Effects of Mindfulness Training on Wellbeing and Emotional Intelligence in Pre-Service Teachers
Alfonso Moreno-Gómez, Pablo Luna, Alba Rodríguez-Donaire, Débora Rodrigo-Ruiz, Javier Cejudo
Psicologí a Educativa May 1, 2026 DOI: 10.5093/psed2026a12 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Cluster-randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 137 |
| Population | First-year university students in an Education degree program (pre-service teachers) |
| Intervention | MindKinder adult program (MK-A) |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Emotional intelligence Trait Life satisfaction Psychological intervention Vulnerability computing Clinical psychology Developmental psychology Control management Differential effects Personality |
| Key findings | The MK-A program significantly improved subjective well-being, positive affect, and negative affect in the experimental group compared to the control group, with greater benefits for those with lower prior emotional well-being and trait emotional intelligence. |
Abstract
This research aims to evaluate the effect of the MindKinder adult program (MK-A) on the variables of life satisfaction and positive and negative affect. We also intend to analyse the differential effects in the experimental group depending on the level of previous emotional well-being and previous trait emotional intelligence. A total of 137 university students (pre-service teachers) in their first year of the Education degree program at a university participated in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to the experimental group (n = 72) and the control group (n = 65) using a cluster-randomised controlled trial. The results showed significant improvements in the experimental group compared to the control group in terms of subjective well-being, positive affect, and negative affect. Regarding the experimental group’s results, based on previous emotional well-being and trait emotional intelligence scores, the findings suggest that individuals with greater psychological vulnerability may benefit more from interventions like these.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cites 24
- The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 2003
- Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Assessment January 27, 2006
- Mindfulness: A proposed operational definition. Clinical Psychology Science and Practice 2004
- Mechanisms of mindfulness Journal of Clinical Psychology December 29, 2005
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 2004
and 19 more in the library