In a randomized controlled study Shapiro, Schwartz, & Bonner examined the effects of a meditation based program on 78 medical and premedical students. Results indicated increased levels of empathy and decreased levels of anxiety and depression in the meditation group as compared to the wait- list control group. Furthermore, these results held during the students’ stressful exam period. The findings were replicated when participants in the wait-list control group received the mindfulness intervention.

Reference: Shapiro, Schwartz, & Bonner, 1998, Journal of Behavioural Medicine

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