Effect of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on resilience of junior helper school of public health, Thailand

A mindfulness-based cognitive therapy program improved resilience among junior helpers in a Thai public health school. Forty students aged 18–20 with moderate resilience scores were randomly assigned to either an eight-session MBCT program or a control group. After the intervention, the MBCT group showed statistically significant improvements across all three measured dimensions of resilience: psychological endurance, hope and psychological support, and overcoming obstacles. The findings suggest MBCT may help build emotional well-being in student peer supporters.

Study at a glance

Abstract

BACKGROUND: University students, especially those involved in peer support roles such as Junior Helpers within public health programs often face a variety of academic, emotional, and interpersonal challenges. This study investigates the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) in enhancing resilience among Junior Helpers enrolled in the School of Public Health in Thailand. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study adopted a quasiexperimental design using a pretest–posttest control group approach. A total of 40 Junior Helpers enrolled in the School of Public Health in Thailand, were selected through purposive sampling. The participants were between 18 and 20 years of age and had scores of 27–34 on the psychological endurance subscale of the Resilience Quotient (RQ). These individuals were then randomly assigned to two groups using simple random sampling each group consisted of 20 participants. The experimental group participated in MBCT program consisting of eight sessions. Following the intervention, resilience scores in both groups were reassessed using the RQ scale. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and the Mann–Whitney U test. RESULTS: Most participants in both groups were female. Most participants were 19 years old. Postintervention analysis revealed a statistically significant improvement in resilience scores among participants in the experimental group across all three core dimensions of psychological resilience: Psychological endurance (0.035), hope and psychological support (0.035), and overcoming obstacles (P < 0.001) at the 0.05 level of statistical significance. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest the potential of MBCT as an effective intervention for enhancing resilience and emotional well-being among student peer supporters.