<p>University of Cambridge researchers analysed 155 boys from two independent UK schools, Tonbridge and Hampton, before and after a four-week crash course in mindfulness. <br />After the trial period, the 14- and 15-year-old boys were found to have increased well-being, which included happiness, contentment, interest, affection and functioning well, reports the Journal of Positive Psychology. <br /><br />Professor Felicia Huppert of the Well-being Institute, University of Cambridge, said: "Our study demonstrates that this type of training improves well-being in adolescents and that the more they practice, the greater the benefits." <br /><br />"Another significant aspect of this study is that adolescents who suffered from higher levels of anxiety were the ones who benefitted most from the training."<br /><br />For the experiment, students in six classes were trained in mindfulness, a "way of paying attention," without being judgemental about experince, according to a Well-being Institute statement.<br /><br />Students in the five control classes attended their normal religious studies lessons.<br />They were also asked to practice outside class and were encouraged to listen to a CD or mp3 file for eight minutes daily. All participants answered questionnaires online before and after the project. <br /><br />The researchers found that although it was a short programme, the students had increased levels of well-being which were proportional to the amount of time the students spent practicing their new skills.</p>
<p>University of Cambridge researchers analysed 155 boys from two independent UK schools, Tonbridge and Hampton, before and after a four-week crash course in mindfulness. <br />After the trial period, the 14- and 15-year-old boys were found to have increased well-being, which included happiness, contentment, interest, affection and functioning well, reports the Journal of Positive Psychology. <br /><br />Professor Felicia Huppert of the Well-being Institute, University of Cambridge, said: "Our study demonstrates that this type of training improves well-being in adolescents and that the more they practice, the greater the benefits." <br /><br />"Another significant aspect of this study is that adolescents who suffered from higher levels of anxiety were the ones who benefitted most from the training."<br /><br />For the experiment, students in six classes were trained in mindfulness, a "way of paying attention," without being judgemental about experince, according to a Well-being Institute statement.<br /><br />Students in the five control classes attended their normal religious studies lessons.<br />They were also asked to practice outside class and were encouraged to listen to a CD or mp3 file for eight minutes daily. All participants answered questionnaires online before and after the project. <br /><br />The researchers found that although it was a short programme, the students had increased levels of well-being which were proportional to the amount of time the students spent practicing their new skills.</p>