Addressing Psychological Distress in College Students Through Mindfulness Training: A Pre–Post Intervention Across Three Cohorts with Different Delivery Methods

Rebecca Ciacchini (), Silvia Villani, Mario Miniati, Graziella Orrù, Angelo Gemignani and Ciro Conversano
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Rebecca Ciacchini: Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
Silvia Villani: Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
Mario Miniati: Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
Graziella Orrù: Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
Angelo Gemignani: Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
Ciro Conversano: Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 7, 1-16

Abstract: College students are particularly vulnerable to psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, and chronic stress, often triggered by academic pressure, developmental challenges, and events such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This study examined the effectiveness and feasibility of a structured mindfulness-based program—Mindfulness Laboratory (MLAB)—delivered over three academic years to psychology students in Italy through online, hybrid, and in-person formats. A total of 194 students participated, with 176 completing pre- and post-intervention assessments. Standardized self-report measures evaluated mindfulness (FFMQ, MAAS), perceived stress (PSS), resilience (RS-14), sleep quality (PSQI), depressive symptoms (BDI-II), anxiety (STAI-Y1, STAI-Y2), and self-compassion (SCS). A non-randomized control group of 51 students who did not undergo the intervention was also included. The results showed significant improvements in mindfulness, perceived stress, anxiety, and depression, with a smaller but significant increase in resilience. Sleep quality remained stable, while self-compassion levels slightly declined. Surprisingly, no significant differences were found across the three delivery formats, suggesting comparable effectiveness regardless of modality. These results support the feasibility and benefits of mindfulness-based interventions for university students. Further controlled studies with long-term follow-up are needed to confirm upon these findings.

Keywords: mindfulness; MBI; MBSR; students; university; university students; mental health; psychological well-being; online meditation; distress (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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