Mindfulness in higher education: An evaluation of a four-year MBSR programme at a UK HEI

Ramsey-Wade, Christine

Abstract

MBSR programmes within universities are well-established in the US and increasing in the UK, as levels of stress are high amongst students and staff.
The aim of this project was to evaluate an MBSR programme within a UK HE institution over a four year period.
Participants completed the Mindfulness Attention and Awareness Scale and the Perceived Stress Scale in their group assessment sessions and in their Week 8 classes. Scores will be analysed using a paired, two-tailed t-Test. Qualitative feedback from all participants will also be collated and reported descriptively, using thematic analysis to organise the data.
This project is in progress; final results will be available by the time of the conference. Preliminary results are in a positive direction, although with some limitations due to sample size. The qualitative data provides further examples of the significant impact that mindfulness can have on the wellbeing of university students and staff.
The results will be discussed in light of current research and the presenter’s teaching experience to provide guidance on issues such as assessment and managing dual relationships.
Such programmes, while important, need to be executed with great care due to the challenges of teaching mindfulness in a demanding environment.

Citation

Ramsey-Wade, C. (2017, July). Mindfulness in higher education: An evaluation of a four-year MBSR programme at a UK HEI. Poster presented at Centre for Mindfulness Research and Practice Conference 2017, Chester, England

• Presentation Conference Type: Poster
• Conference Name: Centre for Mindfulness Research and Practice Conference 2017
• Conference Location: Chester, England
• Start Date: Jul 7, 2017
• End Date: Jul 11, 2017
• Acceptance Date: May 30, 2017
• Publication Date: Jul 7, 2017
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Keywords: mindfulness, higher education, evaluation, MBSR, UK HEI
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/884389
• Additional Information: Title of Conference or Conference Proceedings : Mindfulness in Society International Conference 2017