Meditation interventions efficiently reduce cortisol levels of at-risk samples: a meta-analysis. Issue 1 (2nd January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Koncz, Adam; Demetrovics, Zsolt; Takacs, Zsofia K.
• Is Part Of: Health psychology review. Volume 15:Issue 1(2021)
• Page Start: 56
• Page End: 84
• Publication Date: 2021-01-02
• Subjects: meditation -- cortisol -- meta-analysis -- at-risk samples -- stress management -- long-term effect; Clinical health psychology -- Periodicals; 613.019
• DOI: 10.1080/17437199.2020.1760727
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1743-7199

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Previous meta-analytic results showed beneficial effects of meditation interventions for cortisol levels. In the present meta-analysis we tested whether effects are larger for those who might be in need of such stress reduction programs due to a risk for elevated cortisol levels as compared to no-risk samples. We included RCTs that measured change in cortisol levels. Based on 10 studies using blood samples meditation interventions had a significant, medium effect from pre-to post-test compared to the control group. Upon closer inspection, this effect was only present for at-risk samples, that is, patients with a somatic illness. In the 21 studies using saliva samples the effect was small and not significant, but there was a marginally significant effect for groups living in stressful life situations. This pattern may suggest that that meditation interventions are most beneficial for at-risk populations. These interventions might provide people with strategies of stress management that can contribute to well-being. Preliminary results suggest that benefits of meditation interventions might not fade with time.