Mindfulness and physical disease: a concise review


Author: Jeffrey M Greeson1, Gabrielle R Chin2

Affiliation: <sup>1</sup> Rowan University, College of Science and Mathematics, Department of Psychology, United States. Electronic address: greeson@rowan.edu.

<sup>2</sup> Rowan University, College of Science and Mathematics, Department of Psychology, United States.
Conference/Journal: Curr Opin Psychol
Date published: 2019 Aug 1
Other:
 Volume ID: 28   ,  Pages: 204-210   ,  Special Notes: doi: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2018.12.014.   ,  Word Count: 124  
    Many of today's most common, chronic, and costly diseases-from high blood pressure, to chronic pain-are related to stress. Mindfulness, considered a state, a trait, and a training, might help treat or prevent stress-related physical symptoms. A concise review of current scientific evidence shows that both higher levels of trait mindfulness as well as mindfulness training are associated with better psychological well-being, coping, and quality of life. Effects on objective measures of disease, however, are often non-significant or await replication. Larger trials with active control groups, clear diagnostic criteria, objective outcome measures, and longer-term follow-up are needed to generate better quality evidence. Yet, many studies do support integrating mindfulness into health care as part of self-care and disease management.





PMID: 30785067 PMCID: PMC6597336 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2018.12.014