Examining the efficacy of a brief mindfulness-based stress reduction (Brief MBSR) program on psychological health.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of the study was to examine potential psychological health benefits of participating in a brief (5-week) mindfulness-based stress reduction (brief MBSR) program integrated into an academic course.


METHODS
Participants were 119 undergraduate students (treatment: n = 72; control: n = 47) enrolled in elective academic courses on addictive behaviors, between January 2010 and May 2012.


METHODS
This study employed a quasi-experimental pretest/posttest design comparing changes in psychological health between brief MBSR treatment and parallel control groups. Baseline and follow-up data were collected synchronously across semesters for both groups.


RESULTS
Analysis of covariance revealed significant improvements in psychological health, measured by mindfulness (Philadelphia Mindfulness Scale: p ≤ .001; Kentucky Inventory of Mindfulness Scale: p ≤ .001) and self-compassion (Self-compassion Scale: p ≤ .001), among brief MBSR participants compared with the parallel control cohort. Significant reductions in trait anxiety were not evident.


CONCLUSIONS
Brief MBSR programs can improve psychological health; however, longer MBSR programs may be needed to improve psychological distress, such as trait anxiety.
Department of Public Health, Food Studies and Nutrition, Falk College, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA. dkbergen@syr.edu
Dessa
D
Bergen-Cico
Kyle
K
Possemato
Sanghyeon
S
Cheon
D001007:Anxiety / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019122:Meditation / Q000523:psychology; D064866:Mindfulness; D011614:Psychotherapy, Brief / Q000379:methods*; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult