Mindful Ambassador Program: An Acceptable and Feasible Universal Intervention for College Students

Abstract

The majority of college students report significant distress. For example, a recent survey found that 82% struggled with anxiety, 63% suffered with depression, and 60% had difficulty coping with stress in a healthy way [1]. Although college student distress is caused by multifaceted contextual and socioeconomic variables that require systemic changes; mindfulness interventions stand out as a promising way to reduce distress. Several studies have found significant effects of mindfulness interventions that are similar in magnitude to individual therapy for improving distress, depression, anxiety, and well-being [2]. Considering the pervasiveness of the distress among college students, universal mindfulness interventions (i.e., mindfulness training for all college students) could have sweeping effects on college campuses. With this in mind, the authors developed the Mindful Ambassador Program (MAP) to foster the well-being of college students in a feasible and costeffective way that can engage large numbers of students.