Mindfulness Practices in University Students. Perception of Positive and Negative Aspects

Abstract

This article examines the positive and negative aspects of introjective psychomotor practices (PMI) as perceived by physical education students. The aim of PMI is to stimulate self-awareness through conscious motor actions. The study comprised a content analysis of teaching practice logbooks of 42 students (average age 19.8 ±1.42 years), concerning PMI included in the Diploma in Infant Education offered by the Faculty of Human Sciences and Education of the University of Zaragoza in Spain. The independent variable was the series of PMI and the dependent variables were benefits and difficulties perceived by the students. NUDIST 6 software was used for data analysis. Results show that PMI improve students' welfare through stress relief, introspection (maximum self-implication in the present moment) and self-realization (an increase in sensory awareness and selfregulation). These are aspects that shape social and personal competences and are necessary and relevant for achieving educational wellbeing. Negative aspects concerned external attention, mental agitation, discomfort and embarrassment.