Stress, subjective wellbeing and self-knowledge in higher education teachers: A pilot study through bodyfulness approaches.
Rosa-María Rodríguez-Jiménez, Manuel Carmona, Sonia García-Merino, Begoña Díaz-Rivas, Israel J Thuissard-Vasallo
PLoS One December 15, 2022 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278372 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled pilot study (pre-post experimental design with two intervention groups and a control group) Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 31 |
| Population | University teachers (faculty) |
| Intervention | Hatha Yoga |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Humans Yoga Pilot projects Stress, psychological Self concept Faculty |
| Key findings | The authors report significant differences between the control group and the Hatha Yoga group in stress reduction and wellbeing. The Body Movement Awareness group showed evidence of contributions to self-knowledge, communication and kinesthetic empathy, which the authors describe as key elements in education. |
Abstract
Work-related stress is a major cause of health problems worldwide. Faculty in educational institutions, including universities, also face high levels of stress, which undoubtedly affects their performance, level of personal satisfaction and wellbeing, and the relationship with students. Training interventions based on embodied learning can promote self-knowledge, emotional regulation and stress reduction, thereby increasing levels of psychological well-being. The present pilot study analyzed the impact of body awareness training in 31 university teachers using a controlled, randomized pre-post experimental design, with two experimental groups and a control group (n = 10). The two interventions were: Hatha Yoga (n = 11) and Dance Movement Therapy/Body Mind Centering (n = 10), which we have termed Body Movement Awareness. Variables related to body awareness, mindfulness, wellbeing, life satisfaction and stress were measured using self-perception tests. Cortisol levels, heart rate variability and sleep quality were also analyzed. Finally, participants' reflections were analyzed according to a qualitative approach. The results showed significant differences between the control group and the Hatha Yoga group in terms of stress reduction and wellbeing. The Body Movement Awareness group exhibited evidence of contributions on self-knowledge, communication and kinesthetic empathy, key elements in the educational field. Despite the inherent limitations of the study, the conclusions are encouraging and open new lines of research from embodied approaches that introduce creative movement and group experience as part of the process of emotional regulation and self-knowledge.
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 14
- Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Assessment January 27, 2006
- Body Awareness: a phenomenological inquiry into the common ground of mind-body therapies Philosophy, Ethics, and Humanities in Medicine 2011
- Students and Teachers Benefit from Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in a School-Embedded Pilot Study Frontiers in Psychology April 26, 2016
- The relationship between mindfulness and objective measures of body awareness: A meta-analysis Scientific Reports November 22, 2019
- A selective review of dharana and dhyana in healthy participants Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine October 1, 2016
and 9 more in the library