Using Meditation to Reduce Stress, Anxiety, and Depression in Nursing Students

J Nurs Educ. 2023 Aug;62(8):443-449. doi: 10.3928/01484834-20230612-02. Epub 2023 Aug 1.

Abstract

Background: Nursing students experience higher rates of mental health issues than other college students. This study examined the effect of a mindfulness meditation intervention on nursing students' levels of self-reported depression, stress, and anxiety.

Method: This randomized, experimental study implemented an online mindfulness meditation intervention for an experimental group of nursing students and provided nursing news modules for a control group of nursing students. Participants in experimental and control groups completed the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale online before and after completing 4 weeks of audio modules.

Results: Results showed a statistically significant decrease in reported scores for depression, stress, and anxiety in the experimental group.

Conclusion: This study demonstrated the potential benefits of implementing an online mindfulness meditation intervention to support and improve mental health for nursing students. [J Nurs Educ. 2023;62(8):443-449.].

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Anxiety / prevention & control
  • Depression / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Meditation* / psychology
  • Mindfulness* / methods
  • Stress, Psychological / prevention & control
  • Stress, Psychological / psychology
  • Students, Nursing* / psychology