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A Pilot Study in Assessing the Effectiveness of Mindfulness to Reduce Stress and Improve Wellbeing in College Freshmen S Brown 1 , M Irwin 2 , K Reinschmidt 1 , NI Teufel-Shone 1 University of Arizona, College of Public Health 1 , College of Education 2 Tucson, AZ Curriculum • 1 seminar hour per week, 15 weeks • Experiential activities drawn from personal practice and published material • Instructional material drawn from neuroscience, positive psychology, and mindfulness practices • 1-day mini retreat (optional) • Small group presentations: How do different belief systems support wellbeing? Evaluation • Qualitative and quantitative assessments early, mid and late semester • Weekly written student reflections Setting Outcomes Methods Conclusions Purpose The introduction of mindfulness within higher education is gaining traction and momentum. The engagement of students in contemplative techniques provides potential for cognitive transformation, as students appraise their experience for meaning and significance. The Arizona Assurance Scholars program aims to ensure success, retention and graduation from the UA of underrepresented students. Scholars are often first generation college students, all are low income and on full scholarship, and all are under considerable stress and pressure, both financially and socially. To assess the effectiveness of a mindfulness based curriculum designed to reduce stress and enhance wellbeing in college freshmen enrolled in the Arizona Assurance Scholars program Supported by the MCH Training Program sponsored by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau at the Health Resources and Services Administration Thanks to all students from LASC195A, 2013 Comparison of Authentic Happiness Inventory 1 scores within and between individual class participants. Score 1: 01/22/2013 Score 2: 04/30/2013 1 www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu Word cloud of commonalities in the final submitted student reflections. Students are actively seeking strategies and resources to aid their wellbeing through managing stress, without the stigma that remains attached to seeking mental health support. The social and emotional benefits reported by students at the conclusion of this course, and that some students reported benefits in their physical health, supports a justification to offer this course to incoming freshmen at UA. Student Quotes On Lasting Impressions Of Course • I try to meditate daily • I have learned new coping skills • I have become more aware of myself and others • I enjoyed the practices but am having a hard time practicing and using them in daily life • I am doing a lot more self reflecting • I think more about my actions • I pay more attention to what my body is telling me • Deep listening has had a lasting effect on me • The exercises have helped me control my stress and helped me to become a better person through self-evaluation • I have more confidence and I don’t care if someone judges me • Get to know your body/mind • Helped me regulate my stress levels • It’s altered my perspective, it’s like containing all the factors in my life that I have influence over • I worry a lot less now • I feel I can let my problems go now Acknowledgements
