An Online Mindfulness Intervention for International Students: A Randomized Controlled Feasibility Trial.
Sumeyye Balci, Ann-Marie Küchler, David Daniel Ebert, Harald Baumeister
Clinical Psychology in Europe June 1, 2023 DOI: 10.32872/cpe.9341 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled feasibility trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 40 |
| Population | International university students |
| Intervention | adapted online mindfulness intervention (StudiCareM-E) |
| Duration | 8-week intervention |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Cultural adaptation Digital health E-health International student Internet intervention Student mental health |
| Citations | 15 |
| Key findings | The culturally adapted online mindfulness intervention yielded significant improvements in mindfulness, well-being, and anxiety compared to a waitlist control group. |
Abstract
Student mobility across borders poses challenges to health systems at the university and country levels. International students suffer from stress more than their local peers, however, do not seek help or underutilize existing help offers. Some barriers to help-seeking among international students are insufficient information regarding the health offers, stigma, and language, which might be overcome via culturally adapted internet and mobile-based interventions (IMI). A randomized controlled feasibility trial with a parallel design assessed the feasibility and potential efficacy of an online mindfulness intervention adapted for international university students. Participants were randomized into either an adapted online mindfulness intervention (StudiCareM-E) (IG, n = 20) or a waitlist control group (WL, n = 20). Participants were assessed at baseline (t0) and eight-week post-randomization (t1). The feasibility of StudiCareM-E was evaluated regarding intervention adherence, client satisfaction, and potential negative effects. The potential efficacy of StudiCareM-E was measured by means of the level of mindfulness, perceived stress, depression, anxiety, presenteeism, and wellbeing. Efficacy outcomes were evaluated with regression models on the intention-to-treat (ITT) sample (n = 40), adjusting for the baseline values. Participants' formative feedback suggested improvements in the content of the IMI. There were no crucial negative effects compared to WL. Assessment dropout was 35% (IG: 50%: WL: 20%), and intervention dropout was 60%. StudiCareM-E yielded significant improvements in mindfulness (β = .34), well-being (β = .37), and anxiety (β = -.42) compared to WL. StudiCareM-E might be used among culturally diverse international student populations to improve their well-being. Future studies might carefully inspect the extent of the adaptation needs of their target group and design their interventions accordingly.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 3
- Mindfulness-Based Programmes for Work Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials. Stress and Health December 1, 2025
- Digital and In-Person Mindfulness-Based Interventions for University Students' Mental Health: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. Healthcare June 26, 2026
- "StudiCare Mindfulness": effects of an online mindfulness-based intervention on mindfulness, stress, and interoception in university students - a randomized controlled trial. BMC Psychology April 29, 2026
Cites 9
- A mindfulness-based intervention to increase resilience to stress in university students (the Mindful Student Study): a pragmatic randomised controlled trial The Lancet Public Health December 18, 2017
- Effectiveness, Acceptability, and Mechanisms of Change of the Internet-Based Intervention StudiCare Mindfulness for College Students: a Randomized Controlled Trial Mindfulness August 10, 2022
- Mindfulness-Based Programs: Why, When, and How to Adapt? Global Advances in Health and Medicine 2022
- The effects of app-based mindfulness practice on the well-being of university students and staff. Current Psychology May 1, 2021
- New Evidence in the Booming Field of Online Mindfulness: An Updated Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials JMIR Mental Health February 23, 2021
and 4 more in the library