Exploring the Relationship between Mindfulness and Stress in College Students

Abstract The study aims to find out the relationship of mindfulness and its facets with stress. The sample of present study comprised of 384 college students of Punjab. The data was collected using Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire by Bear et al. (2006) and Perceived Stress Scale by Cohen et al. (1983). The data has been analyzed by using correlation and regression analysis. The study results suggested that students had an average level of mindfulness and low level of stress. The total mindfulness and three of its facets—observe, describe, and act with awareness—were found to be negatively correlated with stress. However, non-judge and non-react facet had no relationship with perceived stress. Further, the results of regression analysis highlights that stress significantly predicts mindfulness. Stress also emerged as significant predictor of describe, act with awareness and observe facets of mindfulness whereas, non judge and non react facets did not exhibit significant predictive relationships with stress. These results emphasize the importance of specific mindfulness traits among students that are most effective in dealing with stress, particularly those related to present-moment awareness, emotional articulation, and focused attention. These findings suggest that incorporating mindfulness practices into higher education can support stress reduction and align with NEP 2020’s goals of promoting student well-being and holistic development.