Effect of Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy on Subjective Well-Being and Psychological Distress of Kerman University of Medical Sciences Students

Abstract

Background: Mental health is a significant component of academic achievement, while psychological distress can reduce academic performance. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) on subjective well-being and psychological distress of Kerman University of Medical Sciences students. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, the study population included all Kerman University of Medical Sciences students in 2020. The study sample consisted of 30 university students randomly divided into two groups: control (n = 15) and experimental (n = 15), using convenience sampling. The experimental group received eight 90-minute MBCT sessions biweekly. The research tools included the Subjective Well-being Scale (SWS) and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). The data were analyzed with SPSS version 22. Results: The mean posttest scores of emotional, psychological, and social well-being were 3.56 ± 0.31, 4.46 ± 0.32, and 5.70 ± 0.42 in the experimental group and 2.64 ± 0.40, 4.00 ± 0.37, and 3.11 ± 0.35 in the control group, respectively. Moreover, the mean posttest scores for depression, anxiety, and stress were 1.64 ± 0.16, 1.19 ± 0.41, and 1.67 ± 0.15 in the experimental group and 3.10 ± 0.24, 3.55 ± 0.52, and 3.01 ± 0.24 in the control group, respectively. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy significantly improved the posttest scores of subjective well-being subscales (emotional, psychological, and social well-being). Moreover, depression, anxiety, and stress decreased significantly in the experimental group (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy effectively reduced psychological distress and improved subjective well-being in university students.