Examining the Efficacy of a Brief Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (Brief MBSR) Program on Psychological Health
Dessa Bergen-Cico, Kyle Possemato, Sanghyeon Cheon
Journal of American College Health June 24, 2013 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2013.813853 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Quasi-experimental pretest/posttest design Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 119 |
| Population | Undergraduate students enrolled in elective academic courses on addictive behaviors |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based stress reduction (brief MBSR) |
| Duration | 5-week intervention |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Citations | 172 |
| Key findings | A brief MBSR program significantly improved mindfulness and self-compassion but did not significantly reduce trait anxiety. |
Abstract
Objective: The purpose of the study was to examine potential psychological health benefits of participating in a brief (5-week) mindfulness-based stress reduction (brief MBSR) program integrated into an academic course.
Participants: Participants were 119 undergraduate students (treatment: n = 72; control: n = 47) enrolled in elective academic courses on addictive behaviors, between January 2010 and May 2012.
Methods: This study employed a quasi-experimental pretest/posttest design comparing changes in psychological health between brief MBSR treatment and parallel control groups. Baseline and follow-up data were collected synchronously across semesters for both groups.
Results: Analysis of covariance revealed significant improvements in psychological health, measured by mindfulness (Philadelphia Mindfulness Scale: p ≤ .001; Kentucky Inventory of Mindfulness Scale: p ≤ .001) and self-compassion (Self-compassion Scale: p ≤ .001), among brief MBSR participants compared with the parallel control cohort. Significant reductions in trait anxiety were not evident.
Conclusions: Brief MBSR programs can improve psychological health; however, longer MBSR programs may be needed to improve psychological distress, such as trait anxiety.