Impact of Mindful Eating and Movement on University Students' Food and Physical Literacy, and Social-Emotional Competencies

The Effects of Mindful Eating and Movement on Food Literacy, Physical Literacy and Social Emotional Competencies Among University Students in Macau

The goal of this clinical trial is to investigate if the mindful eating and movement program can improve food literacy, physical literacy, and social-emotional competencies in university students aged 18-25 years. The main questions it aims to answer are:

1. Will the mindful eating and movement program lead to significant improvements in food literacy?
2. Will the mindful eating and movement program enhance physical literacy?
3. Will the mindful eating and movement program improve social-emotional competencies?

Researchers will compare an intervention group receiving the combined mindful practices with a control group participating in standard physical education to see if the intervention group shows greater improvements in these areas.

Participants will:

Engage in mindful eating exercises during the break of physical education classes for 10 minutes.

Participate in mindful movement exercises before each physical education class end for 10 minutes, in pairs or in groups.

Complete baseline, immediately post-intervention (8 weeks), and one month post-intervention (4 weeks after) assessments to measure changes in food literacy, physical literacy, and social-emotional competencies.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. University undergraduate students aged 18 to 25 years old who are not pregnant;
2. Chinese-speaking adults;
3. Willing to sign the consent form;
4. Willing to attend mindful practice regularly;
5. No prior experience with formal mindfulness practices such as mindful eating or mindful movement.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Not university undergraduate students;
2. Below 18 years old or above 25;
3. Non-Chinese speaking adults;
4. Unable or refuse to sign the consent form;
5. Refuse to attend mindful practice regularly;
6. History of eating disorders;
7. Severe mental health disorders requiring ongoing treatment;
8. Physical conditions limiting participation in physical activities.