Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction training reduces loneliness and pro-inflammatory gene expression in older adults: a small randomized controlled trial.
Level 2 - randomized trial
Individual randomized controlled trial
PubMed 22820409 · doi:10.1016/j.bbi.2012.07.006
What was done
Forty older adults were randomized to either an 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program or a wait-list control group. The study evaluated changes in loneliness, pro-inflammatory NF-κB-related gene expression in circulating leukocytes, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels using mixed-effects linear models.
What was found
MBSR significantly reduced loneliness relative to wait-list controls, who experienced slight increases (treatment × time interaction: F(1,35) = 7.86, p = .008). At baseline, loneliness was associated with upregulated pro-inflammatory NF-κB-related gene expression, and MBSR downregulated this NF-κB-associated gene expression profile at post-treatment. There was a non-significant trend toward reduced CRP in the MBSR group (treatment × time interaction: F(1,33) = 3.39, p = .075).
Why it matters
This study provides early experimental evidence that mindfulness training can reduce loneliness in older adults while simultaneously downregulating associated pro-inflammatory gene expression pathways.
Limits
The sample size was small (N = 40), limiting statistical power and precision. The comparator was an inactive wait-list control rather than an active behavioral comparison, meaning non-specific effects like social contact or expectation could not be ruled out. Long-term follow-up beyond the post-intervention assessment was not reported.
Cited by
- supports Loneliness alters human gene expression by upregulating NF-κB, cortisol signaling, and pro-inflammatory genes.