The PennZone

PHILADELPHIA - PennZone -- A newly published study in the Journal of Contemporary School Psychology highlights the positive impact of Inner Strength Education's school-based mindfulness program on adolescent self-compassion. The article, "Cultivating Adolescents' Self-Compassion Through Mindfulness," was led by longtime ISE research partner Dr. Rachel Razza of Syracuse University and provides encouraging insights into how mindfulness programming can support students' emotional well-being—especially those who need it most.

The study followed over 2,100 high school students from 97 classrooms across six Philadelphia schools who participated in the 12-week Inner Strength Teen Program. Researchers found that students with lower self-regulation skills at the start of the program experienced the greatest gains in self-compassion—especially in classrooms where their peers also began with lower levels of self-regulation.

"These findings reinforce what we see every day in classrooms," said ISE Executive Director Amy Edelstein. "Mindfulness and self-compassion aren't luxuries—they're essential tools for teens facing stress, anxiety, and adversity. And this study shows those tools work, particularly for students who need the most support."

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The Inner Strength Teen Program teaches students to cultivate mindfulness, compassion, and emotional resilience through a developmentally-attuned curriculum rooted in neuroscience and social-emotional learning.

"This research helps us better understand how classroom environments shape individual growth," said Dr. Razza. "It shows us that mindfulness can create ripple effects—especially in communities where systemic stress is highest."

About Inner Strength Education

Inner Strength Education is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization whose mission is to uplift the minds, hearts, and actions of youth through mindful, contemplative awareness and developmental thinking to help them realize their higher potentials.

Inner Strength Education has received the coveted designation from CASEL (Collaborative for Academic Social Emotional Learning) as an approved social-emotional learning (SEL) program. ISE provides educational tools including mindful awareness, focus, and compassion techniques to improve psychological, behavioral, and physical health and well-being.

For all inquiries, please contact Alyson Showell LaPorta, Communication & Grant Proposal Manager at alyson@innerstrengtheducation.org or  215.278.9162. To learn more visit: www.innerstrengtheducation.org