Impact of Body Scan Meditation on Academic Stress and Pain among School Students

Regular body scan meditation, practiced three times per week for four weeks, appears to reduce academic stress and pain perception in school children aged 15–17 who initially reported considerable levels of both. The practice involves sequentially focusing attention on each body part to promote relaxation and bodily awareness. In a sample of 37 children, pre- and post-intervention measures using the Educational Stress Scale and Brief Pain Inventory showed improvements, suggesting the technique may be a practical tool for helping students cope with academic and physical stressors in school settings.

Study at a glance

Abstract

School children are frequently exposed to academic stress, and pain both physical and psychological can negatively influence their well-being and performance. This study explores the potential of the body scan technique, a simple mindfulness practice, as an intervention to help children manage pain and academic stress. During the intervention, participants attend body scan meditation sessions 3 times per week over a period of 4 weeks, focusing sequentially on each part of the body to promote both relaxation and greater awareness of physical sensations. A purposive sample of 37 children aged 15–17, identified as experiencing considerable level of academic stress and pain. Their Level of academic stress and pain was measured in pre and post-test using Educational Stress Scale and Brief Pain Inventory. It was hypothesized that regular body scan practice would yield improvements in pain perception and academic stress levels. The results of this study are intended to provide evidence for the use of body scan meditation as a practical technique for improving both physical comfort and academic ease in school settings, supporting children in coping more effectively with academic and bodily stressors.