Mindfulness-Based Interventions in Schools: Assessing the Evidence Base.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the level of evidence for school-based mindfulness interventions and their effectiveness across different age groups.
Results Summary
Three interventions (Learning to BREATHE, Mindfulness in School Project, and MBSR) showed high levels of evidence, while three others (Gaia Program, MindUP, and a blended MBSR/MBCT) demonstrated moderate evidence. Mindfulness was effective across middle, high, and elementary school students, but few studies examined underserved populations.
Population
Students in elementary, middle, and high school settings.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Learning to BREATHE | increase | level of evidence | - | high | received a rating of high level of evidence | #1 |
Mindfulness in School Project | increase | level of evidence | - | high | received a rating of high level of evidence | #2 |
mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) | increase | level of evidence | - | high | received a rating of high level of evidence | #3 |
Gaia Program | increase | level of evidence | - | moderate | received a rating of moderate level of evidence | #4 |
MindUP | increase | level of evidence | - | moderate | received a rating of moderate level of evidence | #5 |
blended version of MBSR and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy | increase | level of evidence | - | moderate | received a rating of moderate level of evidence | #6 |
mindfulness interventions rated as having a high level of evidence | neutral | - | middle or high school students | - | were conducted with | #7 |
mindfulness interventions with moderate evidence | neutral | - | elementary students | - | were also conducted with | #8 |
mindfulness interventions | neutral | - | a range of age groups | - | demonstrating effectiveness of | #9 |
mindfulness interventions | increase | student well-being | - | - | have the potential to promote | #10 |
mindfulness interventions | decrease | mental health conditions | - | - | have the potential to prevent | #11 |
OBJECTIVE: Mindfulness-based interventions are increasingly being used in schools to improve students' mental, emotional, and behavioral development. Although many mindfulness programs exist, the types of programs that are effective for specific age groups remain unclear. In this systematic review, the authors used established rating criteria to describe the level of evidence for school-based mindfulness interventions. METHODS: A search of major databases, gray literature, and evidence base registries was conducted to identify studies published between 2008 and 2022 that focused on mindfulness interventions within school settings. The authors rated mindfulness interventions as having high, moderate, or low levels of evidence based on the number and rigor of studies with positive outcomes. RESULTS: Of the 24 interventions identified across 41 studies, three interventions-Learning to BREATHE, Mindfulness in School Project, and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR)-received a rating of high level of evidence. Three interventions-Gaia Program, MindUP, and a blended version of MBSR and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy-received a rating of moderate level of evidence. The interventions rated as having a high level of evidence were conducted with middle or high school students, and interventions with moderate evidence were also conducted with elementary students, demonstrating effectiveness of mindfulness across a range of age groups. Few studies examined outcomes for underserved populations. CONCLUSIONS: With greater use and more research, mindfulness interventions have the potential to promote student well-being and prevent mental health conditions.