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.
Comparable studies
Other non-randomized and open-label trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in Relation to Quality of Life, Mood, Symptoms of Stress, and Immune Parameters in Breast and Prostate Cancer Outpatients Early-stage breast and prostate cancer patients | 2003 | Pre-post intervention study | n = 59 |
| Exploring self‐compassion and empathy in the context of mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR) Community sample | 2010 | Pre-post intervention study | |
| Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Lowers Psychological Distress In Medical Students Second-year medical students | 2003 | Prospective nonrandomized cohort-controlled study | n = 302 |
| Intensive meditation training, immune cell telomerase activity, and psychological mediators. Retreat participants and matched controls | 2011 | Controlled trial with wait-list control group | n = 60 |
| The Effectiveness of Mindfulness Training for Children with ADHD and Mindful Parenting for their Parents Children aged 8-12 with ADHD and their parents | 2011 | Within-group waitlist controlled trial | n = 22 |
Citations in the library
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- Effects of online mindful stretching exercises for loneliness, mindfulness, and hair cortisol: A mixed method study. Explore June 26, 2025
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Addressing Psychological Distress, Learning-Based Stress Symptoms, and Post-Traumatic Growth in Adults with Specific Learning Disabilities Mindfulness July 10, 2025
- The Effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Pediatric Oncology Nurses' Stress Level, and Pediatric Oncology Patients' Psychosocial Symptoms and Care Satisfaction: A Prospective Non-Randomized Trial. Holistic Nursing Practice October 16, 2024
- WITHDRAWN: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Addressing Psychological Distress, Learning-Based Stress Symptoms, and Post-Traumatic Growth in Adults with Specific Learning Disabilities
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- Teaching self-care to caregivers: Effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction on the mental health of therapists in training. Training and Education in Professional Psychology May 1, 2007
- The Effects of Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction on Nurse Stress and Burnout Holistic Nursing Practice November 1, 2004
- The Effects of Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction on Nurse Stress and Burnout, Part II Holistic Nursing Practice 2005
and 19 more in the library