The effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in reducing anxiety and depression among students: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Clinical Psychologist February 9, 2026 Malak A. Alzahrani, Iman Aly Almohammadi
Mindfulness-based interventions produce medium-sized reductions in anxiety and depression among students. Analyzing 84 studies, the meta-analysis found an effect of g = -0.58 for anxiety and g = -0.51 for depression. Eight-week programs were most effective for depression, and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy showed the largest anxiety reduction.