The Subjective Experience of Greek Women Attending a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program
Antonia Nikolaidi, Eirini Karakasidou, Anna Papadimitriou
The European Journal of Counselling Psychology October 21, 2025 DOI: 10.46853/001c.146172 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 11 |
| Population | Greek women who completed the MBSR program |
| Duration | Eight-week program |
| Topics | Anxiety Meditation |
| Keywords | Enthusiasm Mindfulness-based stress reduction Mental health Cognition Interpretative phenomenological analysis Clinical psychology Consistency knowledge bases Qualitative research Applied psychology Stress linguistics Stress management |
| Key findings | The MBSR program delivered emotional and cognitive benefits, improved self-awareness, and positively influenced broader life domains, with group dynamics and instructor role being key factors. |
Abstract
Nowadays, people and especially women experience high levels of anxiety and stress in different areas of their daily lives with significant effects in emotional and cognitive level. The “Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction” (MBSR) program is a rigorously structured, scientifically validated eight-week protocol primarily aimed at managing stress, with documented positive outcomes across additional areas. This qualitative study examines the subjective experiences of Greek women who completed the MBSR program, focusing on their participation, benefits gained, and the integration of mindfulness into their daily lives. Eleven adult women participated in this study. Data was analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Analysis revealed multiple benefits of the MBSR program at emotional and cognitive levels, as well as in self-awareness, while positively influencing broader domains of participants’ lives. The significance of group dynamics and the role of the instructor emerged as key factors during the program, alongside challenges related to maintaining consistency in practicing the techniques. These challenges persisted after program completion; however, all participants reported incorporating mindfulness into their daily routines, expressing enthusiasm and commitment to maintaining these practices long-term. The MBSR program appears to be an effective intervention, delivering meaningful benefits to participants. Further large-scale research on overcoming barriers to the consistent implementation of mindfulness practices is recommended. Enhanced understanding of MBSR benefits could expand its reach, increase public awareness, and support its application in diverse settings across Greece and worldwide, with the broader aim of enhancing population-wide mental health and well-being.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on meditation, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cites 20
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Stress Management in Healthy People: A Review and Meta-Analysis The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine May 1, 2009
- School-Based Mindfulness Instruction: An RCT Pediatrics December 19, 2015
- Effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction and an organizational health intervention on Dutch teachers' mental health. Health Promotion International June 1, 2023
- The Role of Religion and Spirituality in Mindfulness Practices: A Qualitative Literature Review SMARATUNGGA JURNAL OF EDUCATION AND BUDDHIST STUDIES March 29, 2023
- The impact of an organizational-level mindfulness-based intervention on workplace social capital and psychological safety: A qualitative content analysis. Frontiers in Psychology 2023
and 15 more in the library