Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Reducing Anxiety in Young Adults: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Background: Anxiety can affect young adults’ emotional well-being, academic engagement, and social functioning. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) may help by strengthening present-moment awareness and reducing reactive responses to anxious thoughts and sensations. Objective: This systematic literature review examined empirical evidence on the use of MBIs to reduce anxiety among young adults. Methods: The review was designed in accordance with PRISMA 2020. Studies published from 2016 to 2025 were sought in Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, PsycINFO, ERIC, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Eligible studies involved young adults, evaluated a mindfulness-based program, and reported anxiety outcomes. Thirteen articles were specified for inclusion, and findings were synthesized narratively because intervention formats, outcome measures, and comparison conditions varied. Results: The available evidence indicates that mindfulness programs may reduce anxiety, including when delivered online or in culturally adapted formats. Supporting meta-analyses of university student samples reported significant average effects: one found a standardized mean difference (SMD) of −0.47 (95% CI [−0.80, −0.14]) for online MBIs, while another reported an SMD of −0.35 (95% CI [−0.46, −0.25]) across mindfulness interventions. However, substantial heterogeneity in some reviews and differences in study quality limit generalization. Conclusion: MBIs appear promising as an approach to anxiety support for young adults, but their effectiveness may depend on program design, delivery, population, and measurement. Further rigorous studies with validated outcomes and longer follow-up are needed.