Bibliographic details and abstracts are available to all. Downloads of full-text dissertations are restricted to University of Portsmouth members who must login. MPhils may be accessed by all.

Abstract

The mental wellbeing of adolescents remains a national concern, especially since existing literature has identified adolescence as an at-risk age group for the emergence of mental illnesses. Evidence for the effectiveness of mindfulness interventions for adolescent’s mental wellbeing is continuing to grow, particularly within educational settings. This dissertation explores the impact of mindfulness on mental wellbeing in secondary school students aged 14-16. It will focus primarily on western conceptualisations of mindfulness and contemporary psychological theories pertaining to mindfulness-based interventions. Existing models of mindfulness are identified in addition to the various mental health issues faced by 14-16-year-olds. A subsequent critical analysis of current mental health provision in secondary schools provides an indication that current mental health provision for adolescents is inadequate and significantly under-funded. This was followed by an exploration of pupil’s perspectives on the effectiveness of mindfulness practise to promote positive mental wellbeing. Throughout this dissertation, a range of existing literature and research including meta-analyses will be utilised to support the theories and findings presented.
Overall, this dissertation concludes that mindfulness can have a substantial impact on mental wellbeing in secondary school students aged 14-16, besides significantly reducing psychological indices relating to anxiety and depression. The findings also indicate that previous mindfulness interventions in schools have been successful and many adolescents favour it as a mental health intervention. Therefore, this highlights the need for increased mindfulness-based support and a greater understanding of the practise and its benefits on mental health.

Course: Childhood and Youth Studies with Psychology - BA (Hons)

Date Deposited: 2020-10-14

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis13580.html