MINDFULNESS IN ACADEMIC LIFE AND ITS EFFECTS ON MENTAL HEALTH: A RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL

Abstract

Undergraduate studies are a challenging period for students, characterized by a heavy workload, extracurricular activities, and new experiences, which can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression. Mindfulness meditation has been widely studied as a strategy to mitigate these symptoms. In this context, the primary objective of this study was to investigate whether the practice of mindfulness meditation is effective in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression levels among undergraduate health students at a public university in southern Brazil. As a secondary objective, the study explored whether this practice could also enhance students' mindfulness levels. A randomized clinical trial was conducted with 96 students allocated into two groups: 48 practiced mindfulness meditation, while 48 received educational materials on mindful breathing and exercises. The activities were conducted online for eight weeks, with a minimum weekly frequency. Participants were assessed at the beginning and end of the study. Outcomes were measured using the DASS-21 and MAAS questionnaires. Statistical analysis included the chi-square test for categorical variables and linear mixed models for group comparisons (p<0.05). Results indicated improvements in mindfulness levels and reductions in stress and anxiety in both groups. However, there was no significant impact on depression levels. In conclusion, mindfulness meditation proved to be a viable intervention for reducing stress and anxiety and promoting mindfulness among university students, although it did not significantly affect depression.