Mediational pathways of meditation and exercise on mental health and perceived stress: A randomized controlled trial.
Ellen Goldstein, James Topitzes, Roger L Brown, Bruce P. Barrett
Journal of Health Psychology October 2020 DOI: 10.1177/1359105318772608 (opens in new tab)
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Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 413 |
| Population | Community-recruited adults |
| Interventions | Mindfulness-based stress reduction moderate intensity exercise |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Exercise Mental health Mindfulness-based stress reduction Perceived stress |
| Key findings | Mindfulness-based self-efficacy mediated the effects of both mindfulness-based stress reduction and moderate-intensity exercise on mental health and stress indicators, suggesting the two programs share similar mechanisms for improving global mental health and adaptive stress responses. |
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of mindfulness and exercise training on indicators of mental health and stress by examining shared mediators of program effects. Community-recruited adults (N = 413) were randomized into one of three conditions: (a) mindfulness-based stress reduction, (b) moderate intensity exercise, or (c) wait-list control. Composite indicator structural equation models estimated direct, indirect, and total effects. Results showed that mindfulness-based self-efficacy fulfilled a prominent role in mediating meditation and exercise program effects. Findings suggest that mindfulness and exercise training share similar mechanisms that can improve global mental health, including adaptive responses to stress.
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 6
- Neurobiological Changes Induced by Mindfulness and Meditation: A Systematic Review. Biomedicines November 15, 2024
- Target mechanisms of mindfulness-based programmes and practices: a scoping review. BMJ mental health August 24, 2024
- Necessity and Significance of Meditation in Life Journal of Advanced Research in Ayurveda Yoga Unani Sidhha & Homeopathy October 8, 2020
- Acute effects of ultra-short aerobic and resistance, yoga-based mobility, and mindfulness meditation sessions on mental health: a randomized online study. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living 2026
- Exploring Meditation Profiles and Predictors in Nursing Students. Journal of Holistic Nursing June 2023
and 1 more in the library
Cites 21
- The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 2003
- Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: A conceptual and empirical review. Clinical Psychology Science and Practice 2003
- Meditation Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-being JAMA Internal Medicine January 6, 2014
- A Randomized, Wait-List Controlled Clinical Trial: The Effect of a Mindfulness Meditation-Based Stress Reduction Program on Mood and Symptoms of Stress in Cancer Outpatients Psychosomatic Medicine September 1, 2000
- 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 16 more in the library