scholarly journals Effects of Shinrin-Yoku Retreat on Mental Health: A Pilot Study in Fukushima, Japan

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasuhiro Kotera ◽  
Dean Fido
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
University Students ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Common Humanity ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
The Mean

Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) is a cost-effective healing practice, and has attracted the interest of scientists. Recently, its effects on mental health has been increasingly reported. Japanese university students suffer from high rates of mental health problems, and the number of suicides remain high, despite the total number of suicides in Japan has been decreasing. Effective mental health approaches are sought after for Japanese students, however healthful treatment has not been identified to date. Accordingly, this pre-post pilot study evaluated the levels of mental wellbeing, self-compassion, and loneliness among 25 Japanese undergraduate students who participated in a three-day shinrin-yoku retreat in Fukushima, before, straight after and two weeks after the retreat. The mean scores of mental wellbeing increased significantly from pre-retreat to post-retreat; self-compassion and common humanity increased significantly from pre-retreat to follow-up; and mindfulness increased significantly from pre-retreat to post-retreat, and from pre-retreat to follow-up. The mean scores of loneliness did not make any significant changes. As self-compassion has been found strongly associated with mental health of university students, shinrin-yoku retreat should be evaluated with a larger sample and in a shorter time frame.

scholarly journals The Mental Health and Wellbeing of University Students: Acceptability, Effectiveness and Mechanisms of a Mindfulness-Based Course

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (11) ◽  
pp. 6023
Author(s):  
Emma Medlicott ◽  
Alice Phillips ◽  
Catherine Crane ◽  
Verena Hinze ◽  
Laura Taylor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Graduate Students ◽  
University Students ◽  
Academic Outcomes ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Academic Goals ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Self Compassion

Mental health problems are relatively common during university and adversely affect academic outcomes. Evidence suggests that mindfulness can support the mental health and wellbeing of university students. We explored the acceptability and effectiveness of an 8-week instructor-led mindfulness-based course (“Mindfulness: Finding Peace in a Frantic World”; Williams and Penman, 2011) on improving wellbeing and mental health (self-reported distress), orientation and motivation towards academic goals, and the mechanisms driving these changes. Eighty-six undergraduate and post-graduate students (>18 years) participated. Students engaged well with the course, with 36 (48.0%) completing the whole programme, 52 (69.3%) attending 7 out of 8 sessions, and 71 (94.7%) completing at least half. Significant improvements in wellbeing and mental health were found post-intervention and at 6-week follow-up. Improvements in wellbeing were mediated by mindfulness, self-compassion, and resilience. Improvements in mental health were mediated by improvements in mindfulness and resilience but not self-compassion. Significant improvements in students’ orientation to their academic goal, measured by “commitment” to, “likelihood” of achieving, and feeling more equipped with the “skills and resources” needed, were found at post-intervention and at 6-week follow-up. Whilst exploratory, the results suggest that this mindfulness intervention is acceptable and effective for university students and can support academic study.

scholarly journals Associations of university student life challenges with mental health and self-rated health

2021 ◽  
Vol 31 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
F Porru ◽  
S Schuring ◽  
U Bültmann ◽  
I Portoghese ◽  
A Burdorf ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
University Students ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Student Life ◽  
Self Rated Health ◽  
Life Challenges ◽  
High Workload ◽  
Sf36 Score

Abstract Background Mental health problems are highly prevalent among university students. Stress due to student life challenges may be a risk factor for poorer health. This study investigates to what extent student life challenges and changes therein are associated with mental health and self-rated health. Methods In a longitudinal study with 568 Italian university students mental health was assessed using the Mental Health Inventory-5 (MHI-5) and self-rated health with a single item from the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF36) (score ranges: 0-100) at baseline and at six months follow-up. Student life challenges were investigated using six subscales (score ranges: 1-4) of the Higher Education Stress Inventory (HESI). A between-within linear regression model was used to investigate whether a higher exposure to life challenges was associated with poorer health (between individuals) and whether changes in student life challenges were associated with changes in health (within individuals). Results Higher exposure to student life challenges was associated with poorer mental health (b ranging from -5.3 to -10.3) and self-rated health (b ranging from -3.1 to -9.6). An increase in student life challenges within individuals was associated with poorer mental health and self-rated health, in particular for high workload (b up to -5.9), faculty shortcomings (b up to -5.7), and unsupportive climate (b up to -5.6). Discussion Exposure to student life challenges and changes therein are associated with university students' health. Our findings suggest that student life challenges may be a target for interventions to improve mental health and self-rated health among university students. Key messages Mental health and self-rated health differ between students and change within-them. Higher exposure to student life challenges is associated with poorer health, and an increase in student life challenges is associated with a decrease in health.

A feasibility study on a novel well-being intervention for university students

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
E. Hunt ◽  
L. Coombes
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
College Students ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Time Use ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Universal Time ◽  
First Year ◽  
Evaluation Questionnaire ◽  
Self Compassion

Abstract Objectives: Challenging transitions, increased stress and mental ill health can affect students’ academic performance and their capacity to remain in higher education. Prevention and early treatment of mental health problems in college students is therefore a key public health priority, nationally and internationally. Developing a range of evidence-based interventions targeting the mental health of students is critical. We examined the feasibility and acceptability of a new universal time use and well-being intervention, the ‘Everyday Matters: Healthy Habits for University Life’ digital badge (EMDB), a co-curricular micro-credential for first-year college students. Methods: This study used a single-arm, pre–post design for first-year undergraduate students. The EMDB comprised eight 1-hour lunchtime sessions on brain development and time-use habits across the 24 hours of the day including sleep, self-care, leisure, study and work. Validated measures of occupational competence and value, mental well-being, sleep health, mindset, self-compassion and gratitude were completed, along with an evaluation questionnaire. Results: Eight first-year undergraduate students completed the demographic questionnaire and pre- and post- measures, with one additional student completing only the evaluation questionnaire. There was significantly improved levels of well-being, self-compassion and growth mindset following the intervention. Many of the challenges reported by participants related to occupational issues such as managing finances and having a satisfying routine. Participants appreciated the practical relevance and scientific underpinnings of the programme content. The sense of belonging within the group and having insightful conversations with other group members were particularly valued by participants. Conclusions: This study offers preliminary evidence that an occupational therapy based universal time-use and well-being intervention was feasible to deliver and acceptable to first-year undergraduate students. The results of this study and the participant acceptability support further development and evaluation of the EMDB intervention.

Self-Compassion: Evaluation of a Psychoeducational Website

2016 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 198-203 ◽  
Author(s):  
France Talbot ◽  
Judith Thériault ◽  
Douglas J. French
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
University Students ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Psychological Services ◽  
Critical Difference ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
Difference Statistic ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
The Impact

Background: Low levels of self-compassion are associated with a number of mental health problems. Recent findings suggest that self-compassion can be significantly increased through traditional therapist led interventions such as Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC). Aims: The goal of this study was to assess the impact of a psychoeducational website modeled on MSC on measured levels of self-compassion and two related constructs: shame and rumination. Method: Participants (N = 9) were recruited from a pool of university students and employees. Single case AB protocols were used. Results: Analyses using the Critical Difference statistic revealed significant improvement in self-compassion and shame for the majority of participants, but limited changes in rumination. Conclusions: These preliminary findings suggest that self-compassion may be enhanced through the use of a psychoeducational website. It may be worthwhile to develop a structured internet-based treatment course for individuals who would not otherwise access traditional psychological services.

scholarly journals ADHD symptoms in relation to depressive and sleep-related symptoms among university students during the COVID-19 outbreak in Japan

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toshinobu Takeda ◽  
Yui Tsuji ◽  
Reiko Akatsu ◽  
Tatsuya Nomura
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Circadian Rhythm ◽  
University Students ◽  
Youth Development ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Cutoff Score ◽  
Adhd Symptoms ◽  
Public Health Perspective

Abstract Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and its associated societal response are anticipated to have wide-ranging effects on youth development and mental health. The three most common mental health problems among university students are depression, anxiety, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Many factors that can threaten the mental health during the outbreak affect these three conditions as well as the sleep conditions of the undergraduate students. Thus, determining how these abrupt changes in students’ circumstances will impact their mental health is very important from a public health perspective. Objective: We investigated both usual conditions and changes during the outbreak in sleep, depression, and ADHD symptoms among undergraduate students. Methods: A total of 252 students, primarily juniors answered the online survey. Results: As a result, 12% of the students exceeded the cutoff score of the ADHD questionnaire before the pandemic and approximately 6-21 % of the students especially with ADHD traits rated their ADHD behaviors as worse during the outbreak. Additionally, changes in circadian rhythm, depression, and ADHD symptoms are intertwined and often create a vicious cycle. Conclusion: This study suggested that students with ADHD-trait is more susceptible to further deterioration in their daily lives during the pandemic. In case it is difficult to intervene with ADHD symptoms, approaching circadian rhythm or depression will be of clinical use.

scholarly journals A Virtual Mental Health Clinic for University Students: A Qualitative Study of End-User Service Needs and Priorities

2015 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. e2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Louise Farrer ◽  
Amelia Gulliver ◽  
Jade KY Chan ◽  
Kylie Bennett ◽  
Kathleen M Griffiths
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
University Students ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Personal Information ◽  
Health Clinic ◽  
Mental Health Clinic ◽  
Service Needs ◽  
Positive Role ◽  
Virtual Clinic

Background Help seeking for mental health problems among university students is low, and Internet-based interventions such as virtual clinics have the potential to provide private, streamlined, and high quality care to this vulnerable group. Objective The objective of this study was to conduct focus groups with university students to obtain input on potential functions and features of a university-specific virtual clinic for mental health. Methods Participants were 19 undergraduate students from an Australian university between 19 and 24 years of age. Focus group discussion was structured by questions that addressed the following topics: (1) the utility and acceptability of a virtual mental health clinic for students, and (2) potential features of a virtual mental health clinic. Results Participants viewed the concept of a virtual clinic for university students favorably, despite expressing concerns about privacy of personal information. Participants expressed a desire to connect with professionals through the virtual clinic, for the clinic to provide information tailored to issues faced by students, and for the clinic to enable peer-to-peer interaction. Conclusions Overall, results of the study suggest the potential for virtual clinics to play a positive role in providing students with access to mental health support.

scholarly journals Reducing Stress in Youth: A Pilot-Study on the Effects of a University-Based Intervention Program for University Students in Pune, India

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 53 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma Emily De Wit ◽  
Adithy ◽  
Joske G. F. Bunders-Aelen ◽  
Barbara J. Regeer
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
P Value ◽  
Base Line ◽  
The Impact

<p>Mental health problems among youth have become important public health concern for many low &amp; middle- income countries. As part of a research program to improve mental wellbeing in Pune, India, a university-based intervention was developed for students of two educational institutes. In one month, 33 students (age 18-22) participated in a series of 2-hour sessions in which they were stimulated to learn better coping skills to deal with stress and anxiety. The interactive sessions were facilitated by a psychologist and volunteers of a suicide prevention NGO. Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) approaches were used to help students identify stressors and find alternative thought patterns towards the stressor. Playful exercises, such as theatre, dance and poetry, were used to develop self-esteem, self-expression and a better sense of control in students. Throughout the program, relaxation methods, such as Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), were practiced to help reduce stress in students. To study the impact of the intervention, data were collected, before- and after the intervention and in an eight month follow-up with the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), in combination with open questionnaires and field notes. Preliminary results show a significant decrease in average stress scores in students after the program in comparison to before the intervention (p-value is 0.044 &lt; 0.05). Students reflect upon the program as helpful and specifically emphasize the role of poetry, dance &amp; EFT as main contributors. In follow-up tests perceived stress scores remained lower than at base-line, although not significant. Booster sessions are suggested to sustain the benefits. Overall, the results of this pilot study show that low threshold, university-based interventions, could be useful in stimulating psychosocial well-being in youth.</p><p> </p>

scholarly journals An Examination of the Relationship between Self-Compassion and Positive Mental Health of Undergraduate Students of Royal University of Bhutan

2021 ◽  
pp. 22-35
Author(s):  
Kalpak Chaudhuri ◽  
. Dawala ◽  
Sonam Dema ◽  
Sonam Wangmo ◽  
Khem Prasad Gautam
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Female Students ◽  
Positive Mental Health ◽  
Male Students ◽  
Common Humanity ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Relationship

Aims: The study examined the relationship between self-compassion and positive mental health of undergraduate students of the Royal University of Bhutan. Study Design:  It was a correlational study. Place and Duration of Study: The sample consisted of students of Gedu College of Business Studies, College of Science and Technology, Samtse College, Norbuling Rigter College, Royal Thimphu College, Paro College of Education, College of Language and Cultural Studies, Sherubtse College, in Bhutan, between July 2020 and June 2021. Methodology: Participants were 321 undergraduate students (184 female, 137 male), between 17 and 40 years of age. To assess self-compassion and positive mental health they completed a questionnaire that consisted of the Self-Compassion Scale–Short Form (SCS-SF) and the Mental Health Continuum–Short Form (MHC-SF). Results: There was not a significant difference in overall mental health scores between the male students (M = 2.560, SD = 1.325) and the female students (M = 2.339, SD = 1.254); t(319) = -1.525, p = .128. Among the students surveyed, 24.6 percent were flourishing, 42.1 percent were moderately mentally healthy, and 33.3 percent were languishing. The percentage of female students (35.3) languishing was higher compared to male students (30.7). The participants had a moderate level of self-compassion (M = 3.034, SD = 0.403). The male students (M = 3.092, SD = 0.415) were significantly more self-compassionate than the females (M = 2.991, SD = 0.389); t(319) = -2.230, p = .026. Self-compassion was significantly positively correlated with the positive mental health of the students (r = .337, p < .001). Self-kindness (r = .298, p < .001), mindfulness (r = .278, p < .001), common humanity (r = .240, p < .001), self-judgment (r = .126, p = .024), and isolation (r = .119, p = .033) components of self-compassion were found to be significantly positively correlated to positive mental health. Over-identification had a non-significant weak correlation with positive mental health (r = 0.09). According to regression results, mindfulness (β = .18, p = .017), self-kindness (β = .17, p = .023), and self-judgment (β = .15, p = .006) significantly positively predicted positive mental health. The regressor, mindfulness, had the highest correlation with positive mental health. Self-compassion has explained 11.1 percent of the variance in positive mental health, F (3, 317) = 14.385, p < .001. Conclusion: Enhancing mindfulness is a promising positive intervention to improve positive mental health and reduce the risk of mental illness of the students in the future.

scholarly journals A text messaging-based intervention to increase physical activity among persons living in permanent supportive housing: Feasibility and acceptability findings from a pilot study

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 205520761983243
Author(s):  
Harmony Rhoades ◽  
Suzanne Wenzel ◽  
Hailey Winetrobe ◽  
Magaly Ramirez ◽  
Shinyi Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Cell Phone ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Supportive Housing ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Permanent Supportive Housing

Objective Persons who have experienced homelessness and are living in permanent supportive housing experience high rates of health and mental health problems. Given that physical activity is associated with improved health outcomes and persons with homelessness histories report high rates of cell phone use, phone-based interventions to increase physical activity may be effective for improving health and wellbeing among persons in permanent supportive housing. Methods To understand the acceptability and feasibility of a cell phone-based physical activity intervention in this population, this 6-week pilot study enrolled 13 persons living in permanent supportive housing. Participants were eligible if they had completed their final, 12-month follow-up interview in a larger, longitudinal study of persons moving into permanent supportive housing in the Los Angeles area, spoke English, and reported comorbid chronic physical and mental health conditions. For the study duration, participants wore a pedometer, received multiple weekly motivational text messages on set days (at times selected by the participant), and responded via text to weekly depression screeners and requests to report their weekly step totals, as recorded by their pedometers. Follow-up interviews asked open-ended questions about study participation and satisfaction. Results Participants were 53 years old on average, most were female (54%), and most were African-American (62%). Changes to people’s physical activity levels were limited, but participants reported increased quality of life during the intervention period. Interviews revealed that the intervention was well received and enjoyable for participants. Conclusions The efficacy of utilizing cell phones to improve health and wellbeing among adults living in permanent supportive housing requires further research, but these pilot findings suggest that such interventions are feasible and acceptable.

scholarly journals The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Students’ Mental Health and Sleep in Saudi Arabia

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (17) ◽  
pp. 9344
Author(s):  
Azizah Alyoubi ◽  
Elizabeth J. Halstead ◽  
Zoe Zambelli ◽  
Dagmara Dimitriou
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
University Students ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Hierarchical Regression ◽  
Psychological Resilience ◽  
High Level ◽  
The Impact

Background: Mental health problems are prevalent among university students in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on university students’ mental health and sleep in Saudi Arabia. Method: A total of 582 undergraduate students from Saudi Arabia aged between 18 and 45 years old (M = 20.91, SD = 3.17) completed a cross-sectional online questionnaire measuring depression, anxiety, stress, resilience, and insomnia during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020). Analysis included an independent samples t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Hierarchical regression analysis. Results: Undergraduate students reported high levels of depression, anxiety, and perceived stress and low levels of resilience (p < 0.001) during the pandemic. In addition, students reported experiencing insomnia. A hierarchical regression analysis indicated that lower resilience, high levels of insomnia, having a pre-existing mental health condition, and learning difficulties (such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, or dyscalculia) were significantly associated with high levels of depression and stress. In addition, lower resilience, a high level of insomnia, and pre-existing mental health conditions were significantly associated with high levels of anxiety. Finally, a lower level of psychological resilience and a high level of insomnia were significantly associated with increased levels of depression, anxiety and stress within university students. Conclusion: This study has provided evidence that a lower level of psychological resilience and insomnia were associated with mental health problems among undergraduate students in Saudi Arabia, thus enhancing psychological resilience and interventions to support sleep and mental health are vital to support student well-being outcomes throughout the pandemic.

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