The effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in enhancing resilience and mitigating occupational burnout among nurses: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Purpose

To evaluate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) on resilience, occupational burnout, mindfulness, and psychological outcomes among nurses.

Methods

The present study was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. This review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420261355396). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included that evaluated the effects of MBIs on resilience and burnout among nurses. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager to calculate standardized mean differences (SMD) for primary outcomes: resilience and occupational burnout (including emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment).

Results

Eleven studies with 1194 nurses were included in the systematic review, of which ten trials (pooled n = 835) contributed to the meta-analyses. MBIs significantly improved resilience (SMD = 0.27, P = 0.020) with low heterogeneity (I² = 0%). However, the effect on reducing emotional exhaustion and the core dimension of occupational burnout was minimal and non-significant (SMD = −0.38, P = 0.050), with moderate heterogeneity (I² = 69%). MBIs also significantly improved mindfulness (SMD = 0.85, P = 0.008) and job satisfaction (SMD = 0.43, P = 0.003).

Conclusion

MBIs may provide beneficial effects on resilience and job satisfaction among nurses. However, evidence remains limited and inconsistent on occupational burnout and broader psychological outcomes. With standardized intervention protocols and long-term follow-up, further high-quality randomized controlled trials are warranted.