Effectiveness of mindfulness training programs in improving work stress management in teachers

Objective. The main aim of the study is to describe current scientific knowledge about effectivity of so-called mindfulness training programs that are focusing on improving work stress management in teachers. Nowadays, teaching is one of the most stressful professions. Nevertheless, we pay very little attention to educating teachers about stress management skills (Meiklejohn et al., 2012). Mindfulness is the ability to focus attention on present moment with open and non-judgmental attitude. Its practice belongs to most promising ways how to help teachers handle their work load (Emerson et al., 2017). Method This paper is literature review that analyses 10 current studies which concerned with effect of mindfulness training programs on teacher's work stress. Trainings included education about mindfulness principles and its individual and group practices. Every analyzed study was published in 2012 or later. Results. Results of the study indicates high effectivity of mindfulness-based programs. All analyzed resources repeatedly show programs lower stress and negative emotions and improve emotional regulation ability. Conclusions. Issue of teacher work stress requires more attention in research but also in practice. Mindfulness training programs might be a solution. Limitations. Limitations of the paper are caused by its briefness because we were not able to grasp specificity of each intervention.