Associations between Psychological Distress and Facets of Mindfulness: Implications for Campus-Based University Wellness Services

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Associations between Psychological Distress and Facets of Mindfulness: Implications for Campus-Based University Wellness Services
Language: English
Authors: Burger, James W. (ORCID 0000-0003-2388-5019), Bantjes, Jason (ORCID 0000-0002-3626-9883), Derman, Wayne (ORCID 0000-0002-8879-177X), Whitesman, Simon (ORCID 0000-0001-7763-8748), Gomez-Ezeiza, Josu (ORCID 0000-0003-0437-2226)
Source: Journal of American College Health. 2023 71(4):1074-1083.
Availability: Taylor & Francis. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 10
Publication Date: 2023
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: College Students, Foreign Countries, Psychological Patterns, Student Behavior, Knowledge Level, Well Being, Mental Health, Fatigue (Biology), Anxiety, Depression (Psychology), Metacognition
Geographic Terms: South Africa
DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2021.1920601
ISSN: 0744-8481
1940-3208
Abstract: Objectives: To investigate associations between components of psychological distress and five facets of mindfulness (i.e. "observing"; "describing"; "acting with awareness"; "non-reactivity"; "non-judging"). Participants: Students from a university in South Africa (n = 174). Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed psychological distress and mindfulness using the K10 and Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire. Multivariate regression analysis identified associations between psychological distress and facets of mindfulness, controlling for demographics. Results: Prevalence of psychological distress was 56.9% (95% CI 49.2%-64.4%). "Acting with awareness," "non-reactivity," and "non-judging" predicted significantly lower psychological distress, whereas "observing" and "describing" did not. "Acting with awareness" was the only facet of mindfulness that consistently predicted lower levels of negative affect, fatigue, nervousness, and agitation. Conclusions: Acting with awareness appears to be a key component of psychological wellbeing. To advance theory and practice, future research should consider why and how various facets of mindfulness predict lower psychological distress and its components among university students.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2023
Accession Number: EJ1389734
Database: ERIC
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Abstract:Objectives: To investigate associations between components of psychological distress and five facets of mindfulness (i.e. "observing"; "describing"; "acting with awareness"; "non-reactivity"; "non-judging"). Participants: Students from a university in South Africa (n = 174). Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed psychological distress and mindfulness using the K10 and Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire. Multivariate regression analysis identified associations between psychological distress and facets of mindfulness, controlling for demographics. Results: Prevalence of psychological distress was 56.9% (95% CI 49.2%-64.4%). "Acting with awareness," "non-reactivity," and "non-judging" predicted significantly lower psychological distress, whereas "observing" and "describing" did not. "Acting with awareness" was the only facet of mindfulness that consistently predicted lower levels of negative affect, fatigue, nervousness, and agitation. Conclusions: Acting with awareness appears to be a key component of psychological wellbeing. To advance theory and practice, future research should consider why and how various facets of mindfulness predict lower psychological distress and its components among university students.
ISSN:0744-8481
1940-3208
DOI:10.1080/07448481.2021.1920601