Supporting Resilience in Puerto Rican Schools Through Mindfulness and Trauma Therapy A Study of Emotional and Genetic Effects in Students and Educators

What this Trial Is About

This research focuses on educators and school-aged children in Puerto Rico who have experienced high stress, burnout, and trauma due to natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic. The study evaluates two treatment approaches a mindfulness-based curriculum for educators and students, and Cue-Centered Therapy CCT for children showing symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder PTSD. Additionally, it aims to explore genetic factors related to resilience by studying gene expression changes before and after interventions. Participants include students, teachers, and counselors who will engage in various interventions. Students receive a mindfulness curriculum in classrooms for 6-8 weeks, while teachers and counselors are trained to deliver mindfulness and CCT treatments. Students with PTSD symptoms during the mindfulness program may undergo 15-18 weeks of CCT. Some students will provide DNA samples before and after interventions to analyze genetic markers linked to resilience. Throughout the study, participants complete surveys at baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up points to assess changes in resilience, anxiety, depression, somatic symptoms, and family functioning. Genetic methylation patterns are also measured. The study monitors the impact of these treatments on psychological well-being and socioemotional development, with research lasting up to 23 weeks for outcome assessments and ongoing genetic analysis.

Building Resilience at Schools: Emotional and Biological Assessment and Treatment of Traumatic Stress