Online mindfulness-based vs. cognitive-behavioural stress reduction for medical students: A randomized controlled trial.
Aysegul Yay-Pence, Selcuk Aslan, Merve Coldur, Zumra Atalay, Berna Beba, Canan Coskun-Sayin, Ecem Aydin, Zehra Gumus, Ahsen Sueda Uckan, Elif Nur Sahinoglu, Irem Arslanyurek, Sule Sok Cakici, Irem Ekmekci-Ertek
Psychiatry Research July 11, 2025 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2025.116632 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 253 |
| Population | Medical students in Ankara, Turkey |
| Interventions | Mindfulness-based stress reduction Cognitive behavioural stress reduction |
| Duration | 8-week intervention |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Cognitive behavioural therapy Mental health Primary prevention Stress, psychological |
| Citations | 2 |
| Key findings | Both online MBSR and CBSR reduced depression, anxiety, and perceived stress in medical students, with MBSR showing superior efficacy for anxiety reduction among those who completed the program. |
Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of Mindfulness-based stress reduction(MBSR) and cognitive behavioural stress reduction(CBSR) on depression, anxiety, and perceived stress in medical students. A total of 323 medical students studying in Ankara, Turkey, applied to participate and were assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Medical students with a psychotic disorder, manic episode, major depressive disorder with suicidal ideation, or previous experience with MBSR or cognitive-behavioural treatment were excluded from the study. After randomization, 253 students were allocated to either online MBSR (n = 127) or CBSR (n = 126). Symptoms of anxiety, depression, and perceived stress were assessed at baseline and post-intervention (week 8). Both intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analyses were conducted. Multiple imputation was used to address missing data. All interventions and assessments were conducted online, making this one of the few studies to evaluate digital mental health interventions in this population. In the ITT analysis, both interventions had small to moderate effects on improving depression (MBSR: d = 0.50; CBSR: d = 0.40), anxiety (MBSR: d = 0.73; CBSR: d = 0.52), and perceived stress (MBSR: d = 0.48; CBSR: d = 0.42), with no significant differences between them. The PP analysis revealed moderate to strong improvements in depression (MBSR: d = 1.03; CBSR: d = 0.74), anxiety (MBSR: r=-0.74; CBSR: r=-0.72), and perceived stress (MBSR: r=-0.80; CBSR: r=-0.68). While both interventions were comparable in reducing depressive symptoms and perceived stress, MBSR demonstrated superior efficacy in reducing anxiety. The findings indicate that both MBSR and CBSR may be effective in reducing anxiety, depression, and perceived stress in medical students. Greater adherence appears to enhance outcomes, particularly for MBSR in alleviating anxiety symptoms.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 2
Cites 33
- How long does a mindfulness‐based stress reduction program need to be? A review of class contact hours and effect sizes for psychological distress Journal of Clinical Psychology March 23, 2009
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Lowers Psychological Distress In Medical Students Teaching and Learning in Medicine April 1, 2003
- Mindfulness interventions in medical education: A systematic review of their impact on medical student stress, depression, fatigue and burnout Medical Teacher November 7, 2017
- Effectiveness of training programs based on mindfulness in reducing psychological distress and promoting well-being in medical students: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Systematic Reviews May 5, 2023
- Mindfulness-based therapy versus cognitive behavioral therapy for people with anxiety symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis of random controlled trials Annals of Palliative Medicine July 1, 2021
and 28 more in the library