•  
  •  
 

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped daily life and amplified mental health challenges worldwide, with university students identified as a particularly vulnerable group. To address this need, the present study evaluated the effectiveness of group mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (GMBCT) as an evidence-based intervention for students receiving psychosocial services during the pandemic. Using a pretest–posttest design, data from 34 students randomly assigned to either GMBCT or individual treatment-as-usual (TAU) provided by a university-based clinic were analyzed. To evaluate treatment effects, an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was conducted to compare post-treatment outcomes between the two groups while controlling for pre-treatment scores, treatment length, concurrent therapy, diagnosis, and medication management. Results indicated that both interventions led to improvements in depression, anxiety, and overall well-being, but students in the GMBCT group achieved significantly greater reductions in anxiety symptoms. Moderation analyses further demonstrated that the benefits of GMBCT in reducing anxiety and enhancing well-being were amplified among students with higher levels of self-compassion, self-efficacy, and emotion regulation. Conducted entirely online due to pandemic restrictions, the study provides preliminary evidence on the feasibility and effectiveness of delivering GMBCT via telepsychotherapy. These findings suggest that GMBCT may be a cost-effective and scalable intervention for university-based mental health services, with potential to expand access and address the growing mental health needs of students in both crisis contexts and routine care.

Download

Share

COinS