Jeffrey Greeson

Rowan University, Psychology, Faculty Member

University of Pennsylvania, Psychiatry, Adjunct

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I have conducted research in the fields of integrative medicine, mindfulness meditation, health psychology, and stress since 1998. My independent and collaborative research has been funded by grants from the National Center for Complementary & Integrative Health (NCCIH; K99/R00, R34, U01), the National Heart, Lung & Blood Institute (NHLBI; T32, R01, Diversity Supplement), the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH; P30 pilot study), and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK; R01), a Fellowship from The Institute for Integrative Health (TIIH), and other non-federal sponsors. The main goal of my research is to understand how mindfulness training impacts a cluster of biobehavioral factors, namely psychological distress, poor sleep quality, high blood pressure, and physiological reactions to stress, that are implicated in chronic disease risk, including cardiovascular disease, depression, and HIV/AIDS. These projects incorporate treatment development, stress psychophysiology, biochemistry, immunology, omics, behavioral sleep assessment, and multivariable statistical modeling in the context of clinical trials. To learn more, please see our website for the Mindfulness, Stress & Health Lab at: https://csm.rowan.edu/departments/psychology/research/greeson/
Address: Rowan University
Department of Psychology
201 Mullica Hill Road, Robinson Hall Rm 116L
Glassboro, NJ 08028

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A Paradigm Shift : Away From Conventional Categories and Toward Functional Processes

Mindfulness as a current topic of academic inquiry derives from two main historical roots: (1) Ea... more Mindfulness as a current topic of academic inquiry derives from two main historical roots: (1) Eastern contemplative psychology embedded in meditation (Germer, 2005; Gunaratana, 2002; Kabat-Zinn, 2011); and (2)Western social psychology (E. J. Langer, 1989). From both a contemplative and a social-psychological perspective, mindfulness concerns freeing oneself frommisperceptions, thinking patterns, and selfimposed limitations that impede creativity, clear seeing, and optimal mental and physical health. Moreover, from both the Eastern and Western view, every individual has the intrinsic capacity to be mindful, and with intention and practice, mindfulness can garner strength and stability. In this sense, the greatest potential of mindfulness may emerge when one consciously decides to pursue mindfulness not as just a “tool” in the proverbial toolbox, but as a way of seeing oneself and the world, or a conscious way of being and interacting (Kabat-Zinn, 2005). In the contemplative traditio...

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Psychological Distress and HIV Disease Progression: Roe of Natural Killer Cell Immunity

Optimizing a self-directed mobile mindfulness intervention for improving cardiorespiratory failure survivors' psychological distress (LIFT2): Design and rationale of a randomized factorial experimental clinical trial

Contemporary Clinical Trials, 2020

Although as many as 75% of the > 2 million annual intensive care unit (ICU) survivors experience ... more Although as many as 75% of the > 2 million annual intensive care unit (ICU) survivors experience symptoms of psychological distress that persist for months to years, few therapies exist that target their symptoms and accommodate their unique needs. In response, we developed LIFT, a mobile app-based mindfulness intervention. LIFT reduced distress symptoms more than either a telephone-based mindfulness program or education control in a pilot randomized clinical trial (LIFT1). Objective: To describe the methods of a factorial experimental clinical trial (LIFT2) being conducted to aid in the development and implementation of the version of the LIFT intervention that is optimized across domains of effect, feasibility, scalability, and costs. Methods and analysis: The LIFT2 study is an optimization trial conceptualized as a component of a larger multiphase optimization strategy (MOST) project. The goal of LIFT2 is to use a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial experimental trial involving 152 patients to determine the ideal components of the LIFT mobile mindfulness program for ICU survivors across factors including (1) study introduction by call from a therapist vs. app only, (2) response to persistent or worsening symptoms over time by therapist vs. app only, and (3) high dose vs. low dose. The primary trial outcome is change in depression symptoms 1 month from randomization measured by the PHQ-9 instrument. Secondary outcomes include anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and physical symptoms; measures of feasibility, acceptability, and usability; as well as themes assessed through qualitative analysis of semistructured interviews with study participants conducted after follow up completion. We will use general linear models to compare outcomes across the main effects and interactions of the factors.

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Pilates, mindfulness and somatic education

Journal of Dance & Somatic Practices, 2013

The Pilates Method is a form of somatic education with the potential to cultivate mindfulness – a... more The Pilates Method is a form of somatic education with the potential to cultivate mindfulness – a mental quality associated with overall well-being. However, controlled studies are needed to determine whether changes in mindfulness are specific to the Pilates Method or also result from other forms of exercise. This quasi-experimental study compared Pilates Method mat classes and recreational exercise classes on measures of mindfulness and well-being at the beginning, middle and end of a fifteen-week semester. Total mindfulness scores increased overall for the Pilates Method group but not for the exercise control group, and these increases were directly related to end of semester ratings of self-regulatory self-efficacy, perceived stress and mood. Findings suggest that the Pilates Method specifically enhances mindfulness, and these increases are associated with other measures of wellness. The changes in mindfulness identified in this study support the role of the Pilates Method in th...

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Dispositional Mindfulness Uncouples Physiological and Emotional Reactivity to a Laboratory Stressor and Emotional Reactivity to Executive Functioning Lapses in Daily Life

Mindfulness, 2016

Both dispositional mindfulness and mindfulness training may help to uncouple the degree to which ... more Both dispositional mindfulness and mindfulness training may help to uncouple the degree to which distress is experienced in response to aversive internal experience and external events. Because emotional reactivity is a transdiagnostic process implicated in numerous psychological disorders, dispositional mindfulness and mindfulness training could exert mental health benefits, in part, by buffering emotional reactivity. The present studies examine whether dispositional mindfulness moderates two understudied processes in stress reactivity research: the degree of concordance between subjective and physiological reactivity to a laboratory stressor (study 1) and the degree of dysphoric mood reactivity to lapses in executive functioning in daily life (study 2). In both studies, lower emotional reactivity to aversive experiences was observed among individuals scoring higher in mindfulness, particularly non-judging, relative to those scoring lower in mindfulness. These findings support the hypothesis that higher dispositional mindfulness fosters lower emotional reactivity. Results are discussed in terms of implications for applying mindfulness-based interventions to a range of psychological disorders in which people have difficulty regulating emotional reactions to stress.

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Decreased Symptoms of Depression After Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction: Potential Moderating Effects of Religiosity, Spirituality, Trait Mindfulness, Sex, and Age

Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.), Jan 19, 2015

Objective: Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is a secular meditation training program tha... more Objective: Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is a secular meditation training program that reduces depressive symptoms. Little is known, however, about the degree to which a participant's spiritual and religious background, or other demographic characteristics associated with risk for depression, may affect the effectiveness of MBSR. Therefore, this study tested whether individual differences in religiosity, spirituality, motivation for spiritual growth, trait mindfulness, sex, and age affect MBSR effectiveness. Methods: As part of an open trial, multiple regression was used to analyze variation in depressive symptom outcomes among 322 adults who enrolled in an 8-week, community-based MBSR program. Results: As hypothesized, depressive symptom severity decreased significantly in the full study sample (d=0.57; p<0.01). After adjustment for baseline symptom severity, moderation analyses revealed no significant differences in the change in depressive symptoms following MB...

Can mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) buffer stress reactivity and facilitate physiological recovery in healthy adults?

Mindfulness-based interventions in routine clinical care for stress-related ailments

Mindfulness:A Transtherapeutic Approach for Transdiagnostic Mental Processes

The Wiley Blackwell Handbook of Mindfulness, 2014

In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert's there are few.-(Suzuki, ... more In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert's there are few.-(Suzuki, 2010) Historical Origins of Mindfulness and Implications for Mind-Body Health Mindfulness as a current topic of academic inquiry derives from two main historical roots: (1) Eastern contemplative psychology embedded in meditation (Germer, 2005; Gunaratana, 2002; Kabat-Zinn, 2011); and (2) Western social psychology (E. J. Langer, 1989). From both a contemplative and a social-psychological perspective, mindfulness concerns freeing oneself from misperceptions, thinking patterns, and selfimposed limitations that impede creativity, clear seeing, and optimal mental and physical health. Moreover, from both the Eastern and Western view, every individual has the intrinsic capacity to be mindful, and with intention and practice, mindfulness can garner strength and stability. In this sense, the greatest potential of mindfulness may emerge when one consciously decides to pursue mindfulness not as just a "tool" in the proverbial toolbox, but as a way of seeing oneself and the world, or a conscious way of being and interacting (Kabat-Zinn, 2005). In the contemplative tradition, the fundamental shift in perspective associated with mindfulness is called Beginner's Mind (Suzuki, 2010); this refers to the meditation practice of remaining open, curious, unattached, and mentally flexible. Hence, meditation practice offers a traditional method for cultivating the core qualities of mindfulness. In Western societies, mindfulness meditation is now taught-using the skills of Beginner's Mind-as a way to relieve suffering associated with stress, pain, and illness (Kabat-Zinn, 1982, 1990, 2011). Jon Kabat-Zinn described the fundamental shift in perspective that comes about through mindfulness meditation practice as an

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Hair cortisol as a biomarker of stress in mindfulness training for smokers

Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.), 2014

Stress is a well-known predictor of smoking relapse, and cortisol is a primary biomarker of stres... more Stress is a well-known predictor of smoking relapse, and cortisol is a primary biomarker of stress. The current pilot study examined changes in levels of cortisol in hair within the context of two time-intensity matched behavioral smoking cessation treatments: mindfulness training for smokers and a cognitive-behavioral comparison group. Eighteen participants were recruited from a larger randomized controlled trial of smoking cessation. Hair samples (3 cm) were obtained 1 month after quit attempt, allowing for a retrospective analysis of hair cortisol at preintervention and post-quit attempt time periods. Self-reported negative affect was also assessed before and after treatment. Both groups received a 7-week intensive intervention using mindfulness or cognitive-behavioral strategies. Cortisol significantly decreased from baseline to 1 month after quit attempt in the entire sample (d=-0.35; p=.005). In subsequent repeated-measures analysis of variance models, time by group and time b...

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Lowers Psychological Distress In Medical Students

Teaching and Learning in Medicine, 2003

Full terms and conditions of use: http://www.informaworld.com/terms-and-conditions-of-access.pdf ... more Full terms and conditions of use: http://www.informaworld.com/terms-and-conditions-of-access.pdf This article may be used for research, teaching and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, redistribution , reselling , loan or sub-licensing, systematic supply or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden. The publisher does not give any warranty express or implied or make any representation that the contents will be complete or accurate or up to date. The accuracy of any instructions, formulae and drug doses should be independently verified with primary sources. The publisher shall not be liable for any loss, actions, claims, proceedings, demand or costs or damages whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with or arising out of the use of this material.

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Mindfulness and rumination as predictors of persistence with a distress tolerance task

Personality and Individual Differences, 2014

Distress tolerance (DT) is a proposed transdiagnostic factor in psychopathology, yet sources of i... more Distress tolerance (DT) is a proposed transdiagnostic factor in psychopathology, yet sources of individual differences in DT are largely unknown. The present study examined mindfulness and rumination facets as predictors of persistence on a standardized DT task (mirror tracing). Acting with awareness (a facet of mindfulness) and reflection (a potentially adaptive form of rumination) predicted increased DT. Increased task-induced skin conductance reactivity predicted decreased DT. These results held after controlling for task skill and subjective and heart rate reactivity. Together, these results suggest that teaching skills to promote mindful awareness and reflection hold promise as interventions to enhance DT.

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Mindfulness predicts less texting while driving among young adults: Examining attention- and emotion-regulation motives as potential mediators

Personality and Individual Differences, 2011

Many young adult drivers read and send text messages while driving despite clear safety risks. Un... more Many young adult drivers read and send text messages while driving despite clear safety risks. Understanding predictors of texting-while-driving may help to indentify relevant targets for interventions to reduce this dangerous behavior. The present study examined whether individual differences in mindfulness are associated with texting-while-driving in a sample of young-adult drivers. Using path analysis, we tested whether this relationship would be mediated by the degree to which individuals use text-messaging as a means of reducing unpleasant emotions (emotion-regulation motives) and the degree to which individuals limit texting in order to focus on present-moment experiences (attention-regulation motives). Individuals lower in mindfulness reported more frequent texting-while-driving and this relationship appeared to be mediated primarily by emotion-regulation motives. Results may help inform the development of mindfulness-based interventions to prevent texting-while-driving.

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Mindfulness-based stress reduction for chronic pain conditions: Variation in treatment outcomes and role of home meditation practice

Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 2010

Objective: This study compared changes in bodily pain, healthrelated quality of life (HRQoL), and... more Objective: This study compared changes in bodily pain, healthrelated quality of life (HRQoL), and psychological symptoms during an 8-week mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program among groups of participants with different chronic pain conditions. Methods: From 1997-2003, a longitudinal investigation of chronic pain patients (n=133) was nested within a larger prospective cohort study of heterogeneous patients participating in MBSR at a university-based Integrative Medicine center. Measures included the Short-Form 36 Health Survey and Symptom Checklist-90-Revised. Paired t tests were used to compare pre-post changes on outcome measures. Differences in treatment effect sizes were compared as a function of chronic pain condition. Correlations were examined between outcome parameters and home meditation practice. Results: Outcomes differed in significance and magnitude across common chronic pain conditions. Diagnostic subgroups of patients with arthritis, back/neck pain, or two or more comorbid pain conditions demonstrated a significant change in pain intensity and functional limitations due to pain following MBSR. Participants with arthritis showed the largest treatment effects for HRQoL and psychological distress. Patients with chronic headache/migraine experienced the smallest improvement in pain and HRQoL. Patients with fibromyalgia had the smallest improvement in psychological distress. Greater home meditation practice was associated with improvement on several outcome measures, including overall psychological distress, somatization symptoms, and self-rated health, but not pain and other quality of life scales. Conclusion: MBSR treatment effects on pain, HRQoL and psychological well-being vary as a function of chronic pain condition and compliance with home meditation practice.

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Mindfulness and Emotion Regulation: The Development and Initial Validation of the Cognitive and Affective Mindfulness Scale-Revised (CAMS-R)

Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, 2006

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Sensitivity of the Human Circadian System to Short-Wavelength (420-nm) Light

Journal of Biological Rhythms, 2008

The circadian and neurobehavioral effects of light are primarily mediated by a retinal ganglion c... more The circadian and neurobehavioral effects of light are primarily mediated by a retinal ganglion cell photoreceptor in the mammalian eye containing the photopigment melanopsin. Nine action spectrum studies using rodents, monkeys, and humans for these responses indicate peak sensitivities in the blue region of the visible spectrum ranging from 459 to 484 nm, with some disagreement in short-wavelength sensitivity of the spectrum. The aim of this work was to quantify the sensitivity of human volunteers to monochromatic 420-nm light for plasma melatonin suppression. Adult female ( n = 14) and male ( n = 12) subjects participated in 2 studies, each employing a within-subjects design. In a fluence-response study, subjects ( n = 8) were tested with 8 light irradiances at 420 nm ranging over a 4-log unit photon density range of 1010 to 1014 photons/cm 2/sec and 1 dark exposure control night. In the other study, subjects ( n = 18) completed an experiment comparing melatonin suppression with e...

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Changes in spirituality partly explain health-related quality of life outcomes after Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction

Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 2011

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction is a secular behavioral medicine program that has roots in med... more Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction is a secular behavioral medicine program that has roots in meditative spiritual practices. Thus, spirituality may partly explain Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction outcomes. Participants (N = 279; M (SD) age = 45(12); 75% women) completed an online survey before and after an 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program. Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypothesis that, following Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, the relationship between enhanced mindfulness and improved health-related quality of life is mediated by increased daily spiritual experiences. Changes in both spirituality and mindfulness were significantly related to improvement in mental health. Although the initial mediation hypothesis was not supported, an alternate model suggested that enhanced mindfulness partly mediated the association between increased daily spiritual experiences and improved mental health-related quality of life (indirect effect: b = 0.07, P = 0.017). Effects on physical health-related quality of life were not significant. Findings suggest a novel mechanism by which increased daily spiritual experiences following Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction may partially explain improved mental health as a function of greater mindfulness.

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Developing Mindfulness in College Students Through Movement-Based Courses: Effects on Self-Regulatory Self-Efficacy, Mood, Stress, and Sleep Quality

Journal of American College Health, 2010

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Koru: A Mindfulness Program for College Students and Other Emerging Adults

Journal of American College Health, 2014

The accuracy of the Content should not be relied upon and should be independently verified with p... more The accuracy of the Content should not be relied upon and should be independently verified with primary sources of information. Taylor and Francis shall not be liable for any losses, actions, claims, proceedings, demands, costs, expenses, damages, and other liabilities whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with, in relation to or arising out of the use of the Content. This article may be used for research, teaching, and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, redistribution, reselling, loan, sub-licensing, systematic supply, or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden.

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Integrative Medicine Research at an Academic Medical Center: Patient Characteristics and Health-Related Quality-of-Life Outcomes

The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2008

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