A mindfulness‐based well‐being group for international students in higher education: A pilot study. (4th March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Xiong, Yiying; Prasath, Priscilla Rose; Zhang, Qiyang; Jeon, Lieny
• Is Part Of: Journal of counseling and development. Volume 100:Number 4(2022)
• Page Start: 374
• Page End: 385
• Publication Date: 2022-03-04
• Subjects: international students -- mindfulness -- mental health -- well‐being -- perceived discrimination; Vocational guidance -- Periodicals; Counseling -- Periodicals; Vocational education -- Periodicals; 361.0605
• DOI: 10.1002/jcad.12432
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0748-9633

Abstract

Abstract: With an increasing number of international students enrolled in U.S. higher education, they were reported to have severe mental health issues, especially during the coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) pandemic. It is critical to provide evidence‐based mental health services to help them cope with those issues and promote mental health and the overall well‐being of international students. In this article, we utilized a randomized controlled trial to pilot‐test the effectiveness of a mindfulness‐based well‐being group for international students (MBWIS) in improving participants' overall well‐being and mental health. The results indicated that the MBWIS not only improves international students' trait mindfulness but also increases positive mental health as well as decreases their overall psychological distress and perceived discrimination. Related findings and implications for counselors and university personnel, including how to implement MBWIS in mental health facilities, are discussed within the existing literature.