The Use of Mindfulness Meditation Apps Improves Mental Health Among Graduate Students

Abstract

Objectives: This study sought to determine whether mindfulness meditation training via a simple meditation app can improve well-being among graduate students. Method: Graduate students were recruited from STEM programs at the University of Florida. Participants were randomly assigned into treatment and control groups. The control group continued with their typical routines during the academic semester. The treatment group received free access to the Ten Percent Happier app and was asked to meditate once per day for 8 weeks. Both groups completed pre-, mid-, and post-intervention surveys that included the Center for Epidemiological Depression Scale (CES-D) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item Scale (GAD-7). Results: The treatment group averaged about 10 min of meditation per day, and the average participant completed sessions on approximately 82% of the days during the intervention. At the end of the 8-week intervention, the treatment group reported CES-D and GAD-7 scores that were 35.04% and 41.39% lower than the control group, and their physical symptom score was 36.19% lower. Relative to their own starting scores, CES-D, GAD-7, and physical symptom scores decreased 35.05%, 50.44%, and 42.51% respectively for the treatment group, while the control group experienced no change in scores. Conclusions: Using a meditation app for about 10 min per day may improve mental health measures among graduate students. Preregistration: This study was not preregistered.