Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) improve university students’ well-being, but previous research has not focused on female Saudi university students. Specifically, what helps them engage with MBIs? What doesn’t help them engage? How can MBIs be adapted for their culture?

Researchers explored these questions by conducting interviews and focus groups. 14 female Saudi university students joined this research, most being 24 years old. They found that different factors affected how much they engage with MBIs (e.g., difficulty finding time and ideas of MBIs’ potential benefits). The students also shared ways for MBIs to be culturally relevant (e.g., using metaphors in Saudi and Arab culture) and appropriate (e.g., ensuring topics aligns with local values). These findings hope to contribute to MBIs' growing effectiveness.

References:

Alrashdi, D., Meyer, C., & Gould, R. (2025). Facilitators, barriers, and cultural appropriateness of mindfulness-based interventions among Saudi female university students: Qualitative study. JMIR Formative Research, 9, e78532. https://doi.org/10.2196/78532