Mindfulness and Wound healing

INTERVENTION: In this study we're investigating the effects of an 8‐week mindfulness intervention (protocollized according to Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy) on wound healing. The primary outcome variable of our study is wound healing which will be qunatified by measuring the wound surface area and trans epidermal water loss. As potential mediating factors (and thus potential pathways) we measure citokines that are released during the anflammatory stage in the wound fluid, and cortisol levels in saliva. In order to evaluate the effects of mindfulness on these factors, we compare these effects against a waiting list control group, meaning a group participants who are interested in mindfulness but who are placed on a waiting list and as a result do not participate in any intervention during 8 weeks. As mentioned before, the mindfulness intervention comprises 8 weeks of weekly group meetings lasting between 2 to 2,5 hours and the participants will be encouraged to practice mindfulness exercises at home on a daily basis for 30 to 60 minutes. CONDITION: ; Healing process, Wound ; ; PRIMARY OUTCOME: Wound healing:; ; 1. Wound surface area;; ; 2. Trans epidermal water loss. SECONDARY OUTCOME: 1. Psychological data (mindfulness, optimism, mood, stress); ; ; 2. Salivary cortisol; ; ; 3. Cytokines in wound exudate. INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. Age between 18 and 40 years old; 2. Only participants who voluntarily signed up to follow a mindfulness training.