Impact of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) on anxiety,
depression, and subjective happiness in Russian first-year psychology
students
Abstract
Globally, there has been an increase in the number of people with
anxiety disorders and depression which is confirmed by particular
Russian data. Despite overall improvements in the global economic
situation in recent decades, general stress levels have not decreased.
University freshmen are particularly vulnerable to stress. Therefore,
this pilot study assesses the effectiveness of mindfulness training
aimed at maintaining Russian students’ mental and physical health. The
participants were 83 freshmen from the Psychology Department of Ural
Federal University named after B.N. Yeltsin. Data collection was
completed in November 2019. A non-randomized controlled trial was
conducted using a mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) program.
Results show that MBCT reduced depression and increased subjective
happiness among first-year psychology students. Frequent mindfulness
meditation practice and studying theoretical materials is associated
with higher rates of positive results. The findings suggest that MBCT
can be effective in working with first-year students in the Psychology
Department of Ural Federal University. Nevertheless, further research is
required before implementing the program on a broad scale in Russian
universities.