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A systematic review of mindfulness-based stress reduction in the management of anxiety disorders among adolescents and young adults aged 13-26.

Vern Chie Hue, Yan-Li Siaw, Azmawaty Mohamad Nor

Asian Journal of Psychiatry June 1, 2025 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2025.104497 (opens in new tab)

Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Systematic review and meta-analysis Peer reviewed
Sample size 9
Population Individuals aged 13-26 with anxiety disorders
Intervention Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
Topics Anxiety Meditation
Keywords Anxiety among adolescents Anxiety disorders Counselling methods Mindfulness-based stress reduction
Citations 11
Key findings MBSR significantly reduces anxiety and improves emotional regulation and coping skills in adolescents and young adults with anxiety disorders.

Abstract

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) has shown potential in reducing anxiety-related symptoms. This systematic review examines the effectiveness of MBSR in treating anxiety disorders in individuals aged 13-26. The review addresses three key themes: "The Prevalence and Impact of Anxiety Disorders in Everyday Life," "The Efficacy and Effectiveness of MBSR in the Management of Anxiety Disorders," and "The Techniques and Interventions of MBSR in Anxiety Treatment." A total of nine studies were included in the meta-analysis, focusing on individuals aged 13-26 participating in MBSR interventions. The findings consistently indicate significant reductions in level of anxiety, along with improvements in emotional regulation and coping skills. These results suggest that MBSR is an effective therapeutic tool for managing anxiety disorders in this demographic, demonstrating notable efficacy across diverse settings. Meta-analytic evidence, following PRISMA guidelines, indicates MBSR as a powerful intervention for reducing anxiety and enhancing overall mental health within this age group. The review emphasizes the necessity for practitioners to incorporate MBSR into clinical practice as it offers benefits for long-term anxiety management.

Comparable studies

Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on anxiety, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
Meditation Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-being Diverse adult clinical populations 2014 Meta-analysis n = 3,515
Research Review: The effects of mindfulness‐based interventions on cognition and mental health in children and adolescents – a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials Children and adolescents 2018 Systematic review and meta-analysis n = 3,666
Therapeutic effects of classic serotonergic psychedelics: A systematic review of modern‐era clinical studies Patients with cancer- or illness-related anxiety and depression, major depressive... 2020 Systematic review n = 188
Does Mindfulness Meditation Improve Anxiety and Mood Symptoms? A Review of the Controlled Research Clinical populations with medical and emotional disorders 2007 Systematic review n = 15
Antidepressive, anxiolytic, and antiaddictive effects of ayahuasca, psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD): a systematic review of clinical trials published in the last 25 years Patients from included clinical trials 2016 Systematic review

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