A Systematic Review of Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Its Effects on Mental Health and Academic Performance in University Students

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) reduces perceived stress by up to 33% and mental health issues by 40% in university students, according to a systematic review of 34 studies from 2012 to 2024. Traditional in-person MBSR significantly lowers stress, anxiety, and depression while improving cognitive flexibility and emotional regulation. Digital MBSR programs offer comparable psychological benefits but face engagement challenges. Healthcare and psychology students show the greatest improvements; business students gain better decision-making skills; STEM students show cognitive flexibility gains but lower participation. Small sample sizes, short durations, and variable study designs limit generalizability.

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Abstract

Introduction Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is increasingly recognized for its role in improving university students' mental health and academic performance. This systematic review evaluates the impact of MBSR on stress, anxiety, depression, cognitive flexibility, and emotional regulation. Methods Following PRISMA guidelines, 34 high-quality studies published between 2012 and 2024 were analyzed, covering student populations in healthcare, psychology, business, and technical fields. Results Findings indicate that MBSR significantly reduces perceived stress (up to 33%) and mental health issues (by 40%), particularly in academic settings and low- to middle-income countries. Traditional in-person MBSR interventions significantly reduce stress, anxiety, and depression while improving cognitive flexibility and emotional regulation. Digital MBSR programs offer comparable psychological benefits but face engagement challenges. Discipline-specific variations revealed that healthcare and psychology students experience the most significant improvements, business students enhance decision-making skills, and STEM students show cognitive flexibility gains but lower participation rates. RCTs confirm a causal relationship between MBSR and mental health improvements, while observational studies highlight its real-world applicability despite higher dropout rates. Discussion Theoretical models, including Cognitive Load Theory (CLT), Self-Regulation Theory (SRT), and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), provide a foundation for understanding MBSR's impact on cognitive processing, self-regulation, and emotional resilience. Despite promising results, small sample sizes, short intervention durations, and variability in study designs limit generalizability. Future research should refine digital adaptations, implement hybrid mindfulness models, and address discipline-specific needs. Conclusion In conclusion, MBSR emerges as a valuable intervention for fostering students’ mental health and academic success.