Mindfulness-based stress reduction intervention for elementary school teachers: a mixed method study.
J H Lensen1,2, S E M J Stoltz3, M Kleinjan4,5
1Rotterdamse Vereniging Katholiek Onderwijs, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. J.Lensen@psych.ru.nl.
Trials
|November 22, 2021
Summary
Primary school teachers experiencing high work stress can benefit from mindfulness training. An 8-week mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program may reduce teacher stress and improve mental health, with potential benefits for classroom climate and pupil relationships.
Area of Science:
- Educational Psychology
- Occupational Health
- Mindfulness Studies
Background:
- High work stress is prevalent among Dutch primary school teachers, leading to burnout and high attrition rates.
- Existing interventions for teacher stress are limited, highlighting the need for evidence-based solutions.
- Primary school teachers face significant occupational challenges impacting their well-being and professional longevity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of an 8-week mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program for reducing stress in primary school teachers.
- To investigate the impact of MBSR on teachers' absenteeism, mental health, teaching skills, classroom climate, and pupil-teacher relationships.
- To explore potential mediating roles of self-compassion, mindfulness, and emotion regulation skills in the MBSR intervention.
Main Methods:
- A mixed-method study employing a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design with 155 primary school teachers.
- Teachers were randomized to an 8-week MBSR program or a waitlist control group.
- Quantitative data collected via online questionnaires at baseline, post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up; qualitative data from teacher interviews.
Main Results:
- The study protocol outlines the planned analysis for primary outcomes (stress levels) and secondary outcomes (absenteeism, mental health, teaching effectiveness).
- Hypothesized outcomes include significant reductions in perceived stress and absenteeism in the MBSR group compared to the control group.
- Exploratory analysis will examine the mediating effects of psychological factors on intervention outcomes.
Conclusions:
- This study protocol details a rigorous mixed-method RCT to assess the efficacy of MBSR for primary school teachers.
- Positive findings could support the widespread implementation of MBSR to mitigate teacher stress and enhance educational environments.
- MBSR offers a promising avenue for improving teacher well-being and professional sustainability in education.
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