Effects of Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Student Anxiety in Senior Secondary Schools in Oyo State

This study examines the effects of a brief mindfulness-based intervention on anxiety levels among senior secondary school students in Oyo State, South West Nigeria. Anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental health concerns among Nigerian adolescents, and there is growing interest in school-based mindfulness programmes as accessible, non-pharmacological approaches to reducing psychological distress. The study employs a quasi-experimental pre-test post-test control group design, involving 160 SS2 students from four secondary schools in Ogbomoso North and South Local Government Areas. Students in the experimental group received eight sessions of mindfulness-based stress reduction adapted for adolescent use, while the control group continued with the standard school counselling programme. The Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 Scale was used to measure anxiety before and after the intervention. Data were analysed using analysis of covariance. Findings indicate that students in the mindfulness intervention group experienced significantly greater reductions in anxiety scores compared to the control group. Particularly notable gains were observed among students with initially high anxiety levels. Student feedback highlighted breathing exercises and body scan techniques as most practically useful for managing examination-related stress. These findings support the growing evidence base for mindfulness in school settings and suggest its cultural adaptability within the Nigerian secondary school context. The Oyo State Ministry of Education is encouraged to pilot mindfulness programmes through trained school counsellors in partnership with university psychology departments. Keywords: mindfulness, anxiety intervention, secondary school, Oyo State, adolescent mental health.