# Effects of mindfulness-based interventions on perceived stress among non-clinical adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

## TL;DR

Mindfulness-based interventions significantly reduce perceived stress in non-clinical adults, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis of 17 studies.

## Contribution

This study provides robust evidence for the effectiveness of MBIs in reducing stress across diverse delivery methods and regions.

## Key findings

- MBIs significantly reduced perceived stress compared to control groups (SMD = −0.53).
- Subgroup analyses showed larger effects for indirect interventions (SMD = −0.676).
- Results were robust with minimal publication bias and no significant moderators identified.

## Abstract

Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are recognised as effective psychosocial strategies for managing stress. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published up to August 2025 across the Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, EBSCO and Google Scholar following the PRISMA guidelines. Seventeen randomised controlled trials (n = 1,641) met the inclusion criteria. Baseline stress did not differ between MBI and control groups (SMD = 0.15, 95% CI = −0.07 to 0.36, p = 0.18). Post-intervention, MBIs were associated with significantly lower perceived stress (SMD = −0.53, 95% CI = −0.72 to −0.33, p < 0.00001). Within-group analyses indicated substantial reductions among MBI participants (SMD = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.62 to 1.23, p < 0.00001), whereas controls showed only marginal changes (SMD = 0.23, 95% CI = 0.00 to 0.46, p = 0.05). Subgroup analyses confirmed effectiveness across regions and delivery modalities, with larger effects observed in indirect interventions (SMD = −0.676, p < 0.001). Meta-regression found no significant moderators, and sensitivity analyses demonstrated robustness with minimal publication bias. Collectively, these results support MBIs as effective and scalable strategies for reducing perceived stress in non-clinical adults, highlighting the need for further evaluation of their effects on physiological stress markers.