Mindfulness Training for Occupational Therapy Students
Graham Stew
British Journal of Occupational Therapy June 1, 2011 DOI: 10.4276/030802211x13074383957869 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 20 |
| Population | Occupational therapy students |
| Intervention | Mindfulness |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | Mindfulness programs enhanced self-awareness and insight into habitual thought patterns among occupational therapy students, and techniques for managing stressful situations were used successfully, despite obstacles to practice. |
Abstract
Introduction: This article describes the experiences of occupational therapy students over the course of three mindfulness programmes, designed to support them in managing stress in their personal and professional lives.
Method: Hermeneutic phenomenology was used to explore the experiences and perceptions of 20 students undertaking these introductory programmes of mindfulness. Data were collected through interviews, questionnaires and emails.
Findings: Five themes are presented to demonstrate the effects of mindfulness on students' personal lives, academic work and practice placements. Obstacles to mindfulness practice were found, alongside evidence of benefits in enhanced self-awareness and insight into habitual thought patterns. Techniques for managing stressful situations were used successfully.
Conclusion: Implications arising from the study are discussed, including the potential for the future inclusion of mindfulness training within the occupational therapy curriculum.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on meditation, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 8
- The impact of mindfulness on well-being and performance in the workplace: an inclusive systematic review of the empirical literature European Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology April 19, 2017
- Mindfulness in Physical and Occupational Therapy Education and Practice: A scoping review Physical Therapy Reviews June 26, 2017
- Qualitative Survey Analysis of Higher Education Students' Experience of Mindfulness - Thematic Analysis International Journal of Education and Social Development January 21, 2025
- Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Interventions in Occupational Therapy: A Systematic Review. Hong Kong Journal of Occupational Therapy December 29, 2025
- Effect of Mindfulness on Empathy and Self-Compassion: An Adapted MBCT Program on Filipino College Students Behavioral Sciences February 27, 2020
and 3 more in the library
Cites 16
- Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: A conceptual and empirical review. Clinical Psychology Science and Practice 2003
- Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Psychosomatic Medicine July 1, 2003
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Health Care Professionals: Results From a Randomized Trial. International Journal of Stress Management May 1, 2005
- Teaching self-care to caregivers: Effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction on the mental health of therapists in training. Training and Education in Professional Psychology May 1, 2007
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Lowers Psychological Distress In Medical Students Teaching and Learning in Medicine April 1, 2003
and 11 more in the library