Effects of two mindfulness based interventions on the distinct phases of the stress response across different physiological systems.
Liudmila Gamaiunova, Sylvia D Kreibig, Elise Dan-Glauser, Nicolas Pellerin, Pierre-Yves Brandt, Matthias Kliegel
Biological Psychology July 2022 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2022.108384 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 99 |
| Population | Healthy volunteers |
| Interventions | Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) MBSR with elements of other Buddhist practices (MBSR-B) |
| Measures | Trier Social Stress Test |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Negative affect Positive affect Prolonged stress activation Second-generation mindfulness interventions Social-evaluative threat Stress anticipation Stress biology Stress reactivity Stress recovery |
| Key findings | Compared with waitlist control, MBSR and MBSR-B attenuated stress responses across almost all systems and both negative and positive affect, with effects already present during the anticipatory phase for cortisol, autonomic activity, and negative affect. In the parasympathetic branch, effects appeared in all stress phases, but only MBSR-B showed a statistically significant recovery-phase effect versus waitlist control. |
Abstract
When evaluating the effects of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) on the stress response, several aspects should be considered, such as (1) effects on various response systems, (2) temporal dynamics of the stress response, and (3) differences between programs. This study assesses the stress-attenuating effects of a standard mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and a second-generation MBI: MBSR with elements of other Buddhist practices (MBSR-B). Ninety-nine healthy volunteers were randomly assigned to the MBSR, MBSR-B, or waitlist control groups and their stress response was evaluated with the Trier Social Stress Test. Changes in the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, sympathoadrenomedullary system, the autonomic nervous system (ANS), and affect were measured during distinct phases of the task. Compared to waitlist control, the stress-attenuated effects of MBIs were detected across almost all systems and both negative and positive affect. In the parasympathetic branch of the ANS, the effect of MBIs was present in all stress phases (however, in the recovery phase, only MBSR-B has shown a statistically significant effect in comparison with the waitlist control). The stress-attenuating effects of MBIs were observed already in the anticipatory phase for cortisol, ANS, and negative affect (for negative affect, only the modified MBSR-B program has shown statistically significant effect in comparison with the waitlist control).
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 17
- The Effects of a Mindfulness-Based Intervention on Mental Health Outcomes in Pregnant Woman: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. The journal of nursing research : JNR December 1, 2023
- Mindfulness improves the mental health of infertile women: A systematic review. Journal of public health research July 1, 2023
- Beyond mindfulness: how Buddhist meditation transforms consciousness through distinct psychological pathways. Frontiers in Psychology 2025
- Discussion on the Application of Mindfulness Therapy in the Treatment of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: A Narrative Review Psychology Research and Behavior Management August 1, 2025
- Measuring Decentering – Development and Validation of the French Version of the Experiences Questionnaire (EQ-F) Psychological Test Adaptation and Development August 1, 2024
and 12 more in the library
Cites 15
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Stress Management in Healthy People: A Review and Meta-Analysis The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine May 1, 2009
- Mindfulness Interventions Annual Review of Psychology September 30, 2016
- Loving-kindness and compassion meditation: potential for psychological interventions. Clinical Psychology Review July 26, 2011
- Loving-kindness meditation increases social connectedness. Emotion October 1, 2008
- Mindfulness training increases momentary positive emotions and reward experience in adults vulnerable to depression: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology July 18, 2011
and 10 more in the library