Effectiveness of a Multimodal Mindfulness Program to Alleviate Graduate Student Stress

Effectiveness of a Multimodal Mindfulness Program to Alleviate Graduate Student Stress

The purpose of this pilot study is to develop and assess a multimodal mindfulness activity program for physical and occupational therapy students intended to teach management of stressors impacting educational performance. This study will use a two group, randomized controlled design in which approximately 25 students will be randomized to an intervention group and 25 to a control group. Intervention will be implemented in an 8-week period with pre- and post-study measures administered at 1-week prior to and 1-week following intervention.

College students have reported increasing stress levels in the last 5 years with 1 in 6 students experiencing anxiety levels that adversely impact school function. This study's intervention uses a variety of media and both online and in-person delivery strategies. For example, students will have the opportunity to participate in yoga, Tai Chi, guided imagery meditation, creative arts, journaling, and pet therapy. Students will additionally have the opportunity to participate in activities delivered through online media and accessible at all times throughout the study. Approximately 50 occupational and physical therapy students will be recruited to participate in this study. Half will be selected by chance to participate in the 8-week program; the remaining half will be selected by chance to participate in a non-intervention group in which they do not receive the program but are still assessed at pre- and post-program to measure perceived stress levels. It is anticipated that study results will provide information to educational institutions to help students better manage stress levels.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Participants will be student volunteers in the Columbia University Physical and Occupational Therapy Programs.
• Students must be in their first or second year, second semester in order to compare GPA pre- and post-intervention.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Students who are practiced meditators or who have prior experience with mindfulness training will be excluded from study participation, as such previous experience could bias intervention results.