CHILDREN’S POTENTIAL (CCSM NEWS Flinders Uni Feb 2011) Dr Jill Beattie, Adjunct Senior Research Fellow with FHBHRU conducted a pilot study of the impact of Journeywork on a group of 24 emotionally challenged primary school children aged 8 to 10 years, in Terms 2 and 3 of 2009. Research associates Suzanne Dowd, Susan Leeder, Jan Henderson and Cecile George conducted the program.
Journeywork is a mindfulness-based intervention that uses guided introspection, imagery and forgiveness techniques in both adults and children to enhance emotional resilience. Journey Programs provide practical, user-friendly tools in the form of step-by-step processes, guided meditations, imagery, therapeutic individual and group exercises, play and activities (drawing, role play, journaling), to facilitate the release and expression of children’s shining potential.
Results showed that 63.2% of the children showed an improvement in emotional wellbeing, with 64.7% showing a decrease in depressed feelings. There was a statistically significant relationship between the number of sessions attended and improvement in wellbeing. Parents found their children to be more focused, happier, with increased con-fidence. Children reported improved self-acceptance and trust with decreased anger, worry, fear and less fighting. Thanks also to Amanda Carne for statistical input (Research Associate with the General Practice, Primary Health Care Research and Information Service). A copy of the Executive Summary and a description of the approach and theoretical underpinnings of Journeywork can be downloaded at www.emotional-wellbeing.com.au