ONE-SESSION MINDFULNESS MEDITATION AND ITS EFFECTS ON ACADEMIC STRESS

Abstract

This study explores one-session mindfulness and its effects on academic stress. Studies

mindfulness meditation practices look to improve mental health, reduce stress, and improve cognitive and emotional regulation across diverse populations. The purpose of this study was to find out if a singular session of mindfulness helped reduce academic stress in the present moment. Using guided audio recordings, the Sham Mindfulness group was presented with a generic meditation script while the Mindfulness Meditation group was presented the an in-depth mindfulness practice. They were then measured in the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale- State (MAAS-State), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and the Perceived Academic Stress (PAS). Results indicated that there was a significant effect in reducing perceived stress, but not a significant effect in improving state mindfulness or reducing academic stress. These findings suggest that a singular session of mindfulness meditation practices can lower general stress. Regarding state mindfulness and academic stress, there needs to be further research done on the effects of one-session mindfulness.