(PS6-81) The links between mindfulness, alcohol use, and depression among college students in the USA and India– A mixed methods approach

Abstract Text: Mindfulness has been shown to offer several benefits, including reductions in depression, anxiety, and addiction-related symptoms (Bodenlos et al., 2011). However, much of the existing research has primarily focused on North American populations and has largely employed quantitative methods. This limits the exploration of cultural differences in mindfulness practices, particularly outside the Western context, and restricts the use of qualitative and mixed methods approaches. In response, this study aimed to 1) explore cross-cultural differences in the understanding and practice of mindfulness among college students in India and the USA and 2) investigate the relationship between qualitative descriptors of mindfulness and depression and alcohol use. College students in India (N = 512; Mage = 20.03, 66.4% female) and the USA (N = 508; Mage = 19.3, 65% female) responded to open-ended questions regarding mindfulness, definitions, daily and/or recent practices, challenges, and strategies. Inductive qualitative content analysis revealed 28 themes and 29 sub-themes. A two-tailed Fisher’s exact test indicated significant differences in themes across the five categories (ps < 0.05). Additionally, regression analyses showed that, within the USA sample, defining mindfulness as ‘awareness of oneself’ or ‘one’s surroundings’ was negatively associated with alcohol consumption (ps < 0.05). Daily practices of self-reflection and challenges related to social media/technology were also significantly associated with less drinking (ps < 0.05). Consistent with previous research, daily physical activity predicted lower depression on CES-D, as did the absence of challenges in practicing mindfulness. Conversely, using positive thinking strategies predicted higher depression scores. In the Indian sample, daily mindfulness practices, defining mindfulness as ‘awareness of one’s environment’, and a lack of strategies predicted lower depression (ps < 0.05). Practices involving self-awareness and empathy/consideration of others were associated with lower alcohol consumption. These findings highlight the importance of considering cultural differences when designing mindfulness interventions, particularly concerning depression and alcohol use.