Research Project Abstracts

Effect of Brief Stress Reduction Technique on Cardio-Neuro Responses to Psychological Stress in Med Students

Principal Investigator: George Brainard, Ph.D (George.Brainard@jefferson.edu)
Grant Period: 2000-2001

Background
Medical students confront significant academic, psychosocial, and existential stressors throughout their training. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is an educational intervention designed to improve coping skills and reduce emotional distress.

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of the MBSR intervention in a prospective, nonrandomized, cohort-controlled study.

Methods
Second-year students (n = 140) elected to participate in a 10-week MBSR seminar. Controls (n = 162) participated in a didactic seminar on complementary medicine. Profile of Mood States (POMS) was administered preintervention and postintervention.

Results
Baseline total mood disturbance (TMD) was greater in the MBSR group compared with controls (38.7 ± 33.3 vs. 28.0 ± 31.2; p < .01). Despite this initial difference, the MBSR group scored significantly lower in TMD at the completion of the intervention period (31.8 ± 33.8 vs. 38.6 ± 32.8; p < .05). Significant effects were also observed on Tension–Anxiety, Confusion–Bewilderment, Fatigue–Inertia, and Vigor–Activity subscales.

Conclusion
MBSR may be an effective stress management intervention for medical students.

Publication
Rosenzweig S, Reibel DK, Greeson JM, Brainard GC, Hojat M. Mindfulness-based stress reduction lowers psychological distress in medical students. Teaching and Learning in Medicine 15(2):88-92, Spring 2003. (Available in the Jefferson Digital Commons or from the publisher's website)