Mindfulness-based coping with university life (MBCUL): A randomised wait-list controlled study

An 8-week mindfulness meditation-based programme has been developed at the University of Northampton by the researchers to help students cope with university life and the many associated stresses and strains. This study builds on the promising results of a non-randomised wait-list controlled pilot study of Mindfulness-based coping with university life (MBCUL) which was conducted in early 2007. In the current study, students at the University of Northampton who were interested in attending MBCUL were randomised into two groups: the MBCUL group (N=14) or the wait-list control group (N=11). Three levels of measurement were administered: psychological questionnaires, measures of the physiological stress response (via salivary cortisol) and qualitative analysis of post MBCUL interviews. Initial results show significant within-group decreases in perceived stress (z=−2.191, p=.03), anxiety (z=2.409, p=.02), depression (z=−2.547, p=.01), on problem solving (z=−2.333, p=.02) and positive reappraisal (z=−2.082, p=.04) between time 1 and time 2 in the MBCUL group only, with there being no significant change in the control group. A significant increase in levels of mindfulness (z=−2.431, p=.02) was also observed in the MBCUL group only. Significant between-group differences were observed in the change scores for anxiety (z=−2.777, p=.005), depression (z=2.097, p=.04), perceived stress (z=2.356, p=.02), positive reappraisal (z=−2.713, p=.007) and reported levels of mindfulness (z=−2.705, p=.007). The physiological and qualitative elements of the study are still awaiting analysis, but will be available for presentation. These initial results support the findings of the pilot study, and suggest that MBCUL may help students cope better with the many pressures of modern student life.

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