Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Therapy in Improving Quality of Life Among Anesthesiology Residents.
Edith Casillas-Alvarez, Angélica Ortega-Barreiro, Alejandro González-Ojeda, Xochitl Monteon Aspeitia, Jazmín Montserrat Guzmán Díaz, Carlos Enrique Capetillo-Texson, Guadalupe Castillo-Cardiel, Gabino Cervantes Guevara, Enrique Cervantes Pérez, Sol Ramirez Ochoa, Francisco Barbosa-Camacho, Clotilde Fuentes-Orozco
Actas espanolas de psiquiatria April 15, 2026 DOI: 10.62641/aep.v54i2.1979 (opens in new tab) via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA 6-week modified Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program improved quality of life in anesthesiology residents. After the program, participants showed significant gains in physical functioning, role limitations due to physical health, bodily pain, vitality, and mental health. No significant sex-based differences in response were observed. The findings suggest that brief mindfulness interventions can support well-being in medical trainees.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Prospective single-group pre-post intervention study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 27 |
| Population | Third-year anesthesiology residents from a tertiary care hospital |
| Duration | 6-week intervention |
| Key finding | A modified 6-week MBSR program significantly improved five of eight SF-36 quality-of-life domains in anesthesiology residents. |
Abstract
Anesthesiology residents face high levels of occupational stress that can negatively impact their well-being and quality of life. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) has emerged as a promising intervention to support mental health in healthcare professionals. To evaluate the effectiveness of a modified MBSR program on quality of life among anesthesiology residents. This prospective, single-group pre-post intervention study included 27 third-year anesthesiology residents (mean age 28.8 ± 1.9 years; 59.3% female) from a tertiary care hospital. Participants completed a 6-week modified MBSR program consisting of three 15- minute sessions per week. Quality of life was assessed using the Short Form-36 (SF-36) Health Survey before and after the intervention. Pre-post comparisons were conducted using paired t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests as appropriate. Significant improvements were observed in five of eight SF-36 domains: Physical Functioning (91.67 ± 11.43 vs. 97.96 ± 4.65, p = 0.001), Role-Physical (60.19 ± 33.44 vs. 81.48 ± 22.56, p = 0.006), Bodily Pain (74.81 ± 19.01 vs. 89.44 ± 15.60, p = 0.049), Vitality (48.33 ± 15.75 vs. 71.67 ± 17.26, p = 0.001), and Mental Health (59.89 ± 13.39 vs. 78.96 ± 14.73, p = 0.004). No significant sex-based differences in treatment response were observed. A brief, modified MBSR program significantly improved multiple dimensions of quality of life in anesthesiology residents. These findings support the integration of mindfulness-based interventions into residency training programs to enhance resident well-being.