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Dietrich Student KM, Bidart MG. Effects of a mindfulness course on vital signs and five facet mindfulness questionnaire scores of college students. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2024; 72:905-913. [PMID: 35549653 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2022.2060709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Objective: This study examined the effects of a college mindfulness course on vital-signs and Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) scores. Participants: Two independent groups of 20 students were enrolled in the mindfulness course during the Fall 2018 (Trial 1) and Spring 2019 (Trial 2) semesters. Methods: Blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration rate were recorded before and after in-class mindfulness meditations several times throughout each semester. FFMQ scores were recorded at the beginning and conclusion of each semester. Results: Statistical analyses indicated that 20 minutes of mindfulness meditation significantly decreased respiration rate (both trials) and heart rate (Trial 2) for female students. There were significant changes in the FFMQ mean scores for "non-react," "observe," "act aware," and "non-judge." Conclusions: These results suggest that mindfulness meditation may be beneficial for students to enhance their well-being. Recommendations are provided to further examine the implications of consistent mindfulness practices for college students.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Gabriela Bidart
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, USA
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Lam SU, Riordan KM, Simonsson O, Davidson RJ, Goldberg SB. Who Sticks with Meditation? Rates and Predictors of Persistence in a Population-based Sample in the USA. Mindfulness (N Y) 2023; 14:66-78. [PMID: 36777474 PMCID: PMC9910079 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-022-02061-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Objectives Despite the well-documented psychological benefits of meditation practice, limited research has examined factors associated with meditation practice persistence. Like other health behaviors (e.g., exercise), non-persistence may undermine the effectiveness of meditation. Methods We examined rates and correlates of meditation persistence using a population-based sample (n = 953) in the United States. Persistence was operationalized in two ways: number of lifetime practice sessions (i.e., lifetime persistence) and current practice frequency (i.e., current persistence). Consistent with the National Health Interview Survey, we defined meditation as mindfulness meditation, mantra meditation, and spiritual meditation. We examined factors related to the Reasoned Action Approach (RAA), a theory that has been used to explain adherence to health behaviors. Results Almost half of the sample (49.3%) indicated lifetime exposure to meditation and a third (35.0%) indicated practice in the past year. Factors positively associated with persistence (lifetime and/or current) included having spoken with a meditation teacher, higher perceived effectiveness of meditation, higher meditation-positive subjective norms, lower perceived barriers, higher conscientiousness, higher wellbeing growth mindset, and retreat experience. Factors negatively associated with persistence included first exposure through various forms of technology and having a mental health motivation for practice. First exposure through a smartphone app and first exposure through friends and family were not associated with lifetime or current persistence. Findings were unchanged after controlling for demographics and applying a false discovery rate p-value adjustment. Conclusions These findings provide insights into factors that may promote persistence with meditation which can guide the delivery of meditation training. Preregistration This study was preregistered at the Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/4h86s).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sin U Lam
- Department of Counseling Psychology, University of Wisconsin – Madison
- Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin - Madison
| | - Kevin M. Riordan
- Department of Counseling Psychology, University of Wisconsin – Madison
- Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin - Madison
| | - Otto Simonsson
- Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin - Madison
| | - Richard, J. Davidson
- Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin - Madison
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin – Madison
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin – Madison
| | - Simon B. Goldberg
- Department of Counseling Psychology, University of Wisconsin – Madison
- Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin - Madison
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Johnson AH, Wilson J, Magner D, Urban RW, Martin S, Zhang Y. Exploring Meditation Profiles and Predictors in Nursing Students. J Holist Nurs 2022; 41:142-154. [PMID: 35620800 DOI: 10.1177/08980101221102691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: Nursing students face unique academic and clinical workloads linked to increased stress. Previous studies indicate formal and informal mindfulness meditation provide stress-reducing benefits. This practice aligns with holistic nursing core values of self-care and self-reflection; little is known about meditation practice in nursing students. Objectives: Our study aimed to describe meditation practice and predictors in pre-licensure nursing students. Design: Cross-sectional, multi-site. Methods: Qualtrics surveys queried individual demographics, personal meditation and exercise habits, and indicators of wellbeing. Results: Of 417 participants, 65% (n = 271) reported at least one type of meditation practice. Prayer/spiritual activities were most prevalent (almost 70%), followed by breathing exercises (41%). Meditators reported good or excellent self-rated health status or engaged in exercise (p < .05). Meditators also reported more self-compassion, happiness, and satisfaction with life, and perceived less stress than non-meditators (p < .05). Of all factors studied, only engaging in exercise significantly predicted practicing meditation (OR = 2.05, 95%CI 1.10-3.82). Conclusion: Nursing students who engage in meditation report signs of health and well-being and utilize holistic methods such as prayer and breathing. The intrinsic motivation to engage in healthy habits such as exercise may also help students engage in mindfulness meditation and is an important finding for nursing educators.
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Taylor SB, Kennedy LA, Lee CE, Waller EK. Common humanity in the classroom: Increasing self-compassion and coping self-efficacy through a mindfulness-based intervention. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2022; 70:142-149. [PMID: 32150524 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2020.1728278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Objective To examine the effectiveness of a classroom-based mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) in improving stress, coping, and psychological well-being in college students. Participants: Sixty-one students at a small liberal arts college. Methods: As part of a college course, students in the MBI condition (N = 33) completed mindfulness meditations, reflective journaling, and participated in group discussions over the course of eight weeks. A control group of students (N = 28) received traditional instruction about stress and coping as part of a concurrently taught college course. Perceived stress, mental health, mindfulness, self-compassion, and coping self-efficacy were measured before and after the intervention and instruction. Results: Significant improvements in self-compassion and coping self-efficacy emerged, particularly in the domains of common humanity, isolation, and emotion-focused coping self-efficacy. Conclusions: These findings suggest that incorporation of MBIs into the classroom can be an effective strategy to enhance the well-being of college students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara B Taylor
- Psychology Department, Hendrix College, Conway, AR, USA
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Graves BS, Hall ME, Dias-Karch C, Haischer MH, Apter C. Gender differences in perceived stress and coping among college students. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0255634. [PMID: 34383790 PMCID: PMC8360537 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Many college students register each semester for courses, leading to productive careers and fulfilled lives. During this time, the students have to manage many stressors stemming from academic, personal, and, sometimes, work lives. Students, who lack appropriate stress management skills, may find it difficult to balance these responsibilities. Objectives This study examined stress, coping mechanisms, and gender differences in undergraduate students towards the end of the semester. Design and method University students (n = 448) enrolled in three different undergraduate exercise science courses were assessed. Two instruments, the Perceived Stress Scale and Brief Cope, were administered during the twelfth week of the semester, four weeks prior to final exams. T-tests were used to detect gender differences for the stress levels and coping strategies. Results Overall, females indicated higher levels of stress than their male counterparts. Gender differences were evident in both coping dimensions and individual coping strategies used. Females were found to utilize the emotion-focused coping dimension and endorsed the use of four coping strategies more often than males. These included self-distraction, emotional support, instrumental support, and venting. Conclusions This research adds to the existing literature by illuminating the level of perceived stress and different coping strategies used by undergraduate female and male students. In turn, students may need educational interventions to develop effective and healthy coping strategies to last a lifetime. Faculty and other university officials may want to highlight and understand these various factors to protect the students’ wellbeing in their classes.
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Affiliation(s)
- B. Sue Graves
- Department of Exercise Science and Health Promotion Department, College of Science, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Michael E. Hall
- Department of Exercise Science and Health Promotion Department, College of Science, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, United States of America
| | - Carolyn Dias-Karch
- Department of Exercise Science and Health Promotion Department, College of Science, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, United States of America
| | - Michael H. Haischer
- Athletic and Human Performance Research Center, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Program in Exercise Science–Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Christine Apter
- Campus Recreation Department, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, United States of America
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Tomlin E. Using Acudetox for Stress Reduction in College Students: A Brief Intervention Strategy for College Counselors. JOURNAL OF CREATIVITY IN MENTAL HEALTH 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/15401383.2020.1848677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Stinson C, Curl ED, Hale G, Knight S, Pipkins C, Hall I, White K, Thompson N, Wright C. Mindfulness Meditation and Anxiety in Nursing Students. Nurs Educ Perspect 2020; 41:244-245. [PMID: 32168090 DOI: 10.1097/01.nep.0000000000000635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
This quasi-experimental study used a convenience sample of nursing students (n = 49) to evaluate the effectiveness of mindfulness meditation on anxiety. Students participated in mindfulness meditation sessions and completed the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. A statistically significant reduction in trait anxiety was found in the intervention group (p = .000); state anxiety decreased but not significantly. In contrast, anxiety increased significantly in the comparison group, but progression was not significantly different between groups. Trait anxiety may decrease with mindfulness meditation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Stinson
- About the Authors Cynthia Stinson PhD, APRN, CNS, RN-BC, is chair and associate professor; Eileen Curl, PhD, RN, ANEF, is professor and director of research; Gina Hale, PhD, RN, CNE, is assistant professor; Stacey Knight, DNP, RN, CNE, is assistant professor; Cynthia Pipkins, PhD, RN, HNB-BC, is assistant professor; Iva Hall, PhD, RN, is associate professor; Kelli White, MSN, RN, is an instructor, JoAnne Gay Dishman School of Nursing, Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas. Nancy Thompson, LCSW, RN, is a licensed clinical social worker and nurse, Beaumont, Texas. Christy Wright, MSN, RN, former graduate assistant at Dishman School of Nursing, is a staff nurse, CHRISTUS Southeast Texas St. Elizabeth, Beaumont, Texas
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Wright R, Roberson K, Onsomu EO, Johnson Y, Dearman C, Carr LTB, Price AA, Duren-Winfield V. Examining the Relationship between Mindfulness, Perceived Stress, and Blood Pressure in African-American College Students. JOURNAL OF BEST PRACTICES IN HEALTH PROFESSIONS DIVERSITY : RESEARCH, EDUCATION AND POLICY 2018; 11:13-30. [PMID: 32039408 PMCID: PMC7007179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
College students are prone to stress, making them vulnerable to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Harmful health behaviors, such as tobacco or alcohol use, further predispose students to hypertension (HTN). African-Americans (AA) experience increased blood pressure reactivity, and weathering, due to race-related stressors. This interplay makes AA college students good targets for strategies to prevent stress and HTN disease risk. This project examined the relationship between mindfulness, perceived stress and blood pressure among a group of AA college students enrolled in an HBCU healthy heart course. Participants' systolic and diastolic blood pressure averaged 122 mmHg and 76 mmHg, respectively. The Spearman correlation revealed a negative strong relationship between mindfulness and perceived stress (rs = -0.61, p = 0.004). The coefficient of determination indicated that 37% of the variance in mindfulness was explained by perceived stress. College health practitioners should consider integrating mindfulness into course activities and expanding its treatment modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronda Wright
- Division of Nursing, Winston-Salem State University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Kristina Roberson
- Division of Nursing, Winston-Salem State University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Elijah O. Onsomu
- Division of Nursing, Winston-Salem State University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Yolanda Johnson
- Health Services, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, North Carolina
| | - Cathy Dearman
- Nursing Education Program Consultant, Winston-Salem State University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
- D&D Consulting, Mobile, Alabama
| | | | - Amanda Alise Price
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Winston-Salem State University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Vanessa Duren-Winfield
- Department of Healthcare Management, Winston-Salem State University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
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Anastasiades MH, Kapoor S, Wootten J, Lamis DA. Perceived stress, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation in undergraduate women with varying levels of mindfulness. Arch Womens Ment Health 2017; 20:129-138. [PMID: 27778150 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-016-0686-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2016] [Accepted: 10/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Research has demonstrated that perceived stress and depression are risk factors for suicidal ideation in young adults, particularly women attending college. Female undergraduate students (N = 928) were administered measures assessing their levels of stress, depressive symptoms, suicidal thoughts, and mindfulness. A moderated-mediation analysis was conducted to examine the complex associations among these variables. Results indicated that mindfulness moderated the mediated effect of depressive symptoms on perceived stress and suicidal ideation. Specifically, the indirect effect was stronger in college women with lower levels of mindfulness as compared to those students who reported higher mindfulness. Thus, teaching mindfulness techniques on college campuses may be an important strategy for preventing suicide, especially among young adult women experiencing stress and depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shweta Kapoor
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Grady Memorial Hospital, 10 Park Place SE, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
| | - Jennifer Wootten
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Grady Memorial Hospital, 10 Park Place SE, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
| | - Dorian A Lamis
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Grady Memorial Hospital, 10 Park Place SE, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA.
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