Write your message
Volume 24, Issue 154 (12-2025)                   Journal of Psychological Science 2025, 24(154): 315-331 | Back to browse issues page


XML Persian Abstract Print


Download citation:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:

Omidghaemi M, Fathabadi J, Ghanbari S. (2025). The Effectiveness of Mindfulness Training Package Based on Interpersonal Neurobiology Approach on Improving Teacher-Student Relationship. Journal of Psychological Science. 24(154), 315-331. doi:10.61186/jps.24.154.18
URL: http://psychologicalscience.ir/article-1-3033-en.html
Department of Psychology, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran , fathabadi51@gmail.com
Abstract:   (46 Views)
Background: A positive and constructive teacher–student relationship plays a pivotal role in students’ cognitive and emotional development. Recent studies in interpersonal neurobiology have shown that neural synchronization between teachers and students can enhance the quality of educational interactions and create favorable conditions for learning and emotion regulation. Despite these theoretical foundations, few experimental studies have investigated the effectiveness of educational interventions based on this approach.
Aims: This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of a mindfulness-based training package grounded in interpersonal neurobiology on improving teaching mindfulness and teachers’ reflective functioning.
Methods: This semi-experimental study employed a pretest–posttest design with a control group. The sample consisted of 30 elementary school teachers randomly assigned to the experimental (n = 15) and control (n = 15) groups. The intervention included six 90-minute training sessions. Data were collected using the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (Ryan & Brown, 2003), the Teacher Mindfulness Scale (Frank et al., 2016), and the Teacher Reflective Functioning Questionnaire (Vahidi et al., 2021). Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANCOVA
Results: Results indicated that the mindfulness-based training package significantly increased overall teaching mindfulness and the interpersonal component of mindfulness in the experimental group (p < .05). However, changes in the intrapersonal component of mindfulness and teachers’ reflective functioning were not statistically significant.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that this approach, by relying on neural synchronization and promoting mindfulness, provides new opportunities for educational interventions. However, its effectiveness on intrapersonal aspects and reflective capacities requires further research and longer-term interventions.
Full-Text [PDF 1230 kb]   (26 Downloads)    
Type of Study: Research | Subject: Special
Received: 2025/07/18 | Accepted: 2025/12/1 | Published: 2025/12/22

References
1. Allen, J. G., Fonagy, P., & Bateman, A. W. (2008). Mentalizing in Clinical Practice. American Psychiatric Publishing, Inc. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2008-02574-000
2. Atmaca, Ç., Rızaoğlu, F., Türkdoğan, T., & Yaylı, D. (2020). An emotion focused approach in predicting teacher burnout and job satisfaction. Teaching and Teacher Education, 90, 103025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2020.103025
3. Babiker, A., Faye, I., Mumtaz, W., Malik, A. S., & Sato, H. (2019). EEG in classroom: EMD features to detect situational interest of students during learning. Multimedia Tools and Applications, 78(12), 16261–16281. DOI:10.1007/s11042-018-7016-z
4. Bateman, A., & Fonagy, P. (2016). Mentalization-based treatment for personality disorders: A practical guide. Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/med:psych/9780199680375.001.0001
5. Bateman, A., Campbell, C., Luyten, P., & Fonagy, P. (2018). A mentalization-based approach to common factors in the treatment of borderline personality disorder. Current opinion in psychology, 21, 44-49. DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2017.09.005
6. Bevilacqua, D., Davidesco, I., Wan, L., Chaloner, K., Rowland, J., Ding, M., ... Dikker, S. (2018). Brain-to-brain synchrony and learning outcomes vary by student-teacher dynamics: Evidence from a real-world classroom electroencephalography study. Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, 31(3), 401–411. DOI: 10.1162/jocn_a_01274
7. Chen, A. (2025). Student-Centered memory strategy optimization based on learning efficacy: Evidence from educational neuroscience. Cognitive Strategies in Study, 1(1). doi: 10.3390/brainsci15020203
8. Cheng, X. J., Li, X., & Hu, Y. (2015). Synchronous brain activity during cooperative exchange depends on gender of partner: A fNIRS-based hyperscanning study. Human Brain Mapping, 36(6), 2039–2048. DOI: 10.1002/hbm.22754
9. Cohen, S. S., Madsen, J., Touchan, G., Robles, D., Lima, S. F. A., Henin, S., & Parra, L. C. (2018). Neural engagement with online educational videos predicts learning performance for individual students. Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, 155, 60–64. DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2018.06.011
10. Davidesco, I., Laurent, E., Valk, H., West, T., Dikker, S., Milne, C., & Poeppel, D. (2019). Brain-to-brain synchrony predicts long-term memory retention more accurately than individual brain measures. https://doi.org/10.1101/644047
11. Dikker, S., Wan, L., Davidesco, I., Kaggen, L., Oostrik, M., McClintock, J., ... Poeppel, D. (2017). Brain-to-brain synchrony tracks real-world dynamic group interactions in the classroom. Current Biology, 27(9), 1375–1380. DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2017.04.002
12. Fonagy, P., & Target, M. (1997). Attachment and reflective function: their role in self-organisation. Development and Psychopathology, 9, 679–700. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0954579497001399
13. Fonagy, P., & Target, M. (2000). Playing with reality: III. The persistence of dual psychic reality in borderline patients. International Journal of PsychoAnalysis, 81(5), 853-873. https://doi.org/10.1516/0020757001600165
14. Jiang, J., Chen, C. S., Dai, B. H., Shi, G., Ding, G. S., Liu, L., & Lu, C. M. (2015). Leader emergence through interpersonal neural synchronization. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 112(14), 4274–4279. DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1422930112
15. Liu, J., Zhang, R., Geng, B., Zhang, T., Yuan, D., Otani, S., & Li, X. (2019). Interplay between prior knowledge and communication mode on teaching effectiveness: Interpersonal neural synchronization as a neural marker. Neuroimage, 193, 93–102. DOI:10.1016/j.neuroimage.2019.03.004
16. Liu, N., Mok, C., Witt, E. E., Pradhan, A. H., Chen, J. E., & Reiss, A. L. (2016). NIRS-based hyperscanning reveals inter-brain neural synchronization during cooperative Jenga game with face-to-face communication. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 10, 82. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2016.00082
17. Miller, A. N., Katt, J. A., Brown, T., & Sivo, S. A. (2014). The relationship of instructor self-disclosure, nonverbal immediacy, and credibility to student incivility in the college classroom. Communication Education, 63(1), 1–16. DOI:10.1080/03634523.2013.835054
18. Minagawa, Y., Xu, M., & Morimoto, S. (2018). Toward interactive social neuroscience: Neuroimaging real-world interactions in various populations. Japanese Psychological Research, 60(4), 196–224. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpr.12207
19. Nozawa, T., Sakaki, K., Ikeda, S., Jeong, H., Yamazaki, S., Kawata, K., ... Kawashima, R. (2019). Prior physical synchrony enhances rapport and inter-brain synchronization during subsequent educational communication. Scientific Reports, 9(1), 12747. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-49257-z
20. Pan, Y. F., Cheng, X. J., Zhang, Z. X., Li, X. C., & Hu, Y. (2017). Cooperation in lovers: An fNIRS-based hyperscanning study. Human Brain Mapping, 38, 831–841. DOI: 10.1002/hbm.23421
21. Pan, Y. F., Dikker, S., Goldstein, P., Zhu, Y., Yang, C., & Hu, Y. (2020). Instructor-learner brain coupling discriminates between instructional approaches and predicts learning. Neuroimage, 211, 116657. DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2020.116657
22. Pan, Y. F., Novembre, G., Song, B., Li, X., & Hu, Y. (2018). Interpersonal synchronization of inferior frontal cortices tracks social interactive learning of a song. Neuroimage, 183, 280–290. DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2018.08.005
23. Poulsen, A. T., Kamronn, S., Dmochowski, J., Parra, L. C., & Hansen, L. K. (2017). EEG in the classroom: Synchronised neural recordings during video presentation. Scientific Reports, 7, 43916. https://www.nature.com/articles/srep43916
24. Siegel, D. J. (2012). The Developing Mind: How Relationships and the Brain Interact to Shape Who We Are. New York: The Guilford Press.
25. Siegel, D. J. (2016). The integration of attachment, mindfulness, and neuroscience. In Attachment Across Clinical and Cultural Perspectives (pp. 185–201). Routledge. doi: 10.1097/HRP.0000000000000277
26. Siegel, D. J., Siegel, M. W., & Parker, S. C. (2016). Internal education and the roots of resilience: Relationships and reflection as the new R’s of education. In Handbook of mindfulness in education (pp. 47-63). Springer, New York, NY. DOI:10.1007/978-1-4939-3506-2_4
27. Sun, B., Xiao, W., Feng, X., Shao, Y., Zhang, W., & Li, W. (2020). Behavioral and brain synchronization differences between expert and novice teachers when collaborating with students. Brain and Cognition, 139, 105513. DOI:10.1016/j.bandc.2019.105513
28. Takeuchi, N., Mori, T., Suzukamo, Y., & Izumi, S. I. (2017). Integration of teaching processes and learning assessment in the prefrontal cortex during a video game teaching-learning task. Frontiers in Psychology, 7, 2052. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2016.02052
29. Tenenbaum, G., & Eklund, R. C. (2020). Handbook of sport psychology (5th ed.). http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/9781119568124
30. Zhang, Y., Hu, Y., Ma, F., Cui, H., Cheng, X., & Pan, Y. (2024). Interpersonal educational neuroscience: A scoping review of the literature. Educational Research Review, 42, 100593. DOI:10.1016/j.edurev.2024.100593
31. Zhang, Z., Gao, Y., Pan, Y., & Zhou, J. (2024). Video education through the lens of educational neuroscience: A concise review. TechTrends, 68(3), 469–484. DOI:10.1007/s11528-024-00946-1
32. Zheng, L. F., Chen, C. S., Liu, W. D., Long, Y. H., Zhao, H., Bai, X. L., ... Lu, C. M. (2018). Enhancement of teaching outcome through neural prediction of the students' knowledge state. Human Brain Mapping, 39(7), 3046–3057. DOI:10.1002/hbm.24059
33. Zheng, L., Liu, W., Long, Y., Zhai, Y., Zhao, H., Bai, X., & Lu, C. (2020). Affiliative bonding between teachers and students through interpersonal synchronisation in brain activity. Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, 15(1), 97–109. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.835147
34. Bishop, S. R., Lau, M., Shapiro, S., Carlson, L., Anderson, N. D., Carmody, J., … & Devins, G. (2004). Mindfulness: A proposed operational definition. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 11(3), 230–241.https://psycnet.apa.org/buy/2004-15972-002
35. Felver, J. C., Celis-de Hoyos, C. E., Tezanos, K., & Singh, N. N. (2016). A systematic review of mindfulness-based interventions for youth in school settings. Mindfulness, 7(1), 34–45.https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-015-0389-4
36. Flook, L., Goldberg, S. B., Pinger, L., & Davidson, R. J. (2013). Promoting prosocial behavior and self-regulatory skills in preschool children through a mindfulness-based kindness curriculum. Developmental Psychology, 49(5), 873–886.https://psycnet.apa.org/buy/2014-48298-001
37. Flook, L., Smalley, S. L., Kitil, M. J., Galla, B. M., Kaiser-Greenland, S., Locke, J., … & Kasari, C. (2010). Effects of mindful awareness practices on executive functions in elementary school children. Journal of Applied School Psychology, 26(1), 70–95.https://doi.org/10.1080/15377900903379125
38. Jennings, P. A., Frank, J. L., Snowberg, K. E., Coccia, M. A., & Greenberg, M. T. (2017). Improving classroom learning environments by cultivating awareness and resilience in education (CARE): Results of a randomized controlled trial. School Psychology Quarterly, 32(4), 463–477.https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1037/spq0000035
39. Kabat-Zinn, J. (2003). Mindfulness-based interventions in context: Past, present, and future. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 10(2), 144–156.https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1093/clipsy.bpg016
40. Roeser, R. W., Skinner, E., Beers, J., & Jennings, P. A. (2013). Mindfulness training and teachers’ professional development: An emerging area of research and practice. Child Development Perspectives, 7(2), 1–6.https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1750-8606.2012.00238.x
41. Schonert-Reichl, K. A., Oberle, E., Lawlor, M. S., Abbott, D., Thomson, K., Oberlander, T. F., & Diamond, A. (2015). Enhancing cognitive and social–emotional development through a simple-to-administer mindfulness-based school program for elementary school children: A randomized controlled trial. Developmental Psychology, 51(1), 52–66.https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2014-56463-002
42. Zenner, C., Herrnleben-Kurz, S., & Walach, H. (2014). Mindfulness-based interventions in schools—a systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Psychology, 5, 603.https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00603

Add your comments about this article : Your username or Email:
CAPTCHA

Send email to the article author


Rights and permissions
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) License.

© 2026 CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 | Journal of Psychological Science

Designed & Developed by : Yektaweb

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)