An investigation into the effects of a mindfulness-based meditation activity for reducing worry levels of female students in a DEIS Band 2 primary school.

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to assess if an 8-day mindfulness-based meditation activity would cause a statistically significant decrease in the worry levels of participants by comparing results from a worry questionnaire. 84 participants were recruited from an all-female DEIS Band 2 primary school in Ireland with an age range of 10-13 years. Participant groups included two sixth-class groups, one fifth-class group and one fourth-class group. Groups were assigned to either an intervention condition or a control condition. Both conditions’ worry levels were assessed using the Penn State Worry Questionnaire for Children (PSWQ-C). The intervention group then participated in an 8-day mindfulness-based meditation breathing activity. The control group did not have any change to their normal routine. After 8 days both conditions completed the PSWQ-C again to assess their worry levels. Hypothesis One which stated that participants who received a mindfulness-based meditation intervention for 8-days would have reduced levels of worry was supported. Hypothesis Two, which stated that participants in the control group would not have reduced levels of worry, was supported. Hypothesis Three, which stated that participants who engaged in mindfulness-based meditation intervention for 8-days would have reduced worry levels in comparison to a control group, was also supported. The main finding of the research was that participating in a short mindfulness meditation each day was beneficial in reducing the worry levels of female students in a DEIS Band 2 primary school.