The Renfrewshire “Massage in Schools” Programme (MISP)
Summary (May 2005)
The Study
This study evaluates the MISP when provided to a class of P2 children and specifically examines two factors that are claimed to improve following participation in the programme – concentration and self-esteem. This was compared to a control group of P3 children, who were provided with an activity of similar duration, with story telling and working in pairs. The study took place over a six week period.
Concentration was measured using repeated observations every 60 seconds during a 30-minute period to determine if they were on-task or off-task. Self-esteem was measured using Behavioural Indicators of Self-esteem (BIOS) questionnaires, completed by the class teachers.
The views of teachers, parents and children who participated in the MISP were gathered to assess their perception of the programme and any changes in other aspects of behaviour.
Conclusions
Data analysis confirmed that P2 pupils who participated in the MISP over a six-week period made significant improvements in concentration, compared to the control group. The P2 pupils showed a significant gain in self-esteem, but there were similar gains in the control group. The MISP was viewed positively by the majority of stakeholders.
Because of the marked improvement in concentration (which improved from the first MIS session and stayed high throughout the six weeks), the study recommends that the MISP continue to be maintained and developed within Renfrewshire, where it is currently implemented in 18 schools.