Effects of Mindfulness Training on Teachers’ Expectations and Experiences Regarding Their Mental Health and Mindfulness/Prosocial Competencies

In this qualitative study, we explored Dutch secondary vocational schoolteachers’ prior expectations of a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) training. We report on their short- and long-term experiences regarding mental health outcomes and personal or mindfulness/prosocial competencies.

Between September 2016 and June 2020, we interviewed 32 teachers participating in a cluster randomised controlled trial prior to partaking in a MBSR training (T₀); 27, immediately after the training (T₁); and 16, 9 months after finishing the training (T₃). No interviews were held on T₂, 3 months after finishing the training. Qualitative data was analysed using directed content analysis.

Analysis of the data at T₀ resulted in five themes regarding the participants’ prior expectations related to the MBSR training. Data analysis at T₁ and T₃ resulted in 10 themes regarding their experiences, four of which were the same as at T₀: one mental health outcome (i.e. stress and unpleasant feelings) and three personal competencies (i.e. being in the present, taking distance, and recognising and changing dysfunctional patterns). The fifth "other" theme at T₀ was knowledge of mindfulness and of mindfulness skills. Six additional themes emerged related to a new mental health outcome (i.e. inner calmness and pleasant feelings) and five personal competencies (i.e. being aware, concentration, acceptance and non-judgment, communicating, and showing compassion towards yourself and others).

Our results suggest that MBSR can reduce teachers’ stress, increase inner calmness, and foster mindfulness and prosocial competencies.

The trial was registered with the Dutch Trial Register (www.trialregister.nl): NL5581 (July 2016).