Reconceptualizing Meditation Education for Adolescents: A Relational-Integrated Social Emotional Learning(RISEL) Approach

ABSTRACT

[Objective] This study aims to reconceptualize meditation education for adolescents beyond a technique for emotional stabilization or psychological healing, viewing it as an integrated learning mechanism that supports social-emotional competencies and cognitive capacities such as sustained attention. Focusing on Relational-Integrated Social Emotional Learning (RISEL), it explores how meditation extends from understanding oneself and others to relationship building and communal growth. [Contents] This study analyzes the RISEL workbook for adolescents and its teacher’s guide, focusing on the curriculum structure and meditation-based learning process. RISEL begins with awareness of emotions and bodily sensations and progresses through expression, reflection, relational sharing, and communal connection. By integrating breathing, emotional observation, reflective writing, questioning, and experience sharing, meditation functions as an experiential learning process embedded throughout the curriculum. [Conclusions] RISEL expands meditation beyond individual psychological well-being by connecting self-understanding and self-regulation with empathy, relationship building, and communal growth. It thus demonstrates the potential of meditation education for adolescents as a relational social-emotional learning model that can be sustainably implemented in schools.