Comparing the Effects of Mindfulness-Based and Cognitive Behavioral-Based Stress Reduction in Medical Students

We aimed to compare the effects of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and the Cognitive Behavioural Stress Reduction (CBSR) group interventions on depression and anxiety symptoms and perceived stress of medical students. 323 medical students applied to participate in one of the group interventions and were assessed with the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Of these, 253 (77% female, mean age=21.9 ± 2.9 years) were allocated into online MBSR (n=127) and online CBSR (n=126) groups after randomization. Their anxiety and depressive symptoms and perceived stress levels were assessed at baseline and after 8 weeks of interventions.