A Pilot and Cultural Validation Study on Mindfulness-based Strengths Practice (MBSP) in Enhancing Well-being among Indian Undergraduate Students

Description

Page: 301-308

Rosy Kulandaiammal and Alafia J. (Department of Psychology, Christ University, Bengaluru, Karnataka)

This pilot study aimed to validate and assess the feasibility and advantages of Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice (MBSP) among undergraduate students in India. Twenty-five undergraduate students from Tamil Nadu, South India, participated in an eight-week MBSP program. The study adopted a one-group pre-and post-test design to measure variables such as life satisfaction, psychological distress, and PERMA well-being. Data analysis revealed significant differences (p < 0.001) across all outcome measures except for the health factor. Furthermore, substantial effect sizes were observed, with Cohen’s d values ranging from 1.08 to 2.82. These findings indicate that the MBSP intervention led to increased life satisfaction and PERMA well-being while reducing psychological distress, loneliness, and negative emotions among participants. To ensure the cultural relevance of MBSP in the Indian context, a process of cultural validation was conducted by experts and study participants, further supporting its suitability. In conclusion, this study offers preliminary evidence supporting the feasibility of implementing MBSP in the Indian context and suggests the need for future controlled design studies to investigate its effectiveness more comprehensively. Moreover, these results underscore the potential of MBSP as a positive psychological and mindfulness-based intervention to be explored in various Indian settings, including education, the workplace, coaching, and clinical environments.