Integrating a Unique Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Training into the First-Year Medical Student Curriculum
Kim Meeks, Olivia Penela, Gautham Mudireddy, Zach Brieck, Brad Lian, Robert Hodge
Research Square June 27, 2025 preprint DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-6595275/v1 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Pre-post feasibility study |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 8 |
| Population | First-year medical students at a School of Medicine |
| Duration | Training with immediate post-training and 3-month follow-up assessments |
| Measures | Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key points | MeditateMD was followed by a significant reduction in perceived stress immediately after training, but the reduction was not evident at three-month follow-up. The authors conclude the program offers immediate stress-management benefits and suggest ongoing mindfulness practice may be needed for longer-term effects. |
Abstract
Abstract
Objective: To describe and evaluate MeditateMD’s effectiveness in reducing perceived stress among first-year students and to examine its feasibility when integrated into a medical school curriculum.
Methods: In 2024, eight first-year students from School of Medicine participated in the program, undergoing pre-, immediate post-, and three-month post-training Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) assessments to measure changes in stress levels.
Results: Statistical analysis using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test revealed a significant reduction in stress levels immediately following the program. The reduction was not evident at 3-month follow-up however. Student evaluations post-training were overwhelmingly positive, praising the program’s relevance and practical benefits.
Conclusion: MeditateMD enhances first-year medical students' abilities to manage stress, demonstrating significant immediate benefits. However, ongoing mindfulness practices might be needed to maintain long-term benefits.
Comparable studies
Other non-randomized and open-label trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in Relation to Quality of Life, Mood, Symptoms of Stress, and Immune Parameters in Breast and Prostate Cancer Outpatients Early-stage breast and prostate cancer patients | 2003 | Pre-post intervention study | n = 59 |
| Exploring self‐compassion and empathy in the context of mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR) Community sample | 2010 | Pre-post intervention study | |
| Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Lowers Psychological Distress In Medical Students Second-year medical students | 2003 | Prospective nonrandomized cohort-controlled study | n = 302 |
| Intensive meditation training, immune cell telomerase activity, and psychological mediators. Retreat participants and matched controls | 2011 | Controlled trial with wait-list control group | n = 60 |
| The Effectiveness of Mindfulness Training for Children with ADHD and Mindful Parenting for their Parents Children aged 8-12 with ADHD and their parents | 2011 | Within-group waitlist controlled trial | n = 22 |
Citations in the library
Cites 4
- Improving stress management, anxiety, and mental well-being in medical students through an online Mindfulness-Based Intervention: a randomized study. Scientific Reports May 22, 2023
- The effectiveness of mindfulness training in improving medical students' stress, depression, and anxiety. PLoS One 2023
- Should Mindfulness for Health Care Workers Go Virtual? A Mindfulness-Based Intervention Using Virtual Reality and Heart Rate Variability in the Emergency Department. Workplace Health & Safety April 2023
- MAP Train My Brain: Meditation Combined with Aerobic Exercise Reduces Stress and Rumination While Enhancing Quality of Life in Medical Students The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine April 20, 2020