Developing a Mindfulness-Based Program for Infant Schools: Feasibility, Acceptability, and Initial Effects

ABSTRACT

Growing evidence points to the success of mindfulness for supporting the well-being of older children in schools; less is known about the effects with younger schoolchildren. This study sought to test the feasibility and acceptability of a program of mindfulness-based activities with a nonclinical sample of young children within a school setting. In addition, the impact of the program on measures of attention, inhibition, well-being, and mindfulness were assessed. A 4-week program of mindfulness-based activities was delivered within a classroom of 26 children, age 6 to 7 years. The program was feasible to implement and acceptable to the majority of participants. Outcomes assessed at four time points (baseline, pre-, postintervention, and follow-up) demonstrated mixed effects. Sustained attention significantly increased postintervention and inhibition increased significantly during the baseline and intervention period. There was no change in well-being and mindfulness. Limitations on measurements are considered in light of the findings; appropriate measures of mindfulness and well-being need to be developed for this age group.

KEYWORDS:

• Executive function
• infants
• mindfulness
• well-being