All stages in our lives are essential, but research suggests that perhaps the two most important ones are childhood and adolescence. Apart from their households, children also develop their mental health habits from school.
For schools and educators to promote a healthy lifestyle, including the well-being of our minds, researchers Kuyken W, Weare, K, Ukoumunne, Obioha C. have conducted a study in which they try to measure the effectiveness of mindfulness in schools.
The structure of the study
For the study, 522 young students from 12 secondary schools were involved. The researchers split the students aged 12-16 into two groups: the Mindfulness in Schools Programme (intervention) and the second group, which resume the usual school curriculum (the control group).
The study’s main goals were: to determine if the mindfulness approach is effective in schools and the acceptability rate of the approach.
What is mindfulness?
Before we present the study results, it is necessary to define what mindfulness is, as understood from this research. Mindfulness can be understood as a mindful meditation in which one focuses on gaining awareness of one’s inner feelings and their intensity at the moment of the meditation.
Some accepted mindfulness techniques in school programs include methods of coping with everyday stress and heavy workflow, breathing techniques, emotional learning, positive reinforcement from teachers and peers and relaxation methods.
Results and conclusions
After comparing the two study groups and analysing the statistics, the researchers concluded that this feasibility study brought to light several findings.
The concept of mindfulness still has a long way before it is fully understood and accepted by all school faculty and members. However, the results of the intervention group clearly showed an improvement in reducing stress and further improving students’ mental health.
By introducing mindfulness in a school’s curriculum, students benefit daily because they learn how to handle stress and how to accept their feelings.
