Mindfulness and Anxiety in Young Adults: Evidence from a Quasi-experimental Study in a Spanish University Context

Evidence from a Quasi-experimental Study in a Spanish University Context

Abstract

Background: Mindfulness has emerged as an intervention with well-established efficacy in the treatment of anxiety disorders, although its underlying cognitive mechanisms in young Spanish adults remain insufficiently characterised. Method: A quasi-experimental repeated-measures study (n = 84) was conducted across two groups —intervention and control— over an eight-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) programme. The Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) and the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) were administered at two time points. Results: The intervention group showed significant reductions in anxiety scores (d = 0.72, p < .001) and improvements in the observation and non-judging facets of the FFMQ. Mediation analyses indicated that change in the Non-Judging facet partially mediated the effect of MBSR on anxiety. Conclusions: Systematic mindfulness practice reduces anxiety symptomatology through enhancement of cognitive decentering, with clinical implications for primary care protocols.