The Effects of an Online Neurofeedback‐Assisted Mindfulness‐Based Intervention (NF‐MBI) on Mental Health of Nursing Students in China: A Latent Growth Curve Modelling Analysis
Zhenwei Dai, Shu Jing, Dongxue Chen, Feifei Gao, Xue Han, Xuelin Yang, Jinglei Cheng, Tianming Chen, Zihang Feng, Zimin Han, Huan Wang, Bicheng Han, Jingjie Fan, Xiaoyou Su
International Journal of Nursing Practice November 2, 2025 DOI: 10.1111/ijn.70073 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 147 |
| Population | Chinese nursing students in Beijing, China |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based intervention |
| Duration | 6-week intervention |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | NF-MBI reduced depression, anxiety, and fatigue and increased mindfulness in the short term; MBI increased mindfulness and reduced fatigue. Long-term, MBI showed increased depression, anxiety, and fatigue, and NF-MBI showed decreased mindfulness, compared with control. |
Abstract
Background: Chinese nursing students face mental health challenges, with mindfulness-based interventions (MBI) commonly utilized to mitigate these issues. Neurofeedback-assisted MBI (NF-MBI) might be a promising alternative.
Aim: The study aims to explore the short- and long-term effectiveness of the NF-MBI and MBI in improving mental well-being among Chinese nursing students.
Methods: This three-armed randomized controlled trial included 147 nursing students in Beijing, China. MBI and NF-MBI groups completed a 6-week online MBI, with NF-MBI adding electroencephalogram-based neurofeedback. Controls received general mental education. Mental health was evaluated four times at baseline and post-intervention. Latent growth curve modeling was used to evaluate intervention effects.
Results: In the short term, the NF-MBI group exhibited decreased depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms, fatigue, and increased mindfulness. The MBI group showed increased mindfulness and decreased fatigue compared with the control group. In the long term, the MBI group showed increased depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms and fatigue. The NF-MBI group observed decreased mindfulness compared with the control group.
Conclusions: NF-MBI and MBI can effectively improve the mental health of nursing students in China, with NF-MBI performing better in certain indicators. Tailored interventions should be implemented to enhance their mental well-being.
Trial Registration: This study has been registered on the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ID: ChiCTR2400080314).
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
Cites 10
- A systematic review of the neurophysiology of mindfulness on EEG oscillations Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews 2015
- Real-time fMRI neurofeedback reduces auditory hallucinations and modulates resting state connectivity of involved brain regions: Part 2: Default mode network -preliminary evidence Psychiatry Research January 14, 2020
- Efficacy Evaluation of Neurofeedback-Based Anxiety Relief Frontiers in Neuroscience October 28, 2021
- The Effectiveness of a Neurofeedback-Assisted Mindfulness Training Program Using a Mobile App on Stress Reduction in Employees: Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR mHealth and uHealth October 3, 2023
- Psychometric properties of the Short-Form Five Facets of Mindfulness Questionnaire among nursing students in China: A confirmatory factor analysis. Nursing Open July 1, 2024
and 5 more in the library