Tai Chi and mindfulness-based stress reduction in a Boston Public Middle School.
Journal of pediatric health care : official publication of National Association of Pediatric Nurse Associates & Practitioners 2005 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2005.02.006 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Clinical project Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Middle school-aged boys and girls |
| Interventions | Tai Chi Mindfulness-based stress reduction |
| Duration | 5-week program |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key points | A 5-week combined Tai Chi and mindfulness-based stress reduction program sustained middle school students' interest, and their statements suggested benefits including well-being, calmness, relaxation, improved sleep, less reactivity, increased self-care and self-awareness, and a sense of interconnection with nature. |
Abstract
This article provides a description of a clinical project that used combined Tai Chi and mindfulness-based stress reduction as an educational program. The 5-week program demonstrated that sustained interest in this material in middle school-aged boys and girls is possible. Statements the boys and girls made in the process suggested that they experienced well-being, calmness, relaxation, improved sleep, less reactivity, increased self-care, self-awareness, and a sense of interconnection or interdependence with nature. The curriculum is described in detail for nurses, teachers, and counselors who want to replicate this type of instruction for adolescent children. This project infers that Tai Chi and mindfulness-based stress reduction may be transformational tools that can be used in educational programs appropriate for middle school-aged children. Recommendations are made for further study in schools and other pediatric settings.