Efficacy of Mindfulness with State-Trait Anxiety and Emotional Dysregulation in Young Adults

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of mindfulness intervention in reducing state anxiety among young adults with emotional dysregulation in Lahore, Pakistan. A total of 100 young adult males and females aged 20-30 with state anxiety and emotional dysregulation were selected from different segments of life in Lahore. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) were administered to assess anxiety levels and emotional regulation before and after the intervention. Participants (n = 12) scoring in the mild to moderate range on these scales were selected for a fourteen-session mindfulness intervention programmed. Pre-post intervention data was analyzed using IBM SPSS 27, employing correlation analysis, paired sample t-tests, and independent sample t-tests. The analysis revealed a significant relationship between emotional dysregulation and state anxiety. However, post-intervention analysis showed mild improvement in state anxiety levels among participants after the mindfulness intervention. Cultural beliefs towards therapy and a preference for quick solutions, such as medication, were identified as contributing factors to the lack of significant improvement.