Mindful-Gym study presented at 8th International Congress of Cognitive Psychotherapy

Dr. Keng Shian Ling with her research poster at ICCP, Hong Kong

Summary of study:

Medical students often experience heightened psychological distress that may undermine their training experience in medical school. This study evaluated the effects of Mindful-Gym in reducing psychological distress and improving well-being among medical students, and whether the mechanism of effects were mediated by changes in trait mindfulness.

77 Malaysian medical students enrolled in the intervention programs; 57 served as control group participants. Participants completed measures of mindfulness and symptoms of psychological distress before and after intervention. 

Analysis showed that those who attended Mindful-Gym reported significantly greater decreases in symptoms of depression, anxiety, psychological distress and perceived stress, as well as increases in subjective happiness and satisfaction with life compared to those who did not attend the program. The analysis also showed that the effects of the intervention were mediated by changes in the levels of mindfulness, suggesting that the beneficial effects of the program are due to its ability to increase people's ability to be mindful in daily life.

  

This study suggests that Mindful-Gym is effective in reducing psychological symptoms and improving well-being among medical students. Mindfulness may be a key process responsible for the effects of the intervention.

Note: The study is a collaboration between University Putra Malaysia (UPM), National University of Singapore (NUS) & University of Queensland. Dr. Keng is a clinical psychologist and assistant professor in NUS.

Keng, S.-L., Phang, C.K., Oei, T.P.S., Seah, S.T.L., & Tan, J.X.  (June 27, 2014). Effects of a brief mindfulness-based group cognitive behavior therapy program on psychological distress among medical students: A preliminary study. Poster presented at 8^th International Congress of Cognitive Psychotherapy, Hong Kong.