From Awareness to Action: A Mixed-Methods Exploration of Mindfulness as Mental Health Equity for First-Gen, Low-Income Students

About the Project

For this project, fellows engaged in a mindfulness study aimed at first-generation low-income (FG-LI) students at Vanderbilt University. The study sought to investigate the impact of mindfulness on mental health outcomes, self-belonging, and self-compassion among FG-LI students. The project was inspired by the recently opened Reflection Room at Peabody Library, which has received strong institutional support from the Center for Student Well-Being, Peabody Office of Student Life, and the University Librarian. 

Mentors

Jennifer Castle; Sha Howard 

Fellows

Xinrui Li; Caroline Nee; Keanani Afu

Project

Fellows worked with Peabody librarians to analyze the current use of the Reflection Room, obtaining IRB approval, and completing a slideshow of their process and results