The Association Between Mindfulness and Perceived Stress: A Meta‐Analysis

A meta-analysis of 56 samples totaling 24,494 participants found that greater mindfulness is associated with less perceived stress, with a moderate weighted effect size. Studies that measured mindfulness using the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale or the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, and stress using the Perceived Stress Scale, showed substantial effects. The results suggest a possible bidirectional relationship: nonjudgmental awareness may help appraise events as less stressful, and lower perceived stress may free cognitive resources that promote mindfulness. The analysis does not establish causality.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This study consolidated the association of mindfulness with perceived stress found across studies. A meta-analysis examined the relationship between mindfulness and perceived stress in 56 samples, which included a total of 24,494 participants. The weighted effect size of r(55) = -0.40, 95% CI [-0.36, 0-44], p = 0.0001, showed that greater mindfulness was associated with less perceived stress. Studies assessing mindfulness using the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale or the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire showed substantial effect sizes, as did studies assessing stress using the Perceived Stress Scale. Even though the present meta-analysis does not show causality, the results suggest a possible bidirectional relationship between mindfulness and perceived stress. The nonjudgmental awareness comprising mindfulness may facilitate an appraisal of life events and challenges that results in events and challenges as being perceived as less stressful. Lower perceived stress may free cognitive resources that promote mindfulness.