The efficacy of mindfulness-based intervention in ameliorating externalizing behaviors and attentional concerns among college students

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a mindfulness-based intervention among college students with externalizing behaviors and attentional problems. Participants: Three students attending their first year in college received mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) intervention and data were collected pre-intervention, during the intervention, post-intervention, and follow-up. Methods: The study utilized a single-case design (SCD). Data were collected via the Conners continuous performance test, Third Edition (CPT-3), the Conners Continuous Auditory Test of Attention (CATA), the Behavioral Assessment Scale for Children, Flex Monitor, Third Edition (BASC-3 FM), and the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS). Results: Data were analyzed by calculating standard error of the difference, reliable change index, non-overlap of all pairs (NAP), and Tau-U. Conclusions: The results of this study strongly suggest that mindfulness may be an effective intervention for addressing externalizing behaviors and attentional problems among first-year college students.

Keywords:

• Attentional problems
• college students
• externalizing behaviors
• mindfulness

Conflict of interest disclosure

The authors have no conflicts of interest to report. The authors confirm that the research presented in this article met the ethical guidelines, including adherence to the legal requirements, of the Unites States of America and received approval from the Institutional Review Board of Texas Woman's University.

Additional information

Funding

The research was supported by the Department of Psychology and Philosophy at the Texas Woman’s University.