Experimental studies on the effectiveness of mindfulness interventions in reducing symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression: A systematic review

Abstract

  This systematic review of recent experimental mindfulness research aims to analyze the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in reducing symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression across diverse population groups. Based on the analysis of ten studies (S. Bai, S. Elavsky, M. Kishida, G.G. Gallo, D.F. Curado, M.P. Machado, N. Polyvyannaya, N. Akhtayeva, H. Franco, P.A. Alvarado-García, M.R. Soto-Vásquez, G.F.M. Infantes, E.N. Osin, I.I. Turilina, et al.) published between 2020 and 2025 in Brazil, Peru, Iran, the United States, Australia, Kazakhstan, China, and Russia, it was found that mindfulness practices have a positive impact on the psycho-emotional state of participants. The review discusses mechanisms of action, intervention formats (including MBSR, MBCT, and their modifications), experimental research methods, sampling criteria, and the limitations of existing studies. All reviewed studies reported statistically significant reductions in perceived stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms in participants who completed mindfulness interventions compared to control groups. Particular attention is given to the effects of mindfulness on enhancing cognitive control, developing self-regulation skills, and positively influencing emotional well-being, sleep quality, and subjective life perception following mindfulness programs. Various intervention formats are examined, including classical MBSR programs, remote and online courses, adapted protocols, short meditations, and mobile applications. These programs demonstrated broad effectiveness for diverse groups, including students, schoolchildren, working adults, and individuals with elevated anxiety or chronic stress