How Do People Talk About Mindfulness? A Qualitative Study Involving Students Majoring in Meditation-Related Disciplines

The main goal of this work was to use a phenomenological framework to deepen people’s understanding of mindfulness among students so that better support can be provided for college students experiencing severe stress. For this work, data were collected from interviews with college students majoring in meditation-related disciplines. These students frequently referred to the concepts of objectivity, awareness, and a concern for the essence of mindfulness. They also expressed biases about mindfulness, linked to religious views and associations with Buddhism, highlighting some of the barriers preventing wider engagement in mindfulness practices. Additionally, the research aimed to elicit the various stressors encountered by college students and the coping strategies they employ to manage stress. The three main sources of stress identified were: academic challenges, financial hardships, and social relationships. The implications of these findings for providing better professional and systematic support to college students are discussed.