ORCID ID

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8894-3895

Date Awarded

2023

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Department

Education

Advisor

Patrick R. Mullen

Committee Member

Craig S. Cashwell

Committee Member

Leslie Grant

Committee Member

Daniel Gutierrez

Abstract

Throughout growing literature, contemplative practices have been identified as effective approaches to promote wellness in adolescence and young adulthood, with calls to incorporate contemplative approaches in the school setting. One type of contemplative practice called loving-kindness meditation (LKM) offers practitioners with a method for extending compassion toward self and others, and shows promise for strengthening individuals’ wellbeing. Yet, despite its indicated benefits, studies of LKM with youth are minimal, and studies of LKM interventions in the school setting are scarce. The goal of this study was to examine students’ inner resources and protective factors prior to and following a school-based intervention of a daily LKM practice. I employed a nonequivalent control group quasi-experimental design and measured students’ levels of resilience, hope, inner peace, and emotional intelligence. I conducted a repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance to determine differences between groups and across time. Findings indicated that there was not a statistically significant difference between treatment and control groups in students’ reported levels of resilience, hope, inner peace, and emotional intelligence. Yet, when students’ frequency of practice was included in the model, the results showed that the between-subjects effects for frequency of practice was significant. The results suggest potential influence between the intervention and students’ reported outcomes; however, the findings should be interpreted with caution due to limitations of the study, and further examination is warranted. Following interpretation of the results, I provide a discussion of the limitations, implications for school-based interventions, and suggestions for future research.

DOI

https://dx.doi.org/10.25774/w4-wtnh-wp80

Rights

© The Author

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