JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Mindfulness-based programming (MBP) is increasingly implemented within university settings to support students’ mental health and typically includes the instruction of formal (FM) and informal (IM) mindfulness activities. However, recent evidence suggests that university students with a history of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) may experience challenges in response to FM (e.g., physical/psychological discomfort), whereas the flexibility and brevity inherent in IM may be better tolerated. Objective and

Methods:

This randomized controlled trial thus compared the effectiveness and acceptability of four-week-long web-based FM and IM instructional programs relative to an inactive control condition among university students with (n = 127) and without (n = 100) past-year NSSI engagement.

Results:

Overall, results did not differ as a function of NSSI history. Three-way ANCOVAs revealed that both the FM and IM programs were effective at improving dispositional mindfulness, nonjudging, describing, well-being, and psychological need satisfaction immediately post-program, with these improvements sustained one month later. Neither program resulted in improved awareness, nonreacting, observing, stress, emotion regulation styles, or academic engagement. Moreover, three-way ANOVAs revealed high satisfaction with both the FM and IM programs, with a preference for IM immediately post-program.

Conclusions:

Findings underscore the effectiveness and acceptability of both approaches to MBP in the university context, as well as the potential value of offering FM and IM instruction independently of one another – an approach which may be optimally responsive to diverse needs and preferences among students.