A simple, cost-effective after-school program for Chicago high-schoolers focusing on slowing down their decision-making process significantly lowered crime and dropout rates for participants and boosted school attendance, according to a study published by the U.S. National Bureau of Economic Research. The students participated in a program encouraging less violent behavior by slowing their automatic responses. The training focused on what is termed “positive anger expression.” Students learn simple breathing and meditation exercises—slowly exhale, count to four, control your thoughts—to help manage their emotions while making difficult decisions.
Teaching meditation to kids in Chicago swiftly reduced crime and dropout rates
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