Understanding Mindfulness: Insights From Meditation Majors

• In Event: Interventions to Boost Resilience

Abstract

This study uses a phenomenological framework to deepen people’s understanding of mindfulness among students so that better support can be provided for college students experiencing severe stress. This work collected data from interviews with college students majoring in meditation-related disciplines. These students frequently referred to the concepts of objectivity, awareness, and concern for the essence of mindfulness. They also expressed biases about mindfulness, linked to religious views and associations with Buddhism, highlighting some of the barriers preventing wider engagement in mindfulness practices. Additionally, the research aimed to elicit the various stressors encountered by college students and the coping strategies they employ to manage stress. The three main sources of stress identified were: academic challenges, financial hardships, and social relationships.

Author

• Dong Jin Kim, Seokyeong University