Assessing perceptions of a mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) program within a university population Open Access

Abstract

Objective: To determine the nature of the associations between socio-demographic variables, depression, perceptions of, and behavioral intention to use a mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) program, Project UPLIFT, among college students. Participants: A convenience sample of undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at Emory University during the Spring 2011 semester. Methods: Data were collected via web-based survey. The following analyses were conducted on students' socio-demographic characteristics, depressive symptoms, perceptions of Project UPLIFT, and behavioral intention to use the program: frequencies, descriptive statistics, full multivariable linear regression, Pearson's (r) correlation, independent-samples t-test, and one- and two-way ANOVA. Results: Several socio-demographic characteristics significantly predicted depression and perceptions of Project UPLIFT.When other variables were not controlled, depression was not significantly associated with perceptions of the program. Students' depression and perceptions of Project UPLIFT significantly influenced the likelihood that students would use the program if it were available. Specifically, students who are more depressed and have more favorable perceptions of Project UPLIFT are significantly more likely to use the program. Conclusions: Students' experience of depression and perceptions they have toward mental health treatment influence their likelihood of utilizing services. Colleges should become more cognizant of students' perceptions of treatment in light of their mental health needs, whether these needs are perceived by students as such, and other factors that influence help-seeking behaviors on campus.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents I. Introduction.................................................................................................................................................1 a. Background & Significance......................................................................................................................... 1 b. Theoretical Framework............................................................................................................................... 3 c. Target Journal.............................................................................................................................................. 6 d. Submission Criteria...................................................................................................................................... 7 II. Literature Review......................................................................................................................................... 8 a. Depression on a Global and National Scale................................................................................................. 8 b. Depression in College and University Populations....................................................................................... 9 c. Evidence-based Treatment of Depression.................................................................................................... 9 d. Utilization & Perceptions of Treatment....................................................................................................... 14 III. Data Collection, Analysis & Results............................................................................................................. 16 a. Method.......................................................................................................................................................... 16 i. Participants................................................................................................................................................... 16 ii. Measures....................................................................................................................................................... 16 iii. Procedure..................................................................................................................................................... 18 iv. Analysis......................................................................................................................................................... 20 b. Results........................................................................................................................................................... 21 i. Demographic Variables.................................................................................................................................. 22 ii. Mental Health Treatment............................................................................................................................... 22 iii. Reliability Analysis........................................................................................................................................ 22 iv. Depression...................................................................................................................................................... 22 v. Perceptions about Project UPLIFT................................................................................................................. 25 vi. Behavioral Intention to use Project UPLIFT................................................................................................... 26 IV. Discussion....................................................................................................................................................... 31 V. Journal Article.................................................................................................................................................. 44 VI. References........................................................................................................................................................ 60 VII. Tables............................................................................................................................................................... 66 VIII.Appendices....................................................................................................................................................... 72 Appendix A: Online Consent Form........................................................................................................................... 72 Appendix B: Survey Instrument................................................................................................................................. 75

About this Master's Thesis

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School	Rollins School of Public Health
Department	Behavioral Sciences and Health Education
Degree	MPH
Submission	Master's Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Health Sciences, Public Health Health Sciences, Mental Health
Keyword	MBCT depression mindfulness Project UPLIFT students behavioral intention perception
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Thompson, Nancy J, Emory University
Committee Members	Druss, Benjamin G, Emory University
Partnering Agencies	Emory University schools, faculty or affiliated programs

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