The Role of Mindfulness in Reducing Academic Burnout Among University Students
Abil Fida Muhammad Qois Al Hadi Abil Fida Muhammad Qois Al Hadi, Mahasri Shobahiya Mahasri Shobahiya, Syahrul Adam Salleh Ibrahim Syahrul Adam Salleh Ibrahim
Iseedu May 29, 2025 DOI: 10.23917/iseedu.v9i1.10381 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative case study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | University students who experienced academic burnout and practiced mindfulness |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Education |
| Key findings | Mindfulness practices reduced symptoms of emotional exhaustion and improved focus, sleep quality, and mental health among students with academic burnout. |
Abstract
Academic burnout is one of the serious challenges faced by students as a result of high academic pressure, excessive workload, and complex social expectations. This study aims to explore the role of mindfulness in reducing academic burnout levels among students through a qualitative approach using a case study method. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with students who experienced burnout and applied mindfulness techniques in their academic lives. The findings reveal that mindfulness, through practices such as breathing meditation, body scan, mindful walking, and reflective journaling, is effective in reducing symptoms of emotional exhaustion, enhancing focus, and improving sleep quality and mental health. However, challenges such as time constraints, lack of consistency, and minimal environmental support hinder the implementation of these practices. Nevertheless, the participating students managed to overcome these obstacles by establishing regular practice schedules and forming support communities. This study concludes that mindfulness is an effective and adaptive strategy for managing academic burnout. Therefore, it is recommended that higher education institutions integrate mindfulness programs into counseling services, curricula, and student activities as both preventive and curative efforts to improve students’ mental well-being and academic achievement.This research is expected to serve as a foundation for the development of broader, evidence-based psychological policies and interventions in university settings
Comparable studies
Other case reports and case series on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brain sources of EEG gamma frequency during volitionally meditation-induced, altered states of consciousness, and experience of the self Advanced meditator | 2001 | Case study | n = 1 |
| Mindfulness Meditation for Alcohol Relapse Prevention: A Feasibility Pilot Study Adult alcohol-dependent graduates of an intensive outpatient program | 2008 | Prospective case series | n = 19 |
| How does it feel to lack a sense of boundaries? A case study of a long-term mindfulness meditator. A single long-term mindfulness practitioner (S) with 40 years of practice in... | 2015 | Qualitative case study | n = 1 |
| Loving‐kindness meditation to enhance recovery from negative symptoms of schizophrenia Individuals suffering from schizophrenia-spectrum disorders with persistent negative... | 2009 | Case study | |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Problem Gambling A female problem gambler | 2011 | Case study | n = 1 |