Impact of mindfulness-based interventions on stress, anxiety and depression among nursing students: A systematic
Bin Shen1, Jianjiang Liu1, Qiaoxia Lv1
1Nursing Department, Shaoxing People's Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang 312000, China; School of Medicine, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang 312000, China.
Aim:
This updated systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in reducing stress, anxiety, depression and improving mindfulness among nursing students.
Background:
Nursing students often experience significant psychological distress due to the demanding academic and clinical environments of nursing education. MBIs have been increasingly used to reduce distress and enhance well-being. However, the strength and certainty of the available evidence remain variable, warranting an updated synthesis.
Design:
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
Methods:
Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, five databases were searched up to September 2025 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on MBIs in nursing students. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed risk of bias using RoB2. Pooled standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using Stata 17.0 software. Subgroup, sensitivity and meta-regression analyses explored heterogeneity. Evidence certainty was assessed using the GRADE approach.
Results:
Eighteen RCTs were included. MBIs were associated with reductions in anxiety (SMD = -0.49), depression (SMD = -0.43), stress (SMD = -0.54) and with an improvement in mindfulness (SMD = 0.40). Subgroup analyses showed no significant differences between face-to-face and online delivery modes across outcomes. A significant stage-based difference was observed for stress, with larger pooled effects in clinical-phase students.
Conclusions:
This meta-analysis provides moderate certainty evidence suggesting that MBIs are associated with improvements in psychological well-being among nursing students. However, given methodological limitations, further well-designed RCTs with longer follow-up are needed to strengthen the evidence base.
Related Concept Videos
01:18The Scientific Method in Nursing Process
When using research findings to change practice, one must understand the process used to guide a study. The scientific method is a systematic, step-by-step process that supports the data's validity, reliability, and generalizability. As a result, findings can be safely...
01:30Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
01:26Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques I
Conscientiousness
Conscientious individuals tend to be organized, responsible, and disciplined. They prioritize completing tasks and following structured routines,...
01:25Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques III
The Role of Exercise in Stress Management
Regular physical activity is essential for reducing stress and promoting cardiovascular health. Exercise strengthens the heart, enhances blood flow, keeps blood vessels flexible, and helps lower blood pressure, all of which reduce the body's stress response. Research shows that adults who exercise regularly have nearly half the risk...
01:26Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques IV
01:27Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...