Experiences of Second-Grade Primary School Children and Their Teachers in a Mind-Body Activity Program: A Descriptive Qualitative Study

Overview

Journal Healthcare (Basel)

Specialty Health Services

Date 2024 Oct 25

PMID 39451509

Authors

Yaiza Lopez-Sierra

Sara Trapero-Asenjo

Isabel Rodriguez-Costa

Gonzalo Granero-Heredia

Yolanda Perez-Martin

Susana Nunez-Nagy

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Objectives: This study explored the experiences of second-grade children and their teachers who participated in a mind-body program to understand its impact on their development.

Methods: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted. Student data were collected through seven focus groups, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with tutors in December 2021. Data analysis was performed following COREQ guidelines.

Results: Three themes were generated: (1) competitiveness and restlessness in children: something needs to be done; (2) seeds sown and fruits harvested; and (3) it is necessary to advance from the occasional to the structural. Participants reported positive changes in areas of their development such as self-regulation, relaxation, attention capacity, and stress reduction. Improvements in interpersonal relationships and social skills were also observed.

Conclusions: These improvements in emotional well-being and social skills highlight the importance of this type of intervention in the school environment.

References

Donnelly J, Hillman C, Castelli D, Etnier J, Lee S, Tomporowski P . Physical Activity, Fitness, Cognitive Function, and Academic Achievement in Children: A Systematic Review. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2016; 48(6):1197-222. PMC: 4874515. DOI: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000000901. View

Hoag J, Karst J, Bingen K, Palou-Torres A, Yan K . Distracting Through Procedural Pain and Distress Using Virtual Reality and Guided Imagery in Pediatric, Adolescent, and Young Adult Patients: Randomized Controlled Trial. J Med Internet Res. 2022; 24(4):e30260. PMC: 9062714. DOI: 10.2196/30260. View

Yogman M, Garner A, Hutchinson J, Hirsh-Pasek K, Golinkoff R . The Power of Play: A Pediatric Role in Enhancing Development in Young Children. Pediatrics. 2018; 142(3). DOI: 10.1542/peds.2018-2058. View

Chui P, Wai S, Lai L, See M, Tan S . Mindful Breathing: Effects of a Five-Minute Practice on Perceived Stress and Mindfulness Among Patients With Cancer. Clin J Oncol Nurs. 2021; 25(2):174-180. DOI: 10.1188/21.CJON.174-180. View

Weydert J, Shapiro D, Acra S, Monheim C, Chambers A, Ball T . Evaluation of guided imagery as treatment for recurrent abdominal pain in children: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Pediatr. 2006; 6:29. PMC: 1660537. DOI: 10.1186/1471-2431-6-29. View

Molina Palacios A, Bender S, Berry D . Characteristics of Mindfulness-Based Interventions in Schools: a Systematic Review in School Psychology Journals. Contemp Sch Psychol. 2022; 27(1):182-197. PMC: 9575630. DOI: 10.1007/s40688-022-00432-6. View

Nanthakumar C . The benefits of yoga in children. J Integr Med. 2018; 16(1):14-19. DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2017.12.008. View

de Jong M, Lazar S, Hug K, Mehling W, Holzel B, Sack A . Effects of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy on Body Awareness in Patients with Chronic Pain and Comorbid Depression. Front Psychol. 2016; 7:967. PMC: 4927571. DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00967. View

Jarraya S, Wagner M, Jarraya M, Engel F . 12 Weeks of Kindergarten-Based Yoga Practice Increases Visual Attention, Visual-Motor Precision and Decreases Behavior of Inattention and Hyperactivity in 5-Year-Old Children. Front Psychol. 2019; 10:796. PMC: 6467975. DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00796. View

10.

van der Fels I, Te Wierike S, Hartman E, Elferink-Gemser M, Smith J, Visscher C . The relationship between motor skills and cognitive skills in 4-16 year old typically developing children: A systematic review. J Sci Med Sport. 2014; 18(6):697-703. DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2014.09.007. View

11.

Hagen I, Skjelstad S, Nayar U . "I Just Find It Easier to Let Go of Anger": Reflections on the Ways in Which Yoga Influences How Young People Manage Their Emotions. Front Psychol. 2021; 12:729588. PMC: 8645589. DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.729588. View

12.

Garcia-Soidan J, Leiros-Rodriguez R, Romo-Perez V, Garcia-Lineira J . Accelerometric Assessment of Postural Balance in Children: A Systematic Review. Diagnostics (Basel). 2020; 11(1). PMC: 7822105. DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11010008. View

13.

Rusy L, Weisman S . Complementary therapies for acute pediatric pain management. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2000; 47(3):589-99. DOI: 10.1016/s0031-3955(05)70227-3. View

14.

. Mind-Body Therapies in Children and Youth. Pediatrics. 2016; 138(3). DOI: 10.1542/peds.2016-1896. View

15.

Willig T, Dajon M, Assathiany R, Brun L, Fourneret P, Masse M . Healthcare pathways and practitioners' knowledge about ADHD in children. Encephale. 2023; 50(4):363-372. DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2023.07.005. View

16.

Sappok T, Bohm J, Birkner J, Roth G, Heinrich M . How is your mind-set? Proof of concept for the measurement of the level of emotional development. PLoS One. 2019; 14(4):e0215474. PMC: 6472796. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0215474. View

17.

Barranco-Ruiz Y, Etxabe B, Ramirez-Velez R, Villa-Gonzalez E . Interventions Based on Mind-Body Therapies for the Improvement of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms in Youth: A Systematic Review. Medicina (Kaunas). 2019; 55(7). PMC: 6680862. DOI: 10.3390/medicina55070325. View

18.

Gonzalez-Valero G, Zurita-Ortega F, Ubago-Jimenez J, Puertas-Molero P . Use of Meditation and Cognitive Behavioral Therapies for the Treatment of Stress, Depression and Anxiety in Students. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019; 16(22). PMC: 6888319. DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16224394. View

19.

Janz P, Dawe S, Wyllie M . Mindfulness-Based Program Embedded Within the Existing Curriculum Improves Executive Functioning and Behavior in Young Children: A Waitlist Controlled Trial. Front Psychol. 2019; 10:2052. PMC: 6746974. DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02052. View

20.

Derikx D, Houwen S, Meijers V, Schoemaker M, Hartman E . The Relationship between Social Environmental Factors and Motor Performance in 3- to 12-Year-Old Typically Developing Children: A Systematic Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021; 18(14). PMC: 8306533. DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18147516. View