Changes in hair cortisol and self-reported stress measures following mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR): A proof-of-concept study in pediatric hematology-oncology professionals.
Martin Lamothe, Émélie Rondeau, Michel Duval, P. McDuff, Yves D Pastore, Serge Sultan
Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice October 23, 2020 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2020.101249 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Pre-post interventional study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 37 |
| Population | Pediatric hematology-oncology professionals |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program |
| Duration | 3-month follow-up |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key points | An MBSR program improved self-reported stress, psychological distress, and burnout over three months in pediatric hematology-oncology professionals, but did not change biological stress. |
Abstract
Background: AND PURPOSE Little data is available on the effect of mindfulness amongst pediatric hematology-oncology professionals. The purpose was to further document change in biological and psychological stress following a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program.
Materials and Methods: We led two pre-post interventional studies (n = 12 and n = 25) and measured changes on hair cortisol concentrations, perceived stress, psychological distress and burnout.
Results: Professionals did not change on biological stress (d = 0.04), but improved on self-reported measures (median d = 0.58). Effects were maintained over 3 months for psychological distress, anxiety, depression, and burnout (median d = 0.66). Effects were larger if trainees participated to the retreat and if they reported higher baseline perceived stress.
Conclusion: In pediatric hematology-oncology professionals, an MBSR program was related with improvements in self-reported stress over 3 months. Components of the program and characteristics of trainees may influence the impact of MBSR.