Examining the Impact of Mindfulness Meditation on Stress and Health in College Scholars

A Comparative Study of Meditators and Non-Meditators

Abstract

A total of 50 participants were recruited, with 25 identifying themselves as regular meditators and 25 as non-meditators. All participants completed self-report measures assessing stress, well-being, mood, resilience, self-compassion, and academic performance. The results revealed significant differences between the two groups. The meditator group exhibited lower levels of stress, higher scores in well-being, improved mood, greater resilience, and higher levels of self-compassion compared to the non-meditator group. However, no significant difference was found in terms of academic performance. These results imply that practising mindfulness might be a useful strategy for undergraduates to reduce stress and improve wellbeing. Further research is needed to investigate barriers to meditation practice and determine the optimal frequency and duration of practice for maximum benefits.