Improving physical and mental health of college students through Consciousness-Based Education

Abstract

Objective: This study examined whether studying in a Consciousness-Based Education institution influenced college students’ mental and physical health. Participants and methods: Undergraduate college students (n = 321) completed the Duke Health Profile, assessing 11 areas of mental and physical health, both as entering freshmen (2008–2014) and at graduation. The archived data was analyzed from 2019 to 2020. Results: Using ANOVA for all 11 subscales revealed significant increases in physical, mental, and general health, self-esteem (P < .001), perceived health (P < .017); and significant decreases in anxiety, depression, and anxiety-depression (P < .001). There were no significant group effects on pain, disability, or social health. Conclusions: Consciousness-Based Education was found to buffer the effects of stress on mental and physical health in college students. Consciousness-Based Education’s influence in lowering anxiety and depression while improving self-esteem and general health presents an effective tool for educators and administrators to consider in assisting students combating the stress of college life.