About

Eric B. Loucks, PhD, is a Professor of Epidemiology, Medicine, and Behavioral and Social Sciences at Brown University. He is a researcher and innovator specializing in the study of mindfulness and health, serving as the Director of the Mindfulness Center at Brown. Dr. Loucks is known for developing programs such as the Mindfulness-Based College for Young Adults (MB-College) and the Mindfulness-Based Blood Pressure Reduction (MB-BP), both of which have been evaluated through NIH-funded randomized controlled trials. His research focuses on mindfulness epidemiology methods, evidence synthesis, and implementation science, with a particular interest in how mindfulness interventions impact cardiovascular health, mental health, and social determinants of health. Over his career, he has held teaching positions at Harvard, McGill, and Brown Universities, and his work has been widely disseminated through major media outlets and presentations to governmental bodies.

Research topics

• Psychology
• Psychotherapist
• Medicine
• Political Science
• Clinical psychology
• Computer Science
• Social psychology
• Psychiatry
• Internal medicine
• Knowledge management
• Management science
• Process management
• Data science
• Developmental psychology
• Risk analysis (engineering)
• Environmental health
• Engineering
• Epistemology
• Demography

Selected publications

• Addressing the biological embedding of early life adversities (ELA) among adults through mindfulness: Proposed mechanisms and review of converging evidence

  UNC Libraries · 2026-03-26

  articleOpen accessSenior author
  PublisherDOI

• Mindfulness for heart and mind: Mindfulness-based blood pressure reduction randomized clinical trial for depression symptoms.

  Health Psychology · 2026-02-12 · 1 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effects of the Mindfulness-Based Blood Pressure Reduction (MB-BP) program on depression symptoms in individuals with elevated blood pressure (BP). Exploratory analyses examined whether childhood abuse or neglect moderated these effects. METHOD: = 100) and followed for 6 months. MB-BP trained participants in mindful self-regulation skills-self-awareness, attention control, and emotion regulation-and applied these skills to modifiable determinants of BP and depression symptoms, such as diet, physical activity, alcohol use, and stress reactivity. Depression symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale-Revised. Outcome assessors were blinded to group assignments. RESULTS: value of .079. CONCLUSION: MB-BP significantly reduced depression symptoms in individuals with elevated BP, with preliminary evidence suggesting amplified benefits for those with early-life adversity, particularly neglect. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).

  PublisherDOI

• Impact of the mindfulness-based blood pressure reduction (MB-BP) program on cardiovascular health: A randomized clinical trial

  American Journal of Preventive Cardiology · 2026-03-01

  articleOpen accessSenior authorCorresponding

  Mindfulness-based interventions may improve cardiovascular health (CVH) by supporting behavioral change across multiple risk factors. This study evaluated the impact of Mindfulness-Based Blood Pressure Reduction (MB-BP), a mindfulness program targeting hypertension-related behaviors, on CVH using the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8 framework. This secondary analysis of parallel-group, phase 2 randomized clinical trial evaluated the effects of MB-BP on CVH in 201 participants with elevated office BP (≥120/80 mmHg). The MB-BP group (n=101) received an 8-week program focused on mindfulness training and education targeting diet, physical activity, medication adherence, alcohol use, and stress, whereas the control group (n=100) received enhanced usual care. CVH was assessed using available Life’s Essential 8 components: systolic blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), diet (DASH adherence), physical activity, smoking, and sleep duration. Generalized estimating equations evaluated intervention effects through six months. At six months follow-up, MB-BP participants significantly improved composite CVH scores compared to controls (standardized mean difference: 0.144; 95% CI: 0.023, 0.266). MB-BP influenced most CVH components in healthier directions at trend levels, with the strongest responses for physical activity (47.9 MET min/week; 95% CI: -16.5, 112.3), sleep (0.34 hours/night; 95% CI: -0.10, 0.78), systolic blood pressure (-4.95 mmHg; 95% CI: -10.34, 0.44) and DASH diet score (0.27, 95% CI: -0.15, 0.69). MB-BP led to modest but clinically relevant improvements in CVH, driven by multiple Life’s Essential 8 components. These findings suggest that MB-BP may be an effective behavioral intervention to support CVH and reduce risk for cardiovascular disease. ClinicalTrials.gov Preregistration Identifiers: NCT03256890, NCT03859076

  PublisherDOI

• The Evolution of an Indigenous Mindfulness Program: Qualitative Findings from the IndigenousMIND Study

  Mindfulness · 2026-02-01 · 1 citations

  articleOpen access

  Objectives: This study describes the collaborative design and implementation of the Indigenous MIND (IM) program, a culturally adapted mindfulness intervention developed in partnership with Indigenous communities in the USA. The aim was to explore the program's acceptability and cultural resonance and to document the processes by which IM evolved in each of our partner communities and explore how the program may be exported to other Indigenous communities. Method: Indigenous MIND was developed with close cooperation and oversight from tribal communities through two-step participant-driven adaptation. A standard Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program was initially delivered to two culturally distinct Indigenous communities-one coastal and one alpine. Participant feedback informed the tailored 8-week IM program, which was implemented online with 20 participants across both tribal communities. Results: Thematic analysis of recorded classes and feedback sessions indicated high acceptability and alignment with cultural values. Emergent themes included (a) coping strategies (for stress, anxiety, and depression); (b) mindfulness for relief of stress, anxiety, and depression; and (c) elements specific to Indigenous people, such as spirituality, tradition, and community identity. Conclusions: Importantly, this project underscores the value of co-creating wellness interventions that are grounded in sovereignty, relational accountability, and cultural continuity. By centering Indigenous knowledge systems and investing in community-led sustainability through teacher training, such efforts can serve as models for future culturally resonant health promotion program development.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Measuring early life adversity: A dimensional approach

  UNC Libraries · 2026-03-25

  articleOpen access

  Exposure to adversity in childhood is associated with elevations in numerous physical and mental health outcomes across the life course. The biological embedding of early experience during periods of developmental plasticity is one pathway that contributes to these associations. Dimensional models specify mechanistic pathways linking different dimensions of adversity to health and well-being outcomes later in life. While findings from existing studies testing these dimensions have provided promising preliminary support for these models, less agreement exists about how to measure the experiences that comprise each dimension. Here, we review existing approaches to measuring two dimensions of adversity: threat and deprivation. We recommend specific measures for measuring these constructs and, when possible, document when the same measure can be used by different reporters and across the lifespan to maximize the utility with which these recommendations can be applied. Through this approach, we hope to stimulate progress in understanding how particular dimensions of early environmental experience contribute to lifelong health.

  PublisherDOI

• Mind Body Physical Activity to Reduce Blood Pressure in Black Women: A Systematic Review of Feasibility Evidence

  Physical Activity and Health · 2025-01-01

  articleOpen access

  Introduction: Black women in the United States have higher rates of hypertension (56.9%) compared to White (36.9%) and Hispanic (36.8%) women. Physical activity can prevent and/or improve hypertension, yet most Black women do not meet the national guidelines for physical activity. Mind body physical activity interventions involve integrating principles of mindfulness with physical activity. The purpose of this review was to synthesize the available literature on the feasibility and acceptability outcomes of interventions and hypertension in Black women. Methods: This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR). A comprehensive search of three databases (PubMed, APA PsycInfo and Scopus) was performed. Results: In total, 321 records were screened and 41 were selected for full text review. Four studies met inclusion criteria, including two culturally tailored lifestyle interventions, a peer support and dancing intervention, and a church/faith-based walking intervention. Feasibility outcomes showed high feasibility of mind body physical activity interventions among Black women with hypertension. Three interventions show that incorporating faith-based components (e.g. prayer and gospel music) are acceptable to Black women. Qualitative findings suggest that participants had health-related motivation to participate in activities and the interventions facilitated peer and social support. Conclusions: This review demonstrates the promise of mind-body physical activity interventions for Black women with hypertension. Future studies should test the efficacy of these interventions as a means for managing hypertension in Black women.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Leveraging research for health insurance coverage of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction: insights from policy makers, patients and practitioners

  Evidence & Policy · 2025-04-04

  articleSenior author

  Background: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a well-studied treatment that health insurers typically do not cover in the United States. To understand how research can best support efforts towards coverage, researchers must partner with individuals who occupy diverse roles within a health system (for example, policy makers and practitioners). Purpose: We sought to understand from key informants (policy makers, health insurers, healthcare administrators, clinicians, MBSR students/patients and teachers): the barriers/facilitators of MBSR coverage, how they use research to make decisions, and which research outcomes they find most important. We also sought to understand whether perspectives for individuals with direct policy influence differed from those without. Methods: We conducted qualitative interviews informed by the SPIRIT Action Framework with a role-diverse advisory group. Data were analysed using a rapid data condensation approach. Results: Responses of those with and without direct policy-making influence were generally aligned. Research was framed as important to coverage decisions. When considering coverage decisions, participants reported wanting information about: (1) MBSR's worthiness as a covered treatment (is it 'good', usable and a sound financial investment?) and (2) a clearer definition of the service and its coverage. Barriers were identified related to both the billing code being created as well as being used, although MBSR's ability to address the policy priority of mental health in an un-stigmatising way could facilitate coverage. Participants also recommended next steps to advance the case for coverage. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that research is frequently integrated into decision making across roles, though other factors are weighed in coverage decisions.

  PublisherDOI

• Addressing Mental Health, Glucose Management, and Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Among People With Gestational Diabetes via Mindfulness: Community Perspectives and Implications for Intervention Design

  Mindfulness · 2025-10-24

  articleSenior author
  PublisherDOI

• Identifying the Changing Landscape of Younger Adult Mortality in the United States from 1999 to 2021

  Journal of Adolescent Health · 2025-02-20 · 3 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  PURPOSE: To evaluate temporal trends and drivers of mortality among younger adults (aged 18-39), from 1999 to 2021. METHODS: Observational study using nationally representative United States mortality data from 1999 to 2021, acquired via the US Centers for Disease Control Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research database. Exposure of interest was cause of death. Primary outcomes were population-level mortality rates and percent increase from 1999 to 2021. Secondary outcomes were cause-specific and subgroup-specific (sex, race, ethnicity) mortality rates and percent increases. RESULTS: From 1999 to 2021, US younger adults aged 18-39 experienced a 54.1% increase in annual mortality (from 113.4 deaths per 100,000 in 1999 to 174.7 deaths per 100,000 in 2021; Cochran-Armitage p < .0001). Before COVID, from 1999 to 2019, younger adults experienced a 10.8% increase in mortality, compared to a 1.5% increase among the broader US population. The top driver of increased younger adult mortality, from 1999 through 2021, was accidental poisoning and exposure to noxious substances. Mortality trends varied by demographic variables with notable increases among American Indian/Alaskan Native Americans. DISCUSSION: US younger adults are suffering from rising premature mortality. Resources should be calibrated to better support this generation.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Participants’ Perspective on the Competence of Mindfulness-Based Interventions Teaching: Development and Validation of the Mindfulness-Based Interventions-Participants’ Assessment of Teaching (MBI:PAT) Questionnaire

  Mindfulness · 2025-09-03 · 2 citations

  articleOpen access

  Objectives: No participant-rated tool exists for assessing MBI teaching competence. This study aimed to develop and validate the MBI:PAT to address this limitation. The primary objective was to develop a new measure, the Mindfulness-based Interventions: Participants' Assessment of Teaching" (MBI:PAT), and to evaluate its psychometric properties across several studies using independent samples. Method: The MBI:PAT was based on a theoretically and empirically supported operational definition of teaching competence and comprised 24 key features across the domains of coverage, pacing, and organization; relational skills; embodying mindfulness; guiding mindfulness practices; conveying course themes through interactive inquiry and didactic teaching; and holding the group's learning environment. Across five studies, items were generated, refined, and validated using independent samples to assess factor structure, reliability, and validity. Results: = 0.99) and construct, convergent, and divergent validity, with a one-factor structure (CFI = 1.00; TLI = 1.00; RMSEA = 0.04, 90% CI [0.03, 0.05]; SRMR = 0.03). The measure demonstrates robust invariance across age and gender. Conclusions: The MBI:PAT provides a psychometrically robust measure of MBI teaching competence from participants' perspective that can be used in teaching, training and research. Future research is needed to explore its performance across a wider range of teaching competence, and its relationship to key process and outcome variables. Pre-registration: Sub-study (5) was pre-registered (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05154266). Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12671-025-02668-8.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

Recent grants

• NIH Grant RC2AG036666

  NIH · $1.7M · 2012

• Mindfulness Influences on Self-Regulation: Mental and Physical Health Implications

  NIH · $2.4M · 2015–2021

• NIH Grant R01AG048825

  NIH · $277k · 2017

• Mindfulness Influences on Self-Regulation: Mental and Physical Health Implications

  NIH · $2.7M · 2015–2020

Frequent coauthors

• Charles B. Eaton

  Kent Hospital

  167 shared

• Stephen L. Buka

  158 shared

• Judson A. Brewer

  Providence College

  140 shared

• Carl Fulwiler

  Harvard University

  129 shared

• Richa Gawande

  Harvard University

  127 shared

• David R. Vago

  126 shared

• Sara W. Lazar

  125 shared

• Julie P. Dunne

  Boston College

  121 shared

Education

• Ph.D., Epidemiology

  Brown University

• M.D.

  Brown University

• M.A.

  McGill University

• B.A.

  Harvard University