2024/07/25 by Natalia Van Doren, Robert W. Roeser · 1 voice
Psychology · Computer Science · #Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions #Child Therapy and Development #Education and Learning Interventions
paper · doi:10.1177/20965311241265122
openalex publication_date 2024/07/25 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/05/21
Purpose School teachers show higher levels of internalized distress compared to those in many other professions. In two exploratory studies, we examine the relative and interactive impacts of mindfulness training (MT) and medication use on reductions in depressive and anxious symptoms in teachers over time. Design/Approach/Methods These questions are explored using data from two randomized, waitlist-controlled trials of an 8-week teacher MT program. Data on medication use for anxiety or depression were assessed at baseline and revealed that 20% of the study samples reported such use. In addition, symptoms of anxiety and depression were assessed at baseline, post-program, and 3-month follow-up. Findings Results showed that MT significantly reduced depressive symptoms at post-program and at 3-month follow-up even after accounting for medication use. A similar pattern was found for anxious symptoms in Study 2 (but not Study 1). Comparative effects analysis indicated that MT resulted in stronger declines in depressive and anxious symptoms over time, while the effects of medication remained relatively stable. Originality/Value Results suggest that MT is an effective tool for reducing internalized distress in public school teachers, adds benefits above and beyond the use of medication for such symptoms in this population, and may result in greater long-term symptom reduction.