Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction: a Literature Review and Clinician's Guide

Purpose: To provide nurse practitioners (NPs) with clinical research about Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and demonstrate its usefulness for reducing stress in a variety of populations.

Data Sources: A literature review was conducted using the following databases: EBSCO, Cinahl, Pschyline, and Medline. English language articles published between 2000 and 2006 in peer-reviewed journals were reviewed. Search terms "mindfulness,""meditation," and "stress" were used. Additional information was obtained through select, reputable Internet sites.

Conclusions: MBSR is an effective treatment for reducing stress and anxiety that accompanies daily life and chronic illness. MBSR is also therapeutic for healthcare providers, enhancing their interactions with patients. No negative side effects from MBSR have been documented.

Implications For Practice: MBSR is a safe, effective, integrative approach for reducing stress. Patients and healthcare providers experiencing stress or stress-related symptoms benefit from MBSR programs. NPs can safely and effectively use this intervention in a variety of patient populations.