Do university students undertaking first year psychology show similar scores on a measure of depression, anxiety and stress compared to control participants? Does participation in eight sessions of a brief mindfulness exercise effect depression, anxiety and stress scores in university students undertaking first year psychology?

Assessment 1: Lab Report

The aim of this laboratory study is to investigate whether participation for eight days in a brief mindfulness intervention alters depression, anxiety and stress levels in university students. We have collected data during two classes, and in between you have been asked to undertake a 10 minute (brief) mindfulness exercise each day, focussing on your breathing. You should have also collected data from one participant who has not undertaken the mindfulness program. The collected data will be analysed and written up in the form of a laboratory report.

Background
Mindfulness describes the practise of paying non-judgemental and accepting attention to what is happening in the present moment. Mindfulness therapies are designed to guide a person to direct their attention specifically towards what is happening “right now”, and moving the mind back towards the present should it drift. It has its roots in Eastern religious practises, and is often used to induce deep relaxation. This type of therapy has grown substantially in recent times and is widely researched and used by psychologists to treat a diverse range of disorders. This picture provides a good illustration of mindfulness (from http://www.transition.hw.ac.uk/mindfulness/). In this research activity, we will investigate whether participation in eight sessions of a 10 minute mindfulness exercise affects scores on a questionnaire that measures symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Outcomes will be compared both before (at baseline) and after (post-mindfulness) students have taken part in the exercise. Baseline student data will also be compared to results collected from a community sample who have not specifically undertaken mindfulness (control data). This will allow us to assess whether our student cohort started the program at levels of depression, anxiety and stress that are equal to, lower, or higher than the community sample.

Research Questions
1. Do university students undertaking first year psychology show similar scores on a measure of depression, anxiety and stress compared to control participants?
2. Does participation in eight sessions of a brief mindfulness exercise effect depression, anxiety and stress scores in university students undertaking first year psychology?