Although studies have highlighted the relationship between stress-related psychopathological symptoms and changes in biochemical parameters, no study in dentistry has concurrently evaluated the association of stress and relaxation with biochemical markers and psychological parameters. Moreover, the impact of mindfulness-based self-compassion training programs on these variables has yet to be explored within this context. To enhance the well-being of dentists, an evaluation of a test group participating in an 8-week Mindfulness-Based Compassionate Living (MBCL) program was conducted. This assessment included daily cortisol curves, as well as salivary IL-6, IL-1β, and oxytocin levels. Additionally, empathy, burnout, self-compassion, depression, and mindfulness levels were measured before and after the training. In this study, the main hypothesis was that, compared to the control group, the test group would exhibit lower IL-1β, IL-6, and cortisol levels, along with higher oxytocin levels. Furthermore, as the secondary hypotheses was that the test group would demonstrate increased empathy, self-compassion, and mindfulness levels, accompanied by reductions in depression and burnout scores.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
49
All participants in the test group completed the 8-week MBCL (Mindfulness-Based Compassionate Living) training, consisting of 2-hour sessions per week, in accordance with the MBCL training protocol. Training was conducted by one expert periodontist who is also an internationally certified MBCL instructor
Cukurova UNiversity faculty of dentistry
Adana, Balcali, Turkey (Türkiye)
Self-Compassion Scale
The 6 subscales that comprise the 26-item self-compassion scale are self-kindness, self-judgment , common humanity , isolation , mindfulness and over-identification Participants indicate their responses to each item using a 5-point scale ranging from 1 (Almost Never) to 5 (Almost Always). Higher score indicates greater self-compassion.
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks
Saliva Cortisol
Saliva sampling for the daily cortisol curve was scheduled for both the test and control groups. For the test group, samples were collected before the commencement of the MBCL (Mindfulness-Based Compassionate Living) training (T1) and after its completion (T2). For the control group, saliva collection was aligned with the same time periods with the test group. Samples were collected five times per day at specific time points: 30 minutes after waking, at 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 5:00 PM, and 10:00 PM (with group reminders provided at designated times). Salivary cortisol was estimated by solid phase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (DiaMetra, Boldon, UK) in ng/ml. The procedure was done as per the manufacturer guidelines on saliva samples.
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks
Saliva IL 6
IL-6 levels were measured in pg/ml using the commercial kit ELISA according to the instructions of the producer.
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.