Skip to content

Mindfulness and stress-reduction programs' effectiveness on university student productivity in physical education.

Yun Bo Wang, Zhen Mei Yao, Gao Hua Zhang

The Journal of general psychology 2026 DOI: 10.1080/00221309.2025.2587887 (opens in new tab)

Read Full Text
Relevant Not relevant

Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed
Sample size 200
Population Students at Mudanjiang Normal University, China
Intervention breathing exercises
Duration 3-month program, one semester for performance assessment
Topics Meditation
Keywords Physical education Stress reduction Students Training
Key findings The mindfulness-based stress reduction program significantly improved enjoyment of physical activity and physical education performance in the experimental group compared to the control group.

Abstract

The article examines the impact of a mindfulness-based stress reduction program on the level of enjoyment derived from physical activity and physical education performance among students at Mudanjiang Normal University, China. The study was conducted using a randomized controlled trial, including both a control and an experimental group, each consisting of 100 students. The three-month mindfulness program incorporated meditation, breathing exercises, and reflective practices, integrated into physical education classes. The level of satisfaction was assessed using the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES), while academic performance was measured on a 100-point grading scale for physical education over one semester. Significant improvements in both enjoyment and academic performance were observed in the experimental group, with no changes in the control group. Data analysis using t-tests and Cohen's d effect size confirmed the statistical significance of the changes in the experimental group and the absence of significant changes in the control group. These findings support the effectiveness of integrating mindfulness training into physical education programs at universities. The mindfulness program not only reduced stress levels among students but also fostered a positive attitude toward physical activity and improved their semester grades. Further research is recommended to explore the long-term effects of such programs and their application in various educational settings.

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 1

Cites 3

Related reading

Explore topics

Meditation