The effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction program on nursing students' stress level and emotion regulation: A randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION: This study was conducted as a pre-test, post-test, follow-up randomized controlled trial to determine the effect of a mindfulness-based stress reduction program on perceived stress levels and cognitive emotion regulation strategies in nursing students.
METHODS: The study involved 45 participants, with 22 in the intervention group and 23 in the control group. Data collection tools included a personal characteristics form, the Perceived Stress Scale, and the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Scale. The intervention group attended an online MBSR program once weekly for eight weeks, with sessions lasting 60–90 minutes, while the control group received no intervention. Assessments were conducted at pre-test, post-test, one-month, and three-month follow-ups.
RESULTS: The results revealed a significant reduction in perceived stress scores in the intervention group across all measurement points compared to the control group. On the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Scale, the intervention group showed lower scores in the "rumination" and "self-blame" subscales post-intervention and during follow-ups. Additionally, they scored higher in the "acceptance," "positive refocusing," and "putting into perspective" subscales at similar intervals. Feedback from the intervention group indicated that 33.3% found the program beneficial for stress management, 66% reported enhanced mindfulness, and 33.3% noted increased awareness.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The MBSR program effectively reduced perceived stress levels and encouraged positive cognitive emotion regulation strategies, such as increased acceptance, reduced rumination, and improved perspective-taking among nursing students. These findings suggest that mindfulness practices can be a valuable tool in fostering emotional well-being and stress resilience in this population.