The Science Behind
Relaxation Response
and Building Resiliency
The Science Behind
Relaxation Response
and Building Resiliency
Published Research
The robust BHI research program aims both to investigate the basic science behind the success of eliciting the Relaxation Response and building resiliency, and to apply the research to treat patients and help prevent stress-related illnesses.
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Choose Abstract
Qualitative Research in Palliative Care: Applications to Clinical Trials Work
Correction: Relaxation Response Induces Temporal Transcriptome Changes in Energy Metabolism, Insulin Secretion and Inflammatory Pathways
Correction: Relaxation Response and Resiliency Training and Its Effect on Healthcare Resource Utilization
Correction: Genomic and Clinical Effects Associated with a Relaxation Response Mind-Body Intervention in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Risk and Resilience Factors Associated with Resident Burnout
Factors associated with complementary medicine use in pediatric musculoskeletal conditions: Results from a national survey
A systematic review of psychosocial therapies for children with rheumatic diseases
Minding the Mind-Body Literature: Frontiers in Cancer Treatment
Specific Transcriptome Changes Associated with Blood Pressure Reduction in Hypertensive Patients After Relaxation Response Training
Characteristics of adult smokers presenting to a mind-body medicine clinic
Mind-body therapy via videoconferencing in patients with neurofibromatosis: An RCT
Promoting quality care in patients with cancer with limited English proficiency: perspectives of medical interpreters
Coping and resiliency enhancement program (CARE): a pilot study for interpreters in cancer care
A Case Report of Improvement in Crohn's Disease-related Symptoms Following Participation in a Comprehensive Mind-Body Program
A Stress Management Group to Improve Psychological Health in Service Members. Global Advances in Health and Medicine. Nov 2015; 4 (6)
Relaxation Response and Resiliency Training and Its Effect on Healthcare Resource Utilization. PLoS One. 2015 October 13; 10.1371
Genomic and clinical effects associated with a relaxation response mind-body intervention in patients with irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. PLoS One. 2015 Apr 30;10(4)
Teacher-led Relaxation Response Curriculum in an Urban High School: Impact on Student Behavioral Health and Classroom Environment.
Examining perceived cancer risk among patients with neurofibromatosis type 1. J Neurooncol. 2015 Mar;122(1):127-33
A healthy aging program for older adults: effects on self-efficacy and morale Adv Mind Body Med. 2015 Winter;29(1):26-33.
Quality of life among children and adolescents with neurofibromatosis 1: a systematic review of the literature J Neurooncol. 2015 Apr;122(2):219-28
Promoting Resiliency among Palliative Care Clinicians: Stressors, Coping Strategies, and Training Needs. J Palliat Med. 2015 Feb 25;
The effectiveness of a brief mind-body intervention for treating Depression in community health center patients. Global Adv Health Med. 2015;4(2):30-35.
Functional genomics in the study of mind-body therapies Ochsner. J. 2014 Winter;14(4):681-95.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use by US Adults With Gastrointestinal Conditions: Results from the 2012 National Health Interview Survey. Am J Gastroenterol. 2014 Nov; 109(11): 1705-11. PMID: 25001257.
The relaxation response resiliency program (3RP) in patients with neurofibromatosis 1, neurofibromatosis 2, and schwannomatosis: results from a pilot study. J Neurooncol. 2014 Oct; 120(1): 103-9. PMID: 25022450.
Effectiveness of the relaxation response-based group intervention for treating depressed chinese american immigrants: a pilot study. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2014 Sep; 11(9): 9186-201. PMID: 25198683
Positive psychological states and health behaviors in acute coronary syndrome patients: A qualitative study. J Health Psychol. 2014 Aug; pii: 1359105314544135. PMID: 25114026.
The effects of tai chi on depression, anxiety, and psychological well-being: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Behav Med. 2014 Aug; 21(4): 605-17. PMID: 24078491.
Exploring the effectiveness of a modified comprehensive mind-body intervention for medical and psychologic symptom relief. Psychosomatics. 2014 Jul-Aug; 55(4): 386-91. PMID: 24751118.
Chronic variable stress activates hematopoietic stem cells. Nat Med. 2014 Jul; 20(7): 754-58. PMID: 24952646.
A randomized controlled pilot trial of classroom-based mindfulness meditation compared to an active control condition in sixth-grade children. J Sch Psychol. 2014 Jun; 52(3): 263-78. PMID: 24930819.
Psychological factors predict disability and pain intensity after skeletal trauma. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2014 Feb; 96(3): e20. PMID: 24500592.
Feasibility and utility of positive psychology exercises for suicidal inpatients. Gen Hosp Psychiatry. 2014 Jan-Feb; 36(1): 88-94. PMID: 24230461.
The effectiveness of a community-based, mind-body group for symptoms of depression and anxiety. Advances in Mind Body Medicine. 2014; 28(3): 6-13. PMID: 25141353.
A relaxation response training for women undergoing breast biopsy: exploring integrated care. Breast. 2013 Oct; 22(5): 799-805. PMID: 23587450.
A medical student elective promoting humanism, communication skills, complementary and alternative medicine and physician self-care: an evaluation of the HEART program. Explore (NY). 2013 Sep-Oct; 9(5): 292-98. PMID: 24021470.
Quality of life among adult patients with neurofibromatosis 1, neurofibromatosis 2 and schwannomatosis: a systematic review of the literature. J Neurooncol. 2013 Sep; 114(3): 257-62. PMID: 23817811.
The effectiveness of a comprehensive mind body weight loss intervention for overweight and obese adults: a pilot study. Complement Ther Med. 2013 Aug; 21(4): 286-93. PMID 23876558.
Relaxation response induces temporal transcriptome changes in energy metabolism, insulin secretion and inflammatory pathways. PLoS One. 2013 May; 8(5): e62817. PMID: 23650531.
Low degree of formal education and musical experience predict degree of music-induced stress reduction in relatives and friends of patients: a single-center, randomized controlled trial. Ann Surg. 2013 May; 257(5): 834-8. PMID: 23574990.
The development of a patient-centered program based on the relaxation response: the Relaxation Response Resiliency Program (3RP). Psychosomatics. 2013 Mar-Apr; 54(2): 165-74. PMID: 23352048.
Self-care, stress management, and primary care: from salutogenesis and health promotion to mind-body medicine. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013; 2013: 327415. PMID: 24489582.
The effects of qigong on anxiety, depression, and psychological well-being: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013; 2013: 152738. PMID: 23401706.
The treatment of depressed chinese americans using qigong in a health care setting: a pilot study. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013; 2013: 168784. PMID: 2360836.
"Relaxation Response Induces Temporal Transcriptome Changes in Energy Metabolism, Insulin Secretion and Inflammatory Pathways." PLOS One, 2013, May 1
Generalized anxiety disorder: diagnosis and treatment. BMJ. 2012 Nov; 345: e7500. PMID: 23187094.
Isolation rearing significantly perturbs brain metabolism in the thalamus and hippocampus. Neuroscience. 2012 Oct; 223: 457-64. PMID: 22835621.
Tai chi treatment for depression in Chinese Americans: a pilot study. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2012 Oct; 91(10): 863-70. PMID: 22790795.
Positive psychological attributes and cardiac outcomes: associations, mechanisms, and interventions. Psychosomatics. 2012 Jul-Aug; 53(4): 303-18. PMID: 22748749.
“Integrating a relaxation response-based curriculum into a public high school in Massachusetts.” J Adolesc. 2012 Apr;35(2):325-32.
“Tai Chi Treatment for Depression in Chinese Americans: A Pilot Study.” Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2012 Jul 11. [Epub ahead of print]
A brief report of depressive symptoms and health promoting behaviors among women with infertility attending a clinical mind-body program. J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol. 2012 Mar; 33(1): 32-6. PMID: 22214290.
Environmental enrichment with nesting material accelerates wound healing in isolation-reared rats. Behav Brain Res. 2012 Jan; 226(2): 606-12. PMID: 22008380.
The feasibility and impact of delivering a mind-body intervention in a virtual world. PLoS One. 2012; 7(3): e33843. PMID: 22470483.
Psychobiological changes from relaxation response elicitation: long-term practitioners vs. novices. Psychosomatics. 2011 Nov-Dec; 52(6): 550-559. PMID: 22054625.
Relaxation response-based yoga improves functioning in young children with autism: a pilot study. J Altern Complement Med. 2011 Nov; 17(11): 1029-35. PMID: 21992466.
Changes in depressive symptoms and social functioning in the sequenced treatment alternatives to relieve depression study. J Nerv Ment Dis. 2011 Oct; 199(10): 807-10. PMID: 21964277.
Development of a positive psychology intervention for patients with acute cardiovascular disease. Heart Int. 2011 Oct; 6(2): e14. PMID: 23825741.
Effects of complementary therapies on clinical outcomes in patients being treated with radiation therapy for prostate cancer. Cancer. 2011 Jan; 117(1): 96-102. PMID: 20803609.
"Exploring the effectiveness of a comprehensive mind-body intervention for medical symptom relief." J Altern Complement Med 16(2): 187-92.
"Nest making and oxytocin comparably promote wound healing in isolation reared rats." PLoS One 4(5): e5523.
"Stress management versus lifestyle modification on systolic hypertension and medication elimination: a randomized trial." J Altern Complement Med 14(2): 129-38.
"Genomic counter-stress changes induced by the relaxation response." PLoS One 3(7): e2576.
"Study of the Therapeutic Effects of Intercessory Prayer (STEP) in cardiac bypass patients: a multicenter randomized trial of uncertainty and certainty of receiving intercessory prayer." Am Heart J 151(4): 934-42.
"Association between oxygen consumption and nitric oxide production during the relaxation response." Med Sci Monit 12(1): CR1-10.
(2006). "The relaxation response: reducing stress and improving cognition in healthy aging adults." Complement Ther Clin Pract 12(3): 186-91.
(2006). "Relaxation: molecular and physiological significance." Med Sci Monit 12(9): HY21-31.
(2005). "Meditation experience is associated with increased cortical thickness." Med Sci Monit 9(2): RA23-34.
(2004). "Heart rate dynamics during three forms of meditation" Int J Cardiol 95: 19-27.
(2004). "Commonalities in the central nervous system’s involvement with complementary medical therapies: limbic morphinergic processes." Med Sci Monit 9(2): RA23-34.
(2004). "Relaxation & pain management: the relaxation response can play a role in managing chronic and acute pain." Am J Nurs 104(8): 75-6, 78-9, 81-2.
(2003). "The therapeutic use of the relaxation response in stress-related diseases." Med Sci Monit 9(2): RA23-34.
(2002). "The role of stress in neurodegenerative diseases and mental disorders." Neuro Endocrinol Lett 23(3): 199-208.
(2002). "Stress-related diseases -- a potential role for nitric oxide." Med Sci Monit 8(6): RA103-18.
(2002). "Stress in cardiovascular diseases." Med Sci Monit 8(5): RA93-RA101.
(2002). "A one year follow-up of relaxation response meditation as a treatment for irritable bowel syndrome." Behav Res Ther 40(5): 541-6.
(2001). "Women at mid-life: symptoms, attitudes, and choices, an internet based survey." Maturitas 38(2): 129-36.
(2001). "The effects of relaxation response meditation on the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome: results of a controlled treatment study." Behav Res Ther 39(7): 801-11.
(2001). "Anxiety is a good indicator for somatic symptom reduction through behavioral medicine intervention in a mind/body medicine clinic." Psychother Psychosom 70(1): 50-7.
(2001). "Somatization and symptom reduction through a behavioral medicine intervention in a mind/body medicine clinic." Behav Med 26(4): 169-76.
(2000). "Impact of group psychological interventions on pregnancy rates in infertile women." Fertil Steril 73(4): 805-11.
(2000). "The impact of group psychological interventions on distress in infertile women." Health Psychol 19(6): 568-75.
(2000). "Functional brain mapping of the relaxation response and meditation." Neuroreport 11(7): 1581-5.
(1996). "Perceived benefits in a behavioral-medicine insomnia program: a clinical report." Am J Med 100(2): 212-6.
(1996). "The efficacy of relaxation response interventions with adult patients: a review of the literature." J Cardiovasc Nurs 10(3): 4-26.
(1995). "Triggering of acute myocardial infarction onset by episodes of anger. Determinants of Myocardial Infarction Onset Study Investigators." Circulation 92(7): 1720-5.
(1993). "Clinical application of the relaxation response in women's health. AWHONNS "Clin Issues Perinat Womens Health Nurs 4(2): 311-9.
(1993). "The psychological impact of infertility: a comparison with patients with other medical conditions." J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol 14 Suppl:45-52.
Jacobs, GD, H., B et al.(1993). "Home-based central nervous system assessment of multifactor behavioral intervention for chronic sleep-onset insomnia." Behav Ther 24:159-74.
(1993). "Multifactor behavioral treatment of chronic sleep-onset insomnia using stimulus control and the relaxation response. A preliminary study." Behav Modif 17(4): 498-509.
(1992). "The prevalence and predictability of depression in infertile women." Fertil Steril 58(6): 1158-63.
(1992). ""Psychological improvement in infertile women after behavioral treatment: a replication." "Fertil Steril 58(1): 144-7.
(1991). "Decreased clinic use by chronic pain patients: response to behavioral medicine intervention." Clin J Pain 7(4): 305-10.
(1990). "The mind/body program for infertility: a new behavioral treatment approach for women with infertility." Fertil Steril 53(2): 246-9.
(1990). "Alleviation of premenstrual syndrome symptoms with the relaxation response." Obstet Gynecol 75(4): 649-55.
(1990). "Relaxation response in femoral angiography." Radiology 174(3 Pt 1): 737-9.
Leserman, J, Stuart, E et al. (1989). "Nonpharmacologic intervention for hypertension: Long term follow up." J Cardiopulmonary Rehabil 9:316-24.
(1989). "The efficacy of the relaxation response in preparing for cardiac surgery." Behav Med 15(3): 111-7.
(1987). "The preoperative use of the relaxation response with ambulatory surgery patients." J Human Stress 13(3): 101-7.
(1987). "Nonpharmacologic treatment of hypertension: a multiple-risk-factor approach." J Cardiovasc Nurs 1(4): 1-14.
(1986). "Biofeedback and relaxation-response training in the treatment of pediatric migraine." Dev Med Child Neurol 28(2): 139-46.
(1983). "The role of relaxation in behavioral therapies for chronic pain." Int Anesthesiol Clin 21(4): 193-200.
(1982). "The effect of Benson's relaxation response on the anxiety levels of Lebanese children under stress." J Exp Child Psychol 34(2): 350-6.
(1979). "The role of stress in hypertension." J Human Stress 5(2): 7-26.
(1978). "Treatment of anxiety: a comparison of the usefulness of self-hypnosis and a meditational relaxation technique. An overview." Psychother Psychosom 30(3-4): 229-42.
(1978). "Stress and hypertension: interrelations and management." Cardiovasc Clin 9(1): 113-24.
Benson, H., J. B. Kotch, et al. (1977). "Historical and clinical considerations of the relaxation response." Am Sci 65(4): 441-5.
(1977). "Can hypertension be induced by stress? A case discussion." J Human Stress 3(1): 4-11.
(1975). "Decreased premature ventricular contractions through use of the relaxation response in patients with stable ischaemic heart-disease." Lancet 2(7931): 380-2.
(1974). "The usefulness of the relaxation response in the therapy of headache." Headache 14(1): 49-52.
(1974). "Decreased blood pressure in borderline hypertensive subjects who practiced meditation." J Chronic Dis 27(3): 163-9.
(1974). "Decreased blood-pressure in pharmacologically treated hypertensive patients who regularly elicited the relaxation response." Lancet 1(7852): 289-91.
(1973). "Physiologic correlates of meditation and their clinical effects in headache: an ongoing investigation." Headache 13(1): 23-4.
