Impact of mindfulness training for school counselors-in-training on empathy & multicultural competence year of funding
Faculty: Saumya Arora
Funding Amount: $4,000.00
Abstract
In this study, researchers will explore the impact of evidence-based mindfulness training (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction) on school counselors-in-training’s empathy and multicultural competence. Ten student school counselors-in-training (SCIT) will undergo an 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program. Using a mixed methodology design, this study addresses two research questions. The quantitative part of the study will investigate the research question: Is there an improvement in multicultural competence scores and empathy scores after participating in the MBSR program? The qualitative part of the study will investigate the research question: How do school counselors-in-training experiences in an MBSR program impact their multicultural competence and empathy?
Outcomes
This study will qualify student members of the research team to present findings at an upcoming NAU 3MRP. The research team will also present the research findings at future state and national conferences. As trends in counselor education and supervision are moving toward the inclusion of mindfulness practices and diversity training, proactive research in the area of mindfulness in school counselor preparation will position NAU to remain a leader in modern educational practices.