Despite the heterogeneity in intervention components and outcome variables , there were generally few significant associations between amount of meditation practice and its outcomes .
Interventions using the " Four  Immeasurables Meditations " ( FIM ) are effective for various outcomes ; however , whether increased meditation practice in these interventions leads to better results has not been well investigated .
Engagement with Cognitively-Based Compassion Training is associated with reduced salivary C-reactive protein from before to after training in foster care program adolescents
BACKGROUND Children exposed to early life adversity ( ELA ) have been shown to have elevated circulating concentrations of inflammatory markers that persist into adulthood . Increased inflammation in individuals with ELA is believed to drive the elevated risk for medical and psychiatric illness in the same individuals . This study sought to determine whether Cognitively Based Compassion Training ( CBCT ) reduced C-reactive protein ( CRP ) in adolescents in foster care with high rates of ELA , and to evaluate the relationship between CBCT engagement and changes in CRP given prior evidence from our group for an effect of practice on inflammatory markers . It was hypothesized that increasing engagement would be associated with reduced CRP from baseline to the 6-week assessment . METHODS Seventy-one adolescents in the Georgia foster care system ( 31 females ) , aged 13 - 17 , were r and omized to either 6 weeks of CBCT or a wait-list condition . State records were used to obtain information about each participant 's history of trauma and neglect , as well as reason for placement in foster care . Saliva was collected before and again after 6 weeks of CBCT or the wait-list condition . Participants in the CBCT group completed practice diaries as a means of assessing engagement with the CBCT . RESULTS No difference between groups was observed in salivary CRP concentrations . Within the CBCT group , practice sessions during the study correlated with reduced CRP from baseline to the 6-week assessment . CONCLUSIONS Engagement with CBCT may positively impact inflammatory measures relevant to health in adolescents at high risk for poor adult functioning as a result of significant ELA , including individuals placed in foster care . Longer term follow-up will be required to evaluate if these changes are maintained and translate into improved health outcomes
Despite the heterogeneity in intervention components and outcome variables , there were generally few significant associations between amount of meditation practice and its outcomes .
Interventions using the " Four  Immeasurables Meditations " ( FIM ) are effective for various outcomes ; however , whether increased meditation practice in these interventions leads to better results has not been well investigated .