Integrating Mindfulness into Community Renewal: Theoretical Framework and Empirical Evaluation
Ingegneria Sismica June 10, 2026 DOI: 10.65102/is20261109 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 50 |
| Population | Urban community residents |
| Interventions | Mindfulness-Based Community Renewal (MBCR) four biweekly mindfulness workshops |
| Duration | Eight weeks |
| Measures | MAAS, TEQ, SCI |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | Residents receiving four biweekly mindfulness workshops over eight weeks showed significant improvements in empathy and sense of community compared with a control group receiving standard planning workshops, while changes in mindfulness were modest. Group-by-time interactions were significant for empathy and sense of community but not mindfulness. The authors argue that integrating mindfulness-based practices into community engagement may enhance relational and collective outcomes in urban renewal. |
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to examine the effects of a Mindfulness-Based Community Renewal (MBCR) intervention on residents’ mindfulness, empathy, and sense of community within an urban renewal context.
Methods: Fifty community residents were randomly assigned to either an experimental group receiving four biweekly mindfulness workshops over eight weeks or a control group receiving standard planning workshops. Measures of mindfulness (MAAS), empathy (TEQ), and sense of community (SCI) were administered before and after the intervention. Repeated-measures ANOVA was conducted to analyze differences between groups over time.
Results: The experimental group showed significant improvements in empathy and sense of community compared with the control group, while gains in mindfulness were modest. Group × time interaction effects were significant for empathy and sense of community but not for mindfulness.
Conclusions: Integrating mindfulness-based practices into community engagement appears to enhance relational and collective outcomes among residents. Although mindfulness itself showed limited short-term change, the intervention contributed to increased empathy and stronger community bonds. These findings suggest that MBCR may be a feasible strategy to support inclusive and resilient community renewal processes. Future studies should employ larger samples and longer follow-up periods to further validate these results.