Exploring the Use of Mindfulness-Based Meditation and Physical Activity to Reduce Stress in College Students
Phrosini Samis-Smith Samis-Smith, Nola A. Schmidt
Research Directs in Health Sciences October 11, 2023 DOI: 10.53520/rdhs2023.10488 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Single-cohort pre-test/post-test design Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 42 |
| Population | Convenience sample of college students |
| Intervention | Brief mindfulness meditation (BMM) |
| Duration | 8 weeks |
| Measures | Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10) |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key findings | Brief mindfulness meditation delivered in class over 8 weeks was associated with greater stress reduction among students who self-identified as 'less than moderate' exercisers (SMD = 3.33) than among 'moderate' (SMD = -0.24) or 'vigorous' exercisers (SMD = 2.56). The authors conclude the intervention was more beneficial for those not participating in regular physical activity. |
Abstract
Introduction: With the prevalence of stress increasing among college students, stress reduction interventions are essential. This study explored the use of brief mindfulness meditation (BMM) and current physical activity on college students’ perceived stress.
Methods: A single-cohort pre-test/posttest design was used to evaluate the effects of an 8-week classroom-based BMM. Current exercise levels and perceived stress, using the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10), were measured in a convenience sample of college students (N = 42).
Results: Brief mindfulness meditations were more effective in reducing stress for those who self-identified as “less than moderate” exercisers, SMD = 3.33 (t = 2.801, p = .023) than “moderate,” SMD = -.24 (t = -.162, p = .873) or “vigorous” exercisers, SMD = 2.56 (t = 1.577, p = .136).
Discussion: The intervention was more beneficial for those who did not participate in regular physical activity. Thus, BMM sessions held during class served as a helpful means of stress reduction for these students.
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
Cites 3
- Effects of guided mindfulness meditation on anxiety and stress in a pre-healthcare college student population: a pilot study Journal of American College Health August 1, 2020
- The effects of group mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in nursing students: A quasi-experimental study. Nurse Education Today November 14, 2019
- There Is No Performance, There Is Just This Moment: The Role of Mindfulness Instruction in Promoting Health and Well-Being Among Students at a Highly-Ranked University in the United States. Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine October 2017