O'Leary, K,O'Neill, S,Dockray, S

2016

September

Journal of Health Psychology

A systematic review of the effects of mindfulness interventions on cortisol

Validated

Altmetric: 39 ()

cortisol intervention mindfulness well-being STRESS REDUCTION PROGRAM COGNITIVE THERAPY AWAKENING RESPONSE CANCER OUTPATIENTS FOLLOW-UP MEDITATION PROGRAM SALIVARY CORTISOL PERCEIVED STRESS CONTROLLED-TRIAL WHITEHALL-II

21

2108

2121

Cortisol is increasingly included in examinations of mindfulness intervention effects as an indicator of efficacy; however, the association of cortisol and mindfulness has yet to be rigorously evaluated. A systematic review of six studies examining mindfulness intervention effects on cortisol was conducted. Inconsistent results were found for mindfulness effects on cortisol. Significant changes in cortisol levels were observed in within-participants studies but not observed in randomised controlled trial designs. Mindfulness may influence cortisol, but findings are inconclusive. Mindfulness pathways and methodological differences influence variations in mindfulness effects. Robust protocols are needed to adequately examine mindfulness effects on cortisol.

10.1177/1359105315569095