Overview
The purpose of this study is to evaluate an intervention for improving Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) graduate student wellbeing. Participants will be recruited from the University of Wisconsin-Madison graduate student body. Data will be collected from participants for up to 2 years, and the investigators anticipate that the study will last for 4 years.
Description
The objective of this research is to evaluate the utility of storytelling and mindfulness practice in improving wellbeing in STEM graduate students. The main questions it aims to answer are:
- Does engaging in mindfulness practice and storytelling increase measures of wellbeing in this population?
- Does engaging in mindfulness practice and storytelling increase measures of academic success?
Participants will be asked to:
- complete a survey evaluating wellbeing and academic success
- attend 2 storytelling workshops
- use a guided mindfulness mobile app for 2 weeks
Researchers will compare survey results from participants in the control group (no intervention, survey only) to those from participants in the intervention group (workshops, mindfulness, and survey) to see if the measures of wellbeing and academic success differ between groups.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- 18 or older
- Current graduate student in a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) field at the University of Wisconsin-Madison
- No significant experience with mindfulness practice
Exclusion Criteria:
- Under 18
- Significant experience with mindfulness practice
- Not a current graduate student in a STEM field at the University of Wisconsin-Madison