The Effects of an MBCT Course on College Students During the Pandemic

Research showed that one in six of college students in Taiwan suffered from depression.In addition, the World Health Organization also pointed out that global anxiety and depression cases increased by 25% in the first year (2020) of the COVID-19 pandemic.The purpose of this study was to assess if the Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) course could help students improve concentration, reduce stress, manage emotions, and change cellphone habits.The methodology of this study was using a questionnaire survey, which included qualitative and quantitative questions, a five-point scale questionnaire (from "Not at all improved" to "Extremely improved").In addition, the Chinese version of Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (CMAAS) measurements were taken before and after the MBCT course.The results of this study showed that nearly 60% of the students expressed that the MBCT course could effectively improve their concentration, 83% of the students thought that it significantly reduced their stress, and 86% of students' feedback showed that it improved their emotional management.However, most students expressed that this course did not help them much in the change of cellphone habits.Therefore, this study suggests that universities in Taiwan should offer more mindfulness-based courses, including online mindfulness courses to help students learn more effectively and improve their physical and mental health, especially during the pandemic.