Examining the efficacy of a brief mindfulness-based stress reduction (Brief MBSR) program on psychological health.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to examine the psychological health benefits of a brief 5-week mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program integrated into an academic course for undergraduate students.
Results Summary
The study found significant improvements in mindfulness and self-compassion among brief MBSR participants compared to controls, but no significant reductions in trait anxiety were observed.
Population
119 undergraduate students enrolled in elective academic courses on addictive behaviors.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
5 weeks
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
brief (5-week) mindfulness-based stress reduction (brief MBSR) program | increase | psychological health, measured by mindfulness (Philadelphia Mindfulness Scale) | 119 undergraduate students (treatment: n = 72; control: n = 47) | p ≤ .001 | significant improvements | #1 |
brief (5-week) mindfulness-based stress reduction (brief MBSR) program | increase | psychological health, measured by mindfulness (Kentucky Inventory of Mindfulness Scale) | 119 undergraduate students (treatment: n = 72; control: n = 47) | p ≤ .001 | significant improvements | #2 |
brief (5-week) mindfulness-based stress reduction (brief MBSR) program | increase | self-compassion (Self-compassion Scale) | 119 undergraduate students (treatment: n = 72; control: n = 47) | p ≤ .001 | significant improvements | #3 |
brief (5-week) mindfulness-based stress reduction (brief MBSR) program | no change | trait anxiety | 119 undergraduate students (treatment: n = 72; control: n = 47) | - | Significant reductions were not evident | #4 |
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to examine potential psychological health benefits of participating in a brief (5-week) mindfulness-based stress reduction (brief MBSR) program integrated into an academic course. PARTICIPANTS: Participants were 119 undergraduate students (treatment: n = 72; control: n = 47) enrolled in elective academic courses on addictive behaviors, between January 2010 and May 2012. METHODS: This study employed a quasi-experimental pretest/posttest design comparing changes in psychological health between brief MBSR treatment and parallel control groups. Baseline and follow-up data were collected synchronously across semesters for both groups. RESULTS: Analysis of covariance revealed significant improvements in psychological health, measured by mindfulness (Philadelphia Mindfulness Scale: p ≤ .001; Kentucky Inventory of Mindfulness Scale: p ≤ .001) and self-compassion (Self-compassion Scale: p ≤ .001), among brief MBSR participants compared with the parallel control cohort. Significant reductions in trait anxiety were not evident. CONCLUSIONS: Brief MBSR programs can improve psychological health; however, longer MBSR programs may be needed to improve psychological distress, such as trait anxiety.