Student mindfulness trial reports mixed questionnaire and saliva results
University students receiving mindfulness training had better reported general-health results than controls, but no significant cortisol effect was detected. Other saliva findings were reported without their direction or magnitude.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
In this student trial, mindfulness training produced a statistically significant general-health result compared with controls, while its effect on cortisol in saliva was not statistically significant. The authors also reported effects on other saliva measures. Without score changes or clear laboratory-result directions, these findings cannot establish the amount of psychological improvement or its clinical importance.
The abstract omits training duration, score changes and the direction of the other saliva effects. Separate anxiety and depression outcomes are not quantified, despite being part of the study's stated question.
What researchers found
Laboratory outcome
After mindfulness training versus the control group, the cortisol result was nonsignificant. Assessment timing and an effect estimate were not reported; this does not prove an absence of effect.
Questionnaires and saliva answer different questions
The study assessed psychological outcomes with questionnaires and collected saliva for laboratory testing. These are distinct measurements. A change in a saliva marker does not by itself demonstrate improvement in anxiety, depression or everyday functioning.
Other reported laboratory effects
The authors reported significant effects on alpha-amylase measured in saliva and its ratio to cortisol. They did not specify whether these values rose or fell, so the abstract cannot support a directional claim about either measurement.
The original publication
Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Salivary Cortisol and α-amylase Level, Anxiety and Depression in Students: A Randomized and Parallel-Group Clinical Trial.
Hassanvandi S, Mohammadzadegan R, Saadat SH et al.
Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 40694304
- Record checked
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