Mindfulness-based programs improve well-being in college students, with the strongest evidence for reducing anxiety and depressive symptoms. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 58 randomized controlled trials found that mindfulness interventions significantly outperformed both active and inactive controls, with the most marked effects on anxiety, depression, and mindfulness. Greater success appeared for clinical populations. Online programs performed equivalently to in-person programs, and non-mindfulness-based programs were equivalent to mindfulness-based programs after controlling for other factors. Publication bias and other quality issues emerged. More studies using stronger methods are needed to evaluate effects on additional health outcomes and online interventions in clinical populations.
A culturally grounded mindfulness intervention, IndigenousMIND-crafts, paired Elders and youth from a Northeastern tribal nation in weekend workshops that combined mindfulness with traditional crafts like corn husk dolls and finger weaving. Rapid Qualitative Analysis of interviews with 24 tribal citizens revealed three themes: cultural crafts fostered openness and affirmed identity, intergenerational engagement enhanced emotional well-being and community connection, and cultural transmission was seen as a vital responsibility linked to survival and ancestral ties. Participants reported immediate emotional benefits and a desire for sustained, culturally rooted programming, suggesting the intervention's potential for adaptation across tribal contexts.