Mindfulness-Based Interventions Targeting First-Generation College Student Retention in Rural Environments
University of South Dakota
Summary
The goal of this randomized control group is to learn about effective treatments for college students experiencing anxiety and/or depression. The main questions this clinical trial aims to answer are: 1) Can mindfulness-based treatments increase retention rates among first-generation college students? 1) Can mindfulness-based treatments decrease anxiety and/or depression among first-generation college students? Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two intervention groups: mindfulness meditation or psychoeducation. Researchers will compare outcomes from each group to explore treatment differences.
Description
Method/Design. This study will be a remote, two-arm, randomized, controlled trial. First-generation college students (N=53) will be randomized to either mindfulness meditation (MM), or psychoeducation (PE). The mindfulness meditation will be a loving kindness meditation adapted to apply to college communities. Each intervention will be applied for 30 minutes, once a week, for four weeks through a remote platform. The MM is adapted through a validated brief mindfulness-based intervention framework (Zeidan, 2010). The primary outcome, intention to persist in college, and the secondary outcomes,…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–64 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: 18 years or older. Currently enrolled in four-year college in the United States. First-generation college student. Access to WiFi and a computer/smartphone/tablet. English speaking. Exclusion Criteria: Not currently enrolled in a four-year college. Not a first-generation college student. Non-English speaker. Not able to utilize WiFi or computer/tablet/smartphone.
Interventions
- BehavioralMindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness meditation will be facilitated by a seasoned mindfulness practitioner. Participants will be guided through a loving kindness meditation adapted to apply to college communities and designed to help increase a sense of interconnectedness among their college community. They will also learn how to deconstruct feelings of anxiety and/or depression into sensory, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral components.
- OtherPsychoeducation
In the psychoeducation arm, participants will receive information related to creating connections with campus community and managing anxiety and/or depression through a presentation. They will also receive information on resources for connecting with their community and treating anxiety and/or depression.
Location
- University of South DakotaSioux Falls, South Dakota