A Cross Sectional Study on Levels of Anxiety in University Students in Kolkata, India by Assessing the Directional Impact of Mindfulness During Their Course of Study

Abstract

Students tend to be very anxious. Mindfulness is a scientific notion that has gained popularity across geographies in helping students manage their anxiety. However, most students have very low levels of mindfulness to start with. The reason is primarily a lack of awareness about how daily mindfulness practices, benefit their mental health as daily brushing, benefits their dental health.  To address this issue of ignorance, a series of awareness programs about mindfulness interventions to reduce anxiety for emotional wellbeing was held at various colleges. Based on the findings from the data collected, 261 university students were divided into high anxiety and low anxiety group using DASS21. Their state of mindfulness was assessed by using the MAAS scale. The aim of this research study was to assess the levels of anxiety in university students by assessing the directional impact of mindfulness during their course of study. On the basis of data, 2 groups were formed: high anxiety level (n=197) and normal anxiety level (n=64). The directional impact of mindfulness on students’ levels of anxiety are promising. These findings pave the way to present a strong case for such mindfulness-based interventions. Results: Mindfulness has a negative directional impact on anxiety. Mindfulness scores were low in both groups. Anxiety was found to be alarming in college students, irrespective of their levels of anxieties. Optimal use of the innate presence of mindfulness is not there as elucidated by the anxiety scores of students. Significant difference exists between the anxiety groups, in terms of mindfulness. Further, when it comes to mindfulness, all university students are deemed below average as mean score of both groups is 3.65 (high anxiety level) and 4.0 (low anxiety level), which is below midpoint. This points out that current mindfulness has scope for improvement in both the groups. It is seen that students with higher anxiety have lower mindfulness. Conclusion: The directional impact of mindfulness on anxiety is significant. There is a negative correlation between the two. It is recommended that regular Mindfulness Based Interventions (MBIs) are administered to college students during the course of their studies.