Effects of a Mindfulness-Based Intervention on Perceived Stress, Posttraumatic Growth, Mindfulness and Life Satisfaction Among Medical Students in Southwest China

Medical students face a heightened risk of mental health challenges, including elevated stress, depression, and anxiety, compared to their peers. Recent studies have shown that mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) can improve mental health and Life satisfaction among medical students. This study aimed to examine the effects of a 7-week mindfulness-based intervention incorporating stabilization techniques on reducing perceived stress, fostering posttraumatic growth, enhancing mindfulness, and improving life satisfaction among medical students.

A total of 94 medical students with moderate to high levels of perceived stress from a medical university in Southwest China were randomly assigned to either a 7-week mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) group or a wait-list control (WLC) group. Assessments were conducted using the Chinese version of the Perceived Stress Scale (CPSS-14), Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) at baseline (T0), post-intervention (T1), and 1-month follow-up (T2).

No significant differences were observed in demographics (age, gender, and grade) and measured variables between the MBI group and the WLC group at baseline (T0), indicating similar demographic and psychological profiles. Significant improvements were noted in perceived stress, posttraumatic growth, mindfulness, and life satisfaction in the MBI group compared to the WLC group. Specifically, the MBI significantly reduced perceived stress (p < 0.01) and improved life satisfaction (p < 0.05) in the MBI group compared to the WLC group at 1-month follow-up (T2). The MBI group also showed significant enhancements at post-intervention (T1) and 1-month follow-up (T2) in the total PTGI (p < 0.05, p < 0.01), interpersonal relationships (p < 0.05, p < 0.01), new possibilities (p < 0.05, p < 0.05), and personal strength (p = 0.055, p < 0.05). The MBI group exhibited a significant improvement in mindfulness levels compared to the WLC group at post-intervention (T1) (p < 0.05).

The MBI is effective in managing stress, promoting posttraumatic growth, and enhancing mindfulness and life satisfaction among medical students. These findings highlight the potential benefits of integrating MBI into medical education to support the mental health of medical students.

This study was not preregistered.