The impact of effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) on mindfulness and perceived stress in healthy adults
Advances in Complementary and Integrative Medicine September 11, 2025 DOI: 10.70462/acim.2025.1.003 (opens in new tab)
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA review of 13 studies involving 574 generally healthy adults examined how Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) affects mindfulness and stress. Mindfulness improvements ranged from 3.77% to 26.80%, and stress reductions ranged from 8.41% to 49.05%. A strong positive correlation emerged between increased mindfulness and decreased perceived stress, suggesting MBSR can enhance mental well-being and may be useful in broader mental health initiatives.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Systematic review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 574 |
| Population | Generally healthy adults |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) |
| Key finding | Mindfulness improvements ranged from 3.77% to 26.80% and stress reductions from 8.41% to 49.05%, with a strong positive correlation between increased mindfulness and decreased perceived stress. |
Abstract
This paper reviews and examines the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) interventions in enhancing mindfulness and mitigating stress-related symptoms. Drawing on trial data from 13 selected studies involving 574 generally healthy adults, this research seeks to establish a robust correlation between heightened mindfulness and reduced perceived stress. We assessed mindfulness using the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) and measured stress reductions through self-reported questionnaires. Normalized effectiveness scores, calculated as percentages from pre-intervention baselines, enabled linear regression analyses. To ensure the integrity of our findings, we rigorously controlled for external influences by isolating MBSR as the exclusive intervention and MAAS as the sole mindfulness measurement. Aggregate data confirm positive outcomes: mindfulness improvements ranged from 3.77% to 26.80%, and stress reductions varied from 8.41% to 49.05%. Linear regression trendlines reveal a strong positive correlation between increased mindfulness and decreased perceived stress. This highlights the profound benefits of MBSR interventions in enhancing mental well-being and suggests their potential for widespread integration into mental health initiatives. Ultimately, this article not only underscores MBSR's role in promoting mental wellbeing but also offers a quantitative framework for predicting health outcomes based on mindfulness levels.