Author: Kerrigan D1, Chau V1, King M1, Holman E1, Joffe A2, Sibinga E3
Affiliation: <sup>1</sup>1 The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
<sup>2</sup>2 The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
<sup>3</sup>3 The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Conference/Journal: J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med.
Date published: 2017 Jan 1
Other:
Volume ID: 2156587217719787 , Special Notes: doi: 10.1177/2156587217719787. [Epub ahead of print] , Word Count: 156
Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) has been shown to improve health outcomes across populations. We explored the feasibility, acceptability, and initial effects of a pilot MBSR program at a highly-ranked university in the United States. We conducted 23 in-depth interviews with 13 students. Interviews explored stressors and coping mechanisms, experiences with MBSR, and its reported impact and potential future use. Interviews were analyzed using thematic content and narrative analyses. Results indicated that students are exposed to a very high level of constant stress related to the sheer amount of work and activities that they have and the pervasive surrounding university culture of perfectionism. MBSR offered an opportunity to step back and gain perspective on issues of balance and priorities and provided concrete techniques to counter the effects of stressors. We conclude that MBSR and mindfulness programs may contribute to more supportive university learning environments and greater health and well-being among students.
KEYWORDS: mindfulness; perfectionism; stress; young adults
PMID: 28762289 DOI: 10.1177/2156587217719787