A Qualitative Inquiry into Mindfulness Practices Among College Students in India and the United States: Definitions, Challenges, and Strategies
Mindfulness June 23, 2026 Pankhuri Aggarwal, Blessing S. Johnson, Christian Garcia et al.
College students in India and the United States define and practice mindfulness in culturally distinct ways. In a survey of 512 Indian and 508 U.S. students, U.S. students more often defined mindfulness as awareness of self, environment, and consideration of others. Indian students more commonly practiced meditation, while U.S. students favored physical activity, reflective practices, spiritual or religious practices, and consideration of others. Distraction was the main barrier for Indian participants, whereas U.S. participants reported emotional and interpersonal difficulties. Strategies to overcome challenges also varied culturally. The findings emphasize the need for culturally informed mindfulness interventions for college students.