Everybody Present: Exploring the Use of an In-Class Meditation Intervention to Promote Positive Mental Health Among University Students

Abstract

There is a growing mental health crisis among university students in Canada. The purpose of this pilot study was to explore the effect of an in-class mindfulness intervention on the mental health of undergraduate students. Cross-sectional design was used and data were collected using self-reported questionnaires that included scale-rated and open-ended questions (n = 435). Integrating open-ended themes with statistical findings, the final analysis suggests the intervention had a positive effect on the mental health of student participants. A classroom environment that fosters learning, builds community, and encourages compassion were identified as ways in which the intervention “works” to promote positive mental health.