Towards a socially engaged mindfulness pedagogical approach to anti-racist and anti-oppressive social work education
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21495604 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Gio Iacono (0000-0001-5285-7020, University of Connecticut, corresponding author), Spencer Evans (0009-0008-0183-6797, University of Connecticut), Lisa Werkmeister Rozas (0000-0002-7821-3490, University of Connecticut), Ann Marie Garran (University of Connecticut) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Pages | 1-20 |
| Publication date | 2025-07-22 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Social Work Education (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0261-5479 • E-ISSN: 1470-1227 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/02615479.2025.2531864 |
| OpenAlex | W4412549364 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 39 |
This paper explores the potential of a socially engaged mindfulness (SEM) pedagogical approach in anti-racist and anti-oppressive social work education. The authors examine mindfulness steeped in a socially engaged and critical consciousness-raising context among social work graduate students in the US enrolled in a course on oppression. Qualitative data was gathered through feedback surveys across three years. Reflexive thematic analysis revealed four key themes: 1) mindfulness can enhance student self-awareness to support them in taking time and space for themselves; 2) mindfulness can support knowledge building and engaging with difficult course dialogue and content; 3) mindfulness can support engaging with clients and social justice work; 4) mindfulness can support student biopsychosocial well-being. Integrating mindfulness into courses focused on systemic oppression can create a space for students to process challenging material constructively, enhance engagement with critical decolonial perspectives, and build resilience against the emotional demands of their academic and future professional environments. Developing a mindfulness practice may support students navigating the complexities of the profession. Mindfulness is not only beneficial for personal well-being but may also be a tool for cultivating a deeper level of critical consciousness. SEM can be a valuable pedagogical approach in anti-racist and anti-oppressive social work education
Criminology · Mindfulness · Pedagogy · Political science · Psychotherapist · Social justice · Sociology · Child Therapy and Development · Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions · Psychology · Resilience and Mental Health · Social Psychology · Social Work
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Yearning
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |