Literature Review: Mindfulness Practices in School Wellbeing

This literature review explores the contributions of mindfulness practices in schools to both social wellbeing and positive psychology, focusing on students and teachers. The review delves into the origins of mindfulness, tracing its roots in Buddhist beliefs, and highlights its increasing adoption in mainstream education to address mental health challenges like anxiety and depression, prevalent among youth. The paper examines the positive impacts of mindfulness practices, including fostering resilience, promoting self-regulatory control, reducing negative emotions, and evoking subjective changes in both students and teachers. It also explores the contributions of mindfulness to positive psychology, such as sharpening attention and promoting optimism, which is crucial for coping with adversity. The review synthesizes research findings, offering insights into the benefits of mindfulness in improving social relationships, reducing school dropout rates, and enhancing overall wellbeing within educational settings. The review emphasizes the significance of mindfulness practices as intervention strategies to cultivate social skills, reduce stress, and improve the overall educational experience.