Stress, subjective wellbeing and self-knowledge in higher education teachers: A pilot study through bodyfulness approaches.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the impact of body awareness training (Hatha Yoga and Dance Movement Therapy/Body Mind Centering) on stress reduction, wellbeing, and emotional regulation in university teachers.
Results Summary
The study found significant stress reduction and improved wellbeing in the Hatha Yoga group compared to the control group, while the Body Movement Awareness group showed benefits in self-knowledge, communication, and kinesthetic empathy.
Population
31 university teachers (with 10 in the control group, 11 in Hatha Yoga, and 10 in Body Movement Awareness).
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hatha Yoga | decrease | stress | university teachers | - | showed significant differences | #1 |
Hatha Yoga | increase | wellbeing | university teachers | - | showed significant differences | #2 |
Body Movement Awareness (Dance Movement Therapy/Body Mind Centering) | increase | self-knowledge | university teachers | - | exhibited evidence of contributions on | #3 |
Body Movement Awareness (Dance Movement Therapy/Body Mind Centering) | increase | communication | university teachers | - | exhibited evidence of contributions on | #4 |
Body Movement Awareness (Dance Movement Therapy/Body Mind Centering) | increase | kinesthetic empathy | university teachers | - | exhibited evidence of contributions on | #5 |
Work-related stress is a major cause of health problems worldwide. Faculty in educational institutions, including universities, also face high levels of stress, which undoubtedly affects their performance, level of personal satisfaction and wellbeing, and the relationship with students. Training interventions based on embodied learning can promote self-knowledge, emotional regulation and stress reduction, thereby increasing levels of psychological well-being. The present pilot study analyzed the impact of body awareness training in 31 university teachers using a controlled, randomized pre-post experimental design, with two experimental groups and a control group (n = 10). The two interventions were: Hatha Yoga (n = 11) and Dance Movement Therapy/Body Mind Centering (n = 10), which we have termed Body Movement Awareness. Variables related to body awareness, mindfulness, wellbeing, life satisfaction and stress were measured using self-perception tests. Cortisol levels, heart rate variability and sleep quality were also analyzed. Finally, participants' reflections were analyzed according to a qualitative approach. The results showed significant differences between the control group and the Hatha Yoga group in terms of stress reduction and wellbeing. The Body Movement Awareness group exhibited evidence of contributions on self-knowledge, communication and kinesthetic empathy, key elements in the educational field. Despite the inherent limitations of the study, the conclusions are encouraging and open new lines of research from embodied approaches that introduce creative movement and group experience as part of the process of emotional regulation and self-knowledge.