School Mindfulness Study: Key MYRIAD Project Findings

The MYRIAD Project—a groundbreaking 7-year study involving 28,000+ students across 100 UK schools—investigated whether school-based mindfulness programs could improve adolescent mental health. This large-scale mindfulness research represents the most comprehensive evaluation of mindfulness in schools to date.

Key Findings from the Mindfulness in Schools Study

1. No Significant Mental Health Benefits for Students

• The mindfulness curriculum showed no greater improvement than standard social-emotional learning programs
• Program involved 10 classroom sessions (30-50 minutes each) taught by teachers
• Findings suggest mindfulness for teens requires more than brief classroom interventions

"We likely need broader systemic changes in schools that teach coping skills while creating supportive environments." — Mark Greenberg, Penn State

2. Low Student Engagement with Home Practice

• Only <20% of students practiced mindfulness outside class
• Highlights need for student-centered mindfulness programs with better engagement strategies
• Suggests teacher-led programs without student buy-in may be ineffective

3. Positive Outcomes for Teachers

• Teachers reported reduced burnout levels after mindfulness training
• Confirms existing research on mindfulness benefits for educators

4. Improved School Climate

• Teachers noted better classroom environments and mutual respect
• Positive school culture correlates with better mental health outcomes

5. Adolescent Mental Health Crisis Confirmed

• Baseline survey of 27,000 teens revealed:
  • 33% reported significant mental health challenges
  • Higher rates among girls, older teens, and disadvantaged groups

Implications for School Mental Health Programs

This mindfulness intervention study suggests:

1. Brief programs may be insufficient for meaningful impact
2. Student involvement in program design is crucial
3. Teacher wellbeing programs show clear benefits
4. Systemic approaches may be more effective than isolated interventions

Additional Resources:
- Full results in BMJ Evidence-Based Mental Health special issue
- Student perspectives in MYRIAD's documentary film
- Changing States of Mind podcast series for educators

While the study found mindfulness training in schools didn't meet expectations, it provides valuable insights for developing more effective teen mental health interventions. The research underscores the complexity of addressing adolescent wellbeing through classroom-based approaches alone.