The Impact of Mindful Awareness Practices on College Student Health, Well-Being, and Capacity for Learning: A Pilot Study

Abstract

This preliminary study examined the feasibility and potential utility of mindful awareness practices (MAPs) in terms of enhancing student learning in the college classroom, as well as improving psychological well-being. One of two identical undergraduate psychology sections included a 10-minute MAP at the beginning of every class (mindfulness group n = 37; control group n = 23). Primary learning and secondary self-report outcomes were obtained. Controlling for significant demographic covariates, students in the mindfulness group demonstrated significant increases in mindful awareness traits and reductions in rumination and state anxiety compared with controls. While mindfulness intervention did not lead to significant improvement in academic performance across the semester, 81% of students self-reported positive effects of MAPs on their learning. It is concluded that it is feasible to incorporate MAPs into a regular college classroom. MAPs may help improve student psychological well-being. Although students perceived themselves to benefit from their mindfulness practice, further research is needed to examine the effects of MAPs on student academic performance.