A new research project at the University of Sussex is offering students the opportunity to experience mindfulness training, with the aim to understand better how such practices work, helping them to cope during more stressful times of the academic year.

The Sussex Mindfulness Research Project is a collaboration between the School of Psychology at the University of Sussex and the Sussex Mindfulness Centre, which is part of the local NHS trust.

This intervention project will examine the processes through which mindfulness has an impact on a person's general well-being and mental health, through offering mindfulness training to students in return for taking part in a multi-phase research project.

The team is looking for 180 participants in the initial phase of the project.

Talking about the project, lead investigator Dr Helga Dittmar said:

“There is already a wealth of evidence to suggest that mindfulness training is beneficial for concentration, attention focus, and stress relief. As well as helping us with our research, participants will gain ideal skills for students to put to good use during study assessments.”

Moreover, the research project is only the first step in a longer-term research initiative which aims to promote positive mental health and well-being among students.

“Through the results of the research, the project will enable the Sussex Mindfulness Centre to understand better how and when mindfulness training is most effective,” added Dr Clara Strauss of the Sussex Partnership NHS Trust and an honorary Senior Lecturer in Clinical Psychology at the University.

“Armed with this information, we can make sure that in future, the Centre and the NHS offer training in the most effective way for people's greatest possible benefit, whether a student or not.”

Interested students can obtain further information about taking part in the project by emailing SMR@sussex.ac.uk.

The 180 places available will be offered on a first-come, first-serve basis to students and staff who email and sign up.

There will also be the option for students to sign up for future research opportunities as part of the longer-term research project.

For more information on the work of the Sussex Mindfulness Centre, please visit http://www.sussexpartnership.nhs.uk/mindfulness.