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Mindfulness training and reductions in teacher stress and burnout: Results from two randomized, waitlist-control field trials
Journal of Educational Psychology
Short Title: Mindfulness training and reductions in teacher stress and burnout
Format: Journal Article
Publication Year: 2013
Pages: 787-804
Library/Archive: (c) 2013 APA, all rights reserved
Sources ID: 23301
Visibility: Private
Zotero Collections: Contexts of Contemplation Project
Abstract: (Show)

The effects of randomization to mindfulness training (MT) or to a waitlist-control condition on psychological and physiological indicators of teachers’ occupational stress and burnout were examined in 2 field trials. The sample included 113 elementary and secondary school teachers (89% female) from Canada and the United States. Measures were collected at baseline, post-program, and 3-month follow-up; teachers were randomly assigned to condition after baseline assessment. Results showed that 87% of teachers completed the program and found it beneficial. Teachers randomized to MT showed greater mindfulness, focused attention and working memory capacity, and occupational self-compassion, as well as lower levels of occupational stress and burnout at post-program and follow-up, than did those in the control condition. No statistically significant differences due to MT were found for physiological measures of stress. Mediational analyses showed that group differences in mindfulness and self-compassion at post-program mediated reductions in stress and burnout as well as symptoms of anxiety and depression at follow-up. Implications for teaching and learning are discussed.

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Contexts of Contemplation Project