Exploring the impact of a mindfulness meditation class on college student stress levels and quality of life
Author: Mark W St Martin1, Zeljka Vidic2, Richard Oxhandler3
Affiliation:
1 Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, USA.
2 Health Performance and Health Education, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, USA.
3 Integrative Holistic Health and Wellness, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, USA.
Conference/Journal: J Am Coll Health
Date published: 2022 Nov 3
Other:
Special Notes: doi: 10.1080/07448481.2022.2133962. , Word Count: 162
Objective: This study explored the differences in perceptions of stress levels and quality of life amongst college students enrolled in mindfulness meditation classes and those enrolled in an introductory holistic health class. Participants: 236 undergraduate students at a mid-sized university completed coursework and surveys. Methods: One-credit mindfulness meditation classes and an introductory holistic health class, serving as the control group, were offered over the course of one semester. Pre- and posttest questionnaires on stress and quality of life were administered to the participants. Results: Students enrolled in mindfulness meditation classes began with higher stress levels and lower perceptions of their quality of life compared to the control group. The mindfulness meditation class participants ended with both significantly lower stress levels and higher quality of life scores then the control group. Conclusions: Offering mindfulness meditation classes for credit may help promote positive mental health and well-being for students on a college campus.
Keywords: Academic mindfulness class; college students; meditation; mindfulness; stress reduction.
PMID: 36328779 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2022.2133962
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