Mindfulness and Its Demographic and Behavioral Correlates Among University Students in Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background
Mindfulness is increasingly recognized as a critical factor in student well-being and academic performance, yet its demographic and behavioral correlates remain underexplored in South Asian contexts.

Objective
To examine levels of mindfulness and identify key demographic and behavioral predictors among university students in Pakistan.

Methods
A cross-sectional survey was administered to 344 university students aged 18-28 years. The Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) was used to assess mindfulness. Demographic and behavioral data were collected via structured questionnaire. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha. K-means cluster analysis identified mindfulness profiles. Associations between clusters and demographic variables were examined using chi-square and ANOVA. Multiple regression determined predictors of mindfulness scores.

Results
The MAAS demonstrated excellent internal consistency (α = .894). Cluster analysis identified three distinct mindfulness groups: low (32.8%), medium (47.4%), and high (19.8%). Females were significantly overrepresented in the low mindfulness cluster (p < .001). Social media use and academic year were also associated with mindfulness levels. Regression analysis indicated gender as the sole significant predictor, with females scoring lower than males (β = -.188, p = .001). No significant associations were observed for age or socioeconomic status.

Conclusion
Pakistani university students display considerable variability in mindfulness, with gender and social media use emerging as salient correlates. These findings highlight the need for tailored mindfulness interventions, particularly for female students and frequent social media users, to foster student well-being in higher education settings.