Effects of a mindfulness meditation course on healthcare students in Brazil

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effects of a course on mindfulness meditation practices on healthcare students in relation to their emotions and kindness to themselves and others. Methods: Mixed method, longitudinal case study including quantitative and qualitative tools. A population of 30 nursing, medical, and phono-audiology students formed the study (n=16) and control (n=14) groups. Students in the former group took an elective course on strategies for the development of mindfulness, which included body scans, conscious breathing, and conscious movement, among others. During classes, students also participated in dialogues about kindness and compassion with a basis on spirituality and neuroscience. The course lasted 9 weeks, totaling 36 hours. Students in both the study and control groups were evaluated trough group interviews before and after the course took place. Evaluation tools included the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS); Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS); Positive and Negative Affect Schedule X (PANAS-X); and the WHO-5 Well-Being Index. Results: Individuals in the study group had significantly lower scores on the PANAS-X (negative affect) after the course, in comparison with their previous scores. Other quantitative variables were not significantly altered (p>0.05). Qualitative analyses yielded three categories: (a) difficulties living the present moment and anxiety trying to control the future; (b) meditation practices seen as a tool for facing such difficulties; and (c) experience characterized by affection. Conclusion: The elective course focused on mindfulness meditation and compassion developed socio-emotional, well-being and self-awareness abilities in the students, and reduced negative affect.