Comparing The Effects of Mindfulness Meditation on Stress and Well-Being in College Students: A Study of Meditators Vs. Non-Meditators

Abstract

This study aimed to compare the effects of mindfulness meditation on stress and well-being in college students. A total of 50 participants were recruited, with 25 self-identified as meditators and 25 as non-meditators. All participants completed self-report measures of stress, well-being, mood, resilience, self-compassion, and academic performance. The results showed that the meditator group had significantly lower levels of stress, higher well-being scores, better mood, greater resilience, and higher levels of self-compassion compared to the non-meditator group. In terms of academic performance, there was no significant difference between the two groups. The study findings suggest that mindfulness meditation may be an effective tool for reducing stress and improving well-being among college students. However, further research is needed to explore the barriers to practicing mindfulness meditation and to determine the optimal frequency and duration of practice to achieve significant benefits.