Differential Effect of Level of Self-Regulation and Mindfulness Training on Coping Strategies Used by University Students
Jesús de la Fuente, Israel Mañas Mañas, Clemente Franco, Adolfo J. Cangas, Encarnación Soriano-Ayala
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health October 11, 2018 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15102230 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 38 |
| Population | Psychology students |
| Intervention | Mindfulness training |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Citations | 42 |
| Key findings | Mindfulness training, combined with students' existing low-to-high levels of self-regulation, was associated with significant decreases in negative emotion-focused coping strategies (preparing for the worst, resigned acceptance, emotional venting, isolation) and significant increases in positive problem-focused coping (positive reappraisal and firmness, self-talk, seeking help for action) compared with a control group. |
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to verify, in a group of psychology students, whether mindfulness training in conjunction with the individual's level of self-regulation behavior would produce a change in the use of coping strategies. A total of 38 students participated in this study, with one experimental group and one control group, in a randomized controlled trial. Observation of the experimental group revealed a significant decrease in specific emotion-focused, negative coping strategies (preparing for the worst, resigned acceptance, emotional venting, and isolation), and a significant increase in specific problem-focused, positive coping (positive reappraisal and firmness, self-talk, help for action), in combination with students' existing low-medium-high level of self-regulation. The importance and usefulness of mindfulness techniques in Higher Education is discussed, in conjunction with differences in university students' level of self-regulation behavior.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 6
- App‐based mindfulness meditation reduces perceived stress and improves self‐regulation in working university students: A randomised controlled trial Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being December 27, 2021
- Mindfulness and Coaching to Improve Learning Abilities in University Students: A Pilot Study International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health March 16, 2020
- Mental and Physical Health Impacts of Mindfulness Training for College Undergraduates: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Mindfulness September 1, 2023
- Effectiveness of physical activity, mindfulness and mind-body therapies in improving mental health of university students: a systematic review of RCTS. Journal of American College Health April 22, 2025
- Mindfulness in teaching as a mediator between higher education teachers’ teaching and well-being Discover Psychology May 18, 2026
and 1 more in the library
Cites 10
- Mindfulness: A proposed operational definition. Clinical Psychology Science and Practice 2004
- Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: A conceptual and empirical review. Clinical Psychology Science and Practice 2003
- Mindfulness Interventions Annual Review of Psychology September 30, 2016
- Mechanisms of Action in the Inverse Relationship Between Mindfulness and Psychological Distress Complementary health practice review April 1, 2008
- Reducing anxiety, geriatric depression and worry in a sample of older adults through a mindfulness training program April 1, 2017
and 5 more in the library