August Mindfulness and Workplace Wellness Research Round-Up

By The Mindful Leader Team

This month, we first explore the decline in happiness among young adults before looking at the long-term effects of a mindfulness-based program on altered states of consciousness. Then, we shift to data on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in the workplace and the not-so-beneficial outcomes of mindfulness-based interventions for elementary school children. Lastly, we conclude with a study that points to the value of mental health training for line managers. We have summarized the main ideas and key takeaways below with links to the full articles and sources.

Young people today are stressed, depressed—and changing the fundamental pattern of happiness, new research shows

The U-shaped happiness curve, initially proposed by David Blanchflower, suggests that happiness peaks around age 30, declines through midlife, and rises again after age 70. This pattern has been supported by numerous studies across different countries since the early 1970s. However, recent research shows a significant shift: young adults (ages 18 to 25) now report being less happy than those in their 40s and 50s. Blanchflower's latest working paper, co-authored with Alex Bryson and Xiaowei Xu, reveals that happiness starts low in young adulthood and increases with age. The data, derived from the CDC’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, indicates a significant increase in young adults experiencing frequent bad mental health days, with young women particularly affected. Blanchflower notes that this trend began before Covid with social media and smartphones likely contributing to decreasing youth happiness. Clinical psychologist Amber Wimsatt Childs points to additional factors like global crises and economic concerns exacerbating young adults' stress and unhappiness.

Key Points:

• New research indicates that young adults (ages 18 to 25) now report lower happiness levels than people in their 40s and 50s, reversing the traditional U-shaped happiness curve.
• The decline in happiness among young adults is potentially linked to the rise of social media and smartphones, global crises, and economic concerns, leading to increased stress and mental health issues.
• Experts suggest that young adults align their behaviors with their values, avoid unhelpful comparisons, and manage stress levels. Support from parents and loved ones, including open discussions and professional help when needed, is also crucial.

Read the full article on CNBC.

Altered states of consciousness caused by a mindfulness-based programme up to a year later: Results from a randomised controlled trial

This study out of Cambridge University sought to examine the effectiveness of a mindfulness-based program (MBP) in promoting university students’ resilience to stress while also exploring long-term effects of mindfulness-based interventions on altered states of consciousness. Using a randomised controlled trial design, researchers assessed participants' experiences before, immediately after, and one year following the MBP. The data confirmed that mindfulness-based programmes (MBPs) generally promote resilience to stress among university students. Furthermore, the findings revealed that even low levels of mindfulness practice, common in MBPs, may lead to altered states of consciousness (ASCs); more mindfulness meditation was associated with more frequent ASCs. Despite some methodological limitations, such as potential recall bias, the results suggest that mindfulness training could causally influence experiences of unity and disembodiment, as well. Unity experiences, characterized by a sense of interconnectedness, and disembodiment experiences, involving a sensation of detachment from the body, were reported more frequently and intensely among those practicing mindfulness. While these findings align with previous studies on mindfulness and self-perception, they highlight the need for further research to understand the mechanisms and implications of ASCs in mindfulness practice, and to ensure that practitioners are well-informed about potential experiences and their management.

Key Points:

• Participants who completed the mindfulness-based programme experienced significant and lasting changes in their consciousness, including increased mindfulness, altered perceptions, and enhanced well-being up to a year later.
• Overall, the study highlights the potential for mindfulness practices to induce enduring positive effects on mental states, including resilience to stress.

Read the full article on PLOS.

Strong belonging at work linked to better employee health, study finds

Recent research by the Integrated Benefits Institute (IBI) highlights the significant investments businesses have made in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and the mixed results regarding their effectiveness. While 91% of employers offer DEI initiatives and 80% view these efforts positively, there are variations in commitment, with larger companies prioritizing DEI more than smaller ones. Key DEI activities include hiring staff dedicated to DEI (37%), conducting cultural sensitivity training (52%), and implementing fair policies (54%). Despite these efforts, 30% of employees still feel a lack of belonging at work, particularly among women, Gen Z, racial minorities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and caregivers. IBI's analysis emphasizes that a strong sense of belonging is crucial for enhancing employee health and work engagement, with affinity groups (AGs) and employee resource groups (ERGs) playing a pivotal role in fostering inclusivity. Positive experiences with AGs and ERGs correlate with higher work engagement and overall well-being.

Key Points:

• While most companies (91%) have DEI programs and 80% view their DEI efforts as positive, 30% of employees still report feeling like they don’t belong at work. 
• Employees who feel support, connectedness, acceptance, value, and respect in the workplace are 3.4 times more likely to be physically healthy, 5.2 times more likely to be socially healthy, and 4.4 times more likely to be mentally healthy.  
• One of the most effective ways employers can promote a sense of belonging among employees is by introducing employee resource groups. 

Read the full article on IBI.

Impact of a mindfulness-based intervention on well-being and mental health of elementary school children: results from a randomized cluster trial

A recent study published in Nature evaluated the impact of a mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) on the well-being and mental health of 8- to 12-year-olds using a waitlist randomized controlled trial (RCT) design. The findings indicated that the MBI did not significantly improve mindfulness or child mental health, and might have even negatively impacted children's sense of competence. This aligns with previous research suggesting MBIs might not be suitable for all students, particularly younger children or those with poor mental health. While the MBI may have stabilized attention levels, it did not improve inattention scores and potentially led to a decreased sense of competence, possibly due to increased self-awareness of limitations or changes in teacher behavior. The study also noted that MBIs might not be developmentally appropriate for younger children due to their underdeveloped metacognitive abilities. To address these issues, alternative approaches like social-emotional learning (SEL) programs could be more effective. Additionally, focusing on training teachers in mindfulness practices, rather than directly implementing MBIs with students, might offer better outcomes by improving teachers' emotional support and, indirectly, student well-being.

Key Points:

• Following a 10-week mindfulness-based intervention, elementary school children aged 8 to 12 did not experience an improvement in attention levels but reported a non-significant decrease in perceived competence. 
• Collectively, these findings suggest that MBIs may not be as effective as other preventative interventions geared towards improving mental health and well-being in young children.

Read the full article on Nature.

Mental health training for managers could save organisations millions of pounds, study finds

A recent study from the University of Nottingham published in Plos One highlights the substantial financial benefits of mental health training for line managers. The research found a strong link between such training and improved business performance, including better staff recruitment and retention, enhanced customer service, and reduced long-term mental health-related absences. This study is the first to empirically demonstrate that training line managers in mental health can lead to better organizational outcomes, potentially saving companies millions in costs related to sick days and turnover. The study underscores the importance of investing in mental health training as both a moral and strategic business decision, with experts recommending that organizations assess their workplace culture and seek specialized support when implementing such programs..

Key Points:

• Mental health training aids managers in having the skills, knowledge, and confidence to discuss mental health with employees and direct those who are struggling to the best resources.
• Mental health training for line managers is strongly linked to better business performance, including lower sickness absence, improved staff recruitment and retention, and enhanced customer service.
•  There is a potential economic benefit to investing in mental health and wellbeing practices in the workplace with such efforts possibly saving companies millions annually.

Read the full article on People Management.