Initiative Description: Participants were led through an activity in which they first took slow, deep breaths with the speaker and then at their own pace while focusing their attention on their breathing. Student participants listened to and engaged in the mindful breathing intervention on their computers using headphones.

Student behavior was observed and rated during a period identified by the teacher as one in which the students engaged daily in some type of academic activity. The intervention was implemented once daily just prior to the selected period. Participants listened to a recording of a guided mindful breathing activity, which prompted them to focus their attention on their breathing. Researchers met with students for 15-20 minutes post-intervention to discuss their experiences with the intervention. Follow-up took place 6 weeks after the completion of the intervention.

Study Results: Participants displayed increases in academic engagement that was maintained after a 6 week follow up.

Reference: Minkos, M. L., Chafouleas, S. M., Bray, M. A., & Lasalle, T. P. (2017). Brief Report: A Preliminary Investigation of a Mindful Breathing Intervention to Increase Academic Engagement in an Alternative Educational Setting. Behavioral Disorders,43(4), 436-443. doi:10.1177/0198742917740870

Level of Evidence: Very Good