Measuring Our Impact:
A Summary of Publications and Research on The Center for Mind-Body Medicine’s Clinical Interventions & Trainings

Research Overview

Papers in leading peer-reviewed, scientific journals document the efficacy of The Center for Mind-Body Medicine’s model with traumatized children, adolescents and adults. CMBM published the first randomized controlled trial of any intervention with war-traumatized children. In that and subsequent studies, CMBM’s group model has repeatedly reduced the percentage of children and adults who qualify as having Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) by 80% or more, with gains holding at 3- and 10-month follow ups. Adolescents with clinical depression had significantly less depression and suicidal ideation following a mind-body skills program. Published research also demonstrates statistically significant decreases in depression, hopelessness, anxiety, anger and sleep disturbance, and increases in mindfulness, self-efficacy, and quality of life.

In CMBM’s training program, healthcare and social service providers, educators, humanitarian workers, clergy and community leaders first experienced this small group model themselves, and then learned to implement the approach as an integral part of the work they do in the institutions, communities, and programs in which they work. Published research documents the efficacy of CMBM’s training program with healthcare providers and medical students. These studies show statistically significant decreases in burnout, secondary traumatic stress, anxiety, perceived stress, and personal distress as well as improvement in empathic concern. In one study, medical students in a Mind-Body Skills Group did not have the same exam-time increases in stress hormones as a comparison group.