Psychological distress in a sample of predominately white female college students: the role of mindfulness and physical activity.
Edward Silber, Alex Garn
Journal of American College Health September 29, 2023 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2023.2258412 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational cross-sectional survey Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 183 |
| Population | Undergraduate students at a large public university in the United States |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Humans Exercise Stress, psychological Students Universities Adolescent United states Female Young adult Self report Surveys and questionnaires Psychological distress White people Personality Motivation Physical activity |
| Key findings | BIS sensitivity was positively associated with psychological distress, but this association was conditional on mindfulness and MVPA: among participants with higher-than-average BIS sensitivity, greater mindfulness and greater MVPA related to lower psychological distress. The authors conclude that mindfulness and MVPA may buffer students prone to distress. |
Abstract
Objective: Framed in Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory, this study examined the moderating effects of mindfulness and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) on the relationship between behavioral inhibition system (BIS) sensitivity and psychological distress in college students.
Participants: Undergraduate students (n = 183) at a large public university in the United States were included in the study.
Methods: Self-reported BIS sensitivity, mindfulness, MVPA, and psychological distress were examined in November 2021.
Results: Findings revealed a positive relationship between BIS sensitivity and psychological distress, however, this relationship was conditional on levels of mindfulness and MVPA. Specifically, increased reports of mindfulness and MVPA related to lower psychological distress for participants with higher than average BIS sensitivity.
Conclusions: Mindfulness and MVPA are buffers for university students prone to psychological distress. Identifying diverse strategies that effectively lower psychological vulnerabilities in college students can be used to develop targeted interventions that reduce psychopathology and promote mental health.
Comparable studies
Other cross-sectional and survey studies on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construct Validity of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire in Meditating and Nonmeditating Samples Experienced meditators and nonmeditating comparison groups | 2008 | Cross-sectional study | |
| Neural Correlates of Dispositional Mindfulness During Affect Labeling Adult participants | 2007 | Observational cross-sectional | n = 27 |
| Assessing mindfulness in children and adolescents: Development and validation of the Child and Adolescent Mindfulness Measure (CAMM). School-aged children and adolescents | 2011 | Cross-sectional validation study | n = 1,413 |
| Mindfulness and self-compassion as predictors of psychological wellbeing in long-term meditators and matched nonmeditators Experienced meditators and demographically matched nonmeditators | 2012 | Cross-sectional study | n = 152 |
| Mechanisms of Action in the Inverse Relationship Between Mindfulness and Psychological Distress Undergraduates | 2008 | Cross-sectional, correlational |
Citations in the library
Cites 7
- The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 2003
- Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Assessment January 27, 2006
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: A New Approach to Preventing Relapse Psychotherapy Research March 1, 2003
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, and Zen Meditation for Depression, Anxiety, Pain, and Psychological Distress Journal of Psychiatric Practice July 1, 2012
- Effect of a Yoga Based Meditation Technique on Emotional Regulation, Self‐compassion and Mindfulness in College Students Explore November 1, 2018
and 2 more in the library