Experiences of Clinical Clerkship Students With Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction: A Qualitative Study on Long-Term Effects.
Inge Van Dijk, Maria H C T Van Beek, Marieke Arts-De Jong, Peter L B J Lucassen, Chris Van Weel, Anne E. M. Speckens
Frontiers in Psychology 2022 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.785090 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 16 |
| Population | Clinical clerkship students who had participated in an 8-week MBSR training 2 years earlier |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) |
| Duration | 8-week training; follow-up 2 years after participation |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Medical student Positive education Positive psychology Qualitative research Wellbeing |
| Key findings | Most of the 16 interviewed clinical clerkship students were still engaged in predominantly informal mindfulness practice two years after MBSR training, which they described as contributing to personal and professional changes such as improved work-life balance and different career choices; some had discontinued practice and reported an unchanged lifestyle. The authors argue that MBSR training could be a valuable addition to medical curricula. |
Abstract
To explore the mindfulness practice, its long-term effects, facilitators and barriers, in clinical clerkship students 2 years after participation in an 8-week mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) training. A qualitative study was performed by semi-structured in-depth interviews with 16 clinical clerkship students selected by purposive sampling. Students had participated in a MBSR training 2 years before and were asked about their current mindfulness practice, and the long-term effects of the MBSR training. Thematic analysis was conducted using the constant comparison method. Data saturation was reached after 16 interviews. Most interviewees were still engaged in regular, predominantly informal, mindfulness practice, although some discontinued mindfulness practice and reported an "unchanged lifestyle." Three main themes came forward; (1) "focused attention and open awareness" during daily activities as core elements of long-term mindfulness practice; (2) "changes in behavior and coping" that resulted from taking a pause, reflecting, recognizing automatic behavioral patterns and making space for a conscious response; (3) "integration in personal and professional life" by enhanced enjoyment of daily activities, improved work-life-balance and making different career choices. Barriers and facilitators in starting and maintaining mindfulness practice were (1) understanding and intention as "pre-conditions"; (2) practical, personal, and professional factors of students in maintaining practice. Two years after participation in a MBSR training, many interviewees were still engaged in (mostly informal) mindfulness practice contributing to both personal and professional changes. In light of the high clerkship demands, MBSR training could be a valuable addition to medical curricula, supporting medical students in developing necessary competencies to become well-balanced professionals.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on meditation, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 6
- Breath-Body-Mind Core Techniques to Manage Medical Student Stress. Journal of medical education and curricular development 2023
- Online mindfulness-based vs. cognitive-behavioural stress reduction for medical students: A randomized controlled trial. Psychiatry Research July 11, 2025
- The Subjective Experience of Greek Women Attending a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program The European Journal of Counselling Psychology October 21, 2025
- Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Art Therapy for Oncology Nurses: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing April 1, 2026
- Effects of Mindfulness Training on Teachers’ Expectations and Experiences Regarding Their Mental Health and Mindfulness/Prosocial Competencies Mindfulness December 1, 2024
and 1 more in the library
Cites 12
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- Six-year positive effects of a mindfulness-based intervention on mindfulness, coping and well-being in medical and psychology students; Results from a randomized controlled trial PLoS One April 24, 2018
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