Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Stress, Anxiety, and Psychological Well-Being: Effects in a Republic of Korea Navy Fleet Crew

The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effects of a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program on perceived stress, depression, anxiety, and psychological well-being of a Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy fleet crew. A quasi-experimental study with a non-equivalent control group pretest/post-test design was used. Participants were randomized to an experimental group ( n = 18) and control group ( n = 21). The experimental group received MBSR for 90 minutes per week for eight sessions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Shapiro-Wilk, chi-square, Mann-Whitney U, and t tests. Results showed significant decreases in perceived stress ( t = −8.24, p = 0.015) and anxiety ( t = −0.25, p = 0.041) and improved psychological well-being ( t = 2.58, p = 0.023) in the experimental group compared to the control group. No differences were found for depression between groups. These findings indicate that MBSR was effective in addressing perceived stress, anxiety, and psychological well-being of a ROK Navy fleet crew. This study suggests MBSR can be expanded to other populations at high risk for stress and anxiety. [ Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 58 (11), 48–55.]