The Effects of a Single Mindfulness Meditation Session on Perceived Stress and Heart Rate Variability in Female, First-Generation College Students

Authors

Toan D. Le, California State University, Los AngelesFollow
Christopher Mendoza, California State University, Los AngelesFollow
Saemi Lee, California State University, Los AngelesFollow
Micheal S. Joseph, California State, University, Los AngelesFollow
George H. Crocker, California State University, Los AngelesFollow

Abstract

Academic performance, financial burdens and familial pressures are reasons perceived stress is prevalent in university students, especially in first-generation college students (FGCS). In addition, female students often experience more stress than their male counterparts and are more likely to ask for help. Mindfulness Meditation (MM), the nonjudgmental awareness of one’s emotions, thoughts, and external stimuli in the present moment, has been shown to decrease pain sensitivity in long-term meditators and improve cognition and reduce stress acutely. The research on the benefits of a single session of MM or the effects of MM in female FGCS are lacking. PURPOSE: This study examined the effects of a single, 15-min MM on perceived stress and heart rate variability (HRV) in female FGCS. METHODS: Ten female FGCS reported to the lab twice (one week apart; same day & time) and sat either in silence or while listening to a MM recording in a randomized, crossover design. Baseline perceived stress was determined from the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale. During each trial, HRV was determined via electrocardiography, specifically the standard deviation of normal-normal R-R intervals (SDNN) and the root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD). Each recording consisted of 5-min of baseline measurements followed by a 15-min trial that was split into three 5-min segments. Before and after each trial, a modified Perceived Stress Scale was used to determined perceived stress in the present moment. RESULTS: Participants reported moderate baseline perceived stress (24.1 ± 5.4 out of 40). Baseline RMSSD and SDNN averaged 38.2 ± 26.7 ms and 55.7 ± 25.3 ms, respectively, and did not differ between trials. There were no significant time or treatment effects or any interactive effects for either SDNN or RMSSD. Both conditions lowered perceived stress in the present moment from baseline (p = 0.007), but perceived stress was not different between treatments at either timepoint. CONCLUSIONS: MM was no more effective than sitting in silence in reducing perceived stress, and neither intervention increased HRV. Therefore, a single session of MM may not be enough to increase HRV as seen in longer interventions and in other populations.

Recommended Citation

Le, Toan D.; Mendoza, Christopher; Lee, Saemi; Joseph, Micheal S.; and Crocker, George H. (2024) "The Effects of a Single Mindfulness Meditation Session on Perceived Stress and Heart Rate Variability in Female, First-Generation College Students," International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 14: Iss. 4, Article 164.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol14/iss4/164