Multi-year investigation of a relaxation course with a mindfulness meditation component on college students' stress, resilience, coping and mindfulness.

Examine the effects of a relaxation course with a mindfulness meditation component in a two-group pre-test and post-test non-randomized study design.Participants included 219 undergraduate students (experimental group: n = 103; control group: n = 116), 18-43 years old.Completion of measures of stress, resilience, coping and mindfulness at the beginning and end of the intervention.The independent sample t-test analysis revealed a statistically significant decrease in stress and maladaptive coping, and an increase in resilience in the experimental group compared to the control group.Benefits were observed following the intervention by positively impacting factors associated with increased functioning in life. Classroom-based interventions could be considered beneficial for students.

Exploring the impact of a mindfulness meditation class on college student stress levels and quality of life.

Objective: This study explored the differences in perceptions of stress levels and quality of life amongst college students enrolled in mindfulness meditation classes and those enrolled in an introductory holistic health class. Participants: 236 undergraduate students at a mid-sized university completed coursework and surveys. Methods: One-credit mindfulness meditation classes and an introductory holistic health class, serving as the control group, were offered over the course of one semester. Pre- and posttest questionnaires on stress and quality of life were administered to the participants. Results: Students enrolled in mindfulness meditation classes began with higher stress levels and lower perceptions of their quality of life compared to the control group. The mindfulness meditation class participants ended with both significantly lower stress levels and higher quality of life scores then the control group. Conclusions: Offering mindfulness meditation classes for credit may help promote positive mental health and well-being for students on a college campus.