Mindfulness-based training to decrease stress-induced anxiety in drivers: A quasi-experimental study

• Evaluated psychological status of military drivers via SAPS, MAAS, PSS, and PHQ9 scales, revealing a significant correlation between stress-induced anxiety and perceived stress. • The proposed mindfulness intervention training reduced stress-induced anxiety and perceived stress. • Compared interventions: ASITM training reduced perceived stress but not anxiety, highlighting mindfulness superiority. • Provided evidence-based training framework to reduce accidents in specialized military drivers. Negative emotions affect driving safety. The anxiety of special vehicle drivers caused by stress increases the risk of traffic accidents. It is particularly important to take necessary trainings, and mindfulness training may be an effective measure. However, few studies have addressed these issues. To fill this gap, this study employs quasi-experimental research methods to investigate the positive effect of a mindfulness training on reducing negative emotions in drivers and to explore the potential mediating mechanisms among the variables. A total of 95 newly trained military drivers were assigned to one of three groups: the cerebral cortex attention-sport function optimization-integrated training (ASITM) group, the mindfulness training group, and the control group. Participants completed a series of questionnaires, including the Stress-Induced Anxiety Prediction Scale, the Mindful Attention and Awareness Scale, the Perceived Stress Scale, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 scale, both before and after the training. The results showed that stress-induced anxiety is closely associated with mindfulness, depression, and perceived stress. Linear regression analysis identified depression and perceived stress as significant predictors of stress-induced anxiety. Notably, both stress-induced anxiety and perceived stress were reduced in the mindfulness training group. These findings suggest that mindfulness training effectively reduces stress reactivity and anxiety and could benefit future military driver training programs.