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Prevalence of Stress, Anxiety, and Depression and the Effectiveness of a Mindfulness-Based Life Coaching Intervention among 4th-Year Medical Students: A Pilot Quasi- Experimental Study

Aashi Mughal, Anwar Bibi, Asifa Afzal, Izya Taj, Raima Siddiqui, Mohsin Raza

Journal of Rawalpindi Medical College June 30, 2026 DOI: 10.37939/jrmc.v30i2.3185 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Cross-sectional screening followed by single-arm pre-post intervention Peer reviewed
Sample size 100
Population 4th-year MBBS students
Intervention Mindfulness-based life coaching
Duration 21-day program
Topics Anxiety Depression Meditation
Keywords Depression economics Intervention counseling Health coaching Stress management Clinical psychology Physical therapy Self-efficacy Mental health
Key findings A 21-day mindfulness-based life coaching program was associated with significant reductions in stress, anxiety, and depression among medical students with mild-to-moderate distress.

Abstract

Objective: Medical students experience high psychological demands that predispose them to stress, anxiety, and depression. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of stress, anxiety, and depression in 4th-year MBBS students and measure the efficacy of a short-term mindfulness-based life coaching (MBLC) intervention.

Methods: This study consisted of a cross-sectional screening followed by a single-arm pre–post intervention. The study was conducted in two phases: Phase 1 screened 100 students using the DASS-42. Phase 2 enrolled 20 students with mild-to-moderate distress; 15 participants completed a 21-day MBLC program (weekly 1-hour sessions; daily 20-minute practice). Pre- and post-intervention DASS-42 scores were compared using paired t-tests, and effect sizes (Cohen’s d) were computed.

Results: Among 100 students screened, 20% had mild-to-moderate stress, 18% had anxiety, and 17% had depression symptoms. Among the participants who completed the study (n = 15), stress scores decreased by 7.4 points (95% CI: 4.8–10.0, P<0.001). Anxiety decreased by 6.0 points (95% CI: 3.5–8.5; P <0.001). Depression decreased by 5.2 (95% CI: 2.7–7.7; P <0.001).

Conclusion: The 21-day MBLC program was feasible, culturally acceptable, and associated with reduced distress. Keywords: Stress, Psychological, Anxiety, Depression, Students, Medical, Mindfulness, Stress Management

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