Somatic Psychoeducational Intervention Is Associated with Increased Oxytocin Levels, Improved Autonomic Function, and Reduced Psychological Distress Symptoms in Medical and Social Care Professionals.
Lourdes P Dale, Audrey N Dana, Hannah Lamont, Parmida Nazarloo, C Sue Carter, Stephen W. Porges, Steven P Cuffe, Donnalea Van Vleet Goelz
Healthcare December 10, 2025 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare13243236 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Preliminary study with a randomized subset comparison Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 39 |
| Population | Female medical and social care professionals |
| Intervention | Somatic Psychoeducational Intervention (SPI) |
| Duration | Three- to four-week intervention, one-month follow-up |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Autonomic reactivity Oxytocin Physical stress Polyvagal theory Psychological distress |
| Registration | NCT05766852 NCT06580119 |
| Key points | The Somatic Psychoeducational Intervention increased salivary oxytocin and reduced autonomic reactivity and psychological distress symptoms in female medical and social care professionals, with benefits sustained at one-month follow-up. In a small randomized subset, only the intervention group improved in autonomic reactivity and anxiety and depression symptoms. The authors conclude these preliminary findings support SPI as a potentially scalable intervention, though high attrition and small subgroup sizes require cautious interpretation. |
Abstract
Background/Objectives. Medical and social care professionals (MSCPs) are disproportionately affected by chronic occupational stress, placing them at elevated risk for autonomic dysregulation, affective disorders, and burnout. Method. This preliminary study includes data obtained from two samples. The data protocols were approved by University of Florida's IRB (IRB202200233 approved 24 February 2023 and IRB202401217 approved on 2 October 2024) and registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05766852 and NCT06580119). With a total sample of 39 female MSCPs, we investigated the effects of the novel Somatic Psychoeducational Intervention (SPI), grounded in Polyvagal Theory, on autonomic reactivity, psychological distress symptoms, and salivary oxytocin levels. Participants engaged in a three- to four-week intervention integrating psychoeducation, interoceptive training, breathwork, and somatic movement. A subset was randomly assigned via a random number generator to allow for comparison of the intervention group (n = 8) to control group (n = 7). Results. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed increases in salivary oxytocin (ηp2 = 0.46) and reductions in autonomic reactivity (ηp2 = 0.24) and psychological distress symptoms (ηp2 ranging from 0.24 to 0.47). Benefits were sustained at one-month follow-up. Subset analyses focused on participants receiving the intervention at the same time found that only the participants in the intervention group improved with regard to autonomic reactivity and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Correlational analyses showed that changes in oxytocin and autonomic reactivity were associated with mindfulness improvements, which in turn predicted symptom reduction. Conclusions. These preliminary findings support SPI as a potentially scalable intervention with neurophysiological and psychological benefits. However, high attrition and small subgroup sizes necessitate cautious interpretation.
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 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 2
- Somatic Approaches for Stress Reduction and Nervous System Recovery: Theoretical Foundations, Evidence Review, and the Dotyk Method European Journal of Arts Humanities and Social Sciences June 23, 2026
- Somatic Practices and Their Impact on the Emotional and Physical Well-Being of Women: Evidence, Mechanisms, and the Dotyk Method European Journal of Medical and Health Research May 26, 2026