Mindfulness and physical disease: a concise review

Jeffrey M. Greeson, Gabrielle R. Chin

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

55 Scopus citations

Abstract

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.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)204-210
Number of pages7
JournalCurrent Opinion in Psychology
Volume28
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2019
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Psychology

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