Over four decades of research into mindfulness has shown that it can help reduce stress, anxiety and depression, develop emotional intelligence, increase mental focus and resilience and enhance physical and mental wellbeing. The majority of research has been carried out on adults but in recent years there has been increased interest in teaching mindfulness to children and adolescents. The hope is that the wide-ranging benefits that mindfulness can bring to adults, as highlighted by the ever-growing body of research, will be accessible for children, helping them develop emotionally and cognitively and allowing them to flourish.
The research into mindfulness for children is still in its infancy, so we have to be tentative with any firm conclusions. However, there are already positive signs that a mindfulness practice can have an empowering and positive impact on children and adolescents and there is confidence that the research findings will continue to support existing conclusions.
Wellness (physical and mental wellbeing)