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Reflection and mental health: Experimental evidence from Germany

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  • Bhan, Prateek Chandra
  • Vornberger, Judith
  • Wen, Jinglin

Abstract

Despite increasing mental health problems and an existing care gap among university students, cost-effective solutions to bridge this gap are still lacking. Using a reflection intervention, we conduct a randomized controlled trial with undergraduate students in Germany. As part of a thought experiment, the treatment group reflected for ten minutes on questions related to stressors and their remedies. Combining survey and administrative data we find a significant improvement in students' mindful behavior, mental health and well-being as well as perseverance in performance. Our results show the self-empowering potential of a low-cost soft-touch intervention in students to aid their mindful behavior, mental health and well-being as well as performance and thus demonstrate one way universities as institutions can provide support.

Suggested Citation

  • Bhan, Prateek Chandra & Vornberger, Judith & Wen, Jinglin, 2024. "Reflection and mental health: Experimental evidence from Germany," Working Papers 38, University of Konstanz, Cluster of Excellence "The Politics of Inequality. Perceptions, Participation and Policies".
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:cexwps:301857
    DOI: 10.48787/kops/352-2-1f340fv8qyhhu1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

    Mental health; students; experiment; stress; coping strategy; Germany;
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