Aplicación de un programa de Meditación Mindfulness para reducir la ansiedad en estudiantes con escolaridad inconclusa

Abstract

Mindfulness meditation has emerged as an effective intervention for reducing anxiety in educational settings, particularly among vulnerable populations such as adult learners with incomplete formal education. Anxiety, as a physiological and emotional response to real or perceived threats, can severely impact psychological well-being and academic performance when it becomes chronic. This study examined the impact of a structured mindfulness program on anxiety levels among adult students at the Unidad Educativa PCEI Miguel de Cervantes. A quasi-experimental, longitudinal, and quantitative design was employed, with a sample of 90 participants aged 17 to 65 years (M = 32.5; SD = 11.1), male (62.2%). Anxiety was assessed using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), administered before and after the intervention. At baseline, 72.2% of participants exhibited mild, moderate, or severe anxiety, with 23.3% reporting severe symptoms. Following the intervention, the proportion of participants with minimal anxiety increased to 56.7%, while those with severe anxiety dropped to 2.2%. A mean reduction of 9 points in anxiety scores was observed, which was statistically significant (p < .001), with a large effect size (r = 0.698). These findings indicate that mindfulness is highly effective in reducing anxiety in this population. The results have both clinical and practical implications, fostering an emotionally supportive environment conducive to learning. Mindfulness-based interventions represent an accessible and effective tool for integration into educational programs targeting adults with interrupted schooling, thereby strengthening mental health, and supporting academic achievement