Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction for Academic Evaluation Anxiety: A Naturalistic Longitudinal Study
Ingrid Dundas1, Torbjørn Thorsheim2, Aslak Hjeltnes1
1Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen , Bergen , Norway.
Journal of College Student Psychotherapy
|May 27, 2016
Summary
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) effectively reduced academic evaluation anxiety and improved self-confidence in university students. These positive effects on anxiety, including cognitive and emotional aspects, persisted even after the intervention concluded.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Education
- Mindfulness Studies
Background:
- Academic evaluation anxiety is a significant concern for university students.
- Low self-confidence can exacerbate academic performance issues.
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a potential intervention for psychological distress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of MBSR in reducing academic evaluation anxiety.
- To assess the impact of MBSR on self-confidence among students.
- To examine the persistence of MBSR effects post-intervention.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 70 help-seeking bachelor's and master's students.
- Pretreatment and posttreatment measures were collected.
- Repeated measures analysis of covariance and growth curve analysis were employed.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements in evaluation anxiety and self-confidence were observed.
- Reductions were noted in both cognitive and emotional components of anxiety.
- Anxiety reduction continued postintervention, indicating sustained benefits.
Conclusions:
- MBSR shows promise as an effective intervention for academic evaluation anxiety.
- The study suggests MBSR can enhance self-confidence in students facing academic pressures.
- Further research is warranted to explore MBSR's long-term impact and applicability.
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