Impact of a Brief Mindfulness-based Intervention among Children: Pilot Study

Interest in the effects of mindfulness practice has been exponential in the last decade. However, very little research has been conducted into its effects in the school context. This pilot study examined the effectiveness of a brief mindfulness-based intervention among elementary students. A pretest-posttest design randomized at student class level with a control group was used to test the effects on internalizing and externalizing symptoms, mindfulness skills, and academic performance. Compared to the control group, students in the mindfulness group had significantly lower scores in behavioral problems, higher relaxation, and better social interactions. While academic performance was maintained in the mindfulness group, it decreased in the control group. Possible explanations and future research are discussed.