Introduction
In the last 30 years mindfulness has emerged as an important construct for scientific inquiry in mental health. Classic scholastic compilations of mindfulness can be found in the Buddhist compilations of the Abhidhamma (Kiyota, 1978) and Vishudimagga (Buddhaghosa, 1976; Thera, 1973). Commonly referred to as Sati in Pali, this word indicates a state of lucid awareness of what is occurring within the phenomenal field (Bodhi, 2000; Bodhi, 2011). Kabat-Zinn (1994) defines it as “paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment and non-judgementally.”Mindfulness involves the non-judgemental observation and acceptance of the ongoing stream of internal and external stimuli as they arise.
Research by psychologists,
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The adolescent brain is also particularly reactive to emotional information. Hence they are especially vulnerable to stress from the environment. Contemporary adolescents report increased school-related stress due to homework, tests, examinations, competitions, comparisons and constant expectations for achievement (..............).Negative interactions with teachers can be distressing and can significantly affect their socio-emotional and academic performance (Crosnoe, Johnson, & Elder, 2004; Gregory & Weinstein, 2004; Resnick et al., 1997). Hostile or rejecting interactions with peers can erode feelings of belonging and make adolescents feel lonely and alienated (Guay, Boivin & Hodges, 1999) and promote social anxiety and distress (La Greca & Lopez, 1998). This has also been found to be related to losses in academic motivation and performance (Buhs, Ladd, & Herald, 2006; Iyer, Kochenderfer-Ladd, Eisenberg, & Thompson, 2010). They also face a host of other challenges at home, including daily stressors and major life events (...........................) that can threaten their physical and emotional adjustment and well-being. Although there is an increase in grey matter primarily in the frontal and parietal lobe regions and other sites important for higher order cognitive and emotional processing, the prefrontal