The effect of a mindfulness-based stress intervention on neurobiological and symptom measures in adolescents with early life stress: a randomized feasibility study
Zsofia P Cohen, Kelly T. Cosgrove, Elisabeth Akeman, Sara Marie Coffey, T. Kent Teague, Jennifer Hays-Grudo, Martin P. Paulus, Robin L Aupperle, Namik Kirlic
BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies April 15, 2021 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-021-03295-1 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial (feasibility) Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 40 |
| Population | Adolescents with early life stress |
| Duration | Eight sessions; outcomes assessed at baseline and follow-up |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Citations | 38 |
| Registration | NCT03633903 |
| Key findings | Group MBSR-T was feasible for adolescents with early life stress, with a medium effect on depressive symptom reduction (Cohen's d = .69) and a medium effect trending toward significance for anticipatory cortisol (d = .56) relative to treatment as usual; no significant effects were found for C-reactive protein or interleukin 6. |
Abstract
Background: Early life stress (ELS) has been linked to poor mental and physical health outcomes in adolescence and adulthood. Mindfulness reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety and improves cognitive and social outcomes in both youth and adults. However, little is known whether mindfulness can mitigate against the adverse neurobiological and psychological effects of ELS. This study aimed to examine the feasibility of conducting a group mindfulness intervention in adolescents with ELS and provide preliminary indication of potential effects on stress-related biomarkers and mental health symptoms.
Methods: Forty adolescents were randomized to receive either eight sessions of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Teens in group format (MBSR-T; n = 21) or Treatment as Usual Control group (CTRL; n = 17). Outcomes were assessed at baseline and follow-up and included measures associated with neurobiological functioning (immune and endocrine biomarkers) and self-reported mental health (depressive) symptoms. Linear mixed effects models were used to assess the effects of group and time on these outcome measures.
Results: Sixteen of the 21 adolescents completed the intervention, attending an average of 6.5 sessions. The model examining cortisol responses to stress induction revealed medium effects trending toward significance (Cohen's d = .56) for anticipatory cortisol levels in the MBSR-T relative to CTRL groups. No significant effects were found in models examining C-reactive protein or interleukin 6 inflammatory markers. The model examining depressive symptoms revealed a medium effect for symptom reduction (Cohen's d = .69) in the MBSR-T relative to CTRL groups.
Conclusions: This study demonstrated feasibility of conducting a group-based MBSR-T intervention for adolescents with ELS. There was some evidence for efficacy on a symptom level with potential subtle changes on a biological level. Future larger studies are needed to determine the efficacy of group-based mindfulness interventions in this population.
Trial Registration: Identifier # NCT03633903 , registered 16/08/2018.
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 13
- Executive Function Training Through a Mindfulness-Based Neuroeducational Program in Elementary School Students Mindfulness November 1, 2024
- The Implementation of Mindfulness-Based Intervention to Overcome Anxiety in Adolescents: A Narrative Review REAL in Nursing Journal August 11, 2023
- Recalibrating stress regulation through mindfulness: a framework for adapting interventions for ACE-affected populations Frontiers in Psychology April 10, 2026
- An Umbrella Review of Meta-analyses of School-Based Mindfulness Based Interventions (MBIs) Mindfulness March 18, 2026
- Effect of mindful breathing on anxiety, depression, and quality of life among women with endometriosis. Journal of reproductive and infant psychology February 5, 2026
and 8 more in the library
Cites 16
- Mechanisms of mindfulness Journal of Clinical Psychology December 29, 2005
- Mindfulness Interventions Annual Review of Psychology September 30, 2016
- Mindfulness Training Improves Working Memory Capacity and GRE Performance While Reducing Mind Wandering Psychological Science March 28, 2013
- Mindfulness-based stress reduction for the treatment of adolescent psychiatric outpatients: A randomized clinical trial. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 2009
- Effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Intervention on Psychological Well-being and Quality of Life: Is Increased Mindfulness Indeed the Mechanism? Annals of Behavioral Medicine June 1, 2008
and 11 more in the library