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A Case Study on the Necessity and Introduction Method of School Meditation

Jinseop Kim

Humanities and Meditation Research Institute June 30, 2024 DOI: 10.60140/mche.2024.2.1.65 (opens in new tab)

Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Qualitative study Case report Peer reviewed
Sample size 5
Population Teachers from City A
Topics Meditation
Key findings Teachers perceive mindfulness education as helpful for student well-being but anticipate barriers such as a test-oriented environment and lack of awareness, and propose solutions including expert support and mandatory integration.

Abstract

In this study, we conducted in-depth interviews with 5 teachers from City A to investigate the perceived necessity of mindfulness education among Korean teachers and its potential application in the school setting. Through the interviews, we focused on analyzing the necessity of mindfulness education in schools, implementation methods, appropriate education time, difficulties in implementation, and ways to overcome them. The interview results are as follows: First, teachers reported that mindfulness education would be helpful in addressing students’ depression, impulsivity, stress management, identity exploration, attention, and prevention of school violence. Secondly, regarding the application of mindfulness education, suggestions were made for theoretical education linked to the curriculum, breathing meditation before evaluation, integrated classes, autonomous activities, and education for perpetrators of school violence. Thirdly, effective mindfulness education time was mentioned as homeroom, immediately after lunch, morning or after-school programs, and mandatory education hours. Fourthly, anticipated difficulties include a test-oriented learning environment, lack of awareness and perceived necessity of mindfulness, teacher burden, and student resistance. Fifthly, suggested solutions include appointing mindfulness experts, applying mindfulness to existing programs, reaching consensus within the educational community, and making mindfulness education mandatory. In summary, teachers recognize the necessity of mindfulness education, but for its successful implementation in the school setting, it is necessary to raise awareness among the entire educational community, including teachers, students, and parents, as well as provide institutional support.

Comparable studies

Other qualitative studies on meditation, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
The varieties of contemplative experience: A mixed-methods study of meditation-related challenges in Western Buddhists Western Buddhist meditation practitioners and experts in Theravāda, Zen, and Tibetan... 2017 Qualitative study with mixed-methods
The Effects of Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction on Nurse Stress and Burnout Nurses in a hospital system 2004 Implementation study with mixed methods
An exploratory mixed methods study of the acceptability and effectiveness of mindfulness -based cognitive therapy for patients with active depression and anxiety in primary care Primary care patients with recurrent depression or recurrent depression and anxiety 2006 Exploratory mixed methods study n = 13
A qualitative study of mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy for depression Participants in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in a mental-health context 2001 Qualitative study n = 7
Effortless awareness: using real time neurofeedback to investigate correlates of posterior cingulate cortex activity in meditators' self-report Meditators 2013 Qualitative study using grounded theory methodology

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