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Mindfulness and Meditation: The Most Potential Influences to Improve Adolescent Mental Health in East Java

Nasruliyah Hikmatul Maghfiroh

West Science Interdisciplinary Studies September 17, 2023 DOI: 10.58812/wsis.v1i09.208 (opens in new tab)

Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Mixed-methods study Qualitative Peer reviewed
Sample size 145
Population Adolescents in East Java, Indonesia (145 survey respondents; 5 interview informants)
Interventions Mindfulness Meditation
Topics Meditation
Citations 2
Key points Survey data from 145 adolescents indicated a statistically significant positive association between mindfulness and meditation practices and mental health outcomes, varying by gender, age, and socio-economic status. Interviews with five informants highlighted the cultural significance of these practices and the role of community and family support, while noting that stigma around mental health remains a challenge. The authors argue for culturally tailored interventions integrating traditional values and addressing stigma.

Abstract

This research explores the potential influences of mindfulness and meditation practices on adolescent mental health in East Java, Indonesia. Adolescence is a critical period marked by significant physical and emotional changes, making mental health a growing concern. Mindfulness and meditation have gained recognition globally as tools for enhancing mental well-being, but their effectiveness in East Java's cultural context remains underexplored. We employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative 145 sample surveys and qualitative 5 informan interviews, to investigate this relationship comprehensively. The quantitative analysis revealed a statistically significant positive impact of mindfulness and meditation practices on mental health outcomes, with variations based on gender, age, and socio-economic status. Qualitative findings highlighted the cultural significance of these practices and the importance of community and family support. Despite the positive cultural attitudes, stigmatization of mental health issues remains a challenge. These results emphasize the need for culturally tailored interventions that integrate traditional values and address stigma, ultimately contributing to the well-being of East Javanese adolescents.

Comparable studies

Other qualitative studies on meditation, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
The varieties of contemplative experience: A mixed-methods study of meditation-related challenges in Western Buddhists Western Buddhist meditation practitioners and experts in Theravāda, Zen, and Tibetan... 2017 Qualitative study with mixed-methods
The Effects of Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction on Nurse Stress and Burnout Nurses in a hospital system 2004 Implementation study with mixed methods
An exploratory mixed methods study of the acceptability and effectiveness of mindfulness -based cognitive therapy for patients with active depression and anxiety in primary care Primary care patients with recurrent depression or recurrent depression and anxiety 2006 Exploratory mixed methods study n = 13
A qualitative study of mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy for depression Participants in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in a mental-health context 2001 Qualitative study n = 7
Effortless awareness: using real time neurofeedback to investigate correlates of posterior cingulate cortex activity in meditators' self-report Meditators 2013 Qualitative study using grounded theory methodology

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