Enhancing student mental health through Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) toward curricular and cultural integration.

Summary

Amid rising pressures, enhancing student mental health is vital, particularly in Asian education. While Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) consistently boosts student well-being, a review identifies key areas for advancement. It highlights the importance of Cultural adaptation and seamless Curriculum integration, alongside exploring neuropsychological benefits and ensuring accessibility. Addressing these dimensions will unlock powerful, scalable support for students.

Abstract

Student mental health is receiving increasing attention due to escalating academic, social, and emotional pressures, particularly in Asian educational contexts. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), has shown consistent effectiveness in alleviating anxiety, enhancing emotional regulation, and fostering psychological resilience among students. While the systematic review by Hue et al. affirms these general benefits, it does not explore critical areas for future research. This article highlights five underexplored dimensions: the structural integration of MBSR into formal curricula, the neuropsychological mechanisms underpinning its educational impact, the digital and geographic accessibility challenges in Asian contexts, the absence of culturally adapted hybrid delivery models, and the lack of comparative analysis between MBSR and indigenous contemplative practices such as dhikr, vipassana, zazen, and samatha. Addressing these gaps is essential to develop culturally relevant, pedagogically sound, and scalable MBSR interventions for educational systems in Asia.

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