The Effectiveness of a Brief Mindfulness-Based Program for Social Work Students in Two Separate Modules: Traditional and Online

ABSTRACT

Purpose

This study aimed to design a brief mindfulness-based training program for social work students and examine its effectiveness and working mechanisms.

Method

The study used a quantitative approach to examine the program’s effectiveness for 101 undergraduate social work students in two separate modules (traditional classroom-based and online).

Results

One-way analysis of covariance revealed statistically significant reductions in depression, anxiety, stress, and rumination, and improvements in self-compassion and mindfulness among the intervention groups compared to the waitlist control groups. Mediation analyses showed that mindfulness, rumination, and self-compassion were mediators of the intervention effects.

Discussion

The brief mindfulness program can be used as an effective and introductory mindfulness program for undergraduate social work students in either classroom-based or online modules. Alternations in mindfulness, rumination, and self-compassion can be considered as possible working mechanisms.

KEYWORDS:

• Brief mindfulness
• social work students
• online mindfulness training
• psychological health
• empathy

Acknowledgments

We acknowledge all the students, who participated in our research, and our colleagues who strongly supported us, especially in the sampling process.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Ethical approval

This study was fulfilled in line with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. This study was reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee of Hacettepe University.

Informed consent

Written informed consent was obtained from all the participants.

Additional information

Funding

No funds, grants, or other support was received.