Within the components of Scuba diving there are similarities with meditation and mindfulness techniques. Perceived stress is known to be diminished during meditation practice. This study evaluates the benefits of scuba diving on perceived stress and mindful functioning.

Background: within the components of Scuba diving there are similarities with meditation and mindfulness techniques. Perceived stress is known to be diminished during meditation practice. This study evaluates the benefits of scuba diving on perceived stress and mindful functioning.

Method: A recreational diving group, composed of 37 subjects, was compared with a multisport control group, composed of 30 subjetcs, on perceived stress, mood, well-being and mindfulness by answering auto-questionnaires before and after a one-week long course. For the diving group, stability of the effects was evaluated one month later using similar auto-questionnaires.

Inclusion Criteria:

• More than 18
• registered at a leisure sports club

Exclusion Criteria:

• they were undergoing medical treatment for psychological issues at the time of the study
• they had taken part in a stress management program prior to recruitment for the current study

middle-class populations registered at a leisure sports club were included: one population sample registered for a one-week recreational scuba diving course (37 subjects, diving group) and one population sample registered for a one-week multisport course (30 subjects, control group).