Effects of a Mindfulness-Based Intervention on Mindfulness, Stress, Salivary Alpha-Amylase, and Cortisol in Daily Life

First published: September 15, 2021 https://doi.org/10.1111/psyp.13937

Commentary

A large body of literature demonstrates the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in reducing stress.

However, little is known about its impact on stress markers.

This study will examine the effects of MBI on measures of daily state attention, perceived stress, and activation of the sympathetic nervous system (salivary alpha-amylase, sAA) hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system (salivary cortisol, sCort).

Twenty-eight individuals participated in a 3-month MBI (IG) and were compared to 46 controls (CG). Using Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA), mindfulness, stress, sAA, and sCort were assessed by measuring them six times a day for two days before and after the MBI. Multilevel modeling was used to analyze the data with average daily levels per moment; IG showed a decrease in sAA levels (AUCg) from pre to post, while CG showed an increase.

The diurnal decrease in sCort (AUCi) was more pronounced in IG compared to CG, and mindfulness was associated with lower stress and sAA levels, but not with sCort.

Thus showing that MBI can decrease sympathetic and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal activation in daily life. Increased mindfulness can temporarily reduce stress and stress-related autonomic activation, which may have health implications. The results highlight the importance of simple interventions that can be easily integrated into daily life.