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Research Library
Publication

A 6‑Week Worksite Positivity Program Leads to Greater Life Satisfaction, Decreased Inflammation, and a Greater Number of Employees with A1C Levels in Range

    • Published: 2019
    • Darcy Lord, Ph.D., Angela Deem, B.S.N., R.N., Polly Pitchford, B.F.A., Eileen Bray-Richardson, and Michael Drennon, M.S.P.H., M.P.A.
    • Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. 61(5):357–372, May 2019. DOI: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000001527.
    • Download the complete paper, click here.

Abstract

Objective

To determine whether a 6-week Positivity Program could impact employee cardiovascular inflammation, blood sugars, cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and/or life satisfaction.

Methods

Pre- and post-study blood draw and life satisfaction questionnaire tracked changes in 10 cardiovascular and inflammatory biomarkers for 63 employees who participated in a 6-week Positivity Program comprised of three interventions: gratitude, HeartMath’s Heart Lock-In, and yoga stretches with guided imagery.

Results

Improvements were recorded in life satisfaction as well as in seven of 10 cardiovascular and inflammatory biomarkers, including high sensitivity C-reactive protein (HsCRP) (−27%), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (−1%), glucose (−2%), myeloperoxidase (MPO) (−5%), lipoprotein-associated phospholipase-A2 (Lp-PLA2) (−9%), apolipoprotein B (ApoB) (−6%), and DHEA (1%). No improvements were recorded in cortisol (11%), small-dense LDL (sdLDL) (0%), or oxidized LDL (OxLDL) (7%).

Conclusions

Data suggest that engaging in 6 weeks of a workplace Positivity Program may improve employee life satisfaction, blood sugar levels, and some markers of cardiovascular inflammation.