Students benefit by practising mindfulness

Covid-19 is reasserting itself, with the Delta variant posing a serious threat to young people. The pandemic has made physical distancing an inescapable new reality of post-secondary education as universities continue to deliver courses online. Research shows mindfulness training can also be effective when delivered online, bringing benefits previously unknown to science. One year into the pandemic, students are showing signs of wear.

The 2020 Student Experience Survey shows postsecondary students' engagement with learning has dropped. Responses indicated they were 4% more likely to drop out due to stress or health concerns.

Universities thus face a pressing need to help their students cope. Mindfulness is the process of focusing attention and awareness on present moment experience with an open, curious and accepting attitude.

The study, published in the journal Academy of Management Learning & Education, shows online mindfulness training can help students flourish.

Researchers examined the effects of online mindfulness training on the psychological well-being of 227 graduate students. As a placebo control, the other half took part in an equal amount of training also known to promote health and well-being: physical exercise.

The psychological wellbeing of students in both groups improved. These gains were indicated by criteria like self-acceptance, personal growth, meaning and purpose in life, and positive relationships with others.

However, online mindfulness training had a distinct benefit. It improved psychological well-being by helping students cultivate authenticity.