A Mindfulness Course for Teachers Decreased Psychological Symptoms and Burnout and Increased Classroom Organization
Researchers from the Center for Investigating Healthy Minds at the University of Wisconsin-Madison conducted a pilot study of an MBSR program adapted specifically for teachers. Their results showed that participants had significant reductions in psychological symptoms and burnout and improvements in classroom organization as judged by independent observers. The control group had marginally significant increases in burnout. The changes in burnout and psychological symptoms were correlated with changes in mindfulness among the MBSR participants. The authors concluded that the MBSR program can reduce stress among teachers which in turn may result in “tangible benefits for teacher’s sense of well-being and effectiveness in the classroom, which in turn are likely to have a positive effect on students’ own well-being and learning”.
Flook L, Goldbert SB, Pinger L Bonus K, Davidson RJ. Mindfulness for teachers: a pilot study to assess effects on stress, burnout, and teaching efficacy. Mind, Brain and Education 2013;7:182-195.
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