A randomized controlled trial of mindfulness-based stress reduction on academic resilience and performance in college students
Jennifer N Baumgartner PhD, Tamera R Schneider PhD
Journal of American College Health August 16, 2021 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2021.1950728 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 85 |
| Population | University students |
| Interventions | Mindfulness-based stress reduction Study skills active control |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Education |
| Key findings | MBSR protected against depleted academic persistence and improved GPA compared to controls, though stressor appraisals did not vary by group. |
Abstract
Abstract Objective The transition into college can pose barriers for student success. We examined the impact of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) compared to an active and no treatment control group, respectively, on stressor appraisals, academic persistence, and performance in unversity students.
Participants: Students were randomly assigned to receive MBSR (n = 29), study skills active control (n = 27), or no treatment (n = 29).
Method: Participants reported stressor appraisals and academic persistence pre- and post-intervention. Semester grade point average (GPA) and enrollment was also obtained.
Results: Academic stressor appraisals did not vary by group. MBSR was protective against depleted academic persistence, whereas academic persistence decreased in the control groups. Enrollment rates remained unchanged in the MBSR group, but increased in the active control relative to no treatment. Finally, GPA improved in the MBSR group, but not controls.
Conclusions: Findings suggest that MBSR confers some benefits for resilience in university students.