Effects of a Mindfulness Program on the Occupational Balance and Mental Health of University Students. Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial Study. ATENEU Program (Mindfulness in University Students)

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating the effects of two types of mindfulness-based programs on occupational balance and psychological distress, including stress, anxiety, and depression, in university students. This study focuses on mental health challenges faced by students, particularly post-pandemic, where depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders have become common. The research aims to also explore how these interventions influence other mental health and psychological factors and whether benefits persist three months after the programs. The study is a single-blind, randomized clinical trial with three groups: a traditional mindfulness-based health care program (MBHC), an MBHC program combined with virtual reality (MBHC-VR), and a passive control group on a waiting list. Each program lasts six weeks with weekly group sessions and home practices. The MBHC-VR group completes formal mindfulness practices using virtual reality technology. Participants in the control group do not receive the intervention during the study but are offered the mindfulness program after a three-month follow-up. Participants will be undergraduate, master, or doctoral students who complete assessments before, during, immediately after, and three months following the intervention. Researchers will use questionnaires, ecological momentary assessment, and focus groups to measure changes in occupational balance, anxiety, depression, stress, academic stress, burnout, emotional regulation, psychological flexibility, mindfulness, self-compassion, life satisfaction, diet adherence, sleep, physical activity, and mental representations. The study includes monitoring attendance and internet access for completing assessments and practices.

Mindfulness in University Students. ATENEU Program