The Association Between Mindfulness and Perceived Stress: A Meta‐Analysis
Stress and Health July 18, 2026 Nicola S. Schutte, Adam J. Rock
A meta-analysis of 56 samples totaling 24,494 participants found that greater mindfulness is associated with less perceived stress, with a moderate weighted effect size. Studies that measured mindfulness using the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale or the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, and stress using the Perceived Stress Scale, showed substantial effects. The results suggest a possible bidirectional relationship: nonjudgmental awareness may help appraise events as less stressful, and lower perceived stress may free cognitive resources that promote mindfulness. The analysis does not establish causality.