scholarly journals Do Mindfulness Meditation Apps Decrease Stress in College Students? (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaitana, M. Dahle ◽  
Audrey Hooper ◽  
Aaron, J Cheung ◽  
Ashley Young ◽  
AliceAnn Crandall
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Mindfulness Meditation ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Stress Change ◽  
Stress Levels ◽  
Study Interval ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND Mindfulness meditation apps have become popular self-help technology tools to manage stress and improve mental health. Mindfulness meditation classes have been associated with decreased stress levels, but the impact of mindfulness meditation apps at reducing stress levels among college students has not been thoroughly examined. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to assess how the frequency and duration of mindfulness meditation app use during a two-week interval affected self-reported stress levels. The study analyzed how minutes and days of app use during a 14-day period impacted change in self-reported stress compared to baseline. METHODS A longitudinal sample of 85 undergraduate students were recruited to the study through fliers and in-class announcements. Eligibility requirements ensured that participants had no prior or limited (< 2 hours) experience with mindfulness meditation. Pre- and post-assessment survey questions included perceived stress levels and the frequency and duration of meditation app use during the two-week study interval. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to assess whether there was a relationship between app use and change in stress. RESULTS The mean Perceived Stress Scale scores at time 1 and time 2 significantly differed (P < .001; t = 3.47), such that there was a significant decrease in self-reported stress over the study interval. The number of minutes of mindfulness mobile app use over the 14 days of the study was not predictive of stress change (P = .14), but the number of days practicing mindfulness was a significant predictor of stress change (P = .03). CONCLUSIONS Consistently practicing mindfulness may be more predictive of stress reduction than length of practice, as evidenced by a significant relationship between change in stress and number of days practicing mindfulness meditation, but not number of minutes practiced.

scholarly journals Efficacy of the Mindfulness Meditation Mobile App “Calm” to Reduce Stress Among College Students: Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Huberty ◽  
Jeni Green ◽  
Christine Glissmann ◽  
Linda Larkey ◽  
Megan Puzia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Mindfulness Meditation ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Wait List Control ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
Mean Differences

BACKGROUND College students experience high levels of stress. Mindfulness meditation delivered via a mobile app may be an appealing, efficacious way to reduce stress in college students. OBJECTIVE We aimed to test the initial efficacy and sustained effects of an 8-week mindfulness meditation mobile app—Calm—compared to a wait-list control on stress, mindfulness, and self-compassion in college students with elevated stress. We also explored the intervention’s effect on health behaviors (ie, sleep disturbance, alcohol consumption [binge drinking], physical activity, and healthy eating [fruit and vegetable consumption]) and the feasibility and acceptability of the app. METHODS This study was a randomized, wait-list, control trial with assessments at baseline, postintervention (8 weeks), and at follow-up (12 weeks). Participants were eligible if they were current full-time undergraduate students and (1) at least 18 years of age, (2) scored ≥14 points on the Perceived Stress Scale, (3) owned a smartphone, (4) were willing to download the Calm app, (5) were willing to be randomized, and (7) were able to read and understand English. Participants were asked to meditate using Calm at least 10 minutes per day. A P value ≤.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS A total of 88 participants were included in the analysis. The mean age (SD) was 20.41 (2.31) years for the intervention group and 21.85 (6.3) years for the control group. There were significant differences in all outcomes (stress, mindfulness, and self-compassion) between the intervention and control groups after adjustment for covariates postintervention (all P<.04). These effects persisted at follow-up (all P<.03), except for the nonreacting subscale of mindfulness (P=.08). There was a significant interaction between group and time factors in perceived stress (P=.002), mindfulness (P<.001), and self-compassion (P<.001). Bonferroni posthoc tests showed significant within-group mean differences for perceived stress in the intervention group (P<.001), while there were no significant within-group mean differences in the control group (all P>.19). Similar results were found for mindfulness and self-compassion. Effect sizes ranged from moderate (0.59) to large (1.24) across all outcomes. A significant group×time interaction in models of sleep disturbance was found, but no significant effects were found for other health behaviors. The majority of students in the intervention group reported that Calm was helpful to reduce stress and stated they would use Calm in the future. The majority were satisfied using Calm and likely to recommend it to other college students. The intervention group participated in meditation for an average of 38 minutes/week during the intervention and 20 minutes/week during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Calm is an effective modality to deliver mindfulness meditation in order to reduce stress and improve mindfulness and self-compassion in stressed college students. Our findings provide important information that can be applied to the design of future studies or mental health resources in university programs. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03891810; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03891810

scholarly journals Gender differences in perceived stress level among undergraduate students in Armenia

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Harutyunyan ◽  
L Musheghyan ◽  
V Hayrumyan
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Stress Management ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Stress Level ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
High Stress ◽  
Stress Levels ◽  
Actual Stress

Abstract Background Stress is an important issue in academic institutions and can have a negative impact on overall academic performance. This study was conducted as a research assignment during the Basics of Healthy Lifestyle course and aimed to investigate the stress level among undergraduate students at the American University of Armenia (AUA). Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among undergraduate students recruited by non-random convenience sampling. The study utilized a structured questionnaire to conduct face to face interviews. The questionnaire contained 40 close-ended questions on students' perceived stress level, the Student Stress Scale (SSS) (sum of scores of 31 questions) to measure actual stress, and socio-demographic characteristics. Data entry, descriptive and comparative statistics were performed using SPSS software. Secondary data analysis was conducted to explore gender differences in stress level. Results Overall, 111 AUA students participated and slightly over half of participants (59.5%) were female. The SSS revealed that 46.0% of students experience medium stress levels (self-perceived mean stress score =-5.8). Only 21.6% perceived themselves as having high stress levels; however, SSS showed that about one third had high stress. Female participants' perception of being highly stressed and having high stress level based on SSS were similar (28.8% and 27.3%, respectively). In contrast, less males perceived being highly stressed (13.3%), though, SSS showed that 40.0% of males experienced high stress levels. Conclusions The majority of AUA undergraduate students experienced medium or low stress levels. Male students experience higher stress levels, but their perceived stress level was much lower than in among females. Research is needed to explore the gender differences in stress levels and coping mechanisms among students. These findings may be useful for university administration for developing stress-reduction and stress-management strategies. Key messages There are disparities in perceived stress and actual stress levels between male and female students that warrant further exploration. Gender differences in stress level of the students should be considered for stress-reduction and stress-management strategies.

scholarly journals Think-aloud testing of a novel safer drinking app for college students during COVID-19 (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Gomez Smith ◽  
Nour Sami Alamiri ◽  
Grace Biegger ◽  
Christina Frederick ◽  
Jennifer P. Halbert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Drinking Behavior ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Think Aloud ◽  
Risky Drinking ◽  
Student Drinking ◽  
Hazardous Alcohol ◽  
Hazardous Alcohol Consumption ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND Hazardous alcohol consumption, and binge drinking in particular, continues to be common among college students, posing the greatestrisk for their health and safety. Despite widespread exposure to evidence-based preventive interventions among U.S. undergraduates, only modest and temporary effects on risky drinking occur. Formative studies have demonstrated that students want a more engaging intervention tool for risky drinking that can be used “just in time.” OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to test the appeal, relevance, and perceived utility of a draft mobile app for safer student drinking. METHODS Undergraduate student participants tested the draft mobile app via an interactive online prototype with hot spots that responded to their taps to mimic app functionality. They narrated their impressions, navigation, and comments in a standardized Think-Aloud procedure. After each round of Think-aloud interviews, researchers debriefed the investigators and developers to discuss findings and brainstorm app modifications. RESULTS Data indicated that minor changes to the functionality and aesthetics would improve usability of the app. Student testers recommended tailoring the app to the needs of college students and to aspects of the local university’s drinking culture. CONCLUSIONS Findings from this study will be synthesized with information gained from other formative work to determine the final app features. We will test the app in a pilot randomized trial to assess app usage and the impact of the app on college student drinking behavior over several months.

Cyberstalking Victimization and Perpetration among Greek College Students

2017 ◽  
pp. 247-261 ◽  
Author(s):  
Argyroula Kalaitzaki
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
College Students ◽  
Attachment Style ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
The Impact

Cyberstalking is a rapidly growing phenomenon, which is becoming more common among youth nowadays. The study aimed at investigating: 1) the prevalence, behaviors, and tactics of both victims and perpetrators among a sample of Greek undergraduate students, 2) the correlates of victimization and perpetration with personality, attachment style, and relating to others, and 3) the impact of cyberstalking on victims' mental health. Results showed that 23.9% of the students were victims and 9% were perpetrators, with females, disproportionately both experiencing and inflicting cyberstalking. Negatively close relating (i.e., intrusive, restrictive and possessive relating) increased the risk of cyberstalking perpetration, whereas negatively distant relating (suspicious, avoidant, and self-reliant relating) decreased the risk of cyberstalking victimization. Agreeableness decreased the risk of perpetration. Mother's affectionless control increased the risk of both perpetration and victimization and mother's neglectful parenting increased the risk of perpetration only.

Consumer based brand equity in the 21st century: an examination of the role of social media marketing

2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 243-255 ◽  
Author(s):  
Atefeh Yazdanparast ◽  
Mathew Joseph ◽  
Fernanda Muniz
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Brand Equity ◽  
Social Media Marketing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Population ◽  
The Cost ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The present research investigates the influence of brand-based social media marketing (SMM) activities on metrics of consumer-based brand equity (CBBE). Specifically, the study examines the role of consumer-brand social media experiences on attitude toward SMM activities of brands and its consequent impact on brand perceptions. Design/methodology/approach Paper-and-pencil surveys were administered to undergraduate students in a Southwestern university in exchange for extra credit. Survey questions were adapted from previously validated scales, and measurement adaptations were minimal and only related to the context of questions to assure their relevance with the context of this study. Bi-variate correlation, bootstrapping technique, Sobel test, ANOVA and linear regression were used to test the hypotheses. Findings The results indicate that brand-based SMM is essential in impacting consumers’ attitudes toward brands and consequently, CBBE reflected via perceived value for the cost, perceived uniqueness and the willingness to pay a price premium for a brand. Additionally, the main reason for individuals to use social media impacts their attitudes toward and receptiveness of SMM activities of brands. Research limitations/implications This study used a sample of college students to address the research questions. Considering the higher adoption rate and interest in social media among younger consumer groups, the results may not be representative of the entire population. Much of the existing research on social media, however, has focused on undergraduate college students and is primarily based on studies utilizing the similar research population. Originality/value The present research is one of the few studies that empirically examine the impact of consumer-brand interactions/experiences on consumers’ attitudes toward SMM activities of brands, as well as brand-related knowledge and perceptions as reflected by CBBE. The results indicate that the CBBE model of the twenty-first century should incorporate the role of brand-based SMM activities as facilitators of brand knowledge (i.e. brand awareness and brand image) by reinforcing or even shaping important brand-based associations.

scholarly journals Pathways from Food Insecurity to Health Outcomes among California University Students

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1419 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suzanna M. Martinez ◽  
Michael A. Grandner ◽  
Aydin Nazmi ◽  
Elias Ruben Canedo ◽  
Lorrene D. Ritchie
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Weight Status ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Student Characteristics ◽  
Poor Health ◽  
Self Rated Health ◽  
The Past ◽  
The Impact

The prevalence of food insecurity (FI) among college students is alarmingly high, yet the impact on student health has not been well investigated. The aim of the current study was to examine the simultaneous relationships between food insecurity and health-related outcomes including body mass index (BMI) and overall health in a college student population. Randomly sampled students in the University of California 10 campus system were invited to participate in an online survey in spring 2015. The analytic sample size was 8705 graduate and undergraduate students. Data were collected on FI in the past year, daily servings of fruits and vegetables (FV), number of days in the past week of enough sleep and moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA), height and weight, self-rated health, and student characteristics. Using path analysis, mediated pathways between FI, BMI, and poor health were examined through FV intake, number of days of MVPA and enough sleep. Analyses controlled for student characteristics. Mean BMI was 23.6 kg/m2 (SD, 5.0), and average self-rated health was good. FI was directly and indirectly related to higher BMI and poor health through three pathways. First, FI was related to fewer days of enough sleep, which in turn was related to increased BMI and poor health. Second, FI was related to fewer days of MVPA, which in turn was related to increased BMI and poor health. Third, FI was related to fewer daily servings of FV, which in turn was related to poor health. FI is associated with poor health behaviors among college students, which may contribute to higher weight status and poor health. These findings highlight the importance of food security for a healthy college experience.

Career Development Courses and Educational Outcomes

2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 209-223 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamie M. Hansen ◽  
Aaron P. Jackson ◽  
Tyler R. Pedersen
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Career Development ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Educational Outcomes ◽  
Graduation Rate ◽  
Grade Point Averages ◽  
Grade Point ◽  
Career Course ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Development Course

Research suggests that career development courses have positive impacts on college students’ career development outputs. What is less established is the impact of these career courses on educational outcomes like retention, graduation rate, and academic performance. This study compared two groups of undergraduate students: one that successfully completed a career development course ( n = 3,546) and a matched group of students who did not take the career course ( n = 3,510). The groups were compared on graduation rate, time to graduation, course withdrawals, and cumulative grade point averages (GPAs). The career development course was not a significant predictor of graduation within 6 years, the number of semesters to graduate, or the number of withdrawals incurred. However, the career development course did significantly predict the total number of credits (participants graduated with about five more credits) and cumulative GPA at graduation (participants graduated with higher GPAs).

Technology Use Among College Students: Implications for Student Affairs Professionals

NASPA Journal ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Erin L Gemmill ◽  
Michael Peterson
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
College Students ◽  
College Student ◽  
Student Affairs ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Student Affairs Professionals ◽  
Significant Problem

The purposes of this study were to explore the extent to which technology disrupts and occupies the time of a college student and to determine the degree to which these disruptions contribute to perceived stress. A 71-item survey to assess perceived stress, technology use and disruptions, and social support was administered to 299 undergraduate students. The results indicate 25% of participants have problems with disruptions from technology, and more disruptions from technology are related to higher levels of perceived stress. Experiencing disruptions from technology is a significant problem among college students and needs to be addressed by student affairs professionals.

scholarly journals Association of Perceived Stress Levels Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic with Bio-Social Parameters and Prakriti Body Types among the adult’s population of Manipur, India

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 68-72
Author(s):  
Miranda Yendrembam ◽  
Arundhati Devi Maibam ◽  
Sanjenbam Yaiphaba Meitei ◽  
Henry Konjengbam
Keyword(s):  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
High Stress ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Ancient Medicine ◽  
Stress Levels ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Moderate Stress ◽  
Assessment Questionnaire ◽  
Socio Economic Factors

Background - Perceived stress experiences differ amongst individuals due to psychological, physical and socio-economic factors and with the outbreak of COVID-19, the impact on mental health has been unavoidable. Another dimension of understanding stress is also put forth by Ayurveda, an ancient medicine system of India. Aim – Aims to find the association of bio-social parameters including prakriti body types with perceived stress levels amidst COVID -19 pandemic. Material and Methods – Data were collected from 390 individuals aged ranging from 18 – 45 years through an online survey. Prakriti were determined by prakriti assessment questionnaire. Stress level was assessed by using Perceived Stress Scale (PSS 10) and relevant statistical analysis were carried out. Results - Significant association (p < 0.05) is found in body mass index (BMI), prakriti body types, sex, and effects of COVID–19 on mental and physical well – being with perceived stress levels. Vata prakriti (19.71%), underweight individuals (12.65%), and females (11.44%) are significantly more prone to develop high stress. Salaried individuals are significantly less likely to be affected by moderate stress. VIF is less than 5 and Tolerance is greater than 0.2. And, Nagelkerke value is found to be 29.3%.  Conclusion – The study concludes that there is a significant association of biosocial parameters including prakriti body types with perceived stress levels amidst COVID–19 pandemic. 

scholarly journals SP3.2.4 Creating sub-specialty emergency surgical care and changing consultant working patterns improves consultant morale and stress levels

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward Hardy ◽  
Thomas Smart ◽  
Jacob Hatt ◽  
Jon Lund
Keyword(s):  
Length Of Stay ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
General Surgery ◽  
Surgical Care ◽  
Emergency General Surgery ◽  
Quality Of Patient Care ◽  
Stress Levels ◽  
General Surgeons ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Aims General surgery consultants have some of the highest rates of burnout. Ever increasing emergency general surgery (EGS) admissions playing a major role in this. A move to create split sub-speciality cover consisting of upper GI/HPB (UGI) and colorectal (CR) consultants has been suggested to improve EGS outcomes. We assessed the impact changing on-call working patterns had on perceived consultant stress levels, manageability of their workload and patient length of stay (LOS). Methods Consultant on call patterns changed from an individual consultant covering four consecutive weekdays to two consultants (one UGI/HPB, one CR) sharing four consecutive weekdays. Consultants were surveyed to assess the impact of this change on the manageability of their workload and their perceived stress levels. Admission numbers and LOS were also analysed for all EGS admissions over a 6-month period either side of the rota change. Results 89% of consultants who responded chose to work the new on call format. 78% felt it had improved the manageability of their workload, decreased perceived stress levels and improved quality of patient care. There was no change in the number of EGS admissions (862 vs 866) or EGS patient length over the time periods studied (Pre: 0D: 8%, 1 – 2D 38%, 3 – 4D 19%, &gt;4D 34%. vs Post: 0D 8%, 1 – 2D 40%, 3 – 4D 17%, &gt; 4D 35%). Conclusions A move to shorter and sub-specialty on call duties reduced stress and improved manageability for consultant general surgeons without adverse impact on patient’s length of stay.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document