P02.119. Cognitively-Based Compassion Training reduces peripheral inflammation in adolescents in foster care with high rates of early life adversity

T Pace,C Raison,L Craighead,L Negi,B Ozawa-De Silva,S Cole,B Donaldson-Lavelle,S Reddy

doi:10.1186/1472-6882-12-s1-p175

Abstract

Purpose Children exposed to early life adversity (ELA) demonstrate elevated circulating concentrations of health-relevant inflammatory biomarkers which persist into adulthood. Increased inflammation in individuals with ELA is believed to contribute to the increased risk for medical and psychiatric illnesses observed in these individuals. The objective of this study was to determine whether Cognitively-Based Compassion Training (CBCT) reduces salivary concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP) in adolescents with high rates of ELA, and to evaluate the relationship between CBCT practice time and changes in CRP. CBCT is a meditation-based program designed to enhance compassion for self and others and to promote prosocial behavior. Based on prior findings, it was hypothesized that practice time during the study would be more strongly associated with reductions in CRP than would group assignment.

Highlights

Children exposed to early life adversity (ELA) demonstrate elevated circulating concentrations of health-relevant inflammatory biomarkers which persist into adulthood
The objective of this study was to determine whether Cognitively-Based Compassion Training (CBCT) reduces salivary concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP) in adolescents with high rates of ELA, and to evaluate the relationship between CBCT practice time and changes in CRP
No between group differences were observed in salivary CRP concentrations, self-reported depression or anxiety symptoms

Summary

Introduction

Children exposed to early life adversity (ELA) demonstrate elevated circulating concentrations of health-relevant inflammatory biomarkers which persist into adulthood. Increased inflammation in individuals with ELA is believed to contribute to the increased risk for medical and psychiatric illnesses observed in these individuals. The objective of this study was to determine whether Cognitively-Based Compassion Training (CBCT) reduces salivary concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP) in adolescents with high rates of ELA, and to evaluate the relationship between CBCT practice time and changes in CRP. CBCT is a meditation-based program designed to enhance compassion for self and others and to promote prosocial behavior. It was hypothesized that practice time during the study would be more strongly associated with reductions in CRP than would group assignment

Objectives

Methods

Conclusion