Mindfulness Reduces College Student Anxiety, with Clinical Psychology and Neuroscience PhD student, Amelia Moser

In this episode of Healthy Mind Science, Dr. Alicia Sepulveda speaks with Amelia Moser, a PhD student in clinical psychology and neuroscience, about her research on mood disorders and anxiety in adolescents and young adults. They discuss the impact of COVID-19 on mental health, the design and findings of a study on mindfulness and behavioral activation, and the practical implications for educators and parents. The conversation emphasizes the importance of integrating simple mindfulness practices into daily life to improve mental health outcomes for young people. Takeaways Amelia Moser is a PhD student focused on mood disorders. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted college students' mental health. Mindfulness practices can be simple yet effective for improving mental health. The study showed that small changes can lead to significant improvements in anxiety. Intolerance of uncertainty is a key factor in anxiety during stressful times. Mindfulness can be integrated into daily routines easily. Modeling mindfulness behaviors is crucial for educators and parents. The study used a pre-registered design to ensure scientific integrity. Participants who engaged more frequently in mindfulness activities saw better outcomes. Future research will explore additional interventions for mood disorders. To dive deeper into the study: Moser, A.D., Neilson, C., Peterson, E.C. et al. Self-Guided Mindfulness Reduces College Student Anxiety: A Scalable, Preregistered Pilot Study. Mindfulness 15, 1362–1374 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-024-02364-z Connect with Amelia Moser on LinkedIn Connect with Alicia Sepulveda on LinkedIn Check out the Center for Healthy Mind and Mood at University of Colorado Boulder