In this study, individuals who were stressed but otherwise healthy participated in an eight-week program of MBSR. At the end of the program, each participant reported a significant decrease in their perceived stress, as compared to before treatment. MR images of each participant’s brain were obtained both before and after the MBSR program. The images showed a decrease in the density of the amygdala gray matter after the program, when the participants reported feeling less stress. This is the first study to draw a link between physical neuroplastic changes and alterations in the one’s psychological state. More on this: Read the full study Listen to the “60-Minute Mind” podcast on this study 01/20/11
