An Environmental Scan of Mindfulness-Based Interventions on University and College Campuses: A Research Note

Authors

Kaley J. Cieslak, Western Michigan University
Lehanna E. Hardy, Western Michigan UniversityFollow
Natalie S. Kyles, Western Michigan UniversityFollow
Erika L. Miller, Western Michigan University
Becky L. Mullins, Western Michigan UniversityFollow
Katelyn M. Root, Western Michigan University
Christina M. Smith, Western Michigan University

Keywords

Mindfulness-based interventions, students, college, universities, effectiveness, mental health concerns

Abstract

The purpose of this research note is to provide readers with an understanding of the diverse types of student mental health interventions that are being offered on North American universities/ colleges broken down into two types of interventions: (1) traditional, or non-mindfulness-based interventions, and (2) mindfulness-based interventions.

Data were collected, organized, and synthesized during the first 5 months of 2016 (via a simple Google searches) for all North American universities/colleges that offered their students mental health interventions on their campuses.

Traditional, or non-mindfulness-based interventions remain widely in use on university/college campuses and include: prevention and outreach, support groups and workshops, individual counseling, and self-help.

Mindfulness-based interventions, although less widely available, include: mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, mindfulness- based stress reduction, guided meditations and yoga, compassion training, mindfulness-based technology, and mindful eating. There is an abundance of data that seem to indicate that colleges/universities are increasing the mental health interventions they offer to their students. In addition, the use of mindfulness- based interventions (a sub-set of mental health interventions) seems to be being used with an increasing frequency.

Recommended Citation

Cieslak, Kaley J.; Hardy, Lehanna E.; Kyles, Natalie S.; Miller, Erika L.; Mullins, Becky L.; Root, Katelyn M.; and Smith, Christina M. (2016) "An Environmental Scan of Mindfulness-Based Interventions on University and College Campuses: A Research Note," The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare: Vol. 43: Iss. 4, Article 7.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15453/0191-5096.4047
Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/jssw/vol43/iss4/7