Does mindfulness-based stress reduction training have an impact on the occupational burnout and stress experienced by nurses? A randomized controlled trial.
Nasim Talebiazar, Babak Choobi Anzali, Mahdiyeh Abbasi, Negin Azizi, Rasoul Goli, Navid Faraji, Mojde Bagheri, Negar Amiri, Sahar Kazemi
International archives of occupational and environmental health 2025 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-024-02078-8 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Single-blinded randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 60 |
| Population | Emergency medical center nurses |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) |
| Duration | Eight-session MBSR program |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Burnout Nurses Occupational stress Stress reduction |
| Key findings | MBSR training significantly reduced occupational stress and burnout in nurses compared to the control group. |
Abstract
In an effort to combat burnout, a study investigates Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) training for nurses. The goal is to reduce stress and improve job satisfaction, ultimately enhancing patient care. These findings may inspire the development of mindfulness-based support systems for healthcare professionals to promote overall well-being in the workplace. A single-blinded, randomized controlled trial with 60 emergency medical center nurses was conducted to assess the effectiveness of an eight-session MBSR program in reducing stress and burnout. The randomization process, utilizing sealed envelopes, ensured unbiased allocation to intervention or control groups. The training program included group sessions focused on meditation, yoga, and discussions, with participants receiving educational materials and CDs for home practice. Collected data included demographics, Maslach Burnout Inventory, and Occupational Stress Questionnaire results. Statistical analysis, utilizing SPSS version 21, featured Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Mann-Whitney U, and Wilcoxon tests to evaluate outcomes. Following MBSR Training, the intervention group displayed statistically significant differences in all occupational stress subscales compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Post-intervention, the intervention group also exhibited significant differences in burnout subscale scores (P < 0.001) compared to the control group. MBSR can boost resilience and job satisfaction, enhancing patient care. Healthcare organizations should integrate MBSR programs for nursing staff well-being and combat stress and burnout. Research should probe long-term impacts and effective delivery methods for sustained stress relief in nursing. This study has registered in Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials by the number of IRCT20131112015390N5 on Jun 2022.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 4
- AIZEN Digital Meditation Intervention for Caregiver Burnout in Taiwan—A Pilot Randomized Trial Mindfulness May 2, 2026
- The effect of mindfulness on the occupational stress of nurses in critical care units: a randomized clinical trial. Annals of Medicine and Surgery November 6, 2025
- The effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction on presenteeism among ICU nurses: A cluster randomized controlled trial. PLoS One October 28, 2025
- Mindfulness meditation as a tool for enhancing recovery and reducing burnout in elite tennis players. Frontiers in Psychology October 23, 2025
Cites 8
- Mindfulness‐based stress reduction for psychological distress among nurses: A systematic review Journal of Clinical Nursing July 3, 2019
- Experimental Mindfulness Intervention in an Emergency Department for Stress Management and Development of Positive Working Environment Healthcare March 17, 2023
- Investigating the impact of modified mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program on occupational burnout and other mental health status among nonmedical staff in a hospital: a randomized controlled trial. International archives of occupational and environmental health December 2022
- Effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on the Well-Being, Burnout and Stress of Italian Healthcare Professionals during the COVID-19 Pandemic Journal of Clinical Medicine May 31, 2022
- The Effects of Mindfulness Meditation on Stress and Burnout in Nurses Journal of Holistic Nursing May 17, 2021
and 3 more in the library