Efficacy of a mobile-based intervention for newly graduated nurses: A randomized controlled trial.
Yun-Jung Choi, Hee-Won Song, Hae-In Namgung, Chae-Young Lee
Digital health 2026 DOI: 10.1177/20552076261450524 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 56 |
| Population | Newly graduated nurses in South Korea |
| Duration | Four-week intervention |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Job stress Mobile intervention Newly graduated nurses Psychological capital Randomized controlled trial |
| Key findings | The MindMate mobile intervention significantly reduced job stress and improved psychological capital compared with the control group, with subdomain reductions in workload and role conflict stress and improvements in self-efficacy and hope. No statistically significant differences were found in turnover intention or life satisfaction. |
Abstract
Newly graduated nurses often experience high job-related stress and psychological strain during their transition to clinical practice. Mobile-based interventions may provide flexible and accessible support for psychological outcomes, but evidence remains limited. This study examined the efficacy of MindMate, a mobile-based self-guided intervention integrating guided meditation with virtual plant interaction, on job stress, turnover intention, life satisfaction, and psychological capital among newly graduated nurses in South Korea. A randomized controlled trial registered with the Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS), Republic of Korea (Registration No. KCT0010803) was conducted with newly graduated nurses assigned to either the experimental group (n = 26) or the control group (n = 30). The experimental group completed a four-week self-guided intervention using the MindMate application within a controlled research setting. Pre- and post-intervention data were collected through validated self-report scales. Analyses included independent t-tests, paired t-tests, ANCOVA, and Cohen's d for effect size. The intervention significantly reduced job stress and improved psychological capital in the experimental group compared to the control group. Subdomain analysis revealed reductions in workload and role conflict stress and enhancements in self-efficacy and hope. However, no statistically significant differences were found in turnover intention or life satisfaction. MindMate demonstrated efficacy in reducing job stress and enhancing certain aspects of psychological capital under controlled research conditions. Further studies are required to examine its effectiveness and scalability in real-world clinical environments.
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 6
- Mindfulness: A proposed operational definition. Clinical Psychology Science and Practice 2004
- Mindfulness-based interventions: an overall review British Medical Bulletin April 21, 2021
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction as a Stress Management Intervention for Healthy Individuals Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine July 22, 2014
- Mindfulness-Based Mobile Apps and Their Impact on Well-Being in Nonclinical Populations: Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials Journal of Medical Internet Research June 21, 2023
- Self-Care for Nurses Who Care for Others: The Effectiveness of Meditation as a Self-Care Strategy Religions January 9, 2023
and 1 more in the library