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Mindfulness-Based Interventions in Schools: Assessing the Evidence Base.

Psychiatric services (Washington, D.C.)
January 1, 1970
Tina Marshall et al. (8 authors)
Journal ArticleSystematic ReviewReviewHuman Study
Study Details

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

Extracted Claims (11)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
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
Abstract

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.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
HumansMindfulnessChildAdolescentEvidence-Based PracticeSchool Mental Health ServicesSchoolsSchool Health ServicesStress, Psychological
Study Links
Quality Scores
SafetyNot Assessed
Efficacy85/10
Quality78/10
Citation Metrics
Total Citations1
Citations/Year1.0
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.25
Weight Score1.41
Normalized Score0.70
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