Meditation and guided imagery show reduction in chronic stress and increase in mental health-related quality of life for college students.
Journal of American college health : J of ACH – January 13, 2025
Source: PubMed
Summary
Participation in guided imagery with progressive muscle relaxation and meditation significantly improved mental health among college students. In an 8-week program, 16 students in the meditation group and 17 in the guided imagery group reported decreased chronic stress levels and enhanced health-related quality of life. Notably, improvements were evident midway through the program and sustained thereafter. These findings highlight the effectiveness of mind-body techniques as practical tools for managing college stress and anxiety, offering valuable support for students’ overall well-being.
Abstract
Objective: To explore the effects of guided imagery with progressive deep muscle relaxation (PDMR) and meditation programs on chronic stress perception and health related quality of life in college students. Participants: College students were recruited from a local private university in Northeast Pennsylvania. Participants were not concurrently enrolled in another weekly meditation class. Students were randomly assigned to a meditation group (n = 16) or guided imagery with PDMR (n = 17). Method: The study design was an experimental, repeated measures design with two groups and two independent variables: the Perceived Stress Scale and Health-Related Quality of Life (SF-36v2). Results: Students in both the meditation and guided imagery groups demonstrated a decrease in chronic stress and increase in their mental-health related quality of life midway through the 8-week program and maintained throughout. Conclusion: This research lends support for weekly participation in a mind-body class as a viable method to decrease stress for college students.