British Journal of Guidance and Counselling
2019

Improving the psychosocial wellbeing of international students: the relevance of mindfulness (Article) (Open Access)

Altinyelken H.K.* , Hoek L. , Jiang L.
  • a Graduate School of Child Development and Education, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • b Graduate School of Child Development and Education, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • c Graduate School of Child Development and Education, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Abstract

This study analysed the potential of a mindfulness programme for improving psychosocial wellbeing among students at a Dutch university. Based on interviews and observations of sessions, the study demonstrated that students joined the programme to manage stress and anxiety, cultivate self-awareness, and regulate difficult emotions. They all reported positive outcomes, but students who participated in the sessions regularly and did the homework assignments reported better outcomes, including enhanced self-awareness, self-care, and positive attitudes towards others. Although students reported improved emotion regulation, many still believed that the programme was less strong in this area. The study affirms the potential of mindfulness programmes for improving the psychosocial wellbeing, and builds a case for the integration of mindfulness interventions in university counselling services. © 2019, © 2019 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Author Keywords

qualitative research International students Outcomes mindfulness in education counselling in higher education

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85063573137&doi=10.1080%2f03069885.2019.1600189&partnerID=40&md5=91139cb92c44de2376ed990c12c884ce

DOI: 10.1080/03069885.2019.1600189
ISSN: 03069885
Original Language: English