Blog 11

Meditation in College Students

Rizer C, Fagan M, Kilmon C, Rath L. The Role of Perceived Stress and Health Beliefs on College Students' Intentions to Practice Mindfulness Meditation. American Journal Of Health Education [serial on the Internet]. (2016, Jan), [cited April 26, 2016]; 47(1): 24-31. Available from: SPORTDiscus with Full Text.

A study was done to understand why students practice meditation and how it impacts their health. It analyzed the stress of 101 undergraduate college students to see if they believed mindfulness meditation would impact their health and stress levels. As a result, students saw the practice of mindfulness meditation to be highly correlated to positive health benefits. The findings and results suggested that meditation practices be promoted to students, especially with those of high levels of stress. If students practice meditation, it can enhance a young healthy population and students can have lifelong health benefits. 

Stress has been linked to variety of different health conditions from depression, obesity, anxiety, etc. Millennials (age 18-33) were reported to have extreme stress levels compared to the national average. Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention on purpose and being aware of the present moment. Studies in the past have shown that practicing mindfulness can enhance overall health and function of the body. "The study investigated the relationship between (1) perceived stress and health beliefs, (2) perceived stress and intention to participate in mindfulness-based meditation, and (3) health beliefs and intention to participate in mindfulness-based meditation."

Many students are open to the idea of meditation and do have a positive outlook that it can alleviate stress, a problem that arose was finding the time to practice mindfulness. The researchers hope to move forward with their findings and implement ways in which stressed individuals can find time time in their busy schedules to practice meditation. In promoting health education, mindfulness meditation practices can be promoted and taught to others.