Developing a mindfulness-based program to enhance student wellbeing: Evidence review and conceptual framework for program development

Abstract

The demanding nature of the legal education can provide a stimulating and challenging experience for law students. With this, various studies have documented elevated levels of mental health concerns and psychological distress among law students exacerbated by the adversarial and isolating nature of the system which may affect students’ ability to cope and thrive. Meanwhile, mindfulness based programs could help law students acquire the skills to regulate emotions, be resilient and practice self-compassion. This concept paper aims to explore the prevalent challenges of law students affecting their wellbeing and how mindfulness-based strategies could help them deal with these challenges. The findings of the study would be supportive not only of institutional efforts but also of individual mechanisms of coping.