Mindfulness-based training to decrease stress-induced anxiety in drivers: A quasi-experimental study
Jinlong Qiu, Hongyi Xiang, Li Peng, Qiushi Wang, Xiaoming Li, Ke Shen, Hui Zhao
Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives May 18, 2026 DOI: 10.1016/j.trip.2026.101991 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Quasi-experimental study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 95 |
| Population | Newly trained military drivers |
| Interventions | Mindfulness training Cerebral cortex attention-sport function optimization-integrated training (ASITM) |
| Topics | Anxiety Meditation |
| Keywords | Traffic psychology Drivers Stress-induced anxiety Mindfulness training |
| Key findings | Mindfulness training reduced stress-induced anxiety and perceived stress in military drivers. |
Abstract
Negative emotions affect driving safety. The anxiety of special vehicle drivers caused by stress increases the risk of traffic accidents. It is particularly important to take necessary trainings, and mindfulness training may be an effective measure. However, few studies have addressed these issues. To fill this gap, this study employs quasi-experimental research methods to investigate the positive effect of a mindfulness training on reducing negative emotions in drivers and to explore the potential mediating mechanisms among the variables. A total of 95 newly trained military drivers were assigned to one of three groups: the cerebral cortex attention-sport function optimization-integrated training (ASITM) group, the mindfulness training group, and the control group. Participants completed a series of questionnaires, including the Stress-Induced Anxiety Prediction Scale, the Mindful Attention and Awareness Scale, the Perceived Stress Scale, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 scale, both before and after the training. The results showed that stress-induced anxiety is closely associated with mindfulness, depression, and perceived stress. Linear regression analysis identified depression and perceived stress as significant predictors of stress-induced anxiety. Notably, both stress-induced anxiety and perceived stress were reduced in the mindfulness training group. These findings suggest that mindfulness training effectively reduces stress reactivity and anxiety and could benefit future military driver training programs.
Comparable studies
Other experimental studies on anxiety, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| A PILOT STUDY OF GROUP MINDFULNESS-BASED COGNITIVE THERAPY (MBCT) FOR COMBAT VETERANS WITH POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD) Veterans with chronic combat posttraumatic stress disorder seeking treatment at a VA... | 2013 | Quasi-experimental with treatment-as-usual comparison group | n = 37 |
| Being present in the face of existential threat: The role of trait mindfulness in reducing defensive responses to mortality salience. | 2010 | Experimental study | |
| Neural correlates of mindfulness meditation-related anxiety relief Healthy adults with no prior meditation experience | 2013 | Within-subjects experimental study | n = 15 |
| Intensive mindfulness training-related changes in cognitive and emotional experience Community adults | 2009 | Quasi-experimental and longitudinal | n = 69 |
| Prospective examination of synthetic 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine inhalation: effects on salivary IL-6, cortisol levels, affect, and non-judgment Volunteers | 2019 | Within-subjects experimental study | n = 11 |
Citations in the library
Cites 10
- Mindfulness: Theoretical Foundations and Evidence for its Salutary Effects Psychological Inquiry October 19, 2007
- Mindfulness Interventions Annual Review of Psychology September 30, 2016
- Psychometric properties of the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) in a first-episode psychosis sample. Psychological Assessment February 1, 2022
- How do mindfulness-based programmes improve anxiety, depression and psychological distress? A systematic review Current Psychology April 1, 2023
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction vs Escitalopram for the Treatment of Adults With Anxiety Disorders: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Psychiatry January 1, 2023
and 5 more in the library