Effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction on ICU nurses' resilience and well-being.
Merve Bat Tonkuş, Hülya Bilgin
Intensive & critical care nursing November 23, 2025 DOI: 10.1016/j.iccn.2025.104258 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 44 |
| Population | Intensive care unit nurses |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) |
| Duration | 8-week intervention |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Intensive care nurse Mindfulness-based stress reduction Psychological resilience 8-week online program Intervention Powerful tool Inner strength Enhanced coping skills Emotional regulation Overall well-being Supportive work environment Supporting the well-being Critical care professionals |
| Key findings | The 8-week online MBSR program significantly improved psychological resilience scores among ICU nurses compared to the control group. |
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) on the resilience and well-being of intensive care unit (ICU) nurses. This randomized study was conducted with a control group design and repeated measures. A total of 44 nurses participated in the study, (22 intervention and 22 control groups). Data were collected using an information form and scales measuring psychological resilience and psychological well-being. The intervention group participated in an 8-week online MBSR program. Each session lasted 90 min. The control group received a minimal intervention consisting of a single 90-minute information session on mindfulness. The MBSR intervention improved the nurses' resilience scores (p < 0.05). Comparison of psychological well-being scores revealed significant differences in the intervention group by time and in the control group. MBSR is a useful intervention to improve the psychological resilience and well-being of intensive care nurses. It is recommended to perform MBSR at regular intervals to improve the quality of ICU care and reduce the risk of professional burnout by strengthening the coping skills of ICU nurses. MBSR increases ICU nurses' resilience and well-being by reducing stress, improving emotional regulation, and promoting a supportive work environment, which has significant clinical potential for critical care.
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
Cites 12
- Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) improves long-term mental fatigue after stroke or traumatic brain injury Brain Injury July 13, 2012
- Effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions on psychosocial well-being and occupational-related outcomes among nurses in the intensive care unit: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Australian critical care : official journal of the Confederation of Australian Critical Care Nurses July 1, 2025
- Effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions on burnout and self-compassion among critical care nurses caring for patients with COVID-19: a quasi-experimental study. BMC Nursing September 6, 2023
- Using mindfulness-based stress reduction group therapy to reduce perceived stress of vulnerable women in south of Iran. Psychology, Health & Medicine March 2023
- The effects of mindfulness‐based interventions on nurses' anxiety and depression: A meta‐analysis Nursing Open January 24, 2023
and 7 more in the library