Mediational pathways of meditation and exercise on mental health and perceived stress: A randomized controlled trial.

ABSTRACT: This study investigated the effects of mindfulness and exercise training on indicators of mental health and stress by examining shared mediators of program effects. Community-recruited adults (N = 413) were randomized into one of three conditions: (a) mindfulness-based stress reduction, (b) moderate intensity exercise, or (c) wait-list control. Composite indicator structural equation models estimated direct, indirect, and total effects. Results showed that mindfulness-based self-efficacy fulfilled a prominent role in mediating meditation and exercise program effects. Findings suggest that mindfulness and exercise training share similar mechanisms that can improve global mental health, including adaptive responses to stress.

SUBMITTER: Goldstein E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6367057 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature