EFFECTS OF FOUR FOUNDATIONS OF MINDFULNESS-BASED INTERVENTION (FFMBI) ON MINDFULNESS LEVELS OF INTERNATIONAL PRACTITIONERS AND MENTAL WELL-BEING OF HUNGARIAN PRACTITIONERS

Abstract

This cross-context synthesis combines results from two intensive Four Foundations of Mindfulness–based interventions (FFMBI) delivered in distinct higher-education settings: (1) residential retreats for international university students in Thailand (15-day, n=55; 30-day, n=15) and (2) a seven-day residential retreat for Hungarian adult learners in Mánfa, Hungary (n=25). In Thailand, participants completed the FFMQ-39 and DASS-21 before and after retreat. The 15-day cohort showed a small but significant gain in dispositional mindfulness (FFMQ-Total Δ=+4.20; d=0.28; p=.043); the 30-day cohort showed a larger, medium-sized increase (Δ=+10.20; d=0.46; p=.094, underpowered). Reductions in distress were modest, with trend-level decreases in stress for 15-day attendees. Critically, mindfulness gains correlated with reductions in stress, anxiety, and depression. Feasibility and acceptability were high (environment ratings M=3.91/5; 90% would re-attend), and descriptive patterns suggested a dose–response favouring longer retreats. In Hungary, a pre–post analysis employed STAI (State/Trait), FFMQ-15, Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), DASS-42, and WHO-5. Large and clinically meaningful improvements were observed in state anxiety (STAI-S Δ=−10.44; d=−0.94; p<.001), with medium-to-large gains in trait anxiety (STAI-T d=−0.65; p=.004), depression (d=−0.77; p<.001), stress (d=−0.64; p=.004), and well-being (WHO-5 +10.56 percentage points; d=0.67; p=.003). Self-compassion improved (SCS total d=0.50; p=.029), particularly Over-identification (d=0.51; p=.017). FFMQ-15 facet changes were mixed. Across 7-, 15-, and 30-day formats, FFMBI appears feasible and acceptable for both international and Hungarian cohorts, yielding consistent pre–post reductions in psychological distress and improvements in either mindfulness (longer formats) and self-compassion/well-being (shorter format). Combined evidence hints at a dose–response for trait mindfulness with longer intensives, while even a seven-day retreat delivers substantial relief in anxiety, depression, and stress. Limitations include single-group pre–post designs, self-report measures, attrition (international cohort), and unequal cell sizes. Nonetheless, converging quantitative and qualitative indicators support FFMBI as a scalable option for student mental-health support in culturally distinct settings, and they motivate controlled trials comparing retreat lengths and tracking maintenance of gains.