The effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in reducing anxiety and depression among students: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Mindfulness-based interventions produce medium-sized reductions in anxiety and depression among students. Analyzing 84 studies, the meta-analysis found an effect of g = -0.58 for anxiety and g = -0.51 for depression. Eight-week programs were most effective for depression, and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy showed the largest anxiety reduction.

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Abstract

Objectives With growing interest in mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) as tools for improving psychological well-being, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of MBIs in reducing anxiety and depression among students.Method A systematic literature search was conducted across major electronic databases including PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, CENTRAL, ProQuest, and APA PsycNet following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies published between 2010 and 2024 were screened for eligibility. A Random-Effects Model (REM) was used to compute pooled effect sizes.Results A total of 84 studies targeting general students met the inclusion criteria. MBIs demonstrated medium effects in reducing anxiety (g = - 0.58, 95% CI [−0.72, −0.45], p = 0.00, k = 75) and depression (g = -0.51, 95% CI [−0.63, −0.39], p = 0.00, k = 70). Subgroup analyses indicated that 8-week interventions were significantly more effective in reducing depression (8- weeks p = 0.00; g = −0.73), compared with shorter interventions (1–7 weeks; g = - 0.43) and longer interventions (9 weeks and above; g = - 0.15). Moreover, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) was particularly effective in reducing anxiety (p = 0.00; g = - 2.21), compared with MBSR (g = - 0.88) and other MBIs (g = - 0.40).Conclusions Mindfulness-based interventions appear to provide meaningful reductions in anxiety and depression among students.