155. Engagement with cognitively-based compassion training is associated with reduced salivary C-reactive protein and cortisol from before to after training in foster care program adolescents

Abstract

Children exposed to early life adversity (ELA) have been shown to have elevated circulating concentrations of inflammatory markers that persist into adulthood, which is believed to drive the elevated risk for medical and psychiatric illness in the same individuals. Circulating cortisol concentrations have also been found to be altered in individuals with ELA. This study sought to determine: (1) whether Cognitively-Based Compassion Training (CBCT) reduced concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP) and increased concentrations of cortisol in saliva obtained from adolescents in foster care with high rates of ELA, and (2) the relationship between CBCT engagement and changes in CRP and cortisol, given prior evidence from our group for an effect of practice engagement on inflammatory markers. Seventy-one adolescents in the Georgia foster care system (31 females), aged 13–17, were randomized to either 6 weeks of CBCT or a wait-list condition. Participants in the CBCT group completed practice diaries to assess CBCT engagement. No differences between groups were observed in salivary CRP or cortisol concentrations. Within the CBCT group, practice sessions during the study correlated with reduced concentrations of both CRP and cortisol from baseline to the 6-week assessment. Engagement with CBCT may positively impact inflammatory measures relevant to health in adolescents at risk for poor adult functioning as a result of significant ELA, including individuals placed in foster care.