Effectiveness of Mind-Body Therapies on Anxiety, Burnout, Depression, and Stress in Graduate Health Professions Students: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE: Mental health conditions are prevalent among graduate health professions students and can negatively impact academic performance, well-being, and relationships. This systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of mind-body therapies (MBTs) on anxiety, burnout, depression, and stress in graduate health professions students. METHODS: Five healthcare/academic databases were searched from 2008 through August 25, 2023. Inclusion criteria: 1) graduate health professions students; 2) MBT interventions; and 3) anxiety, burnout, depression, and/or stress outcomes. Title/abstract screening, full-text review, level of evidence, and quality assessment were performed by author pairs. RESULTS: Of 2,511 screened records, 24 met inclusion criteria, representing 2,220 students across 6 health professions programs. Studies described 8 anxiety, 2 burnout, 7 depression, and 10 stress outcomes. The average QuADS score was 73.64% (range 53.85–100%). Fifteen studies reported significant improvements in at least 1 anxiety, depression, or stress outcome. Of 9 studies that measured anxiety, 5 demonstrated reductions. Depression results were inconsistent, with only 1 of 7 studies showing improvements. Stress outcomes improved most frequently, with 13 of 22 studies reporting benefits. None of the 3 burnout studies showed positive results. CONCLUSIONS: MBTs such as mindfulness, meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises show promise in reducing anxiety and stress. Evidence supporting improvements in burnout and depression remains quite limited.