A Systematic Review of Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Its Effects on Mental Health and Academic Performance in University Students
The Open Psychology Journal July 21, 2025 Piao Xue, Syed Mohamad Syed Abdullah
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) reduces perceived stress by up to 33% and mental health issues by 40% in university students, according to a systematic review of 34 studies from 2012 to 2024. Traditional in-person MBSR significantly lowers stress, anxiety, and depression while improving cognitive flexibility and emotional regulation. Digital MBSR programs offer comparable psychological benefits but face engagement challenges. Healthcare and psychology students show the greatest improvements; business students gain better decision-making skills; STEM students show cognitive flexibility gains but lower participation. Small sample sizes, short durations, and variable study designs limit generalizability.