The effects of a course‐based mindfulness intervention on college student perfectionism, stress, anxiety, self‐compassion, and social connectedness

Bibliographic Data

ID21375822
AuthorsAnomi G Bearden (0000-0002-0989-718X, Department of Psychology Red Deer Polytechnic Red Deer Alberta Canada, corresponding author), Blaire Turnbull (Department of Psychology Red Deer Polytechnic Red Deer Alberta Canada), Carmella Wallace (Department of Psychology Red Deer Polytechnic Red Deer Alberta Canada), Steven Prosser (Department of Nursing Red Deer Polytechnic Red Deer Alberta Canada), Akeem Vincent (Department of Psychology Red Deer Polytechnic Red Deer Alberta Canada)
Year2024
Volume61
Issue7
Pages2893-2911
Publication date2024-07-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenuePsychology in the Schools (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0033-3085 • E-ISSN: 1520-6807
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1002/pits.23201
OpenAlexW4394961837
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited67

Rising perfectionism levels within post‐secondary students could be one reason for students' challenges with adaptation to post‐secondary. Recent research has suggested mindfulness‐based interventions may be a promising avenue for mitigating high perfectionism, in addition to improving emotional and social well‐being. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of 8 weeks of a mindfulness course on post‐secondary students (compared to a non‐meditating control group). Variables of interest were mindfulness, multidimensional perfectionism (self‐oriented, other‐oriented, and socially prescribed types), stress, anxiety, self‐compassion, and social connectedness. Students self‐enrolled into a mindfulness class offered at a college in Alberta, Canada ( n = 15). The experimental sample, aged 18−54 ( M = 25.27, SD = 11.47), were 96.7% female. A control group was recruited from first‐ and second‐year psychology classes ( n = 30), with ages ranging from 17 to 38 ( M = 21.70, SD = 5.36) and 70% identifying as female. Students completed in‐person surveys near the beginning of the term and again after 8 weeks. ANOVAs and linear regression analyses were conducted. In line with previous studies, results indicated that college students practicing mindfulness evidenced lower perfectionism (self‐oriented and other‐oriented types), stress, and anxiety, along with higher mindfulness and self‐compassion. Additionally, interpersonal benefits were revealed as the mindfulness group increased in social connectedness. Perplexing results suggest two routes to social connection, as the control group also showed an increase in social connection, potentially motivated by higher stress and self‐criticism. Findings from the current study are impressive (given the small sample size and the high‐stress time of the term during which post‐test measures were taken) and suggest that integrating mindfulness practices into the curriculum can enhance emotional and social well‐being for postsecondary students

Anxiety · Developmental psychology · Mindfulness · Perfectionism (psychology) · Psychiatry · Psychological intervention · Psychotherapist · Self-compassion · Social connectedness · Social support · Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes · Clinical Psychology · Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions · Perfectionism, Procrastination, Anxiety Studies · Psychology

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