Mindfulness-based stress reduction improves the general health and stress of Chinese military recruits: A pilot study

Abstract

This paper reported the health effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) among 49 Chinese military recruits with psychological distress in a 12-week study. Participants were randomized into a MBSR and a waitlist group. Previously validated questionnaires were administered to both groups at four time points: baseline, 5, 8, and 12 weeks after participation. Compared to the waitlist group, the MBSR group showed more improvements in mindfulness and general health, as well as more stress reduction at 12-week follow-up. This study suggested that MBSR could be a promising health intervention for improving general health and reducing stress in Chinese military recruits.