Q methodology identifies diverse perceptions of meditation courses for mental health among university students, suggesting tailored instructional approaches.
Key Points
This study aims to understand university students' subjective perceptions of a curriculum-based meditation course for mental health promotion.
Used Q methodology to analyze perceptions of meditation courses.
Recruited 46 students from Dongguk University who completed a meditation course.
Applied principal component analysis with Varimax rotation in Ken-Q software.
Identified four distinct perception types: Credit-Oriented Minimal Involvement, Transformation Through Self-Understanding and Self-Acceptance, Preference for an Experiential Learning Environment, and Integrated Academic and Mental Well-Being.
The four-factor solution explained 52% of the total variance in perceptions.
Students interpret and experience the meditation course differently based on their expectations and values.