A naturalistic study of yoga, meditation, self-perceived stress, self-compassion, and mindfulness in college students
Margaret M Gorvine, N. Zaller, H. Hudson, D. Demers, L. A. Kennedy
Health psychology and behavioral medicine 2019 DOI: 10.1080/21642850.2019.1688154 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational cohort Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 92 |
| Population | College students enrolled in yoga or mindfulness meditation classes at a college in the southern United States |
| Interventions | Yoga Mindfulness meditation |
| Duration | 10 weeks, with classes twice a week for 50 minutes; questionnaires completed in the 1st and 10th week |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | Change in self-compassion was the strongest predictor of stress reduction among students taking yoga or mindfulness meditation classes. The authors suggest that increasing self-compassion may increase the efficacy of mind–body interventions and call for further research into mind–body mechanisms. |
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Objective: This study compared the effects of yoga and mindfulness meditation on self-compassion, mindfulness, and perceived stress in college students; and explored mind–body mechanisms and predictors of stress reduction.
Participants: Student participants (N = 92) were enrolled in either yoga or mindfulness meditation classes at a college in the southern United States from August through May of 2015–2016.
Methods: Students participated in 50-minute classes twice a week for 10 weeks, completing self-report questionnaires during the 1st and 10th week.
Results: Multiple-linear regression analysis found change in self-compassion was the strongest predictor of stress reduction.
Conclusions: Increasing self-compassion may increase the efficacy of mind–body interventions. Research into mind–body mechanisms is needed to identify intervention components that most improve student well-being.
Comparable studies
Other observational and cohort studies on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Undergraduate students | 2006 | Observational cohort | |
| Effectiveness of a meditation-based stress reduction program in the treatment of anxiety disorders Patients with generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder with or without agoraphobia | 1992 | Observational cohort | n = 22 |
| Meditation experience is associated with increased cortical thickness Participants with extensive Insight meditation experience and matched controls | 2005 | Observational cohort | n = 20 |
| Meditation experience is associated with differences in default mode network activity and connectivity Experienced meditators and matched meditation-naive controls | 2011 | Observational cohort | |
| Long-term meditators self-induce high-amplitude gamma synchrony during mental practice Long-term Buddhist practitioners and controls | 2004 | Observational cohort |
Citations in the library
Cited by 5
- Yoga as a Contemplative Practice and Its Contribution to Participatory Self-Knowledge and Student Retention: A Scoping Review of the First-Year Undergraduate Student Transition. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health July 7, 2024
- Do Mind-Body Practices Moderate the Link Between Childhood Abuse and Spiritual Struggle? Results from the Study on Stress, Spirituality and Health. Journal of child sexual abuse July 28, 2026
- Mind–Body Practice Is Related to Pro-environmental Engagement Through Self-compassion and Global Identity Rather Than to Self-enhancement Mindfulness January 28, 2022
- Differential Effects of Ethical Education, Physical Hatha Yoga, and Mantra Meditation on Well-Being and Stress in Healthy Participants-An Experimental Single-Case Study. Frontiers in Psychology 2021
- What makes yoga effective? Differential effects of ethical education, physical yoga, and mantra meditation on well-being and stress
Cites 7
- The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 2003
- Exploring self‐compassion and empathy in the context of mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR) Stress and Health March 15, 2010
- Examining the Efficacy of a Brief Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (Brief MBSR) Program on Psychological Health Journal of American College Health June 24, 2013
- The effects of mindfulness-based interventions for health and social care undergraduate students - a systematic review of the literature. Psychology, Health & Medicine August 2017
- Fifteen minutes of chair-based yoga postures or guided meditation performed in the office can elicit a relaxation response. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine January 16, 2012
and 2 more in the library