MINDFULGym: A Mobile Mindfulness-Based Intervention (m-MBI) in Reducing Stress in Emerging Adults Transitioning Out of University

Emerging adulthood is a critical life transition often accompanied by heightened stress and worry. This study evaluates the feasibility and effectiveness of MINDFULGym, a 5-week mobile mindfulness-based intervention (m-MBI), in supporting university students during this transition. A mixedmethods approach was employed, incorporating both quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. Among 47 participants, 24 completed the program, with 16 providing qualitative insights. The Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) indicated an average subjective app quality rating ($\mathrm{M}=2.67, \mathrm{SD}=.80$), while the objective quality score was higher $(\mathrm{M}=3.70, \mathrm{SD}=.55)$, with functionality rated the highest $(\mathrm{M}=4.20$, SD=.71). Qualitative findings suggested that MINDFULGym facilitated stress relief and cognitive reframing, enhancing selfawareness and emotional regulation. However, engagement scores were lower, highlighting areas for improvement. Participants recommended enhanced gamification, integrated journaling, and customization features to improve adherence and user experience. Despite most participants endorsing the intervention, long-term retention remained a challenge. Findings underscore the potential of mobile-based mindfulness interventions in stress management while emphasizing the need for engagement-driven design enhancements. Future research should explore long-term impact and scalability of m-MBIs among diverse populations in transition.