Effects of Mindfulness Training on Teachers’ Expectations and Experiences Regarding Their Mental Health and Mindfulness/Prosocial Competencies
Mindfulness December 1, 2024 Math Janssen, Yvonne Heerkens, Beatrice Heijden et al.
Dutch secondary vocational schoolteachers who took a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) training reported reduced stress and increased inner calmness, along with gains in being present, taking distance, recognizing and changing dysfunctional patterns, awareness, concentration, acceptance, non-judgment, communication, and compassion toward themselves and others. These experiences were reported immediately after the training and up to 9 months later. Prior to training, teachers expected stress relief and improved personal competencies. The study suggests MBSR can foster both mental health improvements and prosocial competencies in teachers over the short and long term.