“I’m Not Sure I Can See Myself in This World”: Experience of Mindfulness Teacher Training among Trainees from Diverse Backgrounds

Victoria Fontana, Rebecca Crane, Gemma Griffith

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

70 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Objectives
There is a growing recognition of the importance of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in mindfulness-based Teacher Training Programs (TTPs), given current imbalances in representation of teachers and trainers, and a recognised need to build awareness of personal and organisational biases. Little is known about how EDI issues may impact the experience of trainees on a TTP. This study aimed to explore underrepresented trainees’ experiences on a TTP, including what hindered or helped them access training or feel included, and their views on how best to foster EDI in TTPs.

Method
Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with seven current and graduate mindfulness teacher trainees from underrepresented groups. Their experiences of EDI throughout training were explored. Data was analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.

Results
Key findings were that feelings of inclusion were influenced by how represented and acknowledged trainees felt by their trainers and peers; feelings of safety influenced their choices around disclosure; a main access barrier was cost; and more explicit teaching about EDI in TTP curricula is needed. There was a need for wider access to entry trainings such as 8-week mindfulness-based programmes.

Conclusions
This study provides valuable insight into how underrepresented teacher trainees experience TTPs and highlights opportunities to better support mindfulness teacher trainees. TTPs need to integrate EDI awareness and understanding into their ethos and curriculum. Further research is needed to inform and develop approaches to further embed EDI in mindfulness-based program teaching and training.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1415-1428
Number of pages14
JournalMindfulness
Volume15
Issue number6
Early online date16 May 2024
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jun 2024

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of '“I’m Not Sure I Can See Myself in This World”: Experience of Mindfulness Teacher Training among Trainees from Diverse Backgrounds'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this