Changes of psychological and biological stress parameters in individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders participating in a mindfulness-based group therapy
Marco Zierhut, S. Koop, Niklas Bergmann, Inge Hahne, Ingmar Conell, Julia Kraft, A. Braun, Mareike Bayer, T. Ta, Julian Hellmann-Regen, N. Thomas, Stephan Ripke, Malek Bajbouj, E. Hahn, Kerem Böge
Schizophrenia April 30, 2026 DOI: 10.1038/s41537-026-00759-6 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 45 |
| Population | Individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders |
| Interventions | Mindfulness-based group therapy (MBGT) Treatment as usual |
| Duration | 4-week intervention |
| Measures | self-rating scales, cortisol saliva samples, oxytocin assessments |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | MBGT significantly reduced general stress, symptom-related distress, and cortisol levels over four weeks. Oxytocin increased during the first session and decreased during the last. Stress reduction correlated with changes in self-reported negative symptoms, suggesting MBGT may offer stress relief with potential links to negative symptoms. |
Abstract
This study investigates changes in stress parameters in individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders participating in mindfulness-based group therapy (MBGT). N = 45 participants were randomised to MBGT or Treatment as Usual over four weeks. Before and after each session, psychological and biological stress markers by self-rating scales and cortisol saliva samples were assessed in the active group (n = 22). Oxytocin was assessed before and after the first and last sessions. Results indicated significant reductions in general stress, symptom-related distress and cortisol levels. Oxytocin showed increases during the first session and decreases during the last session. Exploratory analyses showed correlations between psychological and biological stress markers, and between stress reduction and changes in self-reported negative symptoms. MBGT may provide stress relief in patients with SSD with potential associations with negative symptoms. The study did not include a session-specific control group. Further studies with larger samples and corresponding control conditions are warranted to test causality.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |