Impact of the Heartfulness Program on Loneliness in High Schoolers: Randomized Survey Study
This randomized survey study assessed the effect of the Heartfulness self-development program on feelings of loneliness among high school students. Participants who underwent the program reported a significant decrease in loneliness compared to those in the control group.
The 4-week intervention included guided relaxation, meditation, affirmations, and journaling.
Students also showed improvements in social connectedness and emotional wellbeing.
The program encouraged self-awareness and positive engagement, both of which contributed to reducing isolation. Delivered virtually, it demonstrated accessibility and relevance even during periods of remote learning.
No negative effects were reported, indicating the program’s safety for adolescent use.
The results highlight Heartfulness as a promising tool for enhancing youth mental health in school settings.
Main Goal and Fundamental Concept:
The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Heartfulness Self-Care program in reducing feelings of loneliness among high school students. The core hypothesis posited that participation in the Heartfulness program would lead to a measurable decrease in loneliness levels compared to a control group.
Technical Approach:
The researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial involving high school students. Participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention group, which received the Heartfulness Self-Care program, or a wait-list control group. The program included practices such as relaxation techniques, meditation, and self-reflection exercises. Assessments were conducted using standardized surveys to measure levels of loneliness before and after the intervention.
Distinctive Features:
This study is notable for its focus on a specific demographic—high school students—and its application of the Heartfulness Self-Care program as an intervention for loneliness. Unlike other studies that may focus on general mindfulness or meditation practices, this research specifically evaluates the structured Heartfulness program, providing insights into its applicability and effectiveness in a school setting.
Experimental Setup and Results:
Participants in the intervention group underwent the Heartfulness program over a specified period, while the control group did not receive any intervention during this time. Pre- and post-intervention surveys were administered to assess changes in loneliness levels. The results indicated a significant reduction in loneliness among students who participated in the Heartfulness program compared to those in the control group.
Advantages and Limitations:
Advantages:
- Provides empirical evidence supporting the use of structured meditation programs to address loneliness in adolescents.
- Utilizes a randomized controlled design, enhancing the validity of the findings.
Limitations:
- The study's reliance on self-reported measures may introduce bias.
- The sample size and demographic limitations may affect the generalizability of the results to broader populations.
Conclusion:
The study concludes that the Heartfulness Self-Care program is an effective intervention for reducing loneliness among high school students. The findings suggest that incorporating such programs into school curricula could have beneficial effects on students' emotional well-being. Further research with larger and more diverse populations is recommended to validate and expand upon these results.