Efficacy of a MBI Programme With or Without Virtual Reality Support to Reduce Stress in University Students

This program is structured around two central elements, mindfulness and compassion. The sessions combine theory and practice components, using a methodology which priorities the reflection and debate among the students. Regarding theory component, mindfulness and compassion concepts will be set out over the length of the program, in addition to others related to time management, stress, anxiety and the balance between personal life and academic/work life. The practical component of the program consists of mindfulness and self-compassion formal and informal practices under the guidance of a specialized instructor.

"The VR is comprised of a Samsung VR goggles, a Samsung Galaxy S6 phone and optional headphones.~In this condition, the instructor is the same as previously but the implementation of VR will be carried out by a psychologist specially trained for the application of these VR scenarios. Prior to the VR use, the psychologist will make sure about the participants´ health."

This condition is based on the Progressive Muscle Relaxation.The relaxation program include training 16 muscle groups during the initial sessions, 7 muscle groups during the intermediate sessions, 4 muscle groups later and a only recall relaxation in the final session.This program is complemented with visualizations, as it was originally proposed by Jacobson (1938).