A pilot feasibility study of a peer-led mindfulness program for medical students.
Marlon Danilewitz, Jacques Bradwejn, Diana Koszycki
Canadian Medical Education Journal March 31, 2016 DOI: 10.36834/cmej.36643 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Pre-clerkship medical students |
| Intervention | Peer-led mindfulness meditation program |
| Duration | 8-week program |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | The peer-led mindfulness meditation program reduced stress and increased mindfulness, self-compassion, and altruism from baseline to post-study, while the wait-list group showed no significant changes. Satisfaction was high, but compliance was suboptimal. The authors conclude the program is feasible and may be a promising approach to enhance medical student wellbeing, and call for further research on improving compliance. |
Abstract
Background: Mindfulness meditation has gained momentum in medical circles for bolstering wellbeing and other facets of professionalism. This study evaluated the feasibility and benefits of a peer-led mindfulness meditation program (MMP) on medical student wellness and professionalism.
Method: Pre-clerkship students were recruited and randomized to the 8-week MMP or wait-list. Feasibility outcomes included ease of recruitment, program attendance and homework compliance. Other outcomes included self-reported psychological distress, empathy, self-compassion, mindfulness, altruism and program satisfaction.
Results: The MMP decreased levels of stress and enhanced mindfulness, self-compassion and altruism from baseline to post-study. Changes were not significant for the wait-list condition. Although satisfaction with the MMP was high compliance was suboptimal.
Conclusions: A peer-led MMP is feasible and may be a promising approach to enhance medical student wellbeing. Further research is needed to explore strategies to improve program compliance in this student population.
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 18
- Mindfulness interventions in medical education: A systematic review of their impact on medical student stress, depression, fatigue and burnout Medical Teacher November 7, 2017
- The effect of mindfulness interventions on stress in medical students: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2023
- The psychosomatic impact of Yoga in medical education: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Medical education online December 31, 2024
- The effect of mindfulness‐based interventions on reducing stress in future health professionals: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being August 1, 2023
- Developing a mindfulness program for pre-clinical medical students in Indonesia: a mixed-methods study on suitability and appropriateness. BMC Medical Education July 17, 2025
and 13 more in the library
Cites 10
- Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Assessment January 27, 2006
- Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: A conceptual and empirical review. Clinical Psychology Science and Practice 2003
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Health Care Professionals: Results From a Randomized Trial. International Journal of Stress Management May 1, 2005
- Teaching mindfulness in medical school: where are we now and where are we going? Medical Education July 10, 2013
- Outcomes of MBSR or MBSR-based interventions in health care providers: A systematic review with a focus on empathy and emotional competencies. Complementary Therapies in Medicine February 1, 2016
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