2011

Because stress is linked to negative moods, reducing stress through meditation should impact negative moods as well. Ramel, Goldin, Carmona, and McQuaid (2004) followed people with mood disorders through an MBSR program and found that their depression and anxiety levels decreased after completion of the program. Similarly, Tacon, McComb, Caldera and Randolph (2003) demonstrated a decrease in anxiety levels among women diagnosed with cardiovascular disease after they completed a similar program. Majumdar, Grossman, Dietz-Waschkowski, Kersig, and Walach (2002) studied a group of people with chronic diseases and found an increase in their quality of life and well-being as their stress levels decreased through an MBSR program. Similarly, Grossman, Niemann, Schmidt, and Walach (2004) studied a group of patients with various diagnoses and found they also reported an increase in their quality of life and a decrease in stress by participating in a meditation program.