Mindfulness-Based Programmes and 'Bigger Than Self' Issues

Abstract

There is a substantial body of research evidencing mindfulness-based programmes (MBPs) as interventions to improve individual participants' performance, well-being, and health. There is emerging research showing MBPs also promote pro-sociality. This thesis examines the potential of MBPs to facilitate the development of participants’ inner resources that support pro-social shifts in response to 'bigger than self' issues and concerns. Its objective is to map available research on MBPs and social change into a descriptive overview. This includes commentary on the quality, trends, and gaps in the literature. Practitioners developing MBPs in the field, and researchers seeking to advance knowledge, will be given recommendations for future directions. A scoping review of relevant empirical literature is reported on, in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Searches were conducted through PubMed Central, CINAHL Plus with Full Text, Web of Science, and ProQuest Core databases. Data was extracted from 139 studies using an extraction template, and narrative synthesis was employed. Key patterns in MBP training, implementation and their efficacy in fostering pro-social responses to social change are identified and reported. MBPs have a beneficial effect on pro-social cognition, emotional capacities and in responsive behaviours and actions. The thesis discusses MBPs and their reported benefits in relation to social change at the interpersonal (micro or ‘I’), community, and organisational (meso or ‘We’) and societal (macro or ‘World’) benefits are highlighted. Areas for future research regarding MBP design, outcome measures, teacher competencies, psychosocial characteristics, and diversity, equality, and inclusion, and the shift in focus of research from the individual to these wider concerns are considered.

Date of Award	23 Aug 2024
Original language	English
Supervisor	Rebecca Crane (Supervisor) & Gemma Griffith (Supervisor)