A naturalistic study of yoga, meditation, self-perceived stress, self-compassion, and mindfulness in college students

Objective: This study compared the effects of yoga and mindfulness meditation on self-compassion, mindfulness, and perceived stress in college students; and explored mind–body mechanisms and predictors of stress reduction. Participants: Student participants (N = 92) were enrolled in either yoga or mindfulness meditation classes at a college in the southern United States from August through May of 2015–2016. Methods: Students participated in 50-minute classes twice a week for 10 weeks, completing self-report questionnaires during the 1st and 10th week. Results: Multiple-linear regression analysis found change in self-compassion was the strongest predictor of stress reduction. Conclusions: Increasing self-compassion may increase the efficacy of mind–body interventions. Research into mind–body mechanisms is needed to identify intervention components that most improve student well-being.