Mindfulness research in Saudi Arabia: a scoping review of mental health applications in a non-WEIRD context
Middle East Current Psychiatry April 22, 2026 Hanan Alfayez
Mindfulness-based approaches show promise for reducing stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms and improving emotional regulation, resilience, and psychological well-being in Saudi Arabia. A scoping review of 44 peer-reviewed studies published between 2015 and 2025 found mindfulness applied across mental and physical health, education, workplace, and cultural settings. Both clinical and non-clinical populations, including students, healthcare professionals, and people with chronic health conditions, reported benefits. However, most studies used cross-sectional designs, self-report measures, and short-term interventions, limiting the strength of conclusions. More rigorous, longitudinal, and culturally adapted research is needed.