A1 Journal article (refereed)
A cultural comparison of mindfulness and student performance : Evidence from university students in five countries (2021)

Sumell, A. J., Chiang, E. P., Koch, S., Mangeloja, E., Sun, J., & Wu, J. P. (2021). A cultural comparison of mindfulness and student performance : Evidence from university students in five countries. International Review of Economics Education, 37, Article 100213. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iree.2021.100213

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Sumell, Albert J.; Chiang, Eric P.; Koch, Steven; Mangeloja, Esa; Sun, Jin; Wu, Jennifer Pédussel

Journal or series: International Review of Economics Education

ISSN: 1477-3880

Publication year: 2021

Volume: 37

Article number: 100213

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iree.2021.100213

Publication open access: Not open

Publication channel open access: 

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/74705

Abstract

Societal and cultural norms are important in shaping how individuals live, study, and work. Of particular interest in recent research is the role of mindfulness, defined as the ability to focus on the present moment, and how it can impact cognitive function and productivity. This study examines the relationship between scholastic achievement and mindfulness among university students in China, Finland, Germany, South Africa, and the United States. Comparisons between countries with respect to self-reported measures of mindfulness, test anxiety levels, and phone usage are analyzed. These measures are used to determine whether mindfulness affects student performance in introductory economics classes. We provide evidence that a positive association between mindfulness levels and student performance exists, but the relationships vary significantly across countries.

Keywords: consciousness (mental properties); mindfulness; concentration (societal change); concentration (psychology); learning; learning results; cognitive skills; performance (coping); performance (capacity); comparative research; cross-cultural research

Free keywords: mindfulness; self-awareness; cultural comparisons; learning outcomes

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

VIRTA submission year: 2021

JUFO rating: 1