Evaluating the NARA Program - A Mindfulness-Based Intervention for Improving Interpersonal Relationships and Mental Well-Being in University Students

Abstract

This quasi-randomized waitlist-controlled study examines the preliminary effectiveness of the NARA program - a six-week mindfulness-based intervention focused on interpersonal relationships, among university students. The program, delivered in small, interactive groups, integrates elements of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), reflective practices, and communication skills training. Eligible participants are regularly enrolled university students aged between 18 and 29 years. Exclusion criteria include not being a student, being outside the required age range, experiencing acute mental distress, or experiencing severe mental health or somatic difficulties that could represent contraindications for participation in a mindfulness-based group program. Participants may also be excluded if they report low motivation or limited commitment to attend the sessions and engage in regular mindfulness practice between sessions. Interested students received information about the study and provided informed consent before participation. Prior to the start of the program, each participant took part in a brief telephone interview to further assess eligibility, availability, motivation, and potential mental health or somatic contraindications. Participants were then allocated to either the intervention group (first program delivery) or the waitlist control group (second program delivery). The sample size of the intervention group was n = 33 and n = 27 of the waitlist control group. Allocation was quasi-randomized, as researchers adapted group assignment to participants’ availability to participate in either the first or second delivery of the program. The waitlist control group received the same NARA program immediately after completion of the intervention program. Participants were blinded to the study design, including group allocation and to the comparative role of the two program delivery periods. The study uses a 2 × 2 mixed design, combining a between-participants factor of group allocation (intervention versus waitlist control) and a within-participants factor of time (pre-intervention and post-intervention assessment). Outcomes include mindfulness, self-compassion, loneliness, psychological well-being, quality of interpersonal relationships, and mental health indicators. The analysis will examine group-by-time interactions to assess whether changes from pre- to post-assessment differ between the intervention and waitlist control groups.