Investigating the effects of Mindfulness Meditation on Stress Reduction

College students in low- and middle-income countries often cannot afford mental health care. An 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program reduced negative emotional states—measured by the Perceived Stress Scale and the Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale—in a test group of 25 students compared with a control group of 24 students who did not practice MBSR. The findings suggest that MBSR may help students cope with stressful situations and offers an effective, low-cost approach to countering stress.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Financial constraints usually hinder students, especially those in low-middle income countries, from seeking mental health interventions. Hence, it is necessary to identify effective, affordable and sustainable counter-stress measures for college students in low-middle income countries context. This study examines the effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) on psychological outcomes of students, especially when they are exposed to stressful situations. Forty-nine students with an age range from 18 to 22 years old were initially recruited (35 females; mean age = 19.9 ± 0.75 years and 14 males; mean age = 20.0 ± 0.6 years). After signing the consent form, subjects were randomly assigned into two groups: Test group – practice MBSR (N = 25) and Control group - do not practice MBSR (N = 24). The MBSR program includes 8-weeks. Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale (DASS-42) were used as research instruments. Findings reveal that test group showed a decrease in negative emotional states after the intervention of MBRS. It is suggested that practice of MBSR might enhance the students’ ability to encounter with stressful situations. In conclusion, MBSR intervention led to a sustained reduction of negative emotional states. MBSR as an effective and sustainable stress-countering approach for students in LMICs.