Psychosomatic Medicine
July 1, 2003
Richard J. Davidson, Jon Kabat‐zinn, Jessica R. Schumacher et al.
2,924 citations
An 8-week mindfulness meditation training program for healthy employees increased left-sided anterior brain activation, a pattern linked to positive emotion, and boosted antibody titers after an influenza vaccine compared with a wait-list control group. The magnitude of the brain activation increase predicted the size of the antibody response. These results indicate that a brief meditation intervention can measurably alter brain and immune function.
Psychological Medicine
December 29, 2016
Rebecca S. Crane, Judson A. Brewer, Christina Feldman et al.
861 citations
A framework defines essential characteristics of mindfulness-based programs (MBPs) like MBSR and MBCT, distinguishing them from other interventions. MBPs draw from contemplative traditions, science, medicine, psychology, and education; are grounded in a model addressing causes of human distress and pathways to relief; foster present-moment focus, decentering, and an approach orientation; cultivate qualities such as joy, compassion, wisdom, equanimity, and self-regulation; and involve sustained intensive meditation training, experiential inquiry, and exercises. The framework aims to support clarity for systematic research and maintain integrity as MBPs expand into healthcare, education, criminal justice, and workplaces.
Scholarworks
August 15, 2023
Saki Santorelli
9 citations
Eight adults referred for mindfulness meditation training in a hospital-based stress reduction clinic showed reductions in medical symptoms and psychological distress. Common patterns of experience emerged progressively during and after the intervention among patients with diverse diagnoses. The interplay between formal meditation practice and applying skills in daily life appears important for long-term health behavior changes. An interactive learning cycle between skill development, daily application, and self-perception motivated continued practice. Participants' use of the intervention varied in ways consistent with Self-Knowledge Development Theory, particularly the Situational and Pattern stages.
PiD - Psychotherapie im Dialog
September 1, 2006
Jon Kabat‐zinn, Saki Santorelli, Petra Meibert et al.
6 citations
Jon Kabat-Zinn developed an eight-week mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program in 1979, consisting of eight group sessions and a full-day silent retreat, with core practices including sitting and walking meditation, yoga, and body scan. The program aims to cultivate mindfulness in daily life and mobilize self-healing resources. Participants include people with chronic pain, medical diagnoses, or those feeling stressed and disconnected. The practice fosters acceptance and awareness, helping individuals recognize early signs of conditions like migraines or panic attacks, thereby reducing automatic reactions. Kabat-Zinn and Santorelli emphasize that mindfulness is a lifelong path, not a quick fix, and that it can transform one's relationship with thoughts and emotions, potentially leading to healing and personal growth.