A randomized controlled trial of Koru: a mindfulness program for college students and other emerging adults

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of Koru, a mindfulness training program for college students and other emerging adults.

Participants: Ninety students (66% female, 62% white, 71% graduate students) participated between Fall 2012 and Spring 2013.

Methods: Randomized controlled trial. It was hypothesized that Koru, compared with a wait-list control group, would reduce perceived stress and sleep problems, and increase mindfulness, self-compassion, and gratitude.

Results: As hypothesized, results showed significant Group (Koru, Wait-List)×Time (Pre, Post) interactions for improvements in perceived stress (F[1, 76.40]=4.50, p=.037, d=.45), sleep problems (F [1, 79.49]=4.71, p=.033, d=.52), mindfulness (F [1, 79.09]=26.80, p<.001, d=95), and self-compassion (F[1, 74.77]=18.08, p<.001, d=.75). All significant effects were replicated in the wait-list group. Significant correlations were observed among changes in perceived stress, sleep problems, mindfulness, and self-compassion.

Conclusions: Results support the effectiveness of the Koru program for emerging adults in the university setting.

Keywords: college health; emerging adulthood; meditation; mindfulness; stress management.

Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest

After completing the current research study, Dr. Rogers co-founded the Koru Center for Mindfulness, of which she has an ownership share; if Koru is found to be an effective intervention, she could benefit financially. Dr. Maytan has received compensation for teaching from the Koru Center for Mindfulness. Dr. Greeson, Mr. Juberg, and Ms. James, who were responsible for collecting and analyzing the data for this study, report no financial relationship relevant to the subject of this article.

Figures

Figure 1

CONSORT flowchart of participants retained at each phase of the trial.