Stress Prevention and Mindfulness: A Psychoeducational and Support Group for Teachers

Abstract

A stress prevention and mindfulness (SPAM) group is described, which is a 6-week psychoeducational and support group for teachers. The group incorporated psychoeducation about stress and utilized elements of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). The group was implemented in a public charter school in the Southwest. Preliminary evaluation conducted with two elements (session ratings and pre- and post-measures of mindfulness, teacher perceptions of demands and resources in their classroom, and job satisfaction) was supportive of teachers’ satisfaction with the group. Implications and future research directions are discussed.

Keywords:

• job satisfaction
• mindfulness
• stress
• stress prevention
• teachers

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

We gratefully acknowledge the support of IDEA Public Schools.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jenson E. Reiser

Jenson E. Reiser, M.S., and Susan L. Murphy, B.S., are doctoral students, and Christopher J. McCarthy, Ph.D., is a professor, in the Department of Educational Psychology at The University of Texas at Austin

Susan L. Murphy

Jenson E. Reiser, M.S., and Susan L. Murphy, B.S., are doctoral students, and Christopher J. McCarthy, Ph.D., is a professor, in the Department of Educational Psychology at The University of Texas at Austin

Christopher J. McCarthy

Jenson E. Reiser, M.S., and Susan L. Murphy, B.S., are doctoral students, and Christopher J. McCarthy, Ph.D., is a professor, in the Department of Educational Psychology at The University of Texas at Austin