapies
April 13, 2012
Sheila N. Garland, Rie Tamagawa, Sarah C. Todd et al.
91 citations
Participation in an 8-week mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program led to significant increases in mindfulness among 268 individuals with cancer. These increases accompanied a 55% reduction in mood disturbance and a 29% reduction in stress symptoms. Gains in mindfulness accounted for 21% of the mood improvement and 14% of the stress reduction. The two most important mindfulness skills for better psychological functioning were being aware of the present moment and refraining from judging inner experience.
Journal of clinical oncology : official journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology
June 12, 2025
Linda E. Carlson, Jennifer M Jones, Devesh Oberoi et al.
4 citations
A large pragmatic trial compared two mind-body interventions—Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR) and Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ)—for distressed cancer survivors. Participants could choose their preferred program or be randomly assigned; all were also randomized to immediate intervention or a waitlist. Among 587 participants (average age 60.7, 75% female, mostly breast cancer survivors), both MBCR and TCQ groups improved more than waitlist controls on total mood disturbance, with small to medium effects. Choosing a program or being randomly assigned did not affect outcomes. The largest improvements were in tension, anger, and vigor for MBCR, and anger, depression, and vigor for TCQ.