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The effect of meditation on exam anxiety of nursing students: a randomized clinical trial.

Pouran Varvani Farahani, Candan Ozturk

Irish Journal of Medical Science June 1, 2026 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-026-04308-z (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Randomized controlled trial Double-blind Peer reviewed
Sample size 100
Population Nursing students
Intervention Twin Heart Meditation
Duration One-week intervention
Topics Meditation Anxiety
Keywords Complementary therapies Exam anxiety Mental health Nursing students
Key findings Twin Heart Meditation significantly reduced exam anxiety in nursing students compared to a control group.

Abstract

Nursing students frequently encounter significant levels of test anxiety, which can impact their academic success and overall well-being. Twin Heart Meditation is a technique for relaxation that might assist in alleviating anxiety. This research aim to assess the influence of Twin Heart Meditation on exam anxiety in nursing students. This double-blind clinical trial was conducted on 100 nursing students. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups: a control group (n = 50) and an experimental group (n = 50). In the experimental group, participants engaged in meditation for 30 minutes, three times per week, over a one-week period. Both groups underwent assessments of exam anxiety before and after the intervention, utilizing the Spielberg State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, employing paired and independent t-tests, with P < 0.05 considered statistically significant. There was no significant difference in exam anxiety scores between the two groups before to the intervention (P = 0.473). Following the intervention, the mean exam anxiety score in the experimental group significantly decreased from 56.52± 13.91 to 50.22± 11.54 (P < 0.001), whereas the control group showed no statistically significant change, with scores from 58.48± 13.27 to 58.42± 13.21 (P = 0.371).. Moreover, an independent t-test revealed a statistically significant difference in post-intervention exam anxiety scores between the two groups (P ≤ 0.001). Meditation can be regarded as an effective, non-invasive approach to alleviate exam anxiety in nursing students, which may lead to improvements in their academic success and general mental health.

Comparable studies

Other randomized controlled trials on anxiety, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients 2000 Randomized controlled trial n = 145
Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized double-blind trial Cancer patients with life-threatening diagnoses and symptoms of depression and/or anxiety 2016 Randomized controlled trial n = 51
Rapid and sustained symptom reduction following psilocybin treatment for anxiety and depression in patients with life-threatening cancer: a randomized controlled trial Patients with cancer-related anxiety and depression 2016 Double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial n = 29
Psilocybin can occasion mystical-type experiences having substantial and sustained personal meaning and spiritual significance Hallucinogen-naïve adults reporting regular participation in religious or spiritual... 2006 Double-blind study n = 36
Pilot Study of Psilocybin Treatment for Anxiety in Patients With Advanced-Stage Cancer Adults with advanced-stage cancer and anxiety 2010 Double-blind, placebo-controlled study n = 12

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