Mindfulness research in Saudi Arabia: a scoping review of mental health applications in a non-WEIRD context

Mindfulness-based approaches show promise for reducing stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms and improving emotional regulation, resilience, and psychological well-being in Saudi Arabia. A scoping review of 44 peer-reviewed studies published between 2015 and 2025 found mindfulness applied across mental and physical health, education, workplace, and cultural settings. Both clinical and non-clinical populations, including students, healthcare professionals, and people with chronic health conditions, reported benefits. However, most studies used cross-sectional designs, self-report measures, and short-term interventions, limiting the strength of conclusions. More rigorous, longitudinal, and culturally adapted research is needed.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract Background Mindfulness-based approaches have gained increasing attention in mental health research and clinical practice. However, most empirical evidence on mindfulness has been generated in Western populations, with comparatively limited synthesis of research conducted in non-WEIRD contexts. Aims This scoping review aims to map and synthesize existing research on mindfulness conducted in Saudi Arabia, with particular attention to its applications within mental health and related domains. Methods Electronic databases were searched for peer-reviewed studies published in English and Arabic between 2015 and early 2025. Following screening procedures guided by PRISMA-ScR recommendations, 44 studies met the inclusion criteria and were thematically synthesized. Results The included studies were organized into four domains: mental and physical health, educational contexts, workplace and organizational settings, and cultural/environmental contexts. Across domains, mindfulness was commonly associated with reductions in stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, alongside improvements in emotional regulation, resilience, and psychological well-being. Mindfulness-based interventions demonstrated preliminary effectiveness among both clinical and non-clinical populations, including students, healthcare professionals, and individuals with chronic health conditions. Nevertheless, the literature remains methodologically heterogeneous, with most studies relying on cross-sectional designs, self-report measures, and short-term interventions. Conclusions Overall, the findings suggest that mindfulness-based approaches show promise for supporting psychological well-being in the Saudi context. At the same time, the field would benefit from more rigorous study designs, longitudinal investigations, and culturally grounded intervention frameworks.