The Effects of a Brief Mindful Walking Intervention on Mindfulness, Depression, Anxiety and Stress in Novice Meditators
Appalachian State University January 21, 2026
Four sessions of mindful walking did not improve trait mindfulness, depression, anxiety, or stress compared to an active control group among 58 non-meditating participants. The mindful walking group's trait mindfulness scores remained stable, while the control group's scores declined after the first session. State mindfulness was consistently higher in the mindful walking group immediately after each session. These results contradict earlier research and question the effectiveness of mindful walking programs for improving mental health outcomes in novice meditators.