Enhanced Psychosocial Well-Being Following Participation in a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program Is Associated with Increased Natural Killer Cell Activity

Fang, Carolyn Y.; Reibel, Diane K.; Longacre, Margaret L.; Rosenzweig, Steven; Campbell, Donald E.; Douglas, Steven D.

doi:10.1089/acm.2009.0018

Cited by 130Mindfulness and Compassion InterventionsStress Responses and CortisolHealth, psychology, and well-being

Enhanced Psychosocial Well-Being Following Participation in a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program Is Associated with Increased Natural Killer Cell Activity

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Fang, Carolyn Y., Reibel, Diane K., Longacre, Margaret L., Rosenzweig, Steven, Campbell, Donald E., Douglas, Steven D.·2010·The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine

DOI 10.1089/acm.2009.0018PMC PMC2921566

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Abstract

BACKGROUND: Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) programs have consistently been shown to enhance the psychosocial well-being of participants. Given the well-established association between psychosocial factors and immunologic functioning, it has been hypothesized that enhanced psychosocial well-being among MBSR participants would be associated with corresponding changes in markers of immune activity. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to examine changes in psychosocial and immunologic measures in a heterogeneous patient sample following participation in a MBSR program. DESIGN: A single-group, pretest/post-test design was utilized. SETTING: The intervention was conducted at an academic health center. SUBJECTS: This pilot study involved 24 participants (aged 28-72 years). Inclusion criteria were as follows: > or =18 years of age, English-speaking, and no known autoimmune disorder. INTERVENTION: The intervention was an 8-week MBSR program. OUTCOME MEASURES: Distress and quality of life (QOL) measures included the Brief Symptom Inventory-18 and the Medical Outcomes Survey Short-Form Health Survey, respectively. Immunologic measures included natural killer (NK) cell cytolytic activity and C-reactive protein (CRP). RESULTS: Patients completed psychosocial assessments and provided a blood sample at baseline (pre-MBSR) and within 2 weeks post-MBSR. Significant improvements in anxiety and overall distress as well as across multiple domains of QOL were observed from baseline to post-MBSR. Reductions in anxiety and overall distress were associated with reductions in CRP. Patients who reported improvement in overall mental well-being also showed increased NK cytolytic activity from pre- to post-MBSR, whereas patients who reported no improvement in mental well-being showed no change in NK cytolytic activity. CONCLUSIONS: Positive improvement in psychologic well-being following MBSR was associated with increased NK cytolytic activity and decreased levels of CRP.

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Spirituality and Aging
Lavretsky, H. (2010) · Aging Health · doi:10.2217/ahe.10.70 · Cited by 104 · see citing works
A review of primary care interventions to improve health outcomes in adult survivors of adverse childhood experiences
Korotana, L. M., Dobson, K. S., Pusch, D., & Josephson, T. (2016) · Clinical Psychology Review · doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2016.04.007 · Cited by 101 · see citing works
The effects of mindfulness-based interventions on nursing students: A meta-analysis
Chen, X., Zhang, B., Jin, S.-X., Quan, Y.-X., Zhang, X.-W., & Cui, X.-S. (2021) · Nurse Education Today · doi:10.1016/j.nedt.2020.104718 · Cited by 91 · see citing works
An Adapted Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program for Elders in a Continuing Care Retirement Community
Moss, A., Reibel, D. K., Greeson, J. M., Thapar, A., Bubb, R., Salmon, J. W., & Newberg, A. B. (2014) · Journal of Applied Gerontology · doi:10.1177/0733464814559411 · Cited by 88 · see citing works
“Research on MBSR in various patient populations has shown beneficial effects including reductions in anxiety, depression, and pain, and improvements in health-related quality of life, immune functioning, brain functioning, and cognitive functioning (Bohlmeijer, Prenger, Taal, & Cuijpers, 2010; Carlson, Speca, Faris, &…”
Self-citation
Depression as an evolutionary strategy for defense against infection
Anders, S. L., Tanaka, M., & Kinney, D. K. (2012) · Brain Behavior and Immunity · doi:10.1016/j.bbi.2012.12.002 · Cited by 84 · see citing works
An Interprofessional Palliative Care Oncology Rehabilitation Program: Effects on Function and Predictors of Program Completion
Chasen, M. R., Feldstain, A., Gravelle, D., Macdonald, N., & Pereira, J. L. (2013) · Current Oncology · doi:10.3747/co.20.1607 · Cited by 85 · see citing works
Toward Identifying the Effects of the Specific Components of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Biologic and Emotional Outcomes Among Older Adults
Gallegos, A. M., Hoerger, M. P., Talbot, N. L., Krasner, M. S., Knight, J. M., Moynihan, J. A., & Duberstein, P. R. (2013) · The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine · doi:10.1089/acm.2012.0028 · Cited by 82 · see citing works
“Moreover, the relationship of emotions to immune function underscores the potential benefits of stress-regulating and emotion-enhancing clinical interventions for aging populations.(9,10) MBSR is intended to cultivate mindful attention to one’s moment-to-moment cognitive, affective, and physical experience without eva…”
Mindfulness Training Alters Emotional Memory Recall Compared to Active Controls: Support for an Emotional Information Processing Model of Mindfulness
Roberts-Wolfe, D., Sacchet, M., Hastings, E., Roth, H., & Britton, W. (2012) · Frontiers in Human Neuroscience · doi:10.3389/fnhum.2012.00015 · Cited by 79 · see citing works
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction to Enhance Psychological Functioning and Improve Inflammatory Biomarkers in Trauma-Exposed Women: A Pilot Study
Gallegos, A. M., Lytle, M. C., Moynihan, J. A., & Talbot, N. L. (2015) · Psychological Trauma Theory Research Practice and Policy · doi:10.1037/tra0000053 · Cited by 79 · see citing works
“Numerous studies in clinical and nonclinical samples have shown beneficial effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) on perceived stress and psychological symptoms (Grossman, Niemann, Schmidt, & Walach, 2004; Hofmann, Sawyer, Witt, & Oh, 2010) and immune function (Carlson, Speca, Faris, & Patel, 2007; David…”
Background
Effect and Acceptability of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program on Patients With Elevated Blood Pressure or Hypertension: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Lee, E. K. P., Yeung, N. C. Y., Xu, Z., Zhang, D., Yu, C.-P., & Wong, S. Y. S. (2020) · Hypertension · doi:10.1161/hypertensionaha.120.16160 · Cited by 68 · see citing works
“At physiological level, MBIs may reduce levels of inflammatory markers and sympathetic activity, thereby reducing BP.(11,12) Furthermore, by cultivating nonjudgmental attitudes or by accepting the illnesses (including hypertension) and having an awareness of all the available choices, MBIs can enhance patients’ self-c…”
BackgroundInfluential
Mindfulness instruction for HIV-infected youth: a randomized controlled trial
Webb, L., Perry-Parrish, C., Ellen, J., & Sibinga, E. (2018) · AIDS Care · doi:10.1080/09540121.2017.1394434 · Cited by 67 · see citing works
“mindfulness with HIV-infected populations had similar rates of attrition, ranging from 52% to 75% (Alinaghi et al., 2012; Fang et al., 2010; Robinson et al., 2003).”
Background
Meditation, Health and Scientific Investigations: Review of the Literature
Sampaio, C. V. S., Lima, M. G., & Ladeia, A. M. T. (2016) · Journal of Religion and Health · doi:10.1007/s10943-016-0211-1 · Cited by 68 · see citing works
Research note: A randomized investigation of evangelical Christian accommodative mindfulness.
Ford, K. M., & Garzon, F. L. (2017) · Spirituality in Clinical Practice · doi:10.1037/scp0000137 · Cited by 64 · see citing works
“Numerous empirical studies and meta-analytic reviews have supported the effectiveness of mindfulness as an intervention for lowering stress, anxiety, and depression (e.g., Chiesa & Serretti, 2009; Fang et al., 2010; Shapiro, Oman, Thoresen, Plante, & Flinders, 2008).”
Affective Immunology: The Crosstalk Between Microglia and Astrocytes Plays Key Role?
Yang, L., Zhou, Y., Jia, H., Qi, Y., Tu, S., & Shao, A. (2020) · Frontiers in Immunology · doi:10.3389/fimmu.2020.01818 · Cited by 64 · see citing works
“Hence, we speculate that the altered astrocyte-microglia crosstalk Abbreviations: AAMC, altered astrocyte-microglia crosstalk; CNS, central nervous system; BBB, blood-brain barrier; MCP, monocyte chemoattractant protein; IL, interleukin; TGF, transforming growth factor; NK, nature killer; CRP, C reactive protein; HPA,…”
Background
Effects of mindfulness-based interventions on biomarkers in healthy and cancer populations: a systematic review
Sanada, K., Díez, M. A., Valero, M. S., Pérez-Yus, M. C., Demarzo, M., Montero‐Marín, J., Garcı́a-Toro, M., & García‐Campayo, J. (2017) · BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine · doi:10.1186/s12906-017-1638-y · Cited by 62 · see citing works
Yoga into Cancer Care
Agarwal, R. P., & Maroko-Afek, A. (2018) · International Journal of Yoga · doi:10.4103/ijoy.ijoy_42_17 · Cited by 57 · see citing works
To stress or not to stress: Brain-behavior-immune interaction may weaken or promote the immune response to SARS-CoV-2
Peters, E. M. J., Schedlowski, M., Watzl, C., & Gimsa, U. (2021) · Neurobiology of Stress · doi:10.1016/j.ynstr.2021.100296 · Cited by 61 · see citing works
“…et al., 2012), decrease CRP and pro-inflammatory cytokines (Creswell et al., 2012; Witek Janusek et al., 2019) and increase NK-cell activity (Fang et al., 2010; Witek Janusek et al., 2019) as well as CD4 + T cell counts (Creswell et al., 2009) with sufficient practice in the procedure…”
The effect of group mindfulness - based stress reduction program and conscious yoga on the fatigue severity and global and specific life quality in women with breast cancer.
Rahmani, S., & Talepasand, S. (2015) · PubMed Central · Cited by 56 · see citing works
Evidence for the Role of Mindfulness in Cancer: Benefits and Techniques
Mehta, R., Sharma, K., Potters, L., Wernicke, A. G., & Parashar, B. (2019) · Cureus · doi:10.7759/cureus.4629 · Cited by 55 · see citing works
Religiosity Dimensions and Disability-Free Life Expectancy in Taiwan
Zimmer, Z., Chiu, C., Saito, Y., Jagger, C., Ofstedal, M. B., & Lin, Y. (2019) · Journal of Aging and Health · doi:10.1177/0898264319843445 · Cited by 50 · see citing works
“Private activity, in contrast, which can be measured by prayer and/or meditation practice, is often conducted at home or in other places without the oversight of a religious institution (Fang et al., 2010; Helm, Hays, Flint, Koenig, & Blazer, 2000).”
Background
Effects of Maternal Psychological Stress During Pregnancy on Offspring Brain Development: Considering the Role of Inflammation and Potential for Preventive Intervention
Graham, A. M., Doyle, O. J., Tilden, E. L., Sullivan, E. L., Gustafsson, H., Marr, M. C., Allen, M. C., & Seghete, K. L. M. (2021) · Biological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging · doi:10.1016/j.bpsc.2021.10.012 · Cited by 54 · see citing works
“Similar to CBT, mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs), such as mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) (91) and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) (92), are efficacious in reducing psychological stress, improving well-being, and improving clinical and functional outcomes in adults with medical and psychiatr…”
The centrality of sense of self in psychological flexibility processes: What the neurobiological and psychological correlates of psychedelics suggest
Hayes, S. C., Law, S., Malady, M., Zhu, Z., & Bai, X. (2019) · Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science · doi:10.1016/j.jcbs.2019.11.005 · Cited by 44 · see citing works
The Place of Philosophy in Bioethics Today
Blumenthal‐Barby, J., Aas, S., Brudney, D., Flanigan, J., Liao, S. M., London, A. J., Sumner, W., & Savulescu, J. (2021) · The American Journal of Bioethics · doi:10.1080/15265161.2021.1940355 · Cited by 47 · see citing works
“For example, recent research in psychiatry emphasizes the value of mindfulness meditation, e.g., as a treatment for chronic pain, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or as an intervention aimed to promote wellbeing (Chiesa and Serretti 2011; Fang et al. 2010; Zernicke et al. 2013).”
Background
Perceived Benefits and Doubts of Participants in a Weekly Meditation Study
Sears, S. R., Kraus, S., Carlough, K., & Treat, E. (2011) · Mindfulness · doi:10.1007/s12671-011-0055-4 · Cited by 42 · see citing works
“…pain management (Kabat-Zinn et al. 1985; Rosenzweig et al. 2010; Zautra et al. 2008), immune function (Creswell et al. 2009; Davidson et al. 2003; Fang et al. 2010), changes in brain areas associated with emotion (Davidson et al. 2003; Hölzel et al. 2010; Hölzel et al. 2011), ruminative thoughts…”
Background
Resilience and Aging: Research and Practice
Lavretsky, H. (2014) · Project Muse (Johns Hopkins University) · Cited by 36 · see citing works
Highlighting the Potential for Chronic Stress to Minimize Therapeutic Responses to Radiotherapy through Increased Immunosuppression and Radiation Resistance
Chen, M., Singh, A. K., & Repasky, E. A. (2020) · Cancers · doi:10.3390/cancers12123853 · Cited by 34 · see citing works
The Eight Ujarait (Rocks) Model: Supporting Inuit Adolescent Mental Health With an Intervention Model Based on Inuit Ways of Knowing
Healey, G., Noah, J., & Mearns, C. (2016) · International Journal of Indigenous Health · doi:10.18357/ijih111201614394 · Cited by 33 · see citing works
“International Journal of Indigenous Health, Volume 11, Issue 1, 2016 • 99 being and have become increasingly popular in school settings, young offender programs, and youth treatment centres to reduce stress and enhance overall well-being among youth (Biegel, Brown, Shapiro, & Schubert, 2009; Bogels, Hoogstad, van Dun,…”
Background
Health Disparities in COVID-19: Addressing the Role of Social Determinants of Health in Immune System Dysfunction to Turn the Tide
Baumer, Y., Farmer, N. M., Premeaux, T. A., Wallen, G. R., & Powell‐Wiley, T. M. (2020) · Frontiers in Public Health · doi:10.3389/fpubh.2020.559312 · Cited by 33 · see citing works
“Several interventions have also been shown to alter NK cells; for instance, daily nature walks have been shown to increase NK cell numbers and functionality (107) and support for psychosocial well-being increases NK cell cytotoxicity (108).”
Background
Well-Being, Aging, and Immunity
Friedman, E. M. (2012) · Oxford University Press eBooks · doi:10.1093/oxfordhb/9780195394399.013.0003 · Cited by 31 · see citing works
I-CAN SLEEP: Rationale and design of a non-inferiority RCT of Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for the treatment of Insomnia in CANcer survivors
Garland, S. N., Carlson, L. E., Antle, M. C., Samuels, C. H., & Campbell, T. S. (2011) · Contemporary Clinical Trials · doi:10.1016/j.cct.2011.05.014 · Cited by 30 · see citing works
“In contrast, MBSR has demonstrated efficacy for improving symptoms of stress, mood disturbance and overall distress in cancer patients [18–23].”
Background
Effect of mindfulness-based interventions on people with prehypertension or hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Chen, Q., Liu, H., & Du, S. (2024) · BMC Cardiovascular Disorders · doi:10.1186/s12872-024-03746-w · Cited by 39 · see citing works
“Additionally, two physiological researches on MBIs show a reduction on total peripheral resistance by reducing sympathetic activity and also a reduction on inflammatory markers, thereby lowered blood pressure [48, 49].”
Background
A review on integrative approaches in oncology: bridging ayurvedic medicine and modern cancer therapeutics
Jha, S. K., Singh, N., Shanker, O. R., Antil, I., Baghel, J. S., Huddar, V. G., & Tripathi, R. (2025) · Frontiers in Natural Products · doi:10.3389/fntpr.2025.1635197 · Cited by 29 · see citing works
The effects of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) intervention on inflammation and stress biomarkers: a randomized controlled trial
Järvelä-Reijonen, E., Puttonen, S., Karhunen, L., Sairanen, E., Laitinen, J., Kolehmainen, M., Pihlajamäki, J., Kujala, U. M., Korpela, R., Ermes, M., et al. (2020) · International Journal of Behavioral Medicine · doi:10.1007/s12529-020-09891-8 · Cited by 27 · see citing works
Effects of Self‐Conditioning Techniques (Self‐Hypnosis) in Promoting Weight Loss in Patients with Severe Obesity: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Bo, S., Rahimi, F., Goitre, I., Properzi, B., Ponzo, V., Regaldo, G., Boschetti, S., Fadda, M., Ciccone, G., Daga, G. A., et al. (2018) · Obesity · doi:10.1002/oby.22262 · Cited by 27 · see citing works
Assessing for unique immunomodulatory and neuroplastic profiles of physical activity subtypes: A focus on psychiatric disorders
Eyre, H. A., & Baune, B. T. (2013) · Brain Behavior and Immunity · doi:10.1016/j.bbi.2013.10.026 · Cited by 27 · see citing works
“P65 years of age 8 - week MBSR program Participants completed a 10 - item measure of positive affect at study entry and post - intervention .”
Influential
Barriers to Meditation by Gender and Age Among Cancer Family Caregivers
Williams, A.-L., Ness, P. V., Dixon, J. K., & McCorkle, R. C. (2011) · Nursing Research · doi:10.1097/nnr.0b013e3182337f4d · Cited by 27 · see citing works
“Physiologic responses to meditation have been documented for decades, with much of the evidence providing support for meditation as an effective tool in decreasing symptoms and biomarkers of stress (Delmonte, 1985; Fan, Tang, Ma, & Posner, 2010; Fang et al., 2010; Infante el al., 2001; Jung et al., 2010).”
Background
Biologic effects of mindfulness meditation: growing insights into neurobiologic aspects of the prevention of depression
Young, S. N. (2011) · Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience · doi:10.1503/jpn.110010 · Cited by 23 · see citing works
“In healthy people, meditation increased the anti body titer to influenza vaccine,(25) lowered the stressinduced increase in interleukin-6(26) and decreased C-reactive protein.(27) Research on the biologic effects of meditation is relatively”
Background
Sitting and silent meditation as a strategy to study emotion regulation.
Menezes, C. B., Pereira, M. G., & Bizarro, L. (2012) · Psychology & Neuroscience · doi:10.3922/j.psns.2012.1.05 · Cited by 22 · see citing works
“…Stanley, Kiyonaga, Wong, & Gelfand, 2010; Schroevers & Brandsma, 2010) and reductions in anxiety (Chiesa & Serretti, 2009; Davidson et al., 2003; Fang et al., 2010; Farb et al., 2010; Goldin & Gross, 2010), depression (Farb et al., 2010; Goldin & Gross, 2010), and stress scores (Chiesa &…”
Background
Sense of coherence, health problems, and presenteeism in Japanese university students
Mikami, A., Matsushita, M., Adachi, H., Suganuma, N., Koyama, A., Ichimi, N., Ushijima, H., Ikeda, M., Takeda, M., Moriyama, T., et al. (2013) · Asian Journal of Psychiatry · doi:10.1016/j.ajp.2013.03.008 · Cited by 22 · see citing works
The Effects of a Mindfulness Meditation Program on Quality of Life in Cancer Outpatients: An Exploratory Study
Chang, Y.-Y., Wang, L.-Y., Liu, C., Chien, T.-J., Chen, I.-J., & Hsu, C.-H. (2017) · Integrative Cancer Therapies · doi:10.1177/1534735417693359 · Cited by 22 · see citing works
“Studies involving a similar meditation program with different populations have given evidence that meditation-based interventions can lead to a decrease in heart rate,(26) blood pressure,(27,28) and circulating stress hormones(27-29) and enhanced immune function.(29,30) Psychological benefits have also been reported,…”
Background
Mechanisms of Developing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: New Targets for Drug Development and Other Potential Interventions
Wimalawansa, S. J. (2014) · CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets · doi:10.2174/1871527313666140711091026 · Cited by 21 · see citing works
The Relationship Between Race, Inflammation and Psychosocial Factors Among Pregnant Women
Catov, J. M., Flint, M. S., Lee, M., Roberts, J. M., & Abatemarco, D. J. (2014) · Maternal and Child Health Journal · doi:10.1007/s10995-014-1522-z · Cited by 21 · see citing works
Mindfulness Meditation: A Primer for Rheumatologists
Young, L. (2011) · Rheumatic Disease Clinics of North America · doi:10.1016/j.rdc.2010.11.010 · Cited by 17 · see citing works
“The relationship between improved psychological well-being and improved immune function is less clear, with some studies showing a positive relationship between the two and others showing no association [17,86,88].”
Background
Accessibility and feasibility of using technology to support mindfulness practice, reduce stress and promote long term mental health
Burnett‐Zeigler, I., Waldron, E. M., Hong, S. H., Yang, A., Wisner, K. L., & Ciolino, J. D. (2018) · Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice · doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2018.09.001 · Cited by 15 · see citing works
The effects of guided imagery on sleep and inflammatory response in cardiac surgery: a pilot randomized controlled trial.
Casida, J. M., Yaremchuk, K., Shpakoff, L., Marrocco, A. M., Babicz, G., & YARANDI, H. N. (2013) · PubMed · Cited by 14 · see citing works
Intervenciones psicoterapéuticas y psicosociales para el manejo del estrés en esclerosis múltiple: aportación de intervenciones basadas en mindfulness
Muñoz San José, A., Oreja-Guevara, C., Cebolla Lorenzo, S., Carrillo Notario, L., Rodríguez Vega, B., & Bayón Pérez, C. (2016) · Neurología · doi:10.1016/j.nrl.2015.07.014 · Cited by 14 · see citing works
Unconscious Agendas in the Etiology of Refractory Obesity and the Role of Hypnosis in Their Identification and Resolution:A New Paradigm for Weight-Management Programs or a Paradigm Revisited?
Entwistle, P. A., Webb, R. J., Abayomi, J. C., Johnson, B., Sparkes, A. C., & Davies, I. G. (2014) · International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis · doi:10.1080/00207144.2014.901085 · Cited by 14 · see citing works
Psychotherapeutic and psychosocial interventions for managing stress in multiple sclerosis: The contribution of mindfulness-based interventions
José, A. M. S., Oreja‐Guevara, C., Lorenzo, S. C., Notario, L. C., Vega, B. R., & Pérez, C. B. (2016) · Neurología (English Edition) · doi:10.1016/j.nrleng.2015.07.003 · Cited by 14 · see citing works
The Influence of Meditative Interventions on Immune Functioning: A Meta-Analysis
Oyler, D. L., Hulett, J. M., Pratscher, S. D., Price‐Blackshear, M. A., Murphy, E. A., & Bettencourt, B. A. (2023) · Mindfulness · doi:10.1007/s12671-023-02157-w · Cited by 11 · see citing works
Mindfulness-based stress reduction teachers, practice characteristics, cancer incidence, and health: a nationwide ecological description
Robb, S. W., Benson, K., Middleton, L., Meyers, C., & Hébert, J. R. (2015) · BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine · doi:10.1186/s12906-015-0545-3 · Cited by 11 · see citing works
“Observational and experimental studies have demonstrated the potential of MBSR to improve the condition of individuals with various health outcomes such as hypertension, diabetes, and chronic pain [21,22]; improve psychological well-being [18,23]; reduce stress levels [21,24]; and increase survival among cancer patien…”
Background
Eficacia-efectividad del programa de reducción del estrés basado en la conciencia plena (MBSR): actualización
Guillén, J. M. B. (2015) · Revista de la Asociación Española de Neuropsiquiatría · doi:10.4321/s0211-57352015000200005 · Cited by 11 · see citing works
Unraveling the Molecular Determinants of Manual Therapy: An Approach to Integrative Therapeutics for the Treatment of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis
Espejo, J., Garcia-Escudero, M., & Oltra, E. (2018) · International Journal of Molecular Sciences · doi:10.3390/ijms19092673 · Cited by 10 · see citing works
“In another study, a program of eight weeks consisting of 20–30 min/day meditation at home, six days/week, for mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), showed increased killing activity of NK cells only in subjects who reported an improvement [124].”
Background
Effect of online modified mindfulness‐based stress reduction training on the resilience of nursing interns in China
Wang, Y., Kou, J., & Han, B. (2023) · Nursing Open · doi:10.1002/nop2.1788 · Cited by 9 · see citing works
“According to former study (Fang et al., 2010) reported, MBSR can achieve a decrease in anxiety and C- reactive protein levels in patients.”
Distinguishing Mindful Process from Outcome in the Prediction of Global Health and Perceived Stress in a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program
Christopher, M., Rogers, B., Hunsinger, M., Colgan, D. D., Reiss, A. L., & Farwood, H. B. (2014) · Mindfulness · doi:10.1007/s12671-014-0305-3 · Cited by 9 · see citing works
Nighttime salivary cortisol as a biomarker of stress and an indicator of worsening quality of life in patients with head and neck cancer: A cross‐sectional study
Marla Smille Pedrosa, C. R. U. Z., Reis, T. G., OLIVEIRA, A. C., Macêdo, M. M., de Bessa, J., & Oliveira, M. C. (2022) · Health Science Reports · doi:10.1002/hsr2.783 · Cited by 9 · see citing works
“Stress is a common issue among cancer patients and is associated with activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and the main mediators released by the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), namely norepinephrine, epinephrine, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and cortisol.(3) Chronic stress affects most…”
Background
Comparative Effectiveness of a Mindfulness-Based Intervention (M-Body) on Depressive Symptoms: Study Protocol of a Randomized Controlled Trial in a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC)
Burnett-Zeigler, I., Zhou, E., Martinez, J. H., Zumpf, K., Lartey, L., Moskowitz, J. T., Wisner, K. L., McDade, T., Brown, C. H., Gollan, J., et al. (2023) · Trials · doi:10.1186/s13063-022-07012-2 · Cited by 9 · see citing works
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy Associated with Decreases in C-Reactive Protein in Major Depressive Disorder: A Pilot Study
Eisendrath, S. J. (2016) · Alternative Complementary & Integrative Medicine · doi:10.24966/acim-7562/100010 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
Environment, the Immune System, and Depression: An Integrative Review and Discussion of the Infection-Defense Hypothesis
Tanaka, M., Anders, S. L., & Kinney, D. K. (2012) · Molecular and integrative toxicology · doi:10.1007/978-1-61779-812-2_14 · Cited by 7 · see citing works
Nontraditional Cardiac Rehabilitation in Korean Patients with Coronary Artery Disease
Lee, J.-Y., Song, Y., Lindquist, R. A., Yoo, Y. S., Park, E., Lim, S.-J., Chung, Y., & Mathiason, M. A. (2016) · Rehabilitation Nursing · doi:10.1002/rnj.268 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
A mixed methods feasibility study of mindfulness meditation for fatigue in women with metastatic breast cancer
Leydon, G., Eyles, C., & Lewith, G. T. (2012) · European Journal of Integrative Medicine · doi:10.1016/j.eujim.2012.05.003 · Cited by 7 · see citing works
Effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions on inflammaging: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Huang, X., Lv, J., Zhu, D., Peng, H., & Yu, T. (2025) · Biogerontology · doi:10.1007/s10522-025-10287-y · Cited by 6 · see citing works
“…Wirth et al. 2019; Wu et al. 2024; Zgierska et al. 2016) and six pre-post trials (Dalen et al. 2010; Dutcher et al. 2021; Eisendrath et al. 2016; FaNg et al. 2010; Gallegos et al. 2015; Shah et al. 2020); eight RCTs (Carlson et al. 2015; Gardner 2018; Gautam et al. 2019; Innes et al. 2018; KeNg…”
Efficacy of Healing meditation in reducing anxiety of individuals at the phase of weight loss maintenance: A randomized blinded clinical trial
Sampaio, C. V. S., Lima, M. G., & Ladeia, A. M. T. (2016) · Complementary Therapies in Medicine · doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2016.08.005 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
Relationship Between Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Immune Function in Cancer and HIV/AIDS
Zeichner, R. L., Kibler, J. L., & Zeichner, S. B. (2013) · Cancer and Clinical Oncology · doi:10.5539/cco.v2n1p62 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
“, 2003, Webber, 2010) through chronic activation of the sympathetic nervous system and hormone-release in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis (Buckingham et al., 1997; Fang et al., 2010), as well as through maladaptive coping behaviors (Kendall-Tackett, 2010).”
BackgroundMethodResultInfluential
Pressure Point Threshold and ME/CFS comorbidity as Indicators of Physiotherapy Response in FibromyalgiaPreprint
Falaguera-Vera, F. J., Garcia-Escudero, M., Bonastre-Férez, J., Zacarés, M., & Oltra, E. (2020) · Preprints.org · doi:10.20944/preprints202009.0264.v1 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
“In line with this, several are the authors that have demonstrated beneficial health effects obtained from positive emotional stimulus, either reflected by the boosting of the immune system [35, 56,57], and effects in weight gain and increased vagal tone [58], among other.”
Background
Mindfulness and Work-Related Well-Being
Klatt, M. D., Wise, E., & Fish, M. L. (2015) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-319-22255-4_16 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
Mindfulness training enhances individual's well-being:A review
Liu, X. (2013) · Zhongguo xinli weisheng zazhi · Cited by 5 · see citing works
Relationship between Meditation and Waking Salivary Cortisol Secretion among Long-Term MBSR Instructors
Robb, S. W., Haslam, A., Wirth, M. D., Gay, J. L., Middleton, L., Healy, M. L., & Hébert, J. R. (2019) · Complementary Medicine Research · doi:10.1159/000493124 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
Behavioral Medicine Methods in Treatment of Somatic Conditions
Białkowska, J., Juranek, J. F., & Wojtkiewicz, J. (2020) · BioMed Research International · doi:10.1155/2020/5076516 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
Pressure Point Thresholds and ME/CFS Comorbidity as Indicators of Patient’s Response to Manual Physiotherapy in Fibromyalgia
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Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Improves Well-being in Healthy Black Women: A Pilot Study
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“…and immune markers including TNF-⍺ , NF-kB, improved antibody production, and natural killer cell activity have been shown to improve in healthy participants with MBSR and may be better markers to measure in future studies (Creswell et al., 2012; Davidson et al., 2003; Fang et al., 2010).”
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Authors: Fang, C. Y., Reibel, D. K., Longacre, M. L., Rosenzweig, S., Campbell, D. E., & Douglas, S. D.
Affiliations: Fox Chase Cancer Center (US)
Thomas Jefferson University (US)
Drexel University (US)
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (US)
Corresponding author: Fang, Carolyn Y.
ORCID: Fang, Carolyn Y.
Longacre, Margaret L.
Douglas, Steven D.
Venue: The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Published: 2010-05
Volume: 16
Issue: 5
Pages: 531-538
ISSN: 1075-5535 (ISSN-L)
1557-7708
DOI: 10.1089/acm.2009.0018
PMC: PMC2921566
OpenAlex: W2004305363
Cited by: 130
References: 54
Citations by year: 2026: 4 · 2025: 14 · 2024: 6 · 2023: 5 · 2022: 1 · 2021: 6 · 2020: 11 · 2019: 6 · 2018: 9 · 2017: 9 · 2016: 11 · 2015: 10 · 2014: 7 · 2013: 13 · 2012: 11
FWCI: 10.92
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: green
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Locations: The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (publishedVersion)
PubMed Central (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
The Medicine Forum (submittedVersion)
Funders: National Institutes of Health
Fox Chase Cancer Center
National Cancer Institute (R01CA125069, P30 CA000697, K22CA107115, P30CA006927)
Topics: Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions
Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Behavioral Neuroscience › Stress Responses and Cortisol
Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Health, psychology, and well-being
Keywords: mindfulness-based stress reduction, psychosocial well-being, natural killer cells, C-reactive protein, anxiety, distress, quality of life, mind-body problem, immune function
MeSH terms: Adult, Aged, Anxiety, C-Reactive Protein, Female, Health Surveys, Humans, Killer Cells, Natural, Male, Mental Health, Middle Aged, Pilot Projects, Psychophysiology, Quality of Life, Stress, Psychological, Meditation

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Enhanced Psychosocial Well-Being Following Participation in a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program Is Associated with Increased Natural Killer Cell Activity

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