The Impact of Dosage on a Mindfulness Intervention With First-Year College Students

2021 ◽  
pp. 152102512110416
Author(s):  
Elizabeth S. Bambacus ◽  
Abigail H. Conley
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
First Year Experience ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
First Year ◽  
Grade Point ◽  
Mindfulness Intervention ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
The Impact

While mindfulness intervention research is prevalent, it is limited in (1) relation to college students’ grade point average (GPA) and retention and (2) minimum dosage recommended for the intervention. This repeated-measures quasi-experimental nonequivalent control groups study investigated differences in mindfulness, stress, flourishing, GPA, and retention between students ( n = 248) in first-year experience seminars who received a brief mindfulness intervention and the comparison group ( n = 125) who did not receive the intervention. The intervention consisted of three- to five-minute mindfulness exercises at the beginning of class that met once a week. In contrast to results of previous studies, this study—when controlling for class sections and gender—showed no significant differences in any outcome variable between groups. These results provide important evidence that a mindfulness dosing limit might exist. A post hoc binary logistic regression supported previous findings that GPA predicts retention. Implications are discussed in regard to college administrators, faculty, and student affairs professionals.

Assessing the Impact of Gain and Loss Messages on Drunkorexia

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tavis Glassman ◽  
Monita Karmakar ◽  
Tom Castor ◽  
Alexis Blavos ◽  
Jessica Kruger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Experimental Design ◽  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Caloric Restriction ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Maladaptive Behavior ◽  
Prevention Messages ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
The Impact

The term drunkorexia refers to a maladaptive behavior characterized by caloric restriction and/or increased exercise to compensate for calories consumed from alcohol. The objective of this study was to compare loss and gain-framed prevention messages focusing on dietary issues and alcohol. Researchers employed a quasi-experimental design using repeated-measures. Participants (n = 211) received messages in person, via email, and via text message. Individuals exposed to gain-framed messages decreased alcohol consumption and reported a reduction in maladaptive exercise. None of the messages elicited increased drunkorexic behavior, indicating that educating college students about the calories associated with alcohol does not result in deleterious outcomes.

A Qualitative Exploration of the First-Year Experience of Latino College Students

NASPA Journal ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
John C. Hernandez
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Predominantly White ◽  
Latino Students ◽  
First Year Experience ◽  
First Year ◽  
Latino College Students ◽  
Qualitative Research Study ◽  
White Institutions ◽  
Qualitative Exploration ◽  
The Impact

Although the impact of the first-year experience has been investigated, there is little information on what this experience is like for Latino students particularly at predominantly White institutions. The primary purpose of this qualitative research study is to understand the first-year experience as recounted by 10 Latino college students. The findings include four major themes. Implications for practice are discussed.

scholarly journals Stopping the Drop: Examining the Impact of a Pilot Physical Literacy-Based Intervention Program on Physical Activity Behaviours and Fitness during the Transition into University

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (16) ◽  
pp. 5832
Author(s):  
Matthew Y. W. Kwan ◽  
Jeffrey D. Graham ◽  
Cierra Healey ◽  
Natalie Paolucci ◽  
Denver M. Brown
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Life Transitions ◽  
First Year ◽  
Life Transition ◽  
Physical Literacy ◽  
Major Life ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
The Impact

The move to university is a major life transition associated with precipitous declines in physical activity (PA). While it remains unclear how these declines can be best attenuated, the concept of physical literacy (PL) or enhancements of PL may be a promising modality to promote PA during life transitions. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the impact of a pilot PL-based intervention on PA and fitness for students transitioning into university. Participants included 65 first-year students (Mage = 17.85 ± 0.51; n = 46 females), enrolled in a quasi-experimental study. Intervention participants (n = 26) participated in a 12-week novel movement skills program conducted in a group-based environment. Results from the 2 × 2 repeated measures ANOVA found moderate effects in the time by condition interaction F(1,56) = 2.70, p = 0.11, ηp2 = 0.08 for PA behaviors as well as for estimated cardiorespiratory fitness F(1,61) = 8.35, p = 0.005, ηp2 = 0.12. Findings from our pilot program suggest that PL may be an effective modality to help first-year university students maintain fitness and attenuate the declines in PA behaviors when transitioning into university. Similar trials with larger samples are required.

Understanding difference through dialogue: A first-year experience for college students.

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 130-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charu Thakral ◽  
Philip L. Vasquez ◽  
Bette L. Bottoms ◽  
Alicia K. Matthews ◽  
Kimberly M. Hudson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
First Year Experience ◽  
First Year

303 Sleep Midpoint and Efficiency Moderate the Link Between Stress and Academic Cognitions in Latinx College Students

SLEEP ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. A121-A121
Author(s):  
Jeri Sasser ◽  
Emma Lecarie ◽  
Michaela Gusman ◽  
HyeJung Park ◽  
Leah Doane
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Academic Motivation ◽  
Minority Group ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Sleep Efficiency ◽  
First Year ◽  
T1 And T2 ◽  
College Stress ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Introduction Latinx students are the largest ethnic/racial minority group in higher education, but are also the group least likely to graduate from a four-year institution. Research suggests that heightened stress perceptions may impede college students’ ability to perform well academically. Poorer sleep may compound the impact of stress on academic functioning. The present study examined the multiplicative effect of college-stress and actigraphy-measured sleep on academic cognitions within-and-across semesters. Methods 209 Latinx college students (Mage=18.95; 64.4% female, 85.1% Mexican descent) were assessed in the spring of the first year of college (T1) and fall of the second year (T2). At T1, participants wore an actigraph watch for 7 nights to measure total sleep time, sleep efficiency, and sleep midpoint. College-stress was assessed at T1 using the College Stress Scale. At T1 and T2, participants completed the Behavioral-Emotional-Cognitive School Engagement Scale, the Academic Self-Efficacy Scale, and a scale assessing academic motivation. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to assess the model fit of a two-factor model representing academic cognitions (engagement, self-efficacy, motivation) at T1 and T2. Latent variable path analysis models testing for moderation were conducted using Mplus. Results The CFA indicated excellent fit (χ2(5)= 2.91, p=.71, RMSEA=.00, CFI=1.00, TLI=1.01, SRMR=.02). College-stress was concurrently (β=-.19, p=.02), but not longitudinally, associated with academic cognitions. Sleep midpoint predicted academic cognitions at T1 (β=-.24, p<.01) and T2 (β=-.18, p=.03). Sleep efficiency (β=.18, p=.01) and sleep midpoint (β=-.17, p=.02) moderated associations between college-stress and T2 academic cognitions. Higher college-stress was longitudinally linked with lower academic cognitions for students with lower sleep efficiency (b=-.12, p=.01) and later sleep midpoints (b=-.14, p=.01). Conclusion Greater college-stress is concurrently linked with lower academic cognitions, whereas later sleep timing has both immediate and enduring consequences on students’ academic mindsets. The impact of college-stress on academic cognitions may depend on the quality and timing of sleep at the time of these stress perceptions. Programs that address stress reduction and sleep health may be promising interventions for improving academic well-being among first-year Latinx college students. Support (if any) This work was supported by a William T. Grant Foundation Scholars Award (184370) to L.D. Doane.

Getting College Students Back on Track

2016 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 350-368
Author(s):  
Corinne M. Kodama ◽  
Cheon-Woo Han ◽  
Tom Moss ◽  
Brittany Myers ◽  
Susan P. Farruggia
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Academic Preparation ◽  
First Year ◽  
College Graduation ◽  
Program Participation ◽  
Summer Bridge ◽  
Grade Point ◽  
College Life ◽  
First Year College ◽  
First Year College Students

The present study examines the outcomes of a 5-week summer bridge writing program at a Midwestern, urban, public university designed to provide remedial instruction for incoming first-year college students, approximately 500 students annually for 7 years. Regression results showed that program participation was a positive, significant predictor on the outcomes of 6- and 4-year graduation, first-year earned credits, and first-year college grade point average, even after controlling for demographic and academic preparation variables. The combination of academic preparation and an introduction to the college experience helped to prepare students for college success. This institutionally funded program shows promise in addressing the remediation needs of students and preparing them for success in credit-bearing courses as well as college life in general, getting them on track for timely college graduation.

scholarly journals Positive perceptions of beer consumption among portuguese university students

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 97-104
Author(s):  
Joana R. Casanova ◽  
Margarida Gaspar Matos ◽  
María del Carmen Pérez Fuentes ◽  
Leandro S. Almeida
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Model Fit ◽  
First Year ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
First Year College ◽  
Beer Consumption ◽  
First Year College Students ◽  
Individual Variables ◽  
The Impact

The abusive consumption of alcohol by college students has negative effects on both individual and public health. Positive expectations about alcohol are related to behaviours and patterns of consumption frequently acquired in adolescence. Objective. This study analyses the impact of individual variables (gender, age at first drink, being away from home, and first option degree course) on beer consumption in first-year college students. The moderating effect of positive perceptions about alcohol consumption will also be considered. Method. The sample comprised 214 first-year college students at a Portuguese public university. Results. Positive perceptions of alcohol consumption had an impact on levels of beer consumption and the rate of beer consumption could be explained by just four student variables: age at first drink, gender, first option degree course, and positive perceptions of alcohol consumption. The indices of model fit were adequate. Conclusions. Interventions targeting reductions of student’s alcohol consumption should consider the effects of positive perceptions of alcohol.

The Impact of Virtual Physical Activity Interventions on Depression and Anxiety among College Students: Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andy Murray ◽  
Michele Marenus ◽  
Ana Cahuas ◽  
Kathryn Friedman ◽  
Haley Ottensoser ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Resistance Exercise ◽  
Interaction Effect ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Exercise Intervention ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Main Effect ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND Depression and anxiety are growing issues for college students, with both aerobic-resistance training and mindfulness-yoga exercises known to be effective in reducing symptoms and severity. However, no known research is available comparing these two depression and anxiety interventions simultaneously and in a virtual environment. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine the effects of a virtual aerobic-resistance exercise intervention (WeActive) and a virtual yoga-mindfulness mindfulness exercise intervention (WeMindful) on depression and anxiety symptoms in college students METHODS The participants were 78 college students who anonymously completed a Qualtrics survey including the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) and the Major Depression Inventory (MDI) at baseline and the post-test. Participants were randomly assigned to either the WeActive or WeMindful group and underwent two 30-minute virtual aerobic-resistance exercise lessons or yoga-mindfulness lessons per week for eight weeks. RESULTS The results of ANCOVA with repeated measures indicated that, while not statistically significant, both groups showed a notable decrease in anxiety with a marginal significant main effect of time (F = 3.485, p = 0.066, η2 = 0.047) but no significant main effect of group and no significant interaction effect of time with group. The two intervention groups experienced a significant decrease in depression with the main effect of time (F = 3.892, p = 0.052, η2 = 0.052). There was no significant main effect of group or interaction effect of time with group for depression. CONCLUSIONS College students in both WeActive and WeMindful groups experienced a significant decrease in depression symptoms and a decrease, though not significant, in anxiety as well. The study suggests that virtual WeActive and WeMindful interventions are effective approaches to managing US college student depression and anxiety during a pandemic.

Reducing Gaps in First-Year Outcomes Between Hispanic First-Generation College Students and Their Peers: The Role of Accelerated Learning and Financial Aid

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 441-463
Author(s):  
Christian A. Latino ◽  
Gabriela Stegmann ◽  
Justine Radunzel ◽  
Jason D. Way ◽  
Edgar Sanchez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Financial Aid ◽  
First Generation ◽  
First Generation College Students ◽  
Achievement Gaps ◽  
Accelerated Learning ◽  
Retention Rates ◽  
First Year ◽  
Grade Point ◽  
First Generation College

Hispanic students are the most likely out of all racial or ethnic groups to be first-generation college students (FGCS). Hispanic FGCS have been shown to be the least likely to persist out of all racial or ethnic backgrounds. However, there is little literature on this population. To address this, the present study investigated the association of accelerated learning in high school (e.g., Advanced Placement courses and dual enrollment) and financial aid on academic outcomes for Hispanic FGCS and Hispanic non-FGCS at a 4-year postsecondary institution ( n = 2,499). Hispanic FGCS fared worse in first-year grade point average (GPA) and first- to second-year retention than Hispanic non-FGCS. After controlling for academic, nonacademic, and demographic variables, results suggested that accelerated learning reduced achievement gaps in first-year GPA and financial aid reduced achievement gaps in retention rates for Hispanic FGCS. These results suggest that environmental supports (i.e., accelerated learning and financial aid) may be able to improve GPA and retention for Hispanic FGCS.

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