BSW Student Perspectives on the Utility of Brief, Classroom-Based Mindfulness Practices

Abstract

ABSTRACT This exploratory study set out to examine the impact of weekly mindfulness practices on Year 4 Bachelor of Social Work students’ ability to develop attentional processes, therapeutic presence, and empathy in classroom-based role-play scenarios and practicum placements. Participants (n = 24) received a brief, 10– 15 minute mindfulness practice each week at the start of class. Individual interviews were conducted (n = 9) following completion of the course and thematic analysis was used to surface salient themes. Findings were grouped into the following themes: (1) benefits of mindfulness; (2) challenges of mindfulness; (3) mindfulness practices; (4) readings; (5) instructor factors; (6) future mindfulness practice; and (7) knowledge transfer. Our findings suggest undergraduate social work students can elucidate the benefits of mindfulness practice but struggle transferring these benefits to clinical practice.