The Effects of Anapana Meditation Training Program Monitored by Skin Conductance and Temperature (SC/ST) Biofeedback on Stress in Bachelor’s Degree Students

Background: Stress was the major psychological problem affecting physical and mental health among undergraduate students. Objective: To determine the effectiveness of a meditation training program (MTP) for stress reduction measured by biofeedback (BB) machine. Material and Methods: The present study was a quasi-experimental study conducted in Faculty of Dentistry, Thammasat University, Thailand. The study period was between August and December 2023. Participants were first-year Dentistry students. MTP was concentration meditation (Anapana meditation). Stress measurement was evaluated by using Thai version of Perceived Stress Scale (T-PSS-10) performed at one week before study, 14 and 18 weeks. Stress evaluation by biofeedback machine using skin conductance (SC), and skin temperature (ST) were performed at one week before the study, and at week 4, 8, 14, and 18. Data from T-PSS-10 and SC/ST biofeedback were collected and analyzed. Results: Twenty-eight subjects were recruited. The mean age of participant was 18.4 years old. Two-third (19/28) were female. Stress reduction from MTP was detected in the fourth and eighth weeks by STBB and SCBB, respectively. T-PSS-10 scores before MTP, 14, and 18 weeks were 17.7±5.4, 9.8±3.1, and 8.4±3.1 with statistical significance. Conclusion: Meditation training program could reduce stress measured by SC/ST biofeedback.