Research

Please find below the Renfrewshire study extract (2005) for you to read, and the study to download.

The Renfrewshire 'Massage in Schools Programme' MISP

An evaluation of  it's impact in a primary school  (May 2005)

Dr Richard Woolfson

Lindsay Campbell

Margaret Banks

(Renfrewshire Educational Psychology Service)

Dr Lisa Woolfson (University of Strathclyde)

Executive Summery

The Massage in Schools Programme (MISP) is currently conducted in 18 primary schools in Renfrewshire, with more extensive implementation of the programme planned for the near future. The current study provides an evaluation of 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, namely, on-task behaviour and self esteem. The views of the teachers, parents and children who participated in the MISP are also gathered to examine changes in a variety of other aspects of behaviour, namely, aggression, co-operation, sensitivity, happiness and social skills. Their perception of the MISP was also assessed.

Data analysis confirmed that P2 pupils who participated in the MISP over a six-week period made significant improvements in concentration (as measured by on-task behaviour), compared to a control group of P3 children. 

Although the P2 pupils showed a significant gain in self-esteem following participation in the MISP, there were similar significant gains for the P3 pupils in the control group. Support for the claims that the MISP influences other aspects of child behaviour (namely, aggression, co-operation, sensitivity, happiness and social skills) was not found.

The study confirmed that the MISP is viewed positively by the majority of stakeholders (children, parents and teachers), with all involved expressing a desire to continue participating in the activity.

In light of these findings, a number of suggestions are offered for developing MISP in Renfrewshire schools in the future.

 

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